Mother Earth: Accessible Studio Workshop
Celebrate Mom in an Accessible Studio artmaking workshop that explores an Indigenous understanding of the spiritual and natural world. Moms, grandmas, aunts and sisters are all invited to take part in this multigenerational and collaborative workshop.
Eulalie’s Journey to Algonquin with Tom Thomson: Children’s Book Launch
Join author Catherine Wilson in a reading from her newest children's book that offers a lyrical insight into the life of Tom Thomson as told from the perspective of his dog Eulalie. Focusing on the artist's last days in Algonquin Park, this book provides a wonderful introduction to one of the most fascinating and mysterious Canadian artists. A family tour of Tom Thomson's sketches and a drop-in art workshop, where illustrator Ruth MacLean will be present, complement this special afternoon.
FULL Colour Exploration, Watercolour Painting Instructor: David McEown
Explore essential watercolour techniques and embark on perception exercises that will enhance one’s way of seeing. This Master Class encourages participants to paint directly from nature and interpret photographic references.
Once Upon a Time, Family Storytelling Circle
This bilingual parent-and-tot program - designed for the youngest art lovers - explores basic art concepts and Canadian cultural traditions through guided art viewing, storytelling, songs, games, and play-based activities introducing French vocabulary.
Artist Talk & Performance: Give Me Wood and I Will Make it Sing for You
In this entertaining lecture/slideshow/concert, award-winning guitar maker, inlay artist, and performer William “Grit” Laskin will answer these questions and more. A not-to-miss event for those who want to learn about the artistry of guitar making, and listen to a performance by one of their favourite folk singers and songwriters.
Digital Photography 2-Day Mini Camp
Digital Photography 2-Day Mini Camp Ages 13 – 15 Join photographer Bryan Weiss for a breakdown in digital cameras and picture-taking techniques. Those enrolled in this session will learn how a camera works, and how to think more purposefully when taking photos. The class will cover exposure, focusing, composition, lighting, and how to use the different [...]
March Break Madness
Start the March Break in flamenco style with visual art workshops, family exhibition tours, and a special performance by Roger Scannura and his talented family! The Scannuras are Canada’s pre-eminent flamenco family pursuing their art form with authenticity and excellence. Alongside Roger Scannura, his wife Valerie founded the Ritmo Flamenco Dance and Music Ensemble in 1995. They are also proud to have nurtured their daughter Anjelica’s love of dance. She’s an award-winning dancer and choreographer who has toured throughout the world, and has taken on lead roles in the film and television industry. The performance will be followed by a flamenco dance workshop.
Live Art by Beddo
To celebrate the opening of …Everything Remains Raw: Photographing Toronto’s Hip Hop Culture from Analogue to Digital, Beddo, a Toronto-based visual artist who uses a unique combination of graffiti, comic book and traditional fine art, will offer a live art demonstration within the exhibition spaces. Discovering his passion for art at a very young age, Beddo found inspiration in his city of Toronto. From the visuals of street art and neighbourhood comic book shops to the rhythms of hip hop and reggae culture, and the movement on the ball courts in the parks, his artistic vision was born. DJ Selector Ricks will provide a pulsating musical background for this unique event.
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.
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.
Ivory, Bone, Antler and Horn: Masterworks of Inuit Sculpture
Inuit artists work in distinctive, innovative styles and combine ivory, bone, antler and horn to great effect. Whale bone, caribou bone, and antler are frequently used for carving by Inuit. For centuries, Inuit have been carving utilitarian objects and decorating their tools with ivory, bone, antler and horn. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they began creating sculpture for sale outside the community as a source of income. The early works were usually small carvings from walrus ivory representing seals, caribou, polar bears, and birds, as well as small ivory genre scenes of hunting from kayaks, driving dog teams, or skinning seals. Appropriately, these small items are usually referred to as “trade sculptures.” The history of Inuit sculptures as a source of income, types of bone used for specific carvings, and the significance of this art form will be explored in this exhibition.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.