Outdoors
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.
The Group of Seven Guitar Project
J.E.H. MacDonald once noted that Lawren Harris was compelled to sing a tune when he sat nearby the natural rhythms of water to paint en plein air.During the summer of 2017 – Canada’s 150th year – the McMichael Canadian Art Collection will become a place to wander, celebrate and delight in acoustic space.
Passion Over Reason: Tom Thomson & Joyce Wieland
Consider this exhibition to be a love letter to Tom Thomson and Canada – two subjects at the core of the 2017-year as we celebrate Canada’s 150th year and the centenary of Thomson’s death. Passion Over Reason will take a critical approach to our fascination with Thomson and show how today’s current culture of hipster or lumbersexual fashion, as well as cultivation of outsider creed, has confirmed what Wieland pointed to in the 1970s: Thomson is Canada. This exhibition will also allow for an account of feminist approaches to the topic of Canada in art then and now.
Annie Pootoogook: Cutting Ice
Cutting Ice is a term that implies something that matters or has consequence. Dr. Nancy Campbell, acting as lead curator, will take a community approach to this project with a range of individuals from Cape Dorset who knew the artist. Dr. Campbell’s curatorial expertise will lend new insights to our understanding of Annie Pootoogook’s work and will enliven the many voices from the community that she has come to know well. This exhibition celebrates the strength and contemporaneity of Pootoogook’s work but also uncovers how it has influenced her peers. Alongside works by Pootoogook, this exhibition will include works of art by Shuvinai Ashoona, Itee Pootoogook, Jutai Toonoo, Ohotaq Mikkigak and Siassie Kenneally, showing how Annie Pootoogook made it possible to begin a different conversation that celebrates Inuit art in new ways in Canada and the world.
ALEX JANVIER
This major retrospective celebrates Alex Janvier’s lifetime of creativity, knowledge and perspective, gained through his love of the land, art and Dene culture. Exploring his 65-year career through more than 100 remarkable paintings and drawings, it is the largest and most comprehensive retrospective on the artist to date.
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.
Acoustic Conversations: Arthur Lismer Guitar
Luthier Tony Duggan-Smith created this guitar inspired by the work of Arthur Lismer. Duggan-Smith will be in a moderated conversation with musician Kevin Breit about the creation of the guitar before a live performance, where Breit will perform.
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.
The Art of Canada
Ian Dejardin, Executive Director of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, is delving deep into the gallery’s vaults to make a very personal selection of works of art for his first curated show since taking the reins of the gallery. Dejardin promises many classic favourites, but also some that have been rarely seen, and some that might surprise even an audience familiar with Canadian art. This exhibition will showcase the beauty, diversity, and artistry of the art of Canada.
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.
Saturday Art Classes
Also known as Saturdays at the McMichael (SAM), these popular art classes offer a creative exploration of various art mediums, encourage skill development while cultivating art appreciation, and introduce children to Canadian art through in-gallery activities. Facilitated by professional art instructors, children will be divided into three age-appropriate groups to be determined upon registration.
Tukilik: Inukshuk and Inuit Art
Tukilik, an Inuktitut word defined as a “thing that has meaning”, is an apt title for this exhibition that explores the many meanings and artistic interpretations of inuksuit (plural of inukshuk) of Baffin Island. There are over 60 photographs, drawings, prints, and sculptures from the McMichael Canadian Art Collection including the Norman E. Hallendy Archive.