Book Arts

*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 (MADO Cafe 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 and MADO cafe. * **We'll meet at the long tables in front of MADO Cafe** Come solo or bring a friend — this is all about slowing down, making connections, and enjoying a creative evening together ✨

Call on 416-938-2223 to find me :) -Ritik

🎬 Let’s Go to the Movies (and Actually Talk… or Not) Whether you're a film nerd, popcorn enthusiast, or just looking for a chill night out with interesting people — this one's for you. We’re heading out to see a movie together, then grabbing food or drinks after. If the film's great (or terrible), we’ll probably talk about it forever. If it’s just okay, we’ll talk about it for 10 minutes and move on to everything else — books, dating apps, weird dreams, how Toronto keeps getting more expensive, etc. The vibe is relaxed, friendly, and not too serious. No film degree needed. No icebreakers. No pressure to “perform.” Just come enjoy the film, connect with some thoughtful people, and see where the night goes Click here to watch trailer! 🎞️ **Movie Title + Trailer:**[ \[Click here to watch trailer!\]](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqNFJUihSHg) 📖 **📖 Plot Summary:** A woman responds to a job ad to work as a housekeeper in a strange New York City high-rise, unaware that several people have gone missing there over the years. *** ### 🗓️ **Event Details** 📍 **Meetup Time:** 6:30 PM.....I will only wait 5mins 🎬 **Movie Start Time:** 6:45pm ⏱️ **Runtime:** 90mins 📌 **Meetup Spot:** I will be at the top of the escalators on the 4th floor and I will be wearing my Moose Hat. 🎟️ **Cost:** * **$11.50** for *CineClub* members * **$16.00** regular admission 👉 You are responsible for buying your own ticket. **🪑 Reserved Seating:** You must buy your ticket *before* signing up. You'll be asked where you're sitting so we can all sit together! However, members are welcome to sit anywhere that works for them. 🎫 Buy your ticket here: [https://www.cineplex.com](https://www.cineplex.com) 📍🪑 **Where I will be sitting:** I will be in ROW "G" SEAT "12" 🍿 **After the Movie:** Yes, we’re heading out after! It’s not just a movie night — it’s a social night. Let's talk, laugh, and dissect every plot twist. *** ### ✅ **Before You Sign Up** * Please **buy your ticket first** — seating is limited! * When signing up, let us know your **seat number** so we can try to group everyone together. * You can still sign up or just **show up on the day** if you’re not sure you can make it — we’re flexible! 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:** [Click here to join](#) 🎟️ **Join Cineplex’s CineClub for discounts**: [https://www.cineplex.com/cineclub](https://www.cineplex.com/cineclub) 🎁 **Get your SCENE Card** for free movies and points: [https://www.scene.ca](https://www.scene.ca) *** ### 🎥 **A Quick Word About Movie Etiquette** We love a great film experience. Please: * Turn off your phone * Don’t talk during the movie * Be respectful of others Repeat offenders will be removed from the group — we take our cinema seriously (but with snacks). *** ### 👥 **About the Group** This event is open to everyone — single, not single, shy, social, new in town or a long-time local. We're a group for people who love movies *and* making real connections. We also do walks, hikes, restaurants, arts & culture — come be part of it! 🎬 **Organized by:** Mathew 📧 Questions? Reach out: **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com**

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.

**The Garifuna Collective** has been a driving force in bringing the rich cultural heritage and music of the Garifuna people to a global audience for the last 20 years. Hailing from Belize in Central America, The Garifuna Collective has had a lasting impact in the Garifuna community and on the world music stage. **Ticket link is below. Use the 15%** off promo code I've included. Their work has been critical in preserving and evolving the Garifuna musical traditions, while also highlighting the ongoing struggles and triumphs of the Garifuna people. This exceptional group of musicians has played to audiences in over 30 countries, making them one of the most important cultural ambassadors in the region. The band’s energetic and evocative live shows draw from their extensive repertoire, mixing traditional Garifuna rhythms with contemporary world music grooves. https://www.garifunacollective.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garifuna ***Opening for Garifuna Collective will be***: Singer/songwriter and percussionist **Blandine Kaniki**, winner of an African Entertainment Award 2015 as Best Female Voice, blends the soul of **rhumba** with urban music. The Congolese Canadian singer’s 2019 album *L’Antidote* featured a powerful collaboration with the legend of Congolese music Nyboma and lead guitarist Lokassa Ya M'Bongo. *Presented in association with Batuki Music Society* **Ticket link here:** https://www.rcmusic.com/events-and-performances/the-garifuna-collective Use this code for 15% ticket price ISCULTURE15 (manually type this in) Promo works for all tickets (**except** the purple seats) I have a ticket First Balcony/Centre

**Psychic Readings with Andy Li** Unlock powerful insights with Andy Li, a certified and experienced psychic reader. Combining classical psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, professional tarot readings, business/family constellations, and ancient rituals, Andy offers professional guidance and solutions tailored to your needs. **Services and Pricing:** - **30 min** – 75 cad Session inculdes advanced reading + personal family constellation + additional energy and homeopathy support during 2 weeks. Full session - *60 min* – 150 cad Session includes everything that is in brief session plus advanced imagerial therapy and homeopathy support of inner parts of the soul. Express Session online - is free. To get it you need to - briefly explain your request - send the drawing of you and your request and - get your express reading in text format. Special Promo: Free donation express readings is available in online format. **Available Online and Offline in Toronto.** **Weekly Offline Sessions:** Join us every Thursday at 8:30 PM at the Toronto Music Garden for an enlightening experience. Bring a seat for comfort as we'll be on the grass. **TAROT READINGS @ Music Garden** ### Discover Clarity and Insight **Experience Professional Readings:** - **Tarot Reading**: Gain valuable hints for your goals and situations. - **Scandinavian Runes Reading**: Tap into ancient Norse traditions for guidance. - **Family Constellations**: Resolve family issues and understand deeper dynamics. - **Business Constellations**: Unlock your professional potential and clarity. **Why Attend?** - **Personalized Guidance**: Receive tailored insights for any issue or question. - **Flexible Contributions**: Free participation with a video testimonial or a recommended donation of $10 CAD for 10 minutes of reading. **Event Details:** - 📅 **When:** Every Thursday, 8:30 PM - 📍 **Where:** Music Garden (detailed location provided upon registration) - **Online Readings Available**: Join from the comfort of your home. **How to Participate:** - **Pre-Registration Required**: Secure your spot by registering at least one day before the event. - **Easy Registration**: Send a message to WhatsApp to reserve your place at 437-606-6502. 🔗 [Register Now](https://wa.me/%2B380934788827) Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights and enhance your well-being. Reserve your spot today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation! **Details & Testimonials:** [PsiTrends.com](http://www.psitrends.com) --- **About Andy Li** Certified Professional Psychic Reader: - **Hypnotherapist** - **Psychologist** - **Instructor of Family Constellations** - **Instructor of Business Constellations** - **Master Teacher of Runic Reiki, Tantra Reiki, and Kundalini Reiki** - **Magister and Grand-Magister of Egyptian Temple Magic and Greek Mysteries** - **President of the Academy of Temple Arts**

The next event is happening on Saturday April 4 at 2:30PM at Danu Social House! Please RSVP if you're planning on coming so we can plan appropriately!

Instead of everyone agreeing to read one book for a meeting, we each read whatever we want, then share it with the rest of the group every alternate meeting. Our discussions are always fresh and interesting! Those who don't have a book to share but want a recommendation for their next read are also welcome to join. Then we vote on the discussed books and the book with highest votes gets discussed further in the subsequent meeting. Books we talk about cover just about anything. Some example topics include: the history of salt, a man lost at sea, why some technological developments should make us optimistic about the future, creativity at Pixar, neuroplasticity, biotechnology, American sub-cultures, biographies, the economics, geography and biology underpinning the development of the New World, the politics of mental illness, harnessing a positive mental attitude, law, the changing role of the policies in US & Canada, walking the trail, communication in the workplace, and much much much much more. The aim here is to establish a group of independent readers in the GTA who are curious about everything. Have you read an interesting book lately? Come and tell us about it! This relaxed and friendly book group is for those who enjoy reading books, asking questions, and having thought provoking, fun discussions on a wide variety of topics. Read whatever you want, then come and spend a few minutes discussing it with us. No formal book reports required, promise :). Paper books, e-books and audio books are all considered books for the purposes of this group. \*\*\* **Books discussed in previous "Bring your own book" events are here:** [GTA Book Club BYOB log Google Spreadsheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1em0ZTWtxNbXPp5Rt5Tegp8Kj4gM8Kc54_8CAgtjfB_Q/edit?usp=sharing) During the event, a poll will be opened for everyone to vote on the book we should all read in the subsequent event. At the end of the event, the subsequent event will be updated with the book that had the most votes from this event. Bring a book to share or observe (find your next read) and bring an open mind! I hope to see you there.

Our next monthly **Art Crawl** is on *Saturday April 4th.* *(Thank you for filling up the previous Art Crawls so quickly and smoothly!)* For April--**starting close to Dundas West & Dovercourt and finishing close to Trinity Bellwoods Park.** (Note: this is a long weekend) **PLEASE** read everything over first! What are the next steps.. About 14-16 members each time. **Once each month** on a *Saturday afternoon*. (1pm-3pm range). This will be our 5th ART Crawl of 2026. To join in: **$10 per person. Sent via e-transfer *when you signup/rsvp.*** ***We will visit 3 different*** (downtown/west end) galleries each month (with short walks between each one). \*\*\*Each ART Crawl will be different galleries. \*\*We'll meet the Gallery owners/artists/directors--who will lead us in 30 minutes of tour and conversation at each stop. Cold, hail, snow, rain, slush, sun---**we will carry on!** NO cancellations/No refunds or any re-scheduling. Interested in ART/artists--**and learning/visiting the exceptional local downtown galleries we have in downtown Toronto.** Saturday April 4th (1pm-3:00pm) \*\*\*Once I have 14-16 confirmations from Meetup members (you)-- I will email you the starting location of our ART Crawl!! In a week or so. *If confirmed, please email me $10. (e-transfer)* at torontoisculture@gmail.com **Include your first name only, and email address for a reply. I will then confirm you.** See you on April 4th! This will be 5th ART Crawl of 2026 12 galleries in total so far... Each month will be posted separately. $10 each time. You can email me directly here **or questions**. Thank you. torontoisculture@gmail,com Greg

***\*\*\*This class is open to all levels, weather permitting; in an event of poor weather conditions class will be changed to a regular class\*\*\**** **Come workout, have fun, relieve your stress, and meet your fellow neighbours!** Welcoming interested people to join our FREE classes every Tuesday evening from 7:00pm to 9:00pm and every Sunday afternoon from 2:30PM-4:30PM near Bathurst/Lake Shore area. Classes are led by our event organizer, Master **Dave Crook**, a seasoned 4th degree black belt Hapkido practitioner from a respected academy with many years of experience in this art and various others. **About this form of martial arts:** Hapkido is a hybrid Korean martial art. It is a form of self-defense that employs joint locks, grappling, throwing techniques, kicks, punches, and other striking attacks. **How to join:** Join this group/event and directly message me with your interest. **Q: Is this completely FREE?** A: Yes, classes/lessons are completely FREE **Q: Do I require a gi/uniform to participate?** A: Gi is completely optional, only required when doing groundwork grappling/throw techniques **Q: Are there grading and belt progression?** A: Yes, there are grading and belts, which will cost $30 just to cover the cost, testing will done when YOU are comfortable and ready! **Current Martial Artists Belt Status:** 1x Masters - 4th Degree Black Belt 1x Yellow Belt (former red belt) 1x Yellow Stripe Belt 134x White Belts **Belt Colours - Progression in Descending Order:** * White Belt * Yellow Stripe Belt * Yellow Belt * Orange Stripe Belt * Orange Belt * Green Stripe Belt * Green Belt * Blue Stripe Belt * Blue Belt * Red Stripe Belt * Red Belt * Black Stripe Belt * Black Belt **Curriculum of Techniques** **White Belt to Yellow Stripe:** **Strikes (all strikes from left wrist grab, striking with right)** 1\. Sword Strike to Clavicle 2\. Nunchuk Strike to Temple 3\. Companion Sword Strike with Elbow Strike to Solar Plexus 4\. Spear Hand to Femoral Artery 5\. Palm Strike to Floating Rib 6\. Spear Hand to Trachea **Breakaways (all breakaways from right wrist grab)** 1\. Latissimus Dorsi push with bucking back fist 2\. When pulled with bucking back fist 3\. When pushed with bucking back fist 4\. Downward break away with elbow strike 5\. Live\-hand tricept push up with elbow strike 6\. Assisted tricept push\-up with elbow strike **Take Downs (performed both sides)** 1\. Pivot throw Joint Locks (all joint locks from right wrist grab) 1\. 'Kul Nut Key' to elbow 2\. 'Kul Nut Key' to elbow 45 degrees 3\. One inch bow 4\. Side wrist lock \- bend elbow 5\. Side elbow lock 6\. Elbow lock controlled **Escapes From Mounted Position (all from opponent on mount position - performed both sides)** 1\. Escape to Mount 2\. Escape to Guard 3\. As punches are received \- buck \- single arm hook \- roll 4\. As punches are received \- buck \- shoulder walk \- two arm hook \- guard 5\. Escape when head is locked 6\. Escape when head is locked with high mount **Kicks (both sides)** 1\. Side kick **To learn more about Hwa Won Yue Hapkido visit our website here:** http://www.hapkidohwawonyue.ca/toronto.html#

Join us for our in-person Saturday critique session! We'll be meeting in the basement of **The Blake House**, which is located near Wellesley and Jarvis, about a 10-minute walk from Wellesley Station or Sherbourne Station. **In respect to the Blake House for hosting us, we humbly request that attendees purchase a meal, dessert, or drink if you are able to do so.** Feel free to bring in a piece of writing up to **2000 words** for reading and critique. Please bring paper copies so that listeners can easily follow and make notes. Dedicated listeners are equally welcome. In larger groups, please be mindful of giving everyone a fair chance to speak. Our group values and meeting structure can be found here: [https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines](https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines) We ask that writers provide content warnings when necessary. To limit the spread of diseases, we kindly ask that you stay home if you're feeling sick. We will be here every week! **\*\*We support the hard work and effort that goes into writing fiction, and do not condone the use of AI to replace the creative process.\*\*** And, that's everything! See you there!

Come join us at the lovely, well-lit, and cozy Theatre Centre Cafe for an hour and a half of silent writing (on whatever writing projects you will)! After silent writing is done, feel free to stay and chat or go as you please. If you are late you are welcome to join us (quietly and not disruptively). Please note this is a casual event, and we will NOT be critiquing each other’s work. **Other Important Details:** WiFi name/password: #TheTheatreCentre (no password, open access) Travel / Parking info: There is paid street parking as well as Green P underground parking located at 45 Abell St (2 mins walk from the venue) . Venue Guidelines: Please thank our hosts by purchasing something.

This Month's Book: *On A Sunbeam* by Tillie Walden Join us for discussion at the Granville Public Library from 6 to 7pm. Follow us on Instagram: @granvillepridebookclub

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

* Second ever book club! April meet up. All are welcome. * The book will be Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (determined by votes from March Book Club. Let me know if you’d like a free digital copy of the book) * This event will be at the main library, meeting room 1B, the location will not be changed for this event due to the number of people attending, we will just add more chairs if needed! * Feel free to come whether or not you’ve started or finished the book ◡̈ * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Starting in June I will try to keep future book clubs at the Dublin Library. Now that I understand their reservation system, I will be on top of it with booking that location as soon as the date is released for the month. Thanks for your understanding with the varying locations in the meantime.

Let's bedazzle some books while we discuss our April pick: Bloodguard by Cecy Robson! Book description: One hundred years. Tens of thousands of gladiators. And today, only one will rise… Everything in the Kingdom of Arrow is a lie. Leith of Grey thought coming to this new land and volunteering to fight in the gladiator arena—vicious, bloodthirsty tournaments where only the strongest survive—would earn him enough gold to save his dying sister. He thought there was nothing left to lose. He was wrong—and they took everything. His hope. His freedom. His very humanity. All Leith has left is his battle-scarred body, fueled by rage and hardened from years of fighting for the right to live another day. Then Leith meets Maeve, an elven royal who is everything he despises. Everything he should hate. Until the alluring princess offers him the one thing he needs most: a chance to win the coveted title of Bloodguard—and his freedom. But in a kingdom built on secrets and lies, hope doesn’t come cheap. Nor will his ultimate revenge… Event: Please bring your own book, journal, bookmarks, etc to bedazzle. If you have bedazzling supplies, please bring them as well. I will supply gems, glue, and picker tools, but if you have certain colors in mind, you may want to bring your own.

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**

Pay attention! We’re delaying a week for those of you who may be on Spring break and/or celebrating the holiday. Ok, no pancakes, but waffles-a-plenty. Join the local UX and Digital Design community for a casual monthly breakfast. Look for us upstairs!