What we’re about
Established in 2002, the Royal Academy of Illustration & Design (aka RAID - it sounds serious, but we're not so serious) has been a longstanding hub for creatives in the Toronto, Ontario area. What began as a shared workspace of four friends has evolved into a co-working space for creatives, including artists, writers, designers, and more. With our new public-facing space, we are excited to start introducing various events to connect and educate our growing community—and, most importantly, to have fun.
Events will include new exhibit openings, hosted speakers, readings, life drawing, and more. Please join us and meet like-minded creative individuals.
Upcoming events (4)
See all- RAID Life Drawing | Our Fall Session Returns with a Twist!RAID Gallery & Cafe, Toronto, ONCA$30.00
We’re excited to announce the return of our Life Drawing Sessions this fall!
Starting this season, we’ll be running every three weeks, with a refreshed format designed to make each session more focused, intentional, and inspiring.
Each night will highlight a unique approach to drawing, offering variety and depth for artists of all levels:
- Sustained Pose Night – long poses for deep observation and quiet focus
- Boudoir Gesture Night – short, expressive poses with a moody atmosphere
- Costume Drawing Night – theatrical setups featuring draped and character-driven models
Join us for a season of creativity, exploration, and growth — one pose at a time.
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🎨 FEATURE MODEL: NELLA
Our premier Life Drawing session of the fall will feature a Sustained Pose Night with one of our favourite models! Nella brings poise, strength, and presence to the figure stand — perfect for extended study. You’ll warm up with short poses, then dive into longer ones for serious anatomical and tonal work.
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- We provide paper, charcoal, and a backing boards.
- Bring your own supplies if you prefer a canvas, pastels, or other materials.
Doors open at 6:45 PM. Reserve your spot early to secure the discounted early-bird rate — sessions tend to fill up quickly.
- RAID Boudoir Gesture NightRAID Gallery & Cafe, Toronto, ONCA$25.00
This Life Drawing session invites you to explore gesture, intimacy, and atmosphere — welcome to Boudoir Gesture Night.
This short-pose session brings attitude, elegance, and sensuality into the studio. Expect dynamic, expressive poses styled with fabric, lace, and soft lighting.
🎨 FEATURING: Shaifa
Tattoo artist, model, and all-around creative force, Shaifa brings energy, presence, and edge to the easel. If you’re looking for a dynamic session, she never disappoints!Perfect for artists looking to loosen up, experiment with rhythm, and capture energy.
- We provide paper, charcoal, and a backing boards.
- Bring your own supplies if you prefer a canvas, pastels, or other materials.
Doors open at 6:45 PM. Reserve your spot early to secure the discounted early-bird rate — sessions tend to fill up quickly.
Note: All sketches created during RAID Life Drawing remain the property of the artists. By joining our sessions, you agree that RAID may occasionally share images of artwork (with proper credit) to promote future events.
- RAID Halloween Costume Drawing Night with Miss IvieRAID Gallery & Cafe, Toronto, ONCA$25.00
Leave your usual sketchbook routine behind, this session leans into theatrical setups, mood, and character. Draped fabrics, sharp lighting, eerie details. No cheesy costumes, just stripped-down elements that suggest story and style.
Expect a mix of short to medium poses, inspired by Roman myths, baroque drama, ghost stories, and cabaret silhouettes. It’s all about capturing attitude, shape, and atmosphere.🎨 FEATURE MODEL: MISS IVIE
A limitless source of costumes, creativity, and atmosphere, Miss Ivie has long been one of our most inspiring life drawing models. And this Halloween, she’s the perfect choice to bring all the spooky vibes to life!A RAID favourite. Her poses and costume choices are literally to die for — theatrical, fearless, and always unforgettable.
- We provide paper, charcoal, and a backing boards.
- Bring your own supplies if you prefer a canvas, pastels, or other materials.
Doors open at 6:45 PM. Reserve your spot early to secure the discounted early-bird rate — sessions tend to fill up quickly.
Note: All sketches created during RAID Life Drawing remain the property of the artists. By joining our sessions, you agree that RAID may occasionally share images of artwork (with proper credit) to promote future events.
📸 Miss Ivie’s photo: Derek Lewis - RAID Sustained Pose NightRAID Gallery & Cafe, Toronto, ONCA$25.00
This Life Drawing session invites you to slow down, refine your eye, and deepen your focus — welcome to our second Sustained Pose Night.
This long-pose session emphasizes patience, observation, and detail. Expect extended poses designed to let you explore structure, subtlety, and atmosphere.
🎨 FEATURING: Carly Lundy
Model Carly brings grace, presence, and strength to the studio.Perfect for artists looking to sharpen technique, develop anatomy skills, and capture nuance.
- We provide paper, charcoal, and a backing boards.
- Bring your own supplies if you prefer a canvas, pastels, or other materials.
Doors open at 6:45 PM. Reserve your spot early to secure the discounted early-bird rate — sessions tend to fill up quickly.
Note: All sketches created during RAID Life Drawing remain the property of the artists. By joining our sessions, you agree that RAID may occasionally share images of artwork (with proper credit) to promote future events.
📸 Carly’s photo: @dart.srl
