The Gardiner is Giving Away Art This Sunday

The Gardiner Museum is giving away art this Sunday. Clare Twomey: Piece by Piece Giveaway runs from 1 to 5 pm at the local institution, which is opposite the ROM.

Here's the scoop:
"For one day only, on the closing day of the exhibition ... join us in a public intervention as we give away the ghostly white statuettes in acclaimed British artist Clare Twomey's "groundbreaking intervention" (The Toronto Star).
Over [sic] 2,000 of these figurines are frozen in a dramatic tableau, waiting to be liberated. This is your chance to play a part and free art, piece by piece!

The general public may take one figurine per person only, free with admission. Register in advance to gain priority line access."
Sounds interactive and interesting!
Cheers,
Vanessa

Twelve Trees at the Gardiner Museum

The Gardiner Museum's Twelve Trees event features decorated Christmas trees that are the handiwork of well-known designers.
This year's theme is Toronto and some of the city's most iconic neighbourhoods will be represented, including Chinatown and our very own Mirvish Village.
The exhibit opens Wednesday and runs until mid-December.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Local Summer Camp Options

Most parents in Toronto know about the summer camps that take place at Harbourfront and other, larger venues. But our area has some options, too, if you'd like to keep it 'all in the neighbourhood.'
Not only do you support our local businesses/daycares that way, pick up and drop off usually is much more convenient, as well.
Palmerston Community Daycare runs a summer camp. Housed within Palmerston P.S., camp hours are a work-friendly 8:30 to 5:30 pm and the price is right at $215 a week ($185 for weeks with stat holidays). Activities are creative and field trips are included.
PCDC Summer Camps are perfect, IMHO, for children from 6 to 10 years who aren't sports nuts, or who prefer a more nuturing, cosier atmosphere than something like the Harbourfront camp can provide.
Registration has begun and runs until May 30th.
Spadina House, neighbour to Casa Loma, operates summer camps for various ages, depending on the week. Options include Move Star camp; Flapper camp; and Adventures in Archeology.
Most camps are two weeks in length and cost $315 to $360. They run from 9 am to 4 pm, but you can pay $45 to $50 to cover 8 am to 5 pm care.
Bob Abate Community Recreation Centre on Bloor, opposite Christie Pits park, is home to a wide variety of summer camps.
Fees vary, of course, based on the type of camp. Registration began March 4th, so I wouldn't wait much longer to enrol.
The ROM has a variety of camp and "summer club" options, many of which are fully enrolled already. The half-day and full-day activities are aimed at children from ages five to 16, so there's something for everyone.
Most are two weeks in length and the costs -- you guessed it! -- varies widely, depending on the type of course and after-care options. Half-day options begin at $235 per two-week session for non-members. ROM members get a discount.
The Gardiner Museum, which is devoted to clay art, has a variety of mostly half-day camps. It is across the street from the ROM, so within easy walking/biking distance.
Costs are relatively high, but so are material costs and campers come home with some delectable artistic creations.
The Summer Camps at St. Alban's Boys and Girls' Club on Palmerston Avenue are open for registration now; they definitely fill up quickly!
If you're not a member, you'll have to join. Family membership is $65 annually. Costs for camps are $160 a week with the usual extended care offered for a very reasonable fee.
Summer camp themes include everything from "variety," to circus arts, to skateboarding, to LEGO/science. 
Do you have a basketball fan on your hands? Check out Albany Avenue Basketball camps. 
Offered in July only in the gym at Royal St. George's College on Albany Avenue, the 9 am to 3 pm day camp is "for all Boys & Girls regardless of experience, size or ability." No ages are mentioned, but it seems to be for slightly older campers. 
Happy camping!
Vanessa

Ron Thom and the Allied Arts at the Gardiner Museum

If you're a fan of architect Ron Thom, you might want to take in Mid-Century and Still Modern: Ron Thom and the Allied Arts at the Gardiner Museum, across from the ROM.
Here's the scoop:"Ron Thom was one of Canada's greatest architects, with enduring testaments to his genius, such as Massey College and Trent University, still among the country's most admired buildings. 
But Ron Thom, like Frank Lloyd Wright and other architects of his generation, believed in creating not just a building for a client, but a whole world - from the landscaping to the interiors and the furniture to the ceramics. 
This exhibition explores Ron Thom's brilliant architecture in the context of his total aesthetic. Ron Thom and the Allied Arts is a travelling exhibition organized by the West Vancouver Museum in collaboration with Trent University and Massey College."
Cheers,
Vanessa

Jewellery Trunk Show and Sale at The Gardiner Museum Feb. 7th

In the market for some new bling? You may want to check out the Gardiner Museum's Jewellery Trunk Show and Sale. 
And I quote:

"Friday February 7, 2014, 5 - 9 pm

Free and open to the public
Cash bar available

Treat yourself to stunning jewellery by one-of-a-kind designers at the Gardiner Shop's Jewellery Trunk Show & Sale on Friday February 7 from 5 to 9 pm.

Featured designers:

• Armed by Desiree Girlato
• Carole Tanenbaum Vintage
• Cuchara by Edilou Canedo
• Ezra Satok-Wolman
• Fredrick Prince by Melissa De Luca
• Micalla by Camilla Jørgensen"

Cheers,
Vanessa

Oct. 9 Animal Stories Launch at The Gardiner

On Wednesday, the Gardiner Museum launches the family friendly exhibit Animal Stories. It runs until January 12th.
The museum opposite the ROM, which is devoted to ceramics, describes the exhibit this way:
"Elephants, leopards, dogs, squirrels and dragons… From exotic creatures, household pets, urban wildlife to mythical beasts, animals have been an active part of human experience, an inexhaustible trigger of the imagination. Animal Stories presents the many tales of our encounters with the animal world, shedding light on how our social, symbolic, affectionate, scientific and utilitarian relationships with animals have been visualized through ceramics from the 17th century to our day."
Cheers,
Vanessa

Life Drawing Drop In Classes at The Gardiner

If you've ever wanted to explore your inner artist, you may want to catch a Gardiner Museum drop-in life drawing-class.
They begin this Friday and run from 6 to 8 pm; the cost is $10.
Here's the scoop:
"Practice the art of sketching the human form. Join us in the stunning Terrace Room for life drawing sessions featuring a live nude model. These sessions are without instruction. Drawing boards and materials provided. Drinks and food will be available for purchase at the Gardiner Bistro."
Cheers,
Vanessa

Lunch and Learn: Saving The CBC

The Gardiner Museum Lunch and Learn this Thursday is called Saving The CBC: Balancing Profit and Public Service.

WadeRowland, who wrote a book about the subject, has "a plan to satisfy the country’s private broadcasting lobby and at the same time rejuvenate the CBC. Not since the Great Depression, says Rowland, has there been such an opportunity for public service broadcasting in Canada to become all that it can be on all media platforms–and rival the best in the world."
Listen to Rowland speak and enjoy a provided "brown bag lunch" for $25. Things get underway at noon.

Cheers,
Vanessa

Gardiner Museum: Spring Awakening May 3 to 5th

I really, really enjoyed the taste of Spring we got last weekend: patios sprung up; people flocked to the streets and parks; and little green shoots poked their heads out from beneath frosty ground.
Then the icy winds returned with a vengeance.
Spring in Toronto!
If you're aching for some additional signs of Spring, you may want to head to The Gardiner Museum the first weekend in May.
From May 3 to 5th, the museum, which is devoted to ceramics, features Spring Awakening: Gardiner in Bloom.
And I quote:
"For one weekend only, spectacular floral installations by 10 of Toronto’s top floral designers will be displayed throughout the Museum to celebrate the arrival of spring in the city. Each designer will create a stunning floral installation inspired by a particular piece in our permanent collection. Don’t miss this must-see spring event!"
What a great way to celebrate Spring!
Cheers,
Vanessa

Clare Twomey Lecture at The Gardiner

British ceramic artist Clare Twomey "is best known for her interactive museum interventions.  One of her most discussed exhibitions is a one-day installation called Trophy  produced for the Victoria and Albert Museum in 2006.  Twomey will present this project as well as more recent performative installations utilizing clay processes and traditions."
Twomey talks Wednesday at the Gardiner Museum, so if clay art gets you fired up, better get your tickets now.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Jamie Kennedy's Valentine's

If you acknowledge and/or celebrate Valentine's Day, the Gardiner Museum is offering a Jamie Kennedy Valentine's.
$75 per person will get you a swanky meal that includes an amuse bouche in a swanky setting, the ceramic museum's Terrace Room.
Reservations required, of course.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Gardiner Museum Winter Programs

As usual, the Gardiner Museum has a full slate of programs planned for this winter. Situated across the street from the ROM, the museum is devoted to ceramics and is home to a Jamie Kennedy restaurant. The Jamie Kennedy Culinary Series will interest some of you, while clay lovers might enjoy the panel discussion and lectures.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Warren Kinsella Fight the Right Talk at the Gardiner

On December 20th, Warren Kinsella will be featured as part of the Gardiner Museum's Lunch + Learn series.
“Conservatives are on the march,” says Warren Kinsella. “They’re not particularly good at governing, but they’ve gotten particularly good at winning elections.”
The $25 cost includes a bag lunch from Jamie Kennedy Kitchens.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Learn Tavern History at the Gardiner

Christine Sismondo, author of America Walks Into A Bar, will talk at a Lunch and Learn at The Gardiner Museum July 17th.
The $25 cost includes lunch by Jamie Kennedy kitchens.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Salsa at the Gardiner April 13th

Ever wanted to learn how to salsa or merengue? Head to the Gardiner Museum on April 13th for Friday After Five.

$45 will get you a drink, bar snacks and a lesson with Toronto Dance Salsa.
Cheers,

Vanessa

Gardiner ID Clinic Tomorrow

All Antiques Roadshow junkies, put up your hands!
Okay, okay -- I'm not exactly a "junkie," but I do watch the show once in awhile. I must admit I love learning about the history of objects and it's a bit of a thrill when someone's garage sale find turns out to be worth gajillions of dollars. It's even more thrilling, somehow, when the item has been sitting in a dusty basement.

If you've ever wondered about the origins of something that you own, you might want to head to the Gardiner Museum tomorrow.

There will be an ID Clinic from 10 am to 2 pm. There is a cost and the appraisers will not estimate an object's value, but the information might sate some of your curiosity and perhaps you'll discover it's not worth getting the object appraised, which is helpful in itself.

Cheers,

Vanessa

Illusions Exhibit at The Gardiner

Every time that I go to the Gardiner Museum -- the lovely, modern building across from the ROM -- there is a work that catches my eye. It is two ceramic pieces, side by side, unremarkable and simple, really. But when you look at them closely, you see that the negative space between them forms the profile of a human body.

Very clever.

The artist is Greg Payce and from February 2nd to May 6th, the show Illusions at the Gardiner will feature his work.

Cheers,
Vanessa

Joshua Knelman at the Gardiner Jan. 11th

Joshua Knelman will be at the Gardiner Museum January 11th talking about his new book, Hot Art: Chasing Thieves and Detectives through the Secret World of Stolen Art.

Tickets are $25 for the lunchtime lecture, which includes a bag lunch made by Jamie Kennedy Kitchens.
Perfect Christmas gift? For some people on your list.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Lunch + Learn at the Gardiner Museum Nov. 7th

The beautiful Gardiner Museum, which focuses on ceramic arts, is offering a Lunch + Learn session November 7th called Sacred Rulers of the Maya World.

Running from noon to 1:30 pm, the lecture is $25 for non-members and $20 for members.
Cheers,

Vanessa

Michael Ignatieff Speaking At The Gardiner

Michael Ignatieff will talk at the Gardiner Museum on October 18th. Objects in Exile, Treasures in Memory is described this way:
"When war and revolution drive a family into exile, the objects they take with them become the last remaining tangible link to a lost world as well as the sole connecting link between the lost past and the generations that come after. Michael Ignatieff reflects on the meaning of some of the objects that his family carried into exile after the Russian Revolution: a silver jug and a piece of jewellery. The story of these objects is a tale about survival, memory, exile and the creation of new meanings in a new world.

Michael Ignatieff, politician, writer and historian, is the author of The Russian Album and is a Senior Resident at Massey College."
Cheers,
Vanessa