Acoustic Conversations: Lawren Harris Guitar
Luthier Linda Manzer created this remarkable guitar inspired by several works by Lawren Harris, and with the spirit: "if Lawren Harris were to build a guitar, what would it look like?" Manzer will be in a moderated conversation with musician Tony McManus about the creation of the guitar before a live performance, where McManus will perform.
The World on a String: Arts & Music Festival
Delve into various string instruments and their cultural importance across the world through instrument-making workshops, art workshops, and in-gallery iPad activities.
Acoustic Conversations: Franklin Carmichael Guitar
Luthier David Wren created this guitar inspired by the artist Franklin Carmichael, and Wren will be in a moderated conversation with musician Mike Francis about the creation of the guitar before a live performance, where Francis will perform.
Introduction to Painting
This fun and intense introductory weekend workshop is geared toward those who would like to begin expressing their creativity through painting, whether that’s with realism, abstraction, or conceptual techniques. The workshop begins with the basics: drawing, composition, observation skills, values, colour, colour mixing, brushstrokes and use of media. Participants then learn how to develop and refine painting techniques by building on those basic skills. This class is taught in acrylic and water-mixable oils and, if needed, watercolour.
Matinée Francophone—Passion Over Reason
A guided tour in French of Passion Over Reason: Tom Thomson and Joyce Wieland, the exhibition that offers a new critical look on the life and work of Tom Thomson through the feminist lens of Wieland’s art. The event will begin at 10 am with a petit déjeuner of coffee and baked goods.
Culture Days – Doors Open Vaughan
Culture Days at the McMichael is a unique opportunity for the whole family to discover the latest innovative exhibitions through the public tours and enjoy art making through O’ Canada, a family drop-in art workshop inspired by the mixed-media works of Joyce Wieland currently on view at the gallery.
Painting Studio
Instruction will be offered to artists working to refine their offerings in the subject of their choice—landscape, still life, figurative/portraiture, wildlife/pets—and in their individual style, be it realism or varying degrees of abstraction. Demonstrations will be done in water-mixable oils and acrylic; offering solutions in areas artists need help in. Sample topics covered include: mastering perspective, reflections in water, patterns, texture, skies and clouds, dramatic light, depth, using negative space, and more. Special attention will be given to basic drawing techniques, composition, colour, texture, use of materials and effective brushstrokes. Andrew Sookrah uses a combination of painting demonstrations and individual guidance to create a fun, supportive and collaborative atmosphere in the McMichael’s well-lit Pine Cottage studio.
McMichael Volunteer Committee Presents: Autumn Art Sale
Over the course of three days, art will be on view and available for purchase from the 50 juried artists. The quality and variety of works on sale will please the taste and budget of seasoned art buyers as well as those beginning to build a collection. Artists work with Acrylic, Oil, Watercolour, Mixed Media, Pen&Ink, Sumi-e, Metal, Wood, Glass and Clay. This is your opportunity to invest in a beautiful piece of original Canadian art that will provide a lifetime of enjoyment.
Book Launch for Passion Over Reason: Tom Thomson and Joyce Wieland
A curatorial talk on art books with the McMichael’s Chief Curator, Dr. Sarah Stanners, and the launch of the Passion Over Reason bookwork.
Contemporary Landscape Painting SOLD OUT
Designed for advanced artists, this course will assist participants in developing a personal voice when painting the land. Through observation and analysis, participants will interpret landscape through relevant principles of design and then reconstruct it in paint using individual styles and techniques. Participants are encouraged to bring research material, sketches, or photographs to be used as a base for the work completed in class.
Remembrance Day at the McMichael
Join the McMichael as it celebrates the commemoration of Remembrance Day with a smudging and prayer ceremony with Ian Akiwenzie (Ojibwe Pottawatami), followed by a performance by two-time world hoop dance champion Lisa Odjig (Odawa Ojibwe).
Artist’s Talk and Pastel Workshop with Zachari Logan: Nov 18 + 19
Engaging both epic-scale and stylistically historic techniques, Zachari Logan's meticulous drawings involve a visual language that speaks to the metaphoric as well as the metaphysical. In this unique artist’s workshop, participants will have an opportunity to discuss Logan’s works included in the Passion Over Reason: Tom Thomson and Joyce Wieland exhibition, learn about his creative process, and engage in a pastel workshop to further develop their own drawing skills.
The Many Deaths of Tom Thomson: Separating Facts from Fiction
Did a blow from a canoe paddle knock Tom Thomson unconscious and into the water? Was he fatally injured in a drunken fight? Did he end his life out of fear of being forced to marry his pregnant girlfriend? Or, as was decided at the time, was his death accidental? Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the death of the renowned Canadian landscape painter, The Many Deaths of Tom Thomson, published by Dundurn Press, is an authoritative review of first-hand testimony and archival records about Thomson’s tragic demise. The book is a National Post bestseller. The Writers' Trust of Canada listed it among the Best Books of 2016. Join the author, Dr. Gregory Klages, for this special talk followed by a book signi
Talk with Elder Garry Sault
Please join the McMichael for a presentation with Elder Garry Sault about the importance of Wampum belts in the history of treaties, vital to the Reconciliation process. Described as visual interpretations of covenants and agreements, Wampum belts communicate history through symbolism and interpretation.
Acoustic Conversation: Tom Thomson’s Guitar
The eighth instrument presented in The Group of Seven Guitar Project is a baritone guitar created collaboratively by all seven luthiers working together. Join the exhibition's curator, Dr. Sarah Stanners, and the guitar makers in this final conversation focused on their fascination with Tom Thomson whose art and life have inspired this fine instrument. The conversation is then followed by a live performance from their friend, Stephen Fearing, celebrated Canadian folk singer and songwriter.
FULL Accessible Program: Winter. Wonder. Land.
Be inspired by the season while creating festive gifts and greeting cards for friends and family! Learn unique printmaking techniques as you work with ink and various printing tools. These family workshops are designed specifically for children and youth living with special needs. Take full advantage of the McMichael with discovery tours, art making, and social activities designed for various skills and abilities.
Happy Holidays – Family Sunday
Celebrate the season with art and music by participating in artmaking workshops and attending our afternoon concert of winter holiday classics performed by trumpeter/composer Suresh Singaratnam with vocalist Joanna Majoko, pianist Stu Harrison, and the Blythwood Winds. The concert begins at 2pm, and the repertoire will include the world premiere of a new carol composed by Suresh to celebrate #Canada150.
Winter Break Family Special
Looking for family-friendly activities during the winter break? The McMichael is the place to be! Children can create, explore and learn with wonderful art workshops and interactive tours.
Four Directions Community Gatherings: Teachings of the North
Join the McMichael and Ojibway Elder Garry Sault in the unveiling of a new Ceremonial Garden. Elder Sault will share his knowledge through ceremony and storytelling revolving around the Indigenous presence and use of the land on which the McMichael is situated. Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa and take part in artmaking activities celebrating our connection to the land.
Family Day Weekend Festival
Brrr! Escape the cold this Family Day Weekend with exciting children’s art and iPad workshops, storytelling family tours, and a delightful puppet performance of A Promise is a Promise that explore Canada’s spectacular North.