Costuming

{ EVENT is Sold-out. Full } Overview Join renowned art-historian Andrew Graham-Dixon as he discusses his revelatory new biography of the Dutch Master with novelist Teju Cole. **For centuries, the work of Johannes Vermeer, the Master of Delft, has beguiled the art world with its deceptively simple scenes of 17th century Dutch life**. Viewers have always sensed that the paintings contained a secret meaning, with no less a writer than Marcel Proust remarking that the work possessed something more than met the eye, but it was impossible to say just what it was. Vermeer has always remained elusive, making a fulsome biography almost impossible — until now. ***RESERVE your own FREE ticket--at the Eventbrite link I've included below*** In what the *Times Literary Supplement* calls "the best biography of Vermeer and the most complete analysis of his artwork that has ever been published," Andrew Graham-Dixon has revealed the enigmatic essence at the heart of Vermeer's work, opening up a radical new school of interpretation. In conversation with acclaimed novelist, critic, and photographer Teju Cole, Graham-Dixon will illuminate the best-kept secrets of this most supreme of all painters. **ABOUT THIS EVENT'S GUESTS:** **Andrew Graham-Dixon** is one of the leading art critics and presenters of arts television in the English-speaking world. He has presented numerous landmark series on art for the BBC and other independents, and his published works include *A History of British Art* (1995), *Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel* (2007), and *Caravaggio: A Life Sacred and Profane* (2010), which was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction. **Teju Cole** is a novelist, essayist, and photographer. He was the photography critic of the *New York Times Magazine* from 2015 until 2019. He is currently the Gore Vidal Professor of the Practice of Creative Writing at Harvard and a contributing writer to the *New York Times Magazine*. His published works include the novels *Open City* (2011) and *Tremor* (2023), which was named a book of the year by *Time*, *the Washington Post*, and *New York Magazine*; the essay collection *Known and Strange Things* (2016), which was shortlisted for both the PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay and the inaugural PEN/Jean Stein Award; and *Blind Spot* (June 2017), a genre-crossing work of photography and texts, which was shortlisted for the Aperture/Paris Photo Photobook Award and named one of the best books of the year by *Time Magazine.* https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events/69a0bacc491b809c6f1cbdf7 **FREE Ticket link here:** https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/andrew-graham-dixon-teju-cole-vermeer-a-life-lost-and-found-tickets-1983799694288?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join other Gaymers this evening to work on your DIY project with others and show off your work in progress! Come chat, craft, and work on whatever project you wish! (Or just chill with us!) The only thing you have to do is bring your project, materials, and yourself! Your host, Nef, is also happy to teach you how to crochet :) While this event is free, we encourage folks to get some food or drinks if possible! (Only if this is a possibility for you!) We provide nametag stickers with a pronoun field; we want this to be a comfortable environment for everyone, kindly respect people's listed or stated pronouns. If you are unsure of someone's pronouns, don't assume: Ask, Respect and Practice Definitely ask before taking pictures/videos. \*\*\*Please reach out to [info@torontogaymers.ca](mailto:info@torontogaymers.ca) with any accessibility concerns. [https://linktr.ee/TorontoGaymers](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://linktr.ee/TorontoGaymers&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1753646882381297&usg=AOvVaw00IFqJeQVIkNQH04yjTL6E)

Use parallel working/body doubling to help focus on your project, art, trade critiques or zines, study reference books or just get inspired! Any focus or skill level welcome, we have had people coding, sewing and studying as well as drawing, Meet on the ground floor of the Toronto Reference Library! The organizer will be wearing a bright orange t-shirt.

🚨👉 To RSVP for this event, head to our [Luma event page](https://luma.com/7h4g008b). RSVPs are intentionally closed on Meetup.👈🚨 [https://luma.com/7h4g008b](https://luma.com/7h4g008b) To stay up-to-date with our latest events, please subscribe to our luma calendar here: [https://luma.com/techtank](https://luma.com/techtank) **Long CI times slowing down your development workflow?** Many teams assume improving CI performance requires new infrastructure, expensive tools, or major changes to their workflow. But in many cases, the tools you're already using include built-in flags that can significantly reduce CI time — they're just often overlooked. In this talk, **[Emily Xiong](https://www.linkedin.com/in/xiongemi/)** (Software Developer @ StackAdapt) will share how small configuration changes in common JavaScript tooling can lead to meaningful CI speedups, faster feedback loops, and a better developer experience. The core idea is simple: **you can often reduce CI time significantly without adding new infrastructure, SaaS, or complex changes.** Most JavaScript tooling already includes flags for caching, concurrency, and smarter execution. The real challenge isn't availability — it's awareness and correct setup in CI environments. Emily will walk through practical examples using tools many teams already rely on, including: * ESLint * Jest * Playwright * Next.js If you work on large codebases, monorepos, or pipelines that take longer than you'd like, this talk will show how **small adjustments to existing tooling can make a big difference.** *** ## About the Speaker **[Emily Xiong](https://www.linkedin.com/in/xiongemi/)** is a software engineer with 10+ years of experience building and scaling products in enterprise environments. She's experienced the industry’s ups and downs (including layoffs), which has shaped her resilience and focus on continuous growth. Emily is particularly passionate about developer experience, tackling challenges like large monorepos and long CI times. She stays closely tuned to developments in AI, both excited and a little cautious about where the industry is heading, and she enjoys blogging to explore ideas and share what she's learning. *** ## Important Notes for RSVPs **RSVP Commitment** ​If you RSVP and can no longer attend, please update your RSVP at least 24 hours in advance. No-shows may affect your ability to attend future TechTank events. ​​ **Photography & Video Disclaimer ​** By attending, you acknowledge that photos and/or videos may be taken and used for future promotional content. If you’d prefer not to be included, please inform the TechTank organizers when you arrive. ​​ *** ## Event Sponsor This event is sponsored by **[BrainStation](https://brainstation.io/)**. BrainStation is a global leader in digital skills training and workforce transformation. Founded in 2012, BrainStation has certified over **35,000 professionals** and worked with some of the largest companies in the world through cutting-edge digital skills training delivered online and in person from campuses in **New York, London, and Toronto**.  *** ## About TechTank [TechTank](https://www.techtankto.com/) is a Toronto tech community bringing developers, designers, and builders together through talks, workshops, and community events. Join our vibrant community for the latest updates and continued discussions: [https://linktr.ee/techtankto](https://linktr.ee/techtankto)  *** **Interested in Supporting TechTank?** If you or your company are interested in sponsoring a TechTank event or supporting the community, we’d love to hear from you. 📩 **Email us:** [techtankto@gmail.com](https://techtankto@gmail.com)

Our beginner Argentine Tango classes will start on April 6th at Society ClubHouse (967 College St) and we’d love to have you! Argentine Tango is all about connection, rhythm, and feeling the music. No prior experience is needed. This class is designed for first-timers and those curious about Tango. 💃🕺Class Packages: ✨ Standard Package (Monthly) 4-Week Course (4 Lessons): $100 cad per person Perfect for those looking for a consistent dance journey. ✨ Drop-in / Single Lesson First Discovery Lesson: $25 cad per person Regular Drop-in: $30 cad per person Flexible options for busy schedules or a quick trial. 🎓 Student Special (Monthly) 4-Week Course (4 Lessons): $80 cad per person (Valid student ID required.) No partner required. Please let us know which role you’d like to learn so we can help keep a good balance in the class. 💃🕺 Kind note: By filling out this form, you are reserving a spot in the class. We kindly ask that you attend the session you sign up for, as spots are limited. We can’t wait to dance with you! 💃🕺 What to wear:Comfortable clothing is recommended. For shoes, we suggest something with a smooth sole that can slide easily (e.g., leather or similar). If you’re new, don’t worry! Just avoid very grippy sneakers, and you’ll be fine! You can also contact us by email tango@nocheslargas.com

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!

**Welcome to Miss Bachata & Miss Salsa!** **Spring is in the air, and with it comes the promise of new beginnings, fresh energy, and the joy of connection!** As the season of renewal unfolds, we invite you to step into the rhythm of community, dance, and celebration at Miss Bachata & Miss Salsa. My objective has always been to create a different kind of social gathering—one that is open, non-judgmental, and safe. A place where you can meet people just like you, where socializing and dancing come together to help build community and tear down the walls that separate us. Here, we make new friends, feel a sense of belonging, and enjoy the calmness that comes from knowing we are in a safe and welcoming space. Many times, I have been asked, “Why host an event on Monday night?” Many people escape on the weekend and dread Mondays when they return to work. I believe that if you dance and socialize on a Monday, you infuse your week with joy and positive energy, giving your life balance and helping you face your challenges with enthusiasm and confidence. We’re also thrilled to announce that our trial of advanced Bachata lessons, which began last September, has been a resounding success! Building on this momentum, we’re excited to offer an enhanced schedule for 2026. Our dance evenings will now feature three hours of classes: one hour of beginner to intermediate Bachata, one hour of advanced Bachata, and one hour of beginner to intermediate Salsa. As always, the entrance fee remains $15 for a night of 2 lessons and social dancing. For those interested in the advanced Bachata lessons, there will be an additional $5 fee. Here’s our updated schedule: **Miss Bachata – Main Ballroom** 🕖 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Beginner to Intermediate Bachata Lesson (No partner required) 🕗 8:00 pm – 12:00 am: Social Dancing **Miss Salsa – Round Room** 🕖 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Advanced Bachata Lesson (+$5) **NEW** 🕗 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Beginner to Intermediate Salsa Lesson 🕘 9:00 pm – 12:00 am: Social Dancing ✨ **Additional Details:** ✔️ Free Parking ✔️ Full Bar (Free Water, Beer: $5.75) Over the past decade, organizing Latin dancing events in Mississauga has been a labor of love. Our mission has always been to foster a sense of community, proving that the connections we share are far stronger than the differences that divide us. Loneliness is a growing concern, with over half of U.S. adults and many Canadians experiencing its effects. The COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened this issue. Harvard University's long-term study on happiness, which began in 1938, highlights the detrimental impact of loneliness on health. People with strong social connections experience slower mental and physical decline and greater overall happiness compared to those who are isolated. Here are some key findings from the study: 🌿 Close ties help delay mental and physical decline more than money, fame, social class, IQ, or genetics. 🌿 Relationship satisfaction is a better predictor of aging well than cholesterol levels in middle age. 🌿 A strong sense of community improves memory function. 🌿 Loneliness can be as harmful to health as smoking or alcoholism. And there’s hope! Strengthening our relationships and supporting community initiatives can combat loneliness and build healthier, happier lives. Miss Bachata & Miss Salsa provides a wonderful opportunity to make new friends, expand your social circle, and enjoy a safe, welcoming, authentic environment. Bring your open heart and a smile, and we’ll take care of the rest. 🌸 **Cheers to a season of renewal, joy, and community!** 🌸 **Anna G.** https://www.meetup.com/LatinDanceMeetup https://www.facebook.com/groups/1871491806494168/ https://www.facebook.com/EventsByAnnaG

Go Medieval! Learn Medieval arts, sciences, dancing and games! Have somefun with like minded history geeks. Tuesdays, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm St. Andrew’s United Church 117 Bloor St EAST (near Church Street) Ring the buzzer for the gate keeper more info? www.eoforwic.ca

Smart Fashion - Dress Smarter. Dress With Purpose What if fashion isn’t about trends or body types, but about intelligence, psychology, and intention? Join us for an inspiring Smart Fashion keynote seminar that will change the way you think about your wardrobe. This session will show how clothing can become a powerful tool for self-expression, confidence, and everyday clarity. Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScuuVgTpzudAP-5i-Lmtl8_DpQid59dPaH-W9WFZ3v7xro9Lw/viewform If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your closet or unsure how to create a style that truly reflects you, this event will help you rethink fashion in a simple and empowering way. During this session you will learn: • Fashion as a language • The difference between good taste and trends • 7 smart wardrobe secrets • How style influences confidence and self-esteem • Simple principles of visual harmony This seminar is designed for anyone who wants their wardrobe to work for them instead of confusing them. Event Details 📅 Date: April 18, 2026 ⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM 📍 Location: Kintore College, 75 Charles St W, Toronto 💲 Price: $25 per person 👥 Limited to 100 participants About the Organizer PEV (Promotion of Education & Values) is a registered charity dedicated to empowering women to unlock their strengths and thrive in every sphere of life. Come discover how smart fashion can simplify your life and strengthen your confidence.

### Bhagavad Gita Study Group **Planned Start Date:** Wednesday, March 11, 2026 **Wednesdays\, 7:00 PM \- 9:00 PM \| Ongoing** **Where:** Toronto Theosophical Society, 792 Glencairn Ave, Toronto, ON **Format:** In-person (Zoom considered for special circumstances) **Main Text (free PDF):** *[Bhagavad-Gītā As It Is](https://www.prabhupada-books.de/pdf/Bhagavad-gita-As-It-Is.pdf)* by **H.D.G. Abhay Charanaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada** Physical books are available in exchange for donation. This weekly study group offers an opportunity to explore the **Bhagavad Gita**, one of the foundational texts of **Vedic philosophy**, through sustained reading, reflection, and thoughtful dialogue. The Bhagavad Gita addresses fundamental questions of **consciousness, duty, freedom**, and **the nature of reality**. Presented as a dialogue between the warrior Arjuna and Sri Krishna, it offers insight into paths of **knowledge, devotion**, and **action**—and examines how these integrate within human life and spiritual development. The approach will be: * Textual study combined with open discussion and inquiry * Exploration of Vedic philosophy, cosmology, and psychology * Question-and-answer format to support understanding * A complete picture of the cultural and spiritual context This group is suitable for: * Those new to the Bhagavad Gita or Vedic philosophy * Students continuing their study of Eastern spiritual traditions * Anyone interested in consciousness, ethics, and the structure of reality * Participants seeking grounded philosophical inquiry alongside spiritual exploration **No prior background is required**—only openness, curiosity, and a willingness to engage thoughtfully with the material. *** **About the Teacher** **Radhikatma Prabhu** is a disciple in the **Brahma Sampradaya**, one of four authorized Vedic lineages. He received second-level initiation from his spiritual master, **Tamal Krishna Goswami**, who was a direct disciple of **H.D.G.A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada**, the scholar and teacher who brought Vedic knowledge to the Western world and founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Radhikatma Prabhu spent many years studying and practicing in **Israel, Europe and India**, where he received training in Vedic rituals and holds the traditional status of **Brahmin**. During his formation, he worked closely with Tamal Krishna Goswami, who in addition to his spiritual leadership was an accomplished academic, holding a **B.A. in Religious Studies** and a **Ph.D. from Cambridge University**, where he authored nine volumes of scholarly work. This period of close service deepened Radhikatma Prabhu's understanding of both the **devotional and philosophical dimensions** of the tradition. He brings to this study group both the authenticity of traditional lineage transmission and the ability to make these teachings **accessible and relevant** to contemporary students seeking to understand Vedic philosophy and apply it.

Toronto girls, let’s hang out together. Spring Tufting discounts are here! Create your own one-of-a-kind tufting rug experience! (Design and make your very own custom rug or blanket—hop on board and join us!) 🌈 **What is Tufting?** Tufting is basically this: You use a “tufting gun” to punch yarn into fabric, strand by strand, and create a rug that’s uniquely yours 🧶 You do not need to know how to draw or have any crafting experience—beginners can pick it up easily too! Here is the best part: 👉 **You can completely choose your own design!** Cute puppies, anime characters, couple designs—anything you like! 👉 **Every piece is one of a kind!** It is a custom rug made by you, just for you ✨ ✨ **Why is tufting so popular?** ✔ **Super stress-relieving** The tuft-tuft-tuft process is incredibly satisfying, and your stress just disappears along with the yarn\~ ✔ **A huge sense of accomplishment** From a blank canvas to a finished piece, you create a full rug with your own hands! 😍 ✔ **Perfect for photos** Both the process and the final result look amazing—instant +100 for your social media content ✔ **Great for dates or hanging out with friends** Make a special keepsake that belongs to you and your favorite people 🎁 💛 **Come enjoy a fun hands-on crafting experience in Mississauga** 🧶✨ Take your time and enjoy the tufting process here! We will guide you step by step, from choosing your design to finishing your piece. It will definitely be an unforgettable experience! 💗 **Contact us** ☎️ 647-848-3328

Join Lawrence, your top hatted host, for an evening of Japanese culture, TD Gallery to see some rare writing, then a walk through Yorkville to Hemmingways for a bite and a beer. This is a mask required event! Please bring your own (I will do my best to bring a few extras) or you will not be allowed to enter The Japan Foundation. At 5:30 pm, we will check-in at The Japan Foundation on the third floor to see Tenugui Towels with Cherry Blossoms: Design Excellence in Daily Life. I have reserved six tickets for this event on Eventbrite. https://tr.jpf.go.jp/ At 6:30, we will head over to the Toronto Reference Library to see the exhibit on the written word. https://tpl.ca/programs-and-classes/exhibits/trl-exhibits/ 7 pm, we will make our way through historic Yorkville where I will share some of the many landmarks on our way to Hemingway's. See the map for our route. 7:30 will find us upstairs at Hemingway's socializing and discussing what we learned. I think I will share some New Zealand lamb with some lucky TBLer. https://www.hemingways.to/

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.

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/55umjqta)

Semi in honor of March being International Women's Month Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3454709](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3454709) Location: SOW Plated Menu: [https://www.sowplated.com/menu-brunch/](https://www.sowplated.com/menu-brunch/) Book summary: In 2006 Julia Lerner is living in Moscow, a recent university graduate in computer science, when she's recruited by Russia's largest intelligence agency. By 2018 she's in Silicon Valley as COO of Tangerine, one of America's most famous technology companies. In between her executive management (make offers to promising startups, crush them and copy their features if they refuse); self promotion (check out her latest op-ed in the WSJ, on Work/Life Balance 2.0); and work in gender equality (transfer the most annoying females from her team), she funnels intelligence back to the motherland. But now Russia's asking for more, and Julia's getting nervous. Alice Lu is a first generation Chinese American whose parents are delighted she's working at Tangerine (such a successful company!). Too bad she's slogging away in the lower echelons, recently dumped, and now sharing her expensive two-bedroom apartment with her cousin Cheri, a perennial "founder's girlfriend". One afternoon, while performing a server check, Alice discovers some unusual activity, and now she's burdened with two powerful but distressing suspicions: Tangerine's privacy settings aren't as rigorous as the company claims they are, and the person abusing this loophole might be Julia Lerner herself. The closer Alice gets to Julia, the more Julia questions her own loyalties. Russia may have placed her in the Valley, but she's the one who built her career; isn't she entitled to protect the lifestyle she's earned?

The topic for April is "Water" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!