Gallery Visits Toronto

September ART Crawl: Tour 3 Queen West private galleries/spaces ($10 per person)

We will *start up* our monthly **Art Crawls** once again! ***Please read everything over first.*** \*\*\*Our only ART Crawl in September will be on Saturday 5th (1pm-3pm) 14-15 people/members each time. **About once each month** on a *Saturday afternoon*. **$10 per person.** **Sent via e-transfer when you signup/rsvp. I'm not able to HOLD space for you.** ***--We will visit 3 different*** (downtown/west end/east end) galleries each month **(with short walks between each one)** Each month will be different galleries and/or artist run centres. \*\*We'll meet the Gallery owners/artists/directors--who will lead us in tours and conversation at each stop. NO weather cancellations---**we will carry on!** NO cancellations/no refunds or any re-scheduling...if you cannot make it. \-\-\-Check your calendars and PLAN ahead if you can join us\-\-and please arrive on time\. We're not able to wait for you\. Are you Interested in ART/artists--**and learning/visiting the exceptional local downtown galleries we have in Toronto? With other MEETUP members** Saturday September 5th (1pm-3pm) Once I have 14-15 **confirmations** from Meetup members (you)--I will email you the location of our ART Crawl!! **Our first stop**. Queen/Ossington area (we then head WEST) If interested, please email me $10. Include your first name only, and email address for a reply. **I will then confirm you.** And will firm up our itinerary with you in a few days. See you on Saturday September 5th--if you're confirmed--watch for an email directly from me. ***We will do this again in October*** and ongoing, as we find some interesting spaces and exhibitions. Each month will be posted separately. $10 each time. **September 2026 is posted now only.** You can email me directly here: torontoisculture@gmail,com Greg Thanks (Please understand I have NO space for any guests you may wish to bring with you. I am limited in group size based on the GALLERY instructions) If you miss out on the ART CRAWL--please check out ALL the other upcoming MEETUP events--it's always helpful to me to know who the active/engaged/interested members are.

Visit the Textile Museum

Virtual World vs Real World

Virtual World, Real World Today’s younger generation is growing up across two spaces at once: the world we physically experience and the world we encounter through screens. How do these two realities shape identity, relationships, attention, belonging, and the way we see ourselves? Can we still draw a clear line between what is “virtual” and what is “real”? At Auravista Gathering 6, we’ll explore these questions together, not to reject technology, but to better understand what it means to grow up between two realities.

AGO Talks: What is Impressionism? ($15)

We'll attend this PANEL talk on ***The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse*** Ticket for the **TALK** is $10-$15 (depending on your AGO membership level). If you're **NOT an AGO member**, then gallery admission is extra. FYI. \*\*\*Join Caroline Shields, Curator, European Art and Stephan Jost, Michael and Sonja Koerner Director, and CEO in **conversation about the Impressionist movement**. Take a fresh look at these familiar artists and the style that shocked the world. Since joining the AGO in 2017, Caroline Shields has curated the exhibitions *Impressionism in the Age of Industry* (2019) and *Cassatt—McNicoll: Impressionists Between Worlds* (2023). **Newly opened exhibition:** https://ago.ca/exhibitions/impressionist-revolution-monet-matisse-dallas-museum-art **Ticket link for the TALK-**- https://ago.ca/events/what-impressionism

City of Toronto Archives: Private Tour (Arts & Culture focus)

**The Toronto Archives** preserves and makes accessible government records, which provide evidence of the decisions, policies, and activities of the City of Toronto. The Archives also collects non-government records from people and organizations that have made significant contributions to the development and history of Toronto. We will have a **PRIVATE** ('behind the scenes' TOUR at the Archives--with a focus on the historical past of Toronto's arts & culture history) The Archives has more than a million photographs in its collection. The earliest date from 1856. Government Office. Government Hours. **PLEASE note the date/time when you sign up. Check your calendars.** *Friday September 11th* (2pm-3:30pm) ***FREE*** Spadina/Dupont area (Short walk from either Dupont TTC or Spadina TTC) 20 spots ONLY. https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/accountability-operations-customer-service/access-city-information-or-records/city-of-toronto-archives/ (We recently had another TOUR here--and it was quite exceptional. The information shared with us 'ties' many of our recent historical walks together--visually)

Contour Opening Reception

Contour explores growth, change, and renewal through layered textures, shifting landscapes, and expressive abstract forms. FEATURING ARTIST: Yangyang Pan, Annette Mcarthur, Divyani Chandorkar, Steve Wilson, Irina Laskin, Daria Gavrilina, Lynden Cowan & Joanne Lomas. Step into an immersive visual experience where texture becomes story and time unfolds in cycles. Contour is a compelling exhibition of abstract and landscape works that explores growth, change, and renewal through layered forms and expressive techniques. From shifting horizons to textured surfaces that echo seasons passing, each piece reflects the rhythms of life—inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and connect with the ever-evolving nature of memory, place, and transformation. [ENROLL NOW](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/contour-opening-reception-tickets-1989398741188?aff=ebdssbdestsearch)

Impromptu Sketching Hangout - The Well (Food Court)

Hi everyone! We're doing an afternoon impromptu hangout at The Well (food court) **First time meeting us and still not sure about the vibe?** Check out photos from **[past in-person events of 2023](https://www.meetup.com/artsrecto/photos/34212927/)** Bring your art supplies (mainly dry medium or small watercolour set), and order a warm drink and snacks. **Where to meet exactly?** The Well food court **How to get there?** From Union station, 1) it's an 18 minute west walking on Front Street OR 2) take the 'street car' / bus #510 and get off at Front Street. Looking forward to meeting you all :) =========================== **Support This Group 🥰🤩** We hope you're enjoying the Arts & Rec events! If you'd like to give support, please consider making a small Ko-fi donation of $5-10 USD at [https://www.ko-fi.com/artsnrectoronto](https://www.ko-fi.com/artsnrectoronto.) . This helps cover meetup and miscellaneous expenses with hosting events! For more inquiries, please PM me for more info! Thank you all so much!

Toronto Day Trip: High Sociétéa & Casa Loma!

Free Open House of the Canadian Opera Company (Osgoode Station)

**Note: In addition to RSVPing Yes, you will need to register for your complimentary ticket in advance, as they will likely sell out. I also have two tickets for members.** On **Saturday September 5th, join us for A Free Open House of the Canadian Opera Company at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts!** Explore one of the world's greatest performance venues, discover what goes on behind the scenes, and experience the creativity that brings opera to life. Explore the building at your own pace with a self-guided tour, step into the spotlight at our **photo station**, enjoy bite-sized **live performances** from our talented artists, **make a fun memento** of your visit, and get up close with the costumes and props that bring our stories to life on stage. Plus: every scanned ticket is entered into a draw for some incredible prizes that include a **VIP Opera Experience**! This is your chance to step inside, ask questions, and experience the Canadian Opera Company in a relaxed, welcoming setting. **Purchase A Free Open House of the Canadian Opera Company on September 5th at 4pm.** **COST** Regular: Free Meetup fee: $5 Ticket Policy: Sales are final **SIGNING-UP** * **Simply RSVP Yes** * If you'd like one of the extra tickets, please message me or post a comment. (No shows are ineligible). * **Once you [purchase](https://my.coc.ca/2686?_gl=1*13k89dn*_gcl_au*MTM4ODgzNDgyOC4xNzgzOTU3MTk0) your free ticket and post you have your ticket, and I will move you to attending.** * A reminder will go out the day before with my cell and details when to meet, etc. ‐‐----‐----‐‐-------------‐----------- **MEETUP TIME** **Meet me at: 3:50pm** **along the right glass wall, after scanning your tickets and entering The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts at 145 Queen St. W.** **Start time: 4pm** Length: 1 hour Enjoy and please post your Comments after!

(SOLD OUT SESSION)Art and Form w Ciara

## Details \#\# LINK to purchase tickets for event\- [https://www.wtpg.ngo/event-details/wtpg-signature-series-art-and-form-intermediate-level-lighting-with-ciara](https://www.wtpg.ngo/event-details/wtpg-signature-series-art-and-form-intermediate-level-lighting-with-ciara) \#\# About the event \# Light\, Art & Form — Intermediate Art Nude Photography Workshop \!\[img\]\(\) \#\# About the Event **10:00 AM – 12:00 PM** We are excited to present **Light, Art & Form**, an intermediate-level studio photography workshop exploring the creative possibilities of **art nude photography, light and form**, featuring the talented model **Ciara Antoski**. This hands-on workshop is designed for photographers who want to develop their understanding of studio lighting while creating dramatic, artistic and carefully composed images for their portfolios. Working in a small, intimate group, we'll explore several professional lighting setups and discuss how the **position, direction, quality and shape of light** can transform the appearance of the human form. \!\[img\]\(\) \#\# Workshop Details Are you passionate about art nude photography? Do you want to better understand how professional photographers create dramatic and beautiful lighting? This workshop is focused on **learning through doing**. Phil Sutherland will guide participants through each setup, explaining the lighting choices, modifiers, angles and techniques used to create the desired look. Participants will have opportunities to photograph each setup while receiving guidance and feedback throughout the session. \!\[img\]\(\) \#\#\# Framing & Composition During the workshop, we'll explore several approaches to photographing the figure, including: * **2/3-body compositions** * **Floor-level compositions featuring lingerie** * **Full-body compositions** * Exploring how framing, negative space and perspective affect the final image * Using light and shadow to emphasize form and create mood \#\# Workshop Team **Instructor:** Phil Sutherland **Model:** Ciara Antoski **Assistant:** Volunteer to be announced Ciara brings considerable experience and professionalism to the workshop, and we're thrilled to have her working with us for this session. \#\#\# Small Group — Maximum 6 Photographers To provide a better learning and shooting experience, we are limiting this workshop to **a maximum of six participants**. Keeping the group small allows for more individual attention, more opportunities to ask questions and meaningful shooting time with each lighting setup. \#\# About West Toronto Photography Group As an **Indigenous-run, not-for-profit arts organization**, West Toronto Photography Group is committed to supporting photographers, sharing knowledge and making arts programming accessible to the community. Our workshops are designed to create a welcoming and professional environment where photographers can learn, experiment, meet other artists and—most importantly—have fun making photographs. \#\# Workshop Information **Maximum Participants:** 6 **Workshop Fee:** CAD $125 + HST and applicable vendor fee \#\# What Should I Bring? Please bring: * DSLR, mirrorless or medium-format camera * Your preferred lenses * Fully charged batteries * Freshly formatted memory card(s) * A general-purpose lens * Pen and paper if you'd like to take notes **Tripods and camera supports are not required** for this workshop. \#\#\# Wireless Triggers We provide wireless triggers for most mainstream camera systems. If you're unsure whether your camera is compatible, please contact us before the workshop and we'll be happy to confirm. \#\# Model Release A **West Toronto Photography Group model release** will be provided to each participant. The release covers **non-commercial use and photography created for educational and training purposes**. The model will sign the releases, and printed copies will be provided to participating photographers. \#\# Cancellation & Transfer Policy If we, as organizers, need to postpone or cancel the workshop, refunds will be issued within **72 hours**. We understand that sometimes circumstances prevent participants from attending. If you can no longer attend, please contact us as soon as possible. We will do our best to help you **resell your workshop spot to another member of the group**. If we are able to resell your spot, you will be reimbursed for the ticket price. If the spot cannot be resold, you may transfer your registration to another person to attend in your place; unfortunately, **no refund will be available if the spot remains unsold**. \#\# Join Us Come explore the relationship between **light, shadow and the human form** in this focused intermediate photography workshop. Whether you're looking to strengthen your studio lighting skills, expand your portfolio or explore new approaches to art nude photography, **Light, Art & Form** offers an opportunity to learn, experiment and create in a supportive professional environment. We look forward to welcoming you to the studio!

The Art of Parliament: An Evening Wine and Cheese Experience $20 (Sold out)

(SOLD OUT SESSION) Art and Form intermediate lighting workshop w Ciara

## Details \#\# LINK to purchase tickets for event\- [https://www.wtpg.ngo/event-details/wtpg-signature-series-art-and-form-intermediate-level-lighting-with-ciara](https://www.wtpg.ngo/event-details/wtpg-signature-series-art-and-form-intermediate-level-lighting-with-ciara) \#\# About the event \# Light\, Art & Form — Intermediate Art Nude Photography Workshop \!\[img\]\(\) \#\# About the Event **10:00 AM – 12:00 PM** We are excited to present **Light, Art & Form**, an intermediate-level studio photography workshop exploring the creative possibilities of **art nude photography, light and form**, featuring the talented model **Ciara Antoski**. This hands-on workshop is designed for photographers who want to develop their understanding of studio lighting while creating dramatic, artistic and carefully composed images for their portfolios. Working in a small, intimate group, we'll explore several professional lighting setups and discuss how the **position, direction, quality and shape of light** can transform the appearance of the human form. \!\[img\]\(\) \#\# Workshop Details Are you passionate about art nude photography? Do you want to better understand how professional photographers create dramatic and beautiful lighting? This workshop is focused on **learning through doing**. Phil Sutherland will guide participants through each setup, explaining the lighting choices, modifiers, angles and techniques used to create the desired look. Participants will have opportunities to photograph each setup while receiving guidance and feedback throughout the session. \!\[img\]\(\) \#\#\# Framing & Composition During the workshop, we'll explore several approaches to photographing the figure, including: * **2/3-body compositions** * **Floor-level compositions featuring lingerie** * **Full-body compositions** * Exploring how framing, negative space and perspective affect the final image * Using light and shadow to emphasize form and create mood \#\# Workshop Team **Instructor:** Phil Sutherland **Model:** Ciara Antoski **Assistant:** Volunteer to be announced Ciara brings considerable experience and professionalism to the workshop, and we're thrilled to have her working with us for this session. \#\#\# Small Group — Maximum 6 Photographers To provide a better learning and shooting experience, we are limiting this workshop to **a maximum of six participants**. Keeping the group small allows for more individual attention, more opportunities to ask questions and meaningful shooting time with each lighting setup. \#\# About West Toronto Photography Group As an **Indigenous-run, not-for-profit arts organization**, West Toronto Photography Group is committed to supporting photographers, sharing knowledge and making arts programming accessible to the community. Our workshops are designed to create a welcoming and professional environment where photographers can learn, experiment, meet other artists and—most importantly—have fun making photographs. \#\# Workshop Information **Maximum Participants:** 6 **Workshop Fee:** CAD $125 + HST and applicable vendor fee \#\# What Should I Bring? Please bring: * DSLR, mirrorless or medium-format camera * Your preferred lenses * Fully charged batteries * Freshly formatted memory card(s) * A general-purpose lens * Pen and paper if you'd like to take notes **Tripods and camera supports are not required** for this workshop. \#\#\# Wireless Triggers We provide wireless triggers for most mainstream camera systems. If you're unsure whether your camera is compatible, please contact us before the workshop and we'll be happy to confirm. \#\# Model Release A **West Toronto Photography Group model release** will be provided to each participant. The release covers **non-commercial use and photography created for educational and training purposes**. The model will sign the releases, and printed copies will be provided to participating photographers. \#\# Cancellation & Transfer Policy If we, as organizers, need to postpone or cancel the workshop, refunds will be issued within **72 hours**. We understand that sometimes circumstances prevent participants from attending. If you can no longer attend, please contact us as soon as possible. We will do our best to help you **resell your workshop spot to another member of the group**. If we are able to resell your spot, you will be reimbursed for the ticket price. If the spot cannot be resold, you may transfer your registration to another person to attend in your place; unfortunately, **no refund will be available if the spot remains unsold**. \#\# Join Us Come explore the relationship between **light, shadow and the human form** in this focused intermediate photography workshop. Whether you're looking to strengthen your studio lighting skills, expand your portfolio or explore new approaches to art nude photography, **Light, Art & Form** offers an opportunity to learn, experiment and create in a supportive professional environment. We look forward to welcoming you to the studio!