Photo Walks

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.

A quiet group walk where members connect through presence. Please rsvp up to 30mins before the start time to register your interest. We’ll meet at Tim Hortons to begin our walk.

(English below) Venez profiter de la bonne nourriture et une bonne conversation en français au café **Black Pony** situé au **1481 Gerrard St East**, le **jeudi 8 mai de 18h à 20h.** Nous serons à l'arrière du café autour d'une grande table, prêt à vous accueillir! On va pratiquer la langue de Molière tout en nous faisant de nouveaux amis. **Toutes les 30 minutes, nous changerons de place** pour favoriser les échanges. Tout le monde est bienvenu, quel que soit son niveau. Pour en savoir plus sur le café et son menu délicieux et varié : [https://www.blogto.com/restaurants/black-pony-toronto/](https://www.blogto.com/restaurants/black-pony-toronto/) Si vous ne souhaitez pas que votre photo soit publiée sur MeetUp, veuillez en informer Jesse. La plateforme Meetup engendre des frais de $560 pour l'année 2025. Pour soutenir le groupe, **nous demandons de payer $3.00 à chaque événement.** Jesse sera là pour recueillir vos contributions. Nous vous prions de bien vouloir apporter de la monnaie. Si vous préférez, vous pouvez utiliser ce lien sur Square **et montrer a Jesse votre recu:** [CLIQUER ICI](https://square.link/u/S6dAAKd1) Merci, **Pierre et Emily et Jesse** L'équipe du Toronto French meetup .................................................................................................................. Come and enjoy good food and good conversation at the **Black Pony café** located at **1481 Gerrard St East**, on **Thursday May 8 at 6pm until 8pm.** We'll be in the back of the café around a big table ready to welcome you! We'll be practicing the French language and making friends, **keeping in mind that every 30 minutes we'll be moving around to mix up the conversation.** Everyone is welcome, whatever your level. To find out more about the cafe and its delicious and varied menu: https://www.blogto.com/restaurants/black-pony-toronto/ If you don't want your photo published on MeetUp, please let Jesse know. The Meetup platform incurs a fee of $560 for the year 2025. **To support the group, we ask you to pay $3.00** for each event. Jesse will be on hand to collect your contributions. Please bring change. If you prefer, you can use this Square link and **show Jesse your receipt:** [CLICK HERE](https://square.link/u/S6dAAKd1) Thank you, Pierre and Emily, and Jesse The Toronto French meetup team

## 🧠🎉 Trivia Night @ The Frog: A Firkin Pub 🍻 **Think fast, laugh hard, and make new friends!** We’ll be meeting at **The Frog: A Firkin Pub**, conveniently located just steps from **Yonge–Sheppard Station** — cozy - great food and fun! ### 🕖 About the Event Trivia starts at **7:00 PM** and runs until around **9:30 P**M— just **ask for Colleen’s group** when you arrive! Expect a lively mix of **pop culture, history, music, sports, and random fun question.** Whether you come solo or bring a friend, we’ll make sure everyone’s part of a team. 🧩💬 ### 💸 Cost & Policy Everyone must spend at least **$10 (plus tax & tip)** at the pub. **NEW POLICY:** * 🆕 *First-timers* must send a **$5 deposit** by e-transfer to **tommills@rogers.com** and message Colleen right away on this page or the sign-up page. * 💌 There will be a **$1 reminder charge** if you don’t send the deposit promptly, for each reminder. * 👥 You may bring **1 guest**, but please e-transfer **$10** in advance. You’ll be refunded once your guest arrives. ### 🧠 Why You’ll Love It Trivia night isn’t just about questions — it’s about **connection, laughter, and teamwork**. Come test your wits, cheer on your tablemates, and enjoy the buzz of a pub full of friendly faces. Whether you’re a trivia pro or just in it for the fun, it’s always a great time! 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) ### ⚠️ Notes * Please don’t just “show up” without RSVPing — seating is limited, and teams need to be balanced. * Occasionally, the organizer may need to rearrange teams if one is *too stacked* (e.g., all the sports or music experts together!). * Sometimes things happen — events can be canceled or adjusted, so keep an eye out for updates. 📩 **Questions?** Contact **Colleen**, your organizer, by posting on the event page.

Hi All! I checked the weather!! No extreme weather warnings this time, so hopefully if there are people within walking distance of our address, this would suit you? I look forward to meeting a few of you! This is a weekly affair, so feel free to come in. I will make every attempt to keep these weekly gatherings free- however, please RSVP and also, if you do RSVP, unless there is an emergency, please remember, last minute dropouts and / or no shows hurt!! So please try and make it if you can 🩷 Also- This invite is open to Ladies, gentlemen, senior members, and ANYONE looking for some hope out of LONELINESS…. this is NOT a space to come look for a job or for networking for that purpose. I have had people do that each time, which serves neither the purpose of this group NOR the people who attend to look for jobs- so a humble request for both of us- if jobs are what you are looking for, please find other EXCELLENT groups that openly state the reason for their meetups is networking for professionals or for those looking for jobs. The Antiquity United Circle is JUST for those who are struggling with loneliness - this is a family unit a few of us don’t have…….

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone ! Welcome to our new location : The Urban House Kitchen & Bar on Queen St East! If you're available, please join us on the SECOND FLOOR of Urban House Kitchen & Bar, for your favourite Film and TV Networking evenings. Rain, Shine or Blizzard, WE WILL BE THERE! If you want to make sure you're receiving this invitation by email every month, please register for FREE at [https://tinyurl.com/TFIJan2026](https://tinyurl.com/TFIJan2026) Of course, if you feel sick, have a fever, a cough, or don't feel comfortable with attending such an event post COVID times, please, don't put yourself and others in a bad position, and wait for the next one, because there will always be a next one. :D Bring your smiles and business cards! See you there ! DISCLAIMER : The organizers are not responsible for the potential stupid behaviour of some people, and you and us know that there is always a possibility of these happening, so by RSVPing to this event, you assume all responsibility and won't be able to hold the organizers responsible if anything happens that is related to your decision of attending. ================ JANUARY Toronto Film and TV Industry Social Evening Thursday, Jan 29th 2026, 6PM The SECOND FLOOR at Urban House Kitchen & Bar 718 Queen St E. Toronto, ON M4M 1H2

❄️⛳️ **Don Valley Golf Course Winter Walk** **Yes, we’re walking a golf course. In winter. Because we can.** Did you know that in the winter you can actually **walk the paths of Toronto-owned golf courses**? No golfers, no carts — just wide open space, fresh air, and a completely different way to experience the city. It feels a little bit sneaky, a little bit special, and very *“I didn’t know you could do that.”* Join us for a **short, easy 90-minute winter walk** through **Don Valley Golf Course**. It’s something different, surprisingly peaceful, and a great excuse to get outside when most people are hiding indoors. The trails may have snow, the air will be crisp, and yes — **it will be cold**… but that’s part of the fun. There is **no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing options**. Dress properly and you’ll be totally fine — maybe even smug about it 😏❄️ Miss this and you’ll later say, *“Wait… you walked a golf course??”* *** 🍗 **LUNCH AFTER** After the walk, join us for **lunch at Swiss Chalet** — always a group favourite with warm food, fair prices, and cozy winter vibes. *(You don’t have to join for lunch, but it’s highly recommended.)* *** ⚠️ **IMPORTANT NOTES** • If the **TTC is closed** this weekend, we’ll move the event to another date • This walk happens in **cold and snow** • **Do not sign up** if you’re not ready to walk in winter • Event will only be cancelled if it reaches **-20°C** *** 📍 **MEETUP LOCATION** I’ll be waiting **near the Shell gas station**, wearing my **famous Moose Hat** 🦌 (Easy to spot, even in a snowstorm.) *** 🎒 **WHAT TO BRING** • Water • **Good boots** (very important) • Gloves & hat • Something warm to drink ☕ • A snack *** ⏰ **LEAVING TIME** Any time you like — stay for the full walk or head out when you’re ready. 👀 **NOT SURE YOU CAN MAKE IT?** You can **just show up** or decide on the day. Winter plans don’t need pressure. *** 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) ⚠️ **NOTE:** Sometimes things happen and I may need to cancel — please keep an eye out for updates. *** ❄️ Wide paths. Winter air. A golf course with no golfers. This is one of those walks people don’t realize they want… until they do. **Organizer:** Mathew 📧 **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com**

⭐️⭐️ A Winter Outdoor Adventure on the Islands! ⭐️⭐️ The winter is long and cold… but that won’t keep us from spending a great day outdoors, just minutes away from Downtown T.O. Join us for this scenic adventure, as we tour the **Toronto Islands** on a cold winter day, and enjoy some amazing views of **Lake Ontario,** the Toronto skyline, swans, Canadian geese, ducks and other wild animals. In winter there are a few **public washrooms** and **restaurants** open on the islands. We will take breaks along the way for beverages and/or washroom needs. **Length**: 8 Km. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: **Beginner** \-\- all levels welcome\! WHAT TO BRING: Water (about 0.75 L), appropriate clothing, hiking shoes/ boots and cash for ferry ticket and personal purchases. **POST-EVENT: TBD** **Event conditional on weather.** In the event of harsh weather, this walk will be cancelled or rescheduled. **\*\*\* PLEASE, BE ON TIME \*\*\*** We will not wait for anyone after 11:15 AM. It is not okay to join the event or call the Organizer after the event starts at 11:15 AM. ⭐️⭐️ **Event Fee:** $5/ person (only $4 if paid ONLINE) ⭐️⭐️ HOW TO PAY ⭐️⭐️ You may pay the **$5** fee CASH at the beginning of the event, or online via Interac **E-Transfer** (Save $1). * Send payment to: **Walter De Marco** * Email: **thats.walter@yahoo .com** * E-Transfer security question: What is this payment for? * Answer: **"Adventure"** ⭐️⭐️ OTHER COSTS * **Ferry ticket:** **$9.15** round trip ( $5.90 for Seniors) Tickets available online on this **[secure website](https://secure.toronto.ca/FerryTicketOnline/tickets2/index.jsp)** (City of Toronto): [https://secure.toronto.ca/FerryTicketOnline/tickets2/index.jsp](https://secure.toronto.ca/FerryTicketOnline/tickets2/index.jsp) * GETTING THERE **Jack Layton Ferry Terminal / Toronto Ferry Docks** ⭐️ **[Google Map](https://goo.gl/maps/R9ptdGQKa49Mc5SJ7)** ⭐️ **[>> Click HERE <<](https://goo.gl/maps/R9ptdGQKa49Mc5SJ7)** DIRECTIONS * **By Car:** Parking is available 1 block north, at Lakeshore and Bay, 1 block west on Queens Quay between Bay and York Sts, 1 block east opposite Toronto Star building (1 Yonge St). * **By TTC:** From Union Station, take the streetcar or the Bay St. Bus #6 southbound to the stop at Bay St and Queen's Quay, or you can walk from Union Station to the Toronto Ferry Docks at the foot of Bay St and Queen's Quay. ===================================== * **DISCLAIMER** During all events, members are responsible for themselves. All events in this Meetup group are planned and operated by volunteers with several years of experience as event organizers. However, we make no claims of being professional guides, and take no responsibility for the outcome of any of our trips or activities.

Golf courses are not just for golf. In winter, city-owned courses become cross-country skiing and snowshoeing territory. Detonia Park is one of them and is also the closest to a subway station. There's also good food nearby. After romping through the golf course, we'll head west to another potentially snow-covered field. Then, it's on to Little Bangladesh along Danforth Avenue, where you can check out Bengali supermarkets and snacks. The hike ends at a Bangladeshi restaurant. This event depends on snow. If there is heavy snowfall, you can ski or showshoe the golf course portion of the hike. Walking in the snow loops is not recommended. If you must, wear muck boots and traction aids. If there is no snow and ice, we'll just walk. After the golf course, the rest of the route is on foot. **Highlights** 1. Detonia Park Golf Course car park (depart 12pm) 2. Golf turf blanketed in snow (or barren and grey) 3. Crescent Town 4. Shohid Minar 5. Adi Bikrampur Sweets (depart 1:05pm) 6. Bangladeshi supermarkets 7. Shaad Restaurant (arrive 1:30pm) **Neighbourhoods** Oakridge > Crescent Town > Taylor-Massey **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1R8N6ptm1qIdtmkzPiAEmsWPcezgN68w&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1R8N6ptm1qIdtmkzPiAEmsWPcezgN68w&usp=sharing) Free admission to golf course in winter. **How it works** Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints. See our [About section](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) for more info.

### 🚶‍♂️❄️ Downtown Toronto Walk + The PATH (Mostly Indoors!) ❄️🚶‍♀️ **Sunday\, February 1 \| 10:00 AM – approx\. 12:30 PM** **Free Event** Winter can make it tough to stay active in Toronto. Often late Jan/early Feb gives us the coldest days of they year. Join Nick for a **downtown walk that transitions into a long, fascinating journey through the PATH system**, keeping us mostly warm and indoors while still exploring the city on foot. 📍 **Meeting Point** **10:00 AM sharp** Wellesley Station — **right by the PRESTO kiosk** Look for **Nick and the Meetup sign** *** ### 🗺️ The Route We’ll start outdoors at Wellesley Station and walk **west**, then **south**, before entering the PATH system. From there, the walk becomes largely **indoors** as we continue **south through the PATH all the way to the lake**, finishing at **10 Bay Street**, right where the PATH meets the waterfront. **Estimated walking time:** \~2.5 hours at a relaxed, conversational pace **End time:** around **12:30 PM** *** ### 👀 What We’ll See Along the Way This isn’t just a walk — it’s a guided urban exploration: * Older downtown parks with **recent upgrades and improvements** * **Brand-new parks** — some finished, some still under construction * A **refreshed and facelifted section of the PATH** * The **relocated bus terminal** * A surprisingly **sad indoor mall** * And plenty of lesser-known downtown details you’ve probably walked past without noticing *** ### 🏙️ A Little PATH History The **PATH** is the largest underground pedestrian network in the world, stretching **over 30 kilometres** beneath downtown Toronto. What began in the early 1900s as simple underground connections between buildings slowly evolved into a climate-controlled city beneath the city — linking office towers, transit hubs, shopping areas, food courts, hotels, and attractions. Love it or hate it, the PATH is a uniquely Toronto creation — confusing, practical, occasionally bizarre, and endlessly fascinating. Nick has even led **curated private tours of the PATH**, featured in *NOW Toronto*: 👉 [https://nowtoronto.com/lifestyle/toronto-walk-exploring-the-path-with-nicolas-bello/](https://nowtoronto.com/lifestyle/toronto-walk-exploring-the-path-with-nicolas-bello/) *** ### 🧤 What to Bring * A **bag or backpack** to carry your coat, hat, and gloves — we’ll be indoors for long stretches * Comfortable walking shoes *** ### 🐕 Accessibility & Notes * **Only certified service animals** are permitted on this walk * This is a **free event** * Please **respect your RSVP**, but feel free to **just show up** if your schedule is uncertain *** Come explore Toronto from **street level to underground**, learn some history, and enjoy a winter walk that doesn’t freeze you solid. See you there! 👋

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

**Photography 101: Discover The Photographer Within** **Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your camera? Then this beginning photography course is perfect for you!** This beginner-friendly photography class is your gateway to unlocking the power of your camera and developing a confident artistic vision. This course offers an engaging and practical approach to essential techniques and creative principles for impactful photography. We will explore the use of camera settings, composition, and light to tell a story that evokes emotion in the viewer. **Through hands-on exercises and insightful lessons, you will learn to:** * **Master Your Camera:** Learn fundamental camera functions, including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, so you can confidently control exposure and creative effects in any lighting situation. * **Compose Captivating Images:** Explore and apply classic composition principles like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to create visually appealing and impactful photographs. * **Harness the Power of Light:** Understand how different light sources (natural and artificial) affect your images and learn to manipulate them to create mood, texture, and enhance the overall quality of your photos. * **Control Focus and Depth of Field:** Discover how to effectively utilize depth of field to isolate your subject and achieve captivating background blur (bokeh) or ensure sharpness throughout your landscape shots. * **Work with Lenses and Filters:** Explore the impact of various lens types and focal lengths on photographs and learn how filters can add creative control and protection. **This class provides the foundation needed to confidently create high-quality images and begin a photographic journey, regardless of the camera used.** **Prerequisites:** * A camera (film, DSLR, or mirrorless) that has manual controls is required. Hands-on exercises make having the camera in class highly beneficial. You will need at least one lens to evaluate the results of control exercises. * You may attend this class in one of two ways: 1. With a class voucher provided by your retail camera store 2. Purchasing a seat in the class

**To Be Announced!**

**Photography 102: A Deeper Dive Into Photography** **Are you ready to dig deeper into photography? Then this intermediate photography course is perfect for expanding your knowledge of photography!** This intermediate photography class builds upon the foundational knowledge acquired in the Photography 101 class. It focuses on empowering students to move beyond automatic camera modes and take greater creative control over their images. This course uses an engaging and practical hands-on approach to reinforcing these newer and more advanced photographic concepts. **Through hands-on exercises and insightful lessons, you will learn:** * **Master More Advanced Camera Settings** * **Aperture and F-stops:** Understanding how aperture controls depth of field and using it to create blurry backgrounds (shallow depth of field) for portraits or sharp focus throughout a landscape (deep depth of field). * **Shutter Speed:** Learning to utilize shutter speed to freeze fast action or intentionally blur motion for artistic effects. * **ISO:** Exploring ISO settings for optimal image quality in different lighting conditions, understanding the trade-off between sensitivity and potential image noise/grain. * **Exposure Modes:** Beyond "Auto", understanding and utilizing manual (M), aperture-priority (A or Av), shutter-priority (S or Tv), and program (P) modes for specific shooting scenarios. * **White Balance:** Learn how to effectively set white balance controls to represent colors in varying lighting conditions properly. * **Metering and Exposure Compensation:** Understanding how the camera measures light and how to use exposure compensation to fine-tune exposure for desired results. * **On-Camera Flash Basics:** Gaining a basic understanding of when and how to use the built-in flash or external flash units effectively. * **Advanced Concepts and Techniques** * **Composition Beyond the Basics:** Looking at some more advanced composition concepts and taking a deeper look at the Elements of Design, learning to use space more effectively, controlling the elements of the scene that are drawing attention, and mastering visual weight. * **Lighting Beyond Natural Light:** Introduction to artificial lighting, such as off-camera flash, reflectors, and softboxes, to control and shape light for different effects. * **Basic Image Editing:** An introduction to photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, covering essential tools for adjusting brightness, contrast, color, and sharpness. * **Developing a Personal Style:** Exploring ways to refine a unique artistic voice and create a consistent photographic style. **This class provides the next step in the path to becoming a more proficient and artistic photographer, allowing for more advanced usage of the camera system.** **Prerequisites:** * A camera (film, DSLR, or mirrorless) that has manual controls is required. Hands-on exercises make having the camera in class highly beneficial. You will need at least one lens to evaluate the results of control exercises. * You may attend this class in one of two ways: 1. With a class voucher provided by your retail camera store 2. Purchasing a seat in the class

**History** The Columbus Museum of Art traces its roots to 1878, when it was founded as the Columbus Gallery of Fine Arts, becoming the first art museum chartered in Ohio. A group of civic leaders established it to bring touring exhibitions and build a public collection. In 1887, it merged with the Columbus Art School (now CCAD) fostering a long partnership in arts education. Initially without a permanent home, the museum operated from temporary spaces until 1919, when art patron Francis C. Sessions deeded his Victorian mansion on East Broad Street to house the growing institution. As collections expanded in the early 20th century, the need for a dedicated building became clear. The Sessions mansion was demolished, and a new Italian Renaissance Revival structure was erected on the same site, opening to the public in 1931. This elegant building, with its grand steps and arches, remains the museum's core today and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. Key early acquisitions, like the Ferdinand Howald Collection of modernist works, helped establish its focus on American and European art. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the museum evolved significantly. It added the Ross Wing in 1974 for exhibitions and renamed itself the Columbus Museum of Art in 1978 during its centennial. A major renovation and expansion completed in 2015 introduced the Margaret M. Walter Wing and Center for Creativity, emphasizing interactive experiences. In 2018, the donation of the Pizzuti Collection and its Short North building expanded the museum's reach into contemporary art, solidifying its role as a dynamic cultural hub. The Columbus Museum of Art boasts a strong collection of late 19th- and early 20th-century European modern art, featuring well-known masters like Claude Monet, whose Impressionist landscapes capture light and atmosphere in ways familiar to many. Visitors can also encounter works by Henri Matisse, renowned for his bold use of color, and Edgar Degas, famous for his graceful depictions of ballerinas and everyday scenes. The museum's early Cubist holdings include pieces by Pablo Picasso, offering glimpses into his revolutionary fragmented style that reshaped modern art. On the American side, the collection highlights iconic figures such as Edward Hopper, whose evocative paintings of urban solitude and quiet American life are widely recognized, and Norman Rockwell, celebrated for his heartfelt illustrations of everyday Americana that have appeared on countless magazine covers. These accessible works by household-name artists provide an inviting entry point for those new to art museums, blending European innovation with distinctly American storytelling. **Summary** For this event, we will tour the [Columbus Museum of Art](https://www.columbusmuseum.org/), which is always free on Sundays. Afterward, we will head over to the nearby, highly-rated, and popular Gemüt Biergarten for drinks and food. Columbus's art museum is not large, and we won't need to rush through in order to see everything. However, it's a little windy (with a long "i") and maze-like in spots, and if you've never gone through it before, it can be a little confusing at first. **Tickets and Pricing** The Museum is free on Sundays. **Parking** The short answer here is that you can park for free (in the Safe Auto lot) when you visit the Museum on weekends. The longer answer is that the Museum has a dedicated parking lot, whose entrance and exit are on E Gay St, just north of Broad St. You can see this parking lot [here on Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Columbus+Museum+Of+Art+Parking/@39.9648853,-82.9882364,18.67z/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x883888d20177f111:0xbf595a71d9d8c8c5!2sColumbus+Museum+of+Art!8m2!3d39.9642074!4d-82.9878972!16zL20vMDM0Z3F6!3m5!1s0x883888d21f05e00f:0xb72a56e4ac2d4fba!8m2!3d39.9651763!4d-82.9881746!16s%2Fg%2F11f3pdx3tx?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D). This parking has normally been $7, unless you buy something either in the Museum's gift shop or café, in which case it's $5 (you have to bring your receipt to the Museum's front desk to get this discount). However, the Museum is currently in the process of upgrading their parking lot's intercom (or some such), and until such time as this is completed, parking in this lot is free. Once this upgrade is complete, though, the charge is likely to increase from $7 to $10. This upgrade is supposed to be done by the time we run this event, but given how these things work, I wouldn't be totally surprised if it's not complete by then. You'll know the lot is free if the gate arms to both the entrance and exit are fixed in a raised position when you arrive. However, there's a large parking lot for Safe Auto on the other side of N Washington Ave, between Boone St and Hutton Pl. You can see this parking lot [here on Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B057'54.4%22N+82%C2%B059'13.9%22W/@39.9651069,-82.9884087,18z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d39.965105!4d-82.987191?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D). Visitors to the Museum may always park for free in this lot on weekends. **The End of History** After completing our dissertation in [Art Appreciation](https://www.facebook.com/groups/879880336006462/posts/1734229683904852/), we'll head over to the highly-rated [Gemüt Biergarten](https://www.gemutbiergarten.com/) for [drinks and food](https://www.gemutbiergarten.com/#full-menu). The brewery is located in [Olde Towne East](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Olde+Towne+East,+Columbus,+OH/@39.9600896,-82.9935095,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883888c29b9d98cb:0x55fc96810facc832!8m2!3d39.9579938!4d-82.9761254!16s%2Fm%2F026vlz4?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D), and its actual address is [734 Oak St, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/734+Oak+St,+Columbus,+OH+43205/@39.9633755,-82.9808618,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883888c53426d289:0x4aec638d8a5195d4!8m2!3d39.9633755!4d-82.9808618!16s%2Fg%2F11c4wy250w?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D). Gemüt Biergarten has a free parking lot that isn't small but also isn't huge. Street parking, however, is always free across Columbus on [Sundays and holidays](https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/1/public-service/right-of-way-permit/on-street-parking-out-of-service-policy-and-procedure-final-8.15.2022-signed.pdf), so I think we'll be okay with parking. The bigger issue may be the weather. The brewery has a good-sized outdoor patio that is covered and heated in the winter. However, that doesn't mean this patio will be warm. The inside of the brewery is "okay-sized," but again, the brewery is popular and by the time we get there, we may have no choice but to sit outside. If it's cold, I can and will ask them to fire up some of their additional outdoor heaters, which I think should be enough, but please bring something to keep you warm just in case we end up outside. Finally, while food at the Biergarten can be a little overpriced, in my experience it is excellent, and you are likely to enjoy whatever you get. We should be there by 1:00 if you can't make the Museum and just want to meet us for drinks.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.