The TGCA is pleased to announce fitness, leisure and learning programming for Winter/Spring 2025. This overview is intended as a guide to what members and residents can expect in the coming months, but please visit the associated web pages, linked at the bottom of each listing, for all relevant programming information, fees, and policies.
If you have any questions, please contact our programming and community engagement coordinator, Vanessa Gillard, v.gillard@tgcacalgary.com.
Adult/senior programming
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is a mindful, lightly flowing class that builds strength, flexibility and breath work. Luann teaches an alignment-based flow – using breath to link the poses together. It is important to build strength and balance, as well as the flexibility that yoga is known for. This is an intermediate class but beginners are welcome to come and learn. Meet some nice folks who have realized the value of a yoga practice in their lives at Hatha Yoga at the TGCA.
Winter/Spring 2025 sessions
Tuesdays class | 7:15 pm in the Thorncliffe Room
Session 1: Jan. 7 – Feb 18, 7 dates – registration open Dec. 13 – Jan. 3
Break Feb. 25
Session 2: Mar 4 – Apr 22, 8 dates – registration open Feb. 14 – 28
Session 3: April 29 – June 17, 8 dates – registration open Apr. 4 – 17
Friday class | 10:30 am in the Thorncliffe Room
Session 1: Jan 10 – Feb 21, 7 dates – registration open Dec. 13 – Jan 3
Break Feb. 28
Session 2: Mar 7 – Mar 28, 4 dates – registration open Feb. 14 – 28
No class April 4, 11, 18
Session 3: April 25 – June 20, 9 dates – registration open Apr. 4 – 17
For more info and registration, visit the adult/senior programs page here.
Chair Yoga
Join us for a 1-hour yoga practice that will include modified yoga poses, with the support of the chair, breathwork, and mindfulness. This class will increase your range of motion and improve strength and flexibility, you’ll learn stretches and create balance in both your body and mind while combining a fusion of general exercise and yoga while seated, with an option to do standing poses too. Returning participants please note the new class start time of 10 am.
Thursdays at 10 – 11 am in the Thorncliffe Room
Session 1: Jan 9 – Feb 27, 7 dates, no class on Feb 20. Registration open Dec. 20- Jan. 6
Session 2: Mar. 6 – Apr. 24, 7 dates, no class on April 10. Registration open Feb. 13 – Mar. 3
Session 3: May 1 – June 19, 8 dates. Registration open Apr. 10 – 28
For more info and registration, visit the adult/senior programs page here.
Drop-in Quilting
Nothing brings the idea of comfort to mind quite like a vibrant, inviting and cozy quilt. Why not make your own? The quilting program is a great place to meet some like-minded, crafty folks in the area. There are several quilters that participate in this small program that have plenty of knowledge to share and stories to tell. This is a TGCA members’ program, which requires a TGCA membership to participate.
Wednesdays at 10:30 am – 4:30 pm in the Thorncliffe Room
Winter/spring 2025 dates: Jan. 15 – May 28, no quilting on Mar. 19
For more info and registration, visit the adult/senior programs page here.
Adult Art Classes
Learning a new method of expression is a great way to explore your creativity, meet new people in the community and keep your mind keen while relieving stress. The TGCA will feature various forms of artistic classes in Winter/Spring 2025, and we invite you to come and communicate what’s in your mind through line, colour and form while expanding your self-confidence and skill in a safe and nonjudgmental environment.
Winter/Spring 2025 adult art classes take place in the Horizon Room on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Classes are 6 dates, 1.5 hours each | $90 for TGCA members and $135 for non-members.
Wednesdays 7-8:30 pm
Art for Relaxation: Jan 22 – Feb 26, registration open Dec. 18 – Jan. 17
Explore the joy of creating art as a way to unwind and recharge in this relaxing art class. Each session introduces a simple and relaxing art project designed to calm the mind and spark creativity.
Draw with Confidence: Mar 12 – Apr 16, registration open Feb. 14 – Mar. 12
Using traditional drawing materials, transform the way you draw with techniques inspired by the popular manual “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” by Betty Edwards.
Pen and Ink Drawing: Apr 30 – June 4, registration open April 4 – Apr. 25
Discover the beauty of pen and ink through an exploration of essential elements such as cross-hatching, stippling, contour drawing, applying washes, and working with color.
Saturdays 10:30 am – 12 pm
Create Dynamic Collages: Jan 25 – Mar 1, registration open Dec. 18 – Jan. 17
Engage your imagination in this hands-on exploration of collage! In this class, participants will learn the art of combining diverse materials to create unique and dynamic compositions.
Cynotype Printmaking: Mar 15 – Apr 19, registration open Feb. 14 – Mar. 12
Dive into the magic of cyanotype printing—an historic photographic technique that transforms light into art. In this class, you’ll use a non-toxic light-sensitive solution to coat paper and fabrics, arrange items on top, then expose under UV light.
Botanicals with Acrylic Paint: May 3 – June 7, registration open April 4 – Apr. 25
In this class, students will dive into the dynamic interplay of positive and negative space using acrylic paint and botanical imagery. Acrylics are an ideal medium for this exploration, with their rich colours, versatility, and quick drying time, allowing for layering and detailed precision.
For more info and registration, visit the adult/senior programs page here.
Senior’s Coffee Talk
Come and enjoy some coffee or tea, biscuits, and company in the boardroom on Tuesdays. There’s a variety of board games, puzzles and playing cards for participants to use. Come by yourself, meet a friend there, meet some new people, or connect with old friends. Enjoy some refreshments and the company of your neighbours or strike up a conversation with someone you haven’t met before. Creating new connections in the community is what Coffee Talk is all about.
Tuesdays at 10:30 am – 12:30 pm in the boardroom.
Fee is pay what you can. Please note there’s no scheduled Coffee Talk on Dec. 24 or Dec. 31, 2024.
Winter 2025 Racquetball League
The TGCA racquetball league has been going strong for decades and there’s always room for more players! This is a mixed league and open to any level of skill. The league nights are on Monday and Wednesday every week between 5 – 9 pm. You can play Monday or Wednesday or both. League matches are three games to 21 (rally scoring) with a 45-minute time slot.
Registration open Dec. 13 – Jan. 8
Monday: Jan 13 – Apr 21, no league on Feb 17 Family Day
Wednesday: Jan 15 – April 16
Windup party for both nights on April 16
Visit the Racquetball League page here.
Winter/Spring 2025 5-pin Bowling League
Looking for a good time every week that doesn’t break the bank? 5-pin bowling is a super fun, simple game that anyone of any age can learn. This is a recreational league for adult TGCA members only, so make sure your membership is active!
8-week league | 7 weeks of regular play, 1 week of finals. Teams of 2, mixed league. Fees: $265 per team. Registration required per team (including spares), not per player. Minimum of 2 players required. League captains, roster, and schedule TBD upon team registration deadline.
Winter 2025 TGCA bowling league – registration open Jan. 3 – 17
• Tuesdays, Jan. 21 – Mar. 11, 6:30 – 8:30 pm in the bowling alley
• Windup dinner on Mar. 15, 5 – 8 pm in The 56 with a meal for league players included in team registration fees.
Spring 2025 TGCA bowling league – registration open Mar. 7 – Apr. 4
• Tuesdays, Apr. 8 – May 27, 6:30 – 8:30 pm in the bowling alley
• Windup dinner on May 31, 5 – 8 pm in The 56 with a meal for league players included in team registration fees.
Visit the bowling league info page here.
Kids/youth programming
Playgroup
Join neighbouring families every Wednesday in The 5600 Room for this socially focused playgroup. Making connections in the neighbourhood -for parents/caregivers and children- can make our lives and our community better, so come and create some bonds that could last a lifetime! The playgroup includes a loose schedule of playtime, story time and snack time, and coffee is provided for parents/caregivers.
Wednesdays at 9 am – noon in the 5600 Room | For ages 0 – 4 | Fee is $3 per day for drop-in or $2 per day for registered participants.
Winter session: Jan. 15 – Mar 5, 8 dates – registration open Dec. 13 – Jan. 13 | $16/child for registration
2-week break, no playgroup Mar. 12 & 19
Spring session: Mar. 26 – May 28, 10 dates – registration open Feb. 28 – Mar. 21 | $20/child for registration
For more info and registration, visit the kids/youth programs page here.
Gym Night
This weekly program is a great opportunity for the kids to blow off some steam in a supervised environment, giving parents an opportunity to use our facilities, do an errand, enjoy our wing night in The 56 or just take some much deserved you-time. Balls, tumbling matts, nets for basketball and soccer, racquets, fun kids’ games, and much more are available for use.
Wednesdays at 7 – 8 pm in the main hall.
Winter session: Jan. 22- Feb 26, 6 dates – registration open Jan. 3 – 20
No Gym Night March 5, 12, 19
Spring session: Mar. 26 – May 28, 9 dates | no gym night May 7 – registration open Feb. 28 – Mar. 21
For more info and registration, visit the kids/youth programs page here
Kids Art Classes
Instructor, Karen Pennifold, leads classes through age and skill appropriate art concepts and methods and uses contemporary and historic examples in her lessons to bring context and weight to how art effects our lives. Younger and older kids can expect a fun and engaging class where they’re encouraged to discover their individual talents and explore their imaginations.
Sundays in the Horizon Room. Classes are for ages 5-8 (12 pm – 1:30 pm) & 9-12 (1:45 – 3:15 pm). 5 dates in each class, 1.5 hours teaching time per date. Fees are $75 for TGCA members and $112.50 for non-members.
Draw Chapter Book Characters: Jan 12 – Feb 9 | Students will explore the world of chapter books (Narnia, Amulet, Charlotte’s Web) and their engaging characters, bring them to life in cartooning style and exercising their imaginations. Through engaging and playful instruction, students will bring these iconic characters to life, building a strong foundation in various drawing techniques and fostering a love of engaging with their imaginations.
Draw Cartoon Villains: Feb 23 – Mar 23 | Let’s draw the cartoon villains we love to hate! Children will explore the captivating world of cartooning while learning skills like drawing, shading and composition. Through engaging and playful instruction, students will bring these iconic characters to life, building a strong foundation in various drawing techniques and fostering a love of engaging with their imaginations.
Abstract Watercolour Painting for Kids: April 6 – May 11, no class Sunday, April 20 | This abstract watercolour class will guide budding artists aged 5-8 & 9-12 into the world of the abstract. Students will explore the artworks of Mondrian and Picasso, emulating similar artwork, but will also exercise their creativity when making scribble, geometric and glue art with watercolour paints.
Animals in Oil Pastel: May 25 – June 22 | Discover the vibrant world of oil pastels while bringing to life creatures like sea turtles, roosters, peacocks, frogs, flamingos, fish and toucans. Through fun and interactive lessons learners will practice different techniques when working with oil pastels. Join us for an artistic adventure that will inspire a love of the rich world of colour and texture.
For more info and registration, visit the kids/youth programs page here
Teen Art Classes
Instructor, Dane Thibeault, will lead classes through skill appropriate art concepts and methods in project-based classes in which students will practice techniques and mediums. Students can look forward to completing a project like: a comic book page, a painting, or an animated flip book among others. Teens can expect a fun and engaging class where they’re encouraged to discover their individual talents and explore their imaginations.
Saturdays in the Horizon Room from 3 – 4:30 pm. Ages 13 – 16 welcome. Classes are 5 dates/1.5 hour each and $75 for TGCA members, $112.50 for non-members.
Watercolour Fundamentals: Jan 25 – Feb 22 | registration open until Jan 22
An introduction to the key components of watercolour painting. Students will choose a project based on their personal goals/interests and apply the watercolour techniques/ skills taught each week to these projects while receiving constructive feedback from the group and the instructor. Students will learn core watercolour techniques including brush use, colour mixing, textures, washes, layering and more, all while learning how to apply these techniques to subjects such as animals, characters, environments and more. Students will learn about different types of brushes, paper surfaces, mark making tools, as well as tips for adding colour to drawings on the go using watercolours. Students will also learn how other materials such as pencil, markers, and inks interact with watercolours to create dynamic drawings and paintings developing a strong foundation for future projects and courses as well as learn how to observe artwork critically and deliver positive constructive feedback to others.
Flip Books, Comics and Sequential Art: Mar 8 – April 5 | registration open Feb. 14 – Mar. 5
An introduction to sequential drawing for visual story telling. Students will create their very own flipbook, graphic novel or comic strip while learning how to use a series of drawings to show actions, motion and more. Students will learn how to use components like panels, speech balloons, hand lettering and visual sound effects to tell their very own stories. Principles of simple animation and creating motions by flipping pages will be explored as well as the key components of story telling, including composition, plot, setting, character development and more. Students will do exercises for building drawing/painting dexterity and brainstorming ideas, while also exploring strategies for developing a personal art style that suits their interests. This class offers a strong foundation for future projects and courses as well as skills to observe artwork critically and deliver positive constructive feedback to others.
Dinosaurs, Creatures, and Fantasy Worlds: April 26 – May 31, no class on May 24-May long weekend | registration open Apr. 4 – 23
An introduction to how to draw and paint dinosaurs, mythical creatures and fantasy worlds, with an emphasis on learning how to construct figures from the imagination through drawing. Students will learn how to use simple 3d forms to create anything from a tyrannosaurs Rex to unicorns, to medieval castles and alien spaceships. Students will develop a mixed media project, adding characters and environments each week as they develop new skills and learn about how different drawing and painting mediums can be used to add interest to their artwork. Students will learn how to practice and create artwork with a variety of dry and wet media, including graphite, pen and ink, coloured pencils, watercolour, and markers. Students will develop a strong foundation for future projects and courses as well as learn how to observe artwork critically and deliver positive constructive feedback to others.
For more info and registration, visit the kids/youth programs page here