Interview with Volunteer Meg Cox

For National Volunteer Week Canada, we sat down with RMG volunteer Meg Cox to learn more about what she loves most about the RMG.

The RMG: Why did you choose to volunteer at the RMG? 

Meg Cox: I had just moved to Oshawa and knew that galleries draw interesting, creative people- I was looking to get involved in an active community, and with volunteering at the RMG- I found one!

RMG: What’s your favourite part of the gallery?

MC: It’s a tie between the Isabel McLaughlin Gallery, housing the permanent collection, and the RMG shop. The gallery space is stunning, serene and peaceful- it encourages viewers to linger. The RMG Shop is an incredible resource for locally sourced and crafted gifts. It is the perfect place to shop for birthdays and holiday – always something unique to find!

RMG: What work of art is your favourite/has had an impact on your and why?

MC: I’m crushing on Holly King’s installation: Edging Towards the Mysterious. Her work it exciting and makes you want to slow down, unravel the pieces and puzzle them together.

RMG: What do you enjoy most about leading yoga at the RMG?

MC: The community we’ve created- the ability to connect art and yoga in a beautiful space- encouraging wellness in downtown Oshawa, the list goes on! We practice in the Isabel McLaughlin Gallery, where the theme of the permanent collection’s theme is movement – there is no better place to unwind after a day than in shavasana, surrounded by art.

yoga instructor

Expand your mind at the RMG!

While the RMG is full of art classes and camps for kids, we haven’t forgotten about parents and adults! The gallery invites art enthusiasts of all ages – young and old – to learn something new with us! Our adult classes range from artistic to physical, and we’re positive you’ll find something that strikes your interest.

If you feel like winding down after a busy day, the RMG knows just what you need! Yoga in the Gallery is the perfect way to calm your nerves and settle your mind after a long and busy Thursday at work. Meg Cox, our zen-tastic instructor, opens the class up to people of all levels, from beginners to seasoned yogis. With her down to earth and approachable attitude, and the beautiful art surrounding you in the Isabel McLaughlin Gallery, anyone can feel welcome and relaxed in our spacious yoga studio – and what better studio than an art gallery? The current session is running until April 21, with drop ins welcome, and the next session will be starting on May 5, and running until June 23.

yoga instructor

Changing pace, we are offering a different kind of class dynamic with Open Studio Mondays. Starting May 2 and running until June 27, our studio will be open from 10am to 4pm for artists who are encouraged to bring their own materials and work independently and freely in an open studio space.

art studio

We are also hoping to expand your mind, create inner peace and connect you with the deeper parts of yourself with Mindfulness Mondays, a six week course starting May 9 and running until June 20 from 12pm to 1pm. With Randi-Mae Stanford-Leibold, explore meditation and reflective writing using inspiration from the gallery. This is a great opportunity to slow things down and take a minute for yourself.

We have a number of exciting and unique workshops coming in spring and summer. These workshops are a great place for beginners to learn some new techniques and for artists to finesse their skills.

On Sunday, May 29, join us for Found Drawings with artist Ruth Read from 1pm to 3pm. Using various found materials, this workshop focuses on serendipitous artwork – art that happens by accident. This unique approach to art will stimulate your creativity and challenge you to look at art from different perspectives, as well as encourage you to work harmoniously and collaboratively with other artists to stumble upon some found imagery.

art installation

Ruth Read; The Garden in Winter

A couple weeks later on Sunday, June 12 at the same time, we have another intriguing workshop, Cartography of Process with Jessica Field, which hones in the theory of creativity, helping artists examine their creative process and make the most of their artwork.

If you’re looking for a mini camp experience for yourself, from August 15-19, the RMG has an exciting NEW opportunity for 19+ artists, Intro to Video! Without any experience necessary, we will teach you the basics of video and film making so you can be on your way to the next big film festival!

This spring and summer, the RMG is the creative mind’s oasis! You can relax with yoga, open your mind with mindfulness courses, and learn some awesome new artistic skills! It’s everything the creative bug in you could want and more! For more information, call us at (905) 576-3000 or visit for a full list of everything happening at the RMG!

Weekly Yoga in the Gallery

Was your New Year’s resolution to improve your health and see more art? Starting January 21, enjoy yoga in the gallery and expand your mind, body and creativity with weekly yoga practice in the Isabel McLaughlin Gallery, led by local yoga instructor and RMG Volunteer Meg Cox.

Join us for a six ­week session and grab a glimpse of the works on display while centering and relaxing the body and mind. Classes are suitable for all levels. Sessions will begin with introductory poses, mindfulness and breathing techniques. Make your health a convenient habit in 2016!

Meg Cox is based in Oshawa and an active volunteer at the RMG. Her classes are a light­hearted and welcoming environment. She enjoys teaching people who, like her, never thought yoga was something they could practice or enjoy. Cox initially started yoga to help strengthen her back from rowing injuries, but was captivated by the body ­accepting and nurturing nature of the practice. Now, with over 10 years of practice, her knees and back have strengthened and she has a kindness towards her body and life she never thought possible before.

Studying with a variety of teachers around the world, Meg completed her first teacher training in 2014 through the AyurYoga Eco­Ashram in Mysore, India. She has since completed trainings with Yogaworks Yin Yoga with David Kim and attended international yoga conferences with Kathryn Budig, Kia Miller, and Forrest Yoga teacher Sinhee Ye­McCabe.

Yoga in the Gallery with Instructor Meg Cox
Session 1: January 21 – February 25, 2016
Thursdays 5:30pm – 6:30pm

Full Session: Members $75  |  Non-Member $85
Drop ­In:  $15

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