Art and Culture

*To join this event, you must be able to speak full sentences in Mandarin. This event is for those wanting to practice Mandarin and/or English. Here, you can chat with others and play board games in either language to improve your linguistic skills. Feel free to join our WeChat group during the event, as it is the best way to stay connected with us. If you have any questions, leave a comment on this event page. ＜中文版＞ 此活动是以聊天和玩桌游练习中文或英文，等级不限，平时有6-10位参加者。此活动微信群可在活动中加入，互相学习，天天向上。 如果您有任何疑问，请随时在活动页上留言或联系主持人

\*These classes are not a language exchange, but instead are meant to be a step in between so that students feel confident maintaining in depth and grammatically correct oral conversations outside of class\* \***Meetup event numbers only tend to show new students registering and do not include returning students attending class.** **Per class, there is an average of 7 students.** The first 2 classes are free and then only cost between $15 and $35 depending on which type of class you want to continue with\* These French, English (For Spanish and French speakers only), and Spanish classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in a French, English, or Spanish-speaking country. The classes are primarily oral-based through guided conversations. They will teach you how to handle conversations in situations such as **"Going to the Convenience Store"**, **"Making Plans"**, **"Negotiating Prices"**, and **"Going out for a Drink"**. To ensure that students get used to using the language automatically, students will learn to maintain contextual conversations with timing before moving on to the next lesson. Call (647)787-9953, e-mail us info@monkeylingo.ca, or visit monkeylingo.ca for more information! **Online and private classes are also available!** No other language classes are as conversational as these ones. We guarantee it! Cheap parking can be found using the "Spot Hero" app.

\*These classes are not a language exchange, but instead are meant to be a step in between so that students feel confident maintaining in depth and grammatically correct oral conversations outside of class\* \***Meetup event numbers only tend to show new students registering and do not include returning students attending class.** **Per class, there is an average of 7 students.** The first 2 classes are free and then only cost between $15 and $35 depending on which type of class you want to continue with\* These French, English (For Spanish and French speakers only), and Spanish classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in a French, English, or Spanish-speaking country. The classes are primarily oral-based through guided conversations. They will teach you how to handle conversations in situations such as **"Going to the Convenience Store"**, **"Making Plans"**, **"Negotiating Prices"**, and **"Going out for a Drink"**. To ensure that students get used to using the language automatically, students will learn to maintain contextual conversations with timing before moving on to the next lesson. Call (647)787-9953, e-mail us info@monkeylingo.ca, or visit monkeylingo.ca for more information! **Online and private classes are also available!** No other language classes are as conversational as these ones. We guarantee it! Cheap parking can be found using the "Spot Hero" app.

**Monthly Wellness Art Workshop for Newcomers** Join our monthly *Wellness Art Hub* designed especially for you- immigrants and newcomers to Canada. This is a welcoming space where you can explore different creative art activities, connect with others, and support your mental well-being through artistic expression—no experience necessary! Each session offers a new activity and a chance to relax, create, and build community. Come as you are, take a break, and enjoy some creative time together! **Group Details** * **Name:** Wellness Art Hub * **Date:** Third Thursday of each month (Upcoming session: June 19, 2025) * **Sessions:** 10 sessions. New members are welcome anytime! * **Time:** 4 - 6PM(EST) * **Format:** In-person (At CultureLink's main office) * **Address:** Suite 301, 2340 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 4A9 * **Eligibility:** Immigrant who are permanent residents or convention refugees, aged 15 or above * **Language:** English **What to Expect** It’s not about creating perfect art. It’s about having fun and being in the moment. We invite you to relax, focus on what you’re doing, and enjoy the creative process. You might even notice yourself feeling calmer and in a better mood by the end! Below are the tentative topics for the first three sessions: * Jun 19: Mandala drawing * Jul 17: Paper quiling art (tentative) * Aug 21: Water color painting (tentative) * *The topic of remaining sessions will be announced later* **Does it charge?** No. The monthly Wellness Art Hub is free of charge. **Sign up now** at [https://forms.office.com/r/gHEGH7i2BB](https://forms.office.com/r/gHEGH7i2BB "https://forms.office.com/r/gHEGH7i2BB") If you can't open the link, please scan the QR code on the event banner at the top of this page to register. **Contact** If you need help on more information or registration, please contact Trista at LLi@culturelink.ca

Join us for an evening of French conversation at B Espresso Bar in the atrium of the Toronto Royal Conservatory of Music (near St. George station)!
We welcome all levels of French, and it's free\*.
Venez pratiquer votre français! \*While there is no fee to attend this event, guests are expected to purchase something from B Espresso Bar, in accordance with RCM's restrictions on usage of the cafe atrium space. **Building location:** The Royal Conservatory is at 273 Bloor St W, between Varsity Stadium and the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). There are entrances off Bloor St. and Philosopher's Walk. If you enter from Bloor St through the large glass doors, follow the hallway on the left beside the staircase and turn left at the end. (Closest TTC: St. George) **Notes and restrictions:** The host may or may not attend this event. Attendees are encouraged to seat themselves at two or more adjacent tables, as needed. Please form groups of 6 people at each table; do not rearrange chairs and tables to accommodate more people, as this obstructs the narrow walking space. Guests are expected to order something from the cafe, and are asked to please refrain from bringing outside food or drink. Attendees must leave the building at 8pm when the cafe stops serving. **Contributions:** If you are a regular with us and would like to support the group, please send any contributions by e-transfer to [diskutomeetup@gmail.com.](http://diskutomeetup@gmail.com.) The yearly donation goal and amounts received year-to-date will be tracked anonymously on [this google sheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18GfqYsis8Cf2XGg4KsKQJsY_0Fv3bsSQHwJAxvC1Km8/edit?usp=sharing). Thank you so much for your support.

Whether you’re into chess, board games, or both, this is your chance to meet fellow players, enjoy some friendly competition, and see what our community is all about. All skill levels and ages welcome. Bring your favorite game or try something new from the Twilight Cafe collection. We’ll have chess boards set up and a variety of board games to explore. All skill levels and ages welcome! Pay-what-you-can contribution ($2-5 suggested) to support future events. All proceeds go back to the group! Look forward to seeing you at Twilight Cafe! Please purchase a drink or food item to support the venue.

Please, ask the waitress or use the Meetup app to contact the organizers if you need to locate us. • What we'll do: Let's practice #Spanish and #English. Open questions, culture, life or any other topic! • What to bring: Smiles & good vibes Important to know some Spanish/English beforehand • This event is totally free but we accept donations to cover costs. It will help us to continue having these fun group events. Thank you!

Join us for a Toronto meetup of creative coders! Instead of our usual show-and-tell, this will be a **work session!** If you're looking for some motivation to tinker on a creative project, now's your chance! **What is creative code?** *Creative coding* refers to anything with an artistic component that uses code as a medium. We welcome artists who use code (for visuals, audio, poetry, or whatever else), designers, animators, toolmakers, researchers, or just enjoyers and people looking to learn more! **Location:** Impact Kitchen on Queens Quay (88 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 0B6) **Join our discord** if you want to talk to everyone before/after the event, or have any suggestions for things you'd like to see or do! [https://discord.gg/ux9txXPsdJ](https://discord.gg/ux9txXPsdJ)

\*\***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** In 1832, Toronto was known as Little York and was to become the City of Toronto in 1834, the Gooderham and Worts Distillery was founded. By the late 1860s and 1870s, it blossomed into the world's largest distillery. And it's a historic jewel on our waterfront, a place to stroll, meet up, have a coffee or a bite to eat. Come and explore one of Toronto's most fascinating neighbourhoods. And get a bird's eye view of how Toronto developed around the time that Canada became a country in 1867. But let's not forget the district to the north. The area near the banks of the Don River on and around River Street and Queens Street East was the core of the Beer Industry. Let's take a look at how the two industries came together and who was involved. For a quick peek at the walk check out this link on my YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/xAp97lI_20A This walk is for all fitness levels. The meeting place for our walking adventure is opposite the streetcar loop on Cherry Street just south of Mill Street at the eastern edge of the district. Cross Cherry Street and meet at the entrance to Tank House Lane. 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**

\*\***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** This tour debuted on September 5, 2020! Six years of storytelling! Toronto is a city of stories. It's also a city constantly reinventing and learning about itself. It has been for the last 300 years. The people of Toronto are the storytellers, and throughout its history, women have been at the forefront of change. Like Elizabeth Neufeld, Hester How, Mary Pickford, or Clara Martin stories that have shaped Toronto. Stories that have shaped the lives of people in Toronto today. Explore the lives of ordinary women of Toronto who have made extraordinary impacts on our lives. From the death and destruction of war to the magic of Hollywood, these women created their own endings. But for many in our city today these names and many others are forgotten, their accomplishments dusted over and buried in the mists of time, but not for long. These courageous Torontonians created one lasting story to be told: Their story! Toronto is a city of meaning and hidden stories indeed. Mary Pickford, the first great screen Hollywood star looks into the camera above. Born on University Avenue near College Street, she rewrote the Hollywood story and put Toronto on the film map. This walk is for all fitness levels. The meeting place for this important walking adventure is the Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail behind College Park at the southwest corner of Yonge Street and College Street. We end our walk at the park adjacent to St. Lawrence Hall. 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**

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Explorer 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** First it was **Ambrose Small** and my team of brilliant detectives who tried to figure it all out. The walkers on this tour just about cracked the case. Well done my detectives. But your smarts are needed again however. The Harley Karulis Detective Agency needs your help! And this one needs all our brain power to figure out. This one might be the toughest assignment yet. Here is your case file. The details you will need to get started on this walking tour. A case that shocked Torontonians when it occurred in late October of 1933, and still reverberates to this day. A cold case solved, not by a long shot. No one really knows the entire story or the truth. It unfolds like an Agatha Christie novel as you will see. The details of this case culminates in one of the most perplexing, head scratching crimes in the history of this city and very few have heard of the sad life and end of little Alfreda Dolores Mae Hillier. Little Bunty as they called her was born in 1932, and was the apple of her parent's eyes. Her father Alfred Hillier was a World War 1 hero, and had fallen on bad times during the depression years. He just started a new job recently. Her mother Florence was a stay at home mom and loved to play and watch her little girl out the window of their small home on Boothroyd Avenue in Leslieville. On a cool, sunny October afternoon at the height of the depression, Alfreda, an 18 month old girl disappeared after heading out for a walk alone. Sounds on the level I must say. Warning bells! Within a few hours questions as to what happened to this little girl started to swirl around the neighbourhood. All details of this case are taken directly from the archives of the Toronto Star and the city which paint a rather confused story culminating in the arrest of two young boys, one age 4 and the other 7 who admitted their guilt. Or was coerced into that same confession? Let's toss in a few more details to cloud the story however: 1) a convicted criminal in the area, information told to the Calgary Hearld the day after she was found dead. 2) another man who seemed to be present when she was found and then wandered off and disappeared from the police investigation file. 3) the testimony of two underaged children that had no relevance to some of the details. 4) the coroner's report which contradicted just about everything the police came up with and witnesses testimony as well. This walking tour/game takes participants back in time to 1933 and explores the many sites associated with the tragic death of Alfreda Hillier, and the personalities involved. You will be introduced to 10 historic characters and each has their own dark secrets, it will be up to you to render a **verdict**! Are you up for it detectives? Our walk begins at the **Jones Branch of the Toronto Public Library** at the southwest corner of Jones Avenue and Dundas Street East in Leslieville just a few blocks north of Queen Street East. This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person. Please get your tickets early if you would like to attend. \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket price when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

Dear old and new friends, Here comes another highlight of our Chinese New Year Celebration organized by Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto! We are cordially inviting you to jlin is at the "New Year Cultural Showcase". Exciting performances include: - 24 festive drums - E-hu (Chinese traditional string instrument) - Choir - Dragon and lion xance - local youth band - Toy Admission is free. Welcome to bring family and friends to experience the Chinese culture and share the positive energy of the year of horse! WBLC volunteers

**UPDATE: DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER THIS EVENT IS BEING MOVED TO FEBUARY.** We're going to be visiting the **Udvar-Hazy** **Air & Space Museum** for an immersive look at humanity’s journey through flight and space exploration! **\#\#\# Details** **Location:** 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly, VA 20151 **Time:** 2:00pm - 4:00pm (Subject to change) **Price:** $15 per Car (pay on entry) **Fursuiting allowed!**

Join us for a calm and cozy afternoon of creating together at Oakton Library. This is a relaxed social art meetup, not a class. No instruction, no pressure. Just time to focus, draw, paint, and connect. We’re keeping this one intentionally small: **Maximum 10 seats** for a more intimate creative space. 🗓 First Saturday of every month 🕐 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM 📍 Oakton Library *** ✨ **What to Expect** This is quiet, focused art time with light conversation. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced artist, you’re welcome. You’re free to come late or leave early. *** 🖌 **What to Bring** Bring any materials you enjoy working with. Keep setups clean and easy for a shared public space. Suggested items: * Sketchbook or loose paper * Pencils, pens, markers, crayons * Small watercolor or gouache setup * iPad or tablet * Crochet, journaling, calligraphy — any quiet creative work is welcome Please avoid messy materials or anything with strong odors. *** 📌 **Important** Seats are limited to 10. Please RSVP to reserve your spot. If you RSVP and can’t make it, let us know so someone else can join.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Terrors of Irish Fairylore,”** an introduction to Ireland’s strange and unsettling folkloric “Good People,” with Brittany Warman, former instructor at Ohio State University, co-founder of The Carterhaugh School of Folklore and the Fantastic, and co-author of the new book *Fairylore: A Compendium of the Fae Folk.* [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-irish-fairy-terrors](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-irish-fairy-terrors) .] Today it is common to think of fairies as small, childlike, sparkly creatures with glittering wings and dresses made from flower petals. But the fae of traditional Irish folklore were no such things. Amoral, capricious, even malicious when they chose to be, the too-frequently forgotten fairies of times long past would, more often than not, haunt nightmares. Join Brittany Warman, a folklorist who has earned a devoted following among Profs and Pints fans, as she explores the darker side of Irish fairylore. The figures she'll discuss include: The Leanan-Sidhe, a vampiric fairy who gives artistic inspiration in exchange for your mortal spirit. The Dullahan, a fairy with a human spine for a whip and a habit of hurtling across fields in a death coach made from human skin. The Banshee, a mournful fairy whose cry signals a death in the family to which she's attached herself. Dr. Warman also will examine the surprising impact of fairy folklore on two classics of Irish Gothic literature, Oscar Wilde's *The Picture of Dorian Gray* and Bram Stoker's *Dracula.* It’s a talk that will remind you that the relationship between the Irish and the spooky stretches well beyond Halloween. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: “The Banshee Appears,” an 1862 illustration by Robert Prowse (Wicklow Heritage / Public domain).

Let’s hang out and journal together, trade stationary and stickers, and have a good time! Please note, we do not have a reservation, so we will do our best to find some good spots when we get there.

**Circlesinging Workshop: Discover Your Musical Voice (90 minutes)** **Register here**! [https://pci.jotform.com/form/260257573283158](https://pci.jotform.com/form/260257573283158) Join members of VoiceExchange on February 22 for an introduction to -- or continued practice of -- the art of collaborative vocal improvisation. In this 90-minute workshop, we'll explore the captivating practice of circlesinging—where voices intertwine to create spontaneous, layered musical landscapes without instruments, written music, or rehearsal. **The Workshop Experience** Standing together in a circle, you'll discover your innate capacity to create music with nothing but your voice. We'll guide you through foundational techniques for developing simple musical patterns that blend with others, creating beautiful moments of shared sound. Through focused instruction and guided practice, you'll experience the unique joy of co-creating improvised vocal music. This workshop draws from practices developed by Bobby McFerrin, Rhiannon, and Música do Círculo, introducing you to the essential elements that make collaborative vocal improvisation both accessible and deeply rewarding. **What You'll Learn** * Basic techniques to unlock your personal capacity for musical invention * How to create simple looped musical ideas that combine with others * Foundational skills including listening techniques and basic vocal layering **Who Should Attend** This workshop welcomes anyone comfortable with their singing voice—particularly those who've found themselves naturally harmonizing with songs on the radio or humming improvised melodies. No formal music training or ability to read sheet music required—just bring your curiosity and willingness to explore. **What You'll Take Away** * **First Steps in Musical Discovery:** Begin to uncover your unique musical voice and capacity for spontaneous creation * **Taste of Community Creation:** Experience the connection that forms when voices unite in collaborative musical conversation * **Introduction to Mindful Listening:** Practice attentive listening and responding through sound **Workshop Details** **Date**: Sunday, February 22, 2026 **Time**: 3:00-4:30 PM **Location**: Elwood Smith Community Center, 601 Harrington Rd, Rockville, MD 20852 **Parking**: Available in lot outside the building **Register here**! [https://pci.jotform.com/form/260257573283158](https://pci.jotform.com/form/260257573283158) Presented by members of VoiceExchange, a vocal improvisation ensemble dedicated to exploring and sharing the joy of collaborative vocal creation. **Contact**: [circlesinging.maryland@gmail.com](mailto:circlesinging.maryland@gmail.com) \~\~ This event is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council ([msac.org](https://msac.org/)). \~\~

**What to Expect:** Join us for a relaxed, supportive gathering where we'll create together, share our process, and connect mindfully. No art experience necessary, all levels and all creative expressions welcome! **What to Bring:** Please bring your own art materials and supplies, whatever you enjoy working with! **Ideas for materials:** sketchbooks, journals, pastels, crayons, markers, colored pencils, collage materials, yarn, lego, diamond art, iPad or tablet for digital drawing, or anything else that calls to you. Bring paper or surfaces to work on as well. There's no right or wrong, just bring what feels good! 🙂 **What we'll do:** **6:00 pm:** Arrive, get settled, grab a drink/snack, and find a spot **6:10 pm:** Set out your supplies, take a breath, and ease in **6:15–7:30 pm:** Create, chat, unwind, and follow the good vibes **7:30 pm:** Gentle wrap-up with *Come/leave whenever, this is relaxed and flexible gathering!* **Location:** Wegmans cafe (one level above the store), 11620 Monument Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030. Look for the table with art supplies! This is a social, low-key meetup, not a formal class, and there will be no instruction.