Art is in our nature. Beyond the galleries, you can explore 100 acres of forested land in the Humber River Valley – from a ridgetop ‘wilderness garden,’ planted by the McMichaels to echo the northern forest beloved of the Group of Seven, to the heritage waterway important to indigenous peoples in this area.
Explore essential watercolour techniques and embark on perception exercises, both of which enhance ways of “seeing” that enable participants to paint directly from nature and interpret photographic references in this two-day class.
Finn O'Hara has been working as a portrait and landscape photographer for the past 15 years. During this workshop, you’ll learn about the production and narrative concepts behind his most recent images and projects - from portraits of Robert Duvall and the late Rob Ford, to images from the Steve Driscoll & Finn O’Hara: Size Matters exhibition debuting at the McMichael on March 11, 2017.
Jean Larrivée and his team created a guitar inspired by artist A.Y. Jackson. Larrivée will be in discussion with astronaut Chris Hadfield in a moderated conversation as well as a live performance, with Hadfield playing this very special guitar.
This class will concentrate on studies in design, composition, and values. You will be equipped with the skills to create expressive, yet structured, non-objective paintings full of life and spirit.
This class will concentrate on studies in design, composition, and values. You will be equipped with the skills to create expressive, yet structured, non-objective paintings full of life and spirit.
Grit Laskin created this guitar inspired by the work of F.H. Varley. Laskin will be in discussion with celebrated guitarist Jesse Cook in a moderated conversation as well as a live performance, with Cook playing this very special guitar.
Explore The Group of Seven Guitar Project through a conversation led by exhibition curator Sarah Stanners, Director of Curatorial & Collections at the McMichael, with producers Jason Charters and Liam Romalis of Toronto-based Riddle Films, the production company that produced a feature-length documentary on the making of these very special guitars.
Sergei de Jonge created a birchbark guitar inspired by the work, and historical context, of artist J.E.H. MacDonald. The luthier will be in a moderated discussion with musician Emma Rush before a special live performance with this guitar.
On June 21, celebrate National Aboriginal Day at the McMichael! Enjoy heritage trail walks led by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), family story walks from Vaughan Public Libraries, storytelling and workshops in the McMichael's gallery spaces, and live performances by national hoop dancing champion Lisa Odjig, and the Manitou Mkwa Singers! A Land Acknowledgment Ceremony with Elder Jim Dumont will take place in the Sculpture Garden earlier in the day.
This family festival engages the senses through various art workshops related to exhibitions on view. Evolving around musical themes, take part in family performances and outdoor activities such as McMichael Art Battles and the En Plein Air Competition. This programming will be offered in partnership with JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band and Kleinburg BIA.
Dr. Sarah Stanners and Zachari Logan in conversation highlighting the connection of this very special artist residency to the thesis of the Passion Over Reason exhibition.
An evening of art, history and music to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the mysterious and early death of Tom Thomson. Starting at 5 pm, the event will include a presentation by the McMichael’s Executive Director, Ian Dejardin, along with readings by Murdoch Mysteries’ Yannick Bisson and a musical performance by Kathryn Briggs and Terry Tufts.
This Family Sunday, explore Tom Thomson’s art and life through the gallery tours and outdoor painting workshops. We also have a special performance happening at 2pm: an immersive musical celebration capturing the spirit of Tom Thomson's landscapes through original compositions performed by The Algonquin Ensemble.
Including Sonic Palette – Tom Thomson’s Voice through Music 100 Years Later, an immersive musical celebration capturing the spirit of his landscapes through original compositions created by Kathryn Briggs, Terry Tufts and John Geggie and performed by The Algonquin Ensemble.
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.
Delve into various string instruments and their cultural importance across the world through instrument-making workshops, art workshops, and in-gallery iPad activities.
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.
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.
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.