Gallery Visits Toronto

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)

October ART Crawl: Tour 3 top West End private galleries/spaces ($10 per person)

We will continue with our monthly **Art Crawls**! ***Please read everything over first.*** \*\*\*Our only ART Crawl in October will be on Saturday 10th (12:30pm-2:30pm) This is the Saturday of **Thanksgiving** long weekend. Note: the **12:30pm START**-time. 16 people/members each time. **$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](http://re-scheduling...if/) 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\. Sorry\. Are you Interested in ART/artists--**and learning/visiting the exceptional local galleries we have in Toronto? With other MEETUP members** Saturday October 10th ***(12:30pm-2:30pm)*** Once I have 16 **confirmations** from Meetup members (you)--I will email you the start location of our ART Crawl!! Next week. **Our first stop**. Bloor/Lansdowne (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 October 10th--if you're confirmed--watch for an email directly from me!! ***We will do this again in November*** and ongoing all Winter---as we find some interesting spaces and exhibitions. Each month will be posted separately. **October 2026 is posted now.** 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)

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 at the long tables between Chatime and Shoppers drug mart. There is a cluster of small bean bag chairs in that area too. **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!

Weekends - Group Dance Classes at Access Ballroom

Ready to add more fun, movement, and connection to your week? Come join our group dance classes at [Access Ballroom](https://studioaccessballroom.com/)! We have classes **every day except Tuesday**—that’s Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 7:50pm, and Weekends at 3:40pm. Visit our [Monthly Calendar](https://studioaccessballroom.com/class-schedule/) to view the group class Schedule. To sign up you can also download our APP that is in both the Google Play store and the Apple Store. Just look up Access Ballroom. Whether you’re a total beginner or already have some moves, you’ll fit right in! We always have multiple teachers on hand to guide every level, so everyone gets the attention they need. Our amazing environment and welcoming atmosphere are what make us one of Toronto’s premier Latin and Ballroom studios—and it’s why we have the most Google reviews in the city! Don’t just take our word for it—come experience the energy, laughter, and community for yourself. We can’t wait to see you on the dance floor!

Relaxing with Art, Chill Convos and Making New Friends

*Unwind, get creative, and connect with cool people.* Looking for a calm space to do some art, have meaningful (or silly) convos, and meet new friends in the city? This is your spot. I’ll be bringing **colouring pages and markers** for anyone who just wants to show up and relax. You're also totally welcome to bring whatever creative activity helps *you* unwind — think **sketchpads, mini canvases and paint, journals, clay sculpting, wire bending, model building kits, and collage supplies**. We’ll hang out, make art, and enjoy chill conversations in a cozy, no-pressure environment. No experience or talent required — just bring yourself and whatever helps you feel creative and calm. **✦ What to Bring (optional):** *Any relaxing art or activity you enjoy **✦ I’ll provide:** - Colouring pages, markers, and good vibes **Where to Meet (Across from Shoppers at the Food Hall inside The Well):** *The easiest way to get to the venue is to make your way to La Plume restaurant or The Dorset restaurant and turn towards the statue then take the stairs to the lower level. - Shoppers will be on the right and across from Shoppers will be an entrance to The Well's food court. *Make a left and you should see the long tables. - **We'll meet at the long tables across from Shoppers** Come solo or bring a friend — this is all about slowing down, making connections, and enjoying a creative evening together ✨

Weeknights - Group Dance Classes at Access Ballroom

Ready to add more fun, movement, and connection to your week? Come join our group dance classes at [Access Ballroom](https://studioaccessballroom.com/)! We have classes **every day except Tuesday**—that’s Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 7:50pm, and Weekends at 3:40pm. Visit our [Monthly Calendar](https://studioaccessballroom.com/class-schedule/) to view the group class Schedule. To sign up you can also download our APP that is in both the Google Play store and the Apple Store. Just look up Access Ballroom. Whether you’re a total beginner or already have some moves, you’ll fit right in! We always have multiple teachers on hand to guide every level, so everyone gets the attention they need. Our amazing environment and welcoming atmosphere are what make us one of Toronto’s premier Latin and Ballroom studios—and it’s why we have the most Google reviews in the city! Don’t just take our word for it—come experience the energy, laughter, and community for yourself. We can’t wait to see you on the dance floor!

Toronto Day Trip: High Sociétéa & Casa Loma!

Alliance Francaise: Duo Perse-Inca ($20)

We'll kick off our season with **Alliance Francaise**--with a wonderful concert on a Saturday night!! We've been very fortunate to see **Duo Perse-Inca** 2X before. Once in Toronto. Once in Montreal. Sounds from Iran, mixed with sounds from Peru. Instruments and artists--they communicate with each other so well! ***Ticket link is below***: $20 (general admission) We love the **Alliance Francaise** space (music, theatre, film, art) **A World Music Concert--** **Duo Perse-Inca returns** to Alliance Française Toronto nearly four years after their acclaimed Spadina Theatre performance. **Showan Tavakol and Federico Tarazona - rooted respectively in the musical traditions of Iran and Peru** \- have built a repertoire that moves seamlessly between improvisation and co\-composition\, setting the Iranian kamancheh and the Andean charango in genuine dialogue\. Their album *Echoes of the Mountains* charts a journey across continents and through the ages, delivered with mastery and warmth. **More info and sounds:** https://centredesmusiciensdumonde.com/en/portfolio/duo-perse-inca_en/ **TICKET link for September 26th**--(will SELL-OUT) https://www.alliance-francaise.ca/en/art/cultural-season/concerts/311-duo-perse-inca

Koerner Hall: Vieux Farka Touré (15% off promo)

We will start off the 26/27 Koerner Hall concert season, with a performance by Vieux Farka Touré (from Mali), and opening for him is Melat Mengesha (from Ethiopia) (And we have our eyes on other concerts during the season!) Also we have a 15% off ticket promo!! ***Ticket link is below*--($50-$80)** Known worldwide for his electrifying live shows, Vieux Farka Touré’s virtuosic guitar work blends Malian blues, rock, and soul. Winner of Ethiopian Idol Melat Mengesha opens the show. Often referred to as “The Hendrix of the Sahara,” **Vieux Farka Touré** is the son of legendary Malian guitarist Ali Farka Touré, who died in 2006. His live performances are highly energized, and Vieux is known for dazzling crowds with his speed and dexterity on the guitar, as well as his palpable charisma and luminous smile, both of which captivate audiences despite any language barriers (though Vieux does speak eight languages!). Hailing from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, now based in Toronto, \*\*Melat Mengesha’\*\*s music features contemporary, folk, and Ethio-jazz roots sounds. Two major influences in her artistic expression are the legendary Ethiopian singers Gigi (Ejigayehu Shibabaw) and Aster Aweke. A major turning point came in 2015, when Melat won the first season of Balageru (Ethiopian Idol). That breakthrough opened the door to a variety of showcases and performances, from intimate stages to large-scale concerts, allowing her to tour across her hometown and beyond. **TICKET LINK** here: **PROMO CODE**: ISCULTURE15 https://www.rcmusic.com/concert/vieux-farka-toure-449801 Note: the PROMO code works for all pricing--**EXCEPT** the PREMIUM/purple seats

Toronto's Art Deco 1929-1939: VOLUME 1 and 2 (SPECIAL EXTENDED TOUR)

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** Art Deco is all around us. Streamlined Modern or Art Modern are two other fascinating ways to say the same thing. Whichever way you plan on saying it, Art Deco buildings tell a rich story of optimism and positivity during one of the most darkest decades in history, the great depression of the 1930s! This walking tour explores our built environment of our downtown core. Toronto Stock Exchange built in 1937, along with the Royal York Hotel and the Canada Permanent Trust Company are prime examples. But others line Spadina Avenue during the challenging years of the depression, but also during the tensions which were bubbling in the Garment Industry. Art Deco buildings were centre stage! These buildings tell a story that goes beyond style into the heart of the Toronto story itself! Built at the height of the roaring 1920s and 1930s, the bubble was about to burst however, and the depression was just settling in. But a new style would set the tone, and it was called Art Deco! Toronto built some of its most enduring buildings, and left a built legacy of Art Deco during the 1930s which should be treasured and protected. Losing any of these treasures would surly be a loss to the community. They tell a rich and inviting story about the growth of Canada, and Toronto! This walking tour is for all walking levels. Please dress for the season, and hope to see you there. Please meet under the **clock tower** of the Queens Quay Terminal at 207 Queens Quay West on the south side just west of York Street! We end on Spadina and Richmond Street! This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person. \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

Now For Something Arty!

**Meetup: St. Mathews Clubhouse; 450 Broadview Ave.** So while we have a day event on the 27th, if you have an arty side, continue your day by joining me at St. Mathew's Clubhouse for an arty experience. While many of you know I am a writer by trade, I am also a painter. I'm just an arty girl! I have put together an Art Collective with 6 artists along with myself to showcase and of course sell our work but also enjoy Art, Wine & Inspiration — Come Create With Us! 🍷 Join us for a free collective art show celebrating creativity, connection and the joy of making art. And why just look at art when you can explore your own creativity too? Come discover what inspires you, try something new, and let your imagination wander. ✨ Art to explore. 🍷 Wine to enjoy; nibbles to share. 🥂 Hear from the.artists! 🎨 Creativity to discover. 💫 And best of all — it’s FREE

Transportation to Toronto!