Join Project Coordinator, Digital Collections and curator of this show Heather Riley for a guided tour of their permanent collection exhibition, which explores themes of queerness within the RMG’s collection.
Thursday Curatorial Tours are free and open to everyone. They provide deeper insight into the themes, context, and content of our exhibitions. Seating options are available. For more information about access and our facilities, please visit rmg.on.ca/visit/ or contact Hannah Keating at [email protected] with any specific requests.
Let’s celebrate spring together! We are offering an afternoon of tea, tours, a floral arranging workshop, and watercolour painting opportunities. This free event is funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.
Schedule of events
Tours of the RMG exhibitions at 1pm and 2pm
Watercolour Flowers workshop 1:30-2:00pm or 2:30-3:00pm (drop in maximum 15 per session)
Floral Arranging Workshop with Brookstead Flowers 1:30-2:30pm (waitlist available)
Tea and Coffee in our onsite Arthurs Restaurant 1-3pm
Join curator Lisa Myers for a tour of our special exhibition, Powerful Glow.
Installation of Powerful Glow at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, 2022. Image by Toni Hafkenscheid.
Thursday Curatorial Tours are free and open to everyone. They provide deeper insight into the themes, context, and content of our exhibitions. Seating options are available. For more information about access and our facilities, please visit rmg.on.ca/visit/ or contact Hannah Keating at [email protected] with any specific requests.
Join Senior Curator Sonya Jones for a guided tour of the exhibition The Ties That Bind, which includes work from the RMG’s permanent collection.
Thursday Curatorial Tours are free and open to everyone. They provide deeper insight into the themes, context, and content of our exhibitions. Seating options are available. For more information about access and our facilities, please visit rmg.on.ca/visit/ or contact Hannah Keating at [email protected] with any specific requests.
Join Associate Curator Erin Szikora for a guided tour of the exhibition Piecework, which includes work by Hangama Amiri, Alicia Barbeiri, Colleen Heslin, Jeremy Laing, Judith Tinkl, Preston Pavlis, Jagdeep Rania, Moraa Stump, Joyce Wieland, and Alice Olsen Williams.
Thursday Curatorial Tours are free and open to everyone. They provide deeper insight into the themes, context, and content of our exhibitions. Seating options are available. For more information about access and our facilities, please visit rmg.on.ca/visit/ or contact Hannah Keating at [email protected] with any specific requests.
Come share Pride with us at the RMG! It takes courage to wear heels with confidence, imagine with a wig! Some of Durham’s best drag performers are going to show us how it’s done. Come see our divas and bring your hottest heels. Get ready to stomp down the runway at the end of the night!
Orlandra Bloom is your Filipina Goddess and dancing diva of Oshawa! This queen loves to hit the stage all over Ontario and can often be found dipping, spinning, and splitting to all her favourite hits. Orlandra is a natural born drag queen who has always admired the women in her life and how they’d get themselves put together.
Big D. Elle sashayed into the Toronto drag scene a year ago and has been delivering jaw-dropping performances across the GTA ever since. Bearded and beautiful, they are here, they are queer, and they are ready to turn the party.
Kali Kontour is a young drag artist from Oshawa. Kali was inspired to start drag after teaching herself how to sew and do makeup during the COVID-19 lockdowns. She began performing in March 2022 and has taken Durham Region by storm over the last year. Since beginning drag Kali has had the opportunity to teach children about Pride during story times, participate in her first ever drag pageant, and connect with so many inspirational people that she is honoured to have had the opportunity to meet. Kali’s favourite part of drag is the opportunity to connect with her inner femininity that she often felt ashamed of as a child. Now, she is fearless.
Audrey Gold Bloom is a new drag performer who first hit the stage earlier this year. Her inspirations are old school divas, dance hits, and contemporary power performers. Audrey is a sensational performer who knows how to command the stage. This young queen is a force to be reckon with and is set for the stars!
Playing in the Lookout
F^¢K ‘€M R!GHT B@¢K
(12.5 mins)
Directed by Harris Doran
A queer Black Baltimore rapper must outwit his “out-to-get-him” day job boss, in order to avoid being fired after he accidentally takes drugs.
Edgy
(2.5 mins)
Student film from Germany
Directed by Kilian Armando Friedrich, Ann-Kathrin Jahn, Jonas Kleinalstede, Schnekenbühl Katharina, Paula Tschira
Edgy lives in a world of blocks, but somehow doesn’t seem to fit.
In the Studio
The vibes are immaculate in the studio with Farah. We will be painting mini magnet canvases that can be displayed proudly. Pride themed designs will be provided, no prior art experience necessary!
Special thanks to DRIFF in a Jiff, RBC and Tourism Relief Fund for their support with this event.
Join us for Emerging Visions, the art exhibition of Durham College’s Fine Arts Advanced students. We are excited for this new Exhibition showcasing their thesis collection. Downstairs on the lower level, DRIFF in a Jiff in the Lookout, and an open art activity in the Art Studio with Farah. Starapples Restaurant is popping up in the lobby and will be dishing out delicious eats for sale. We will also be featuring performances by Delon Om and HADDIX.
Timeline of Events
7:00 – Doors Open
7:15 – Drop-in Studio Activity (Education Studio, Level 1)
7:15 – DRIFF in a Jiff Film Screening + Director Q&A (Lookout, Level 1)
7:25 – Opening Remarks and Welcome (Isabel Gallery, Level 3)
7:30 – Performance by Delon Om (Isabel Gallery, Level 3)
8:15 – Exhibition Opening Remarks with Sean McQuay (Durham College) and Hannah Keating (RMG) (Gallery A, Level 1)
8:20 – DRIFF in a Jiff Film Screening + Director Q&A (Lookout, Level 1)
8:40 – Performance by HADDIX (Isabel Gallery, Level 3)
Born and raised in Pickering, Ontario, Canadian singer/songwriter Delon Om is a former contestant on Canadian Idol. After co-writing one song with Juno award-winning producer Sheldon Moore, Om was catapulted to instant stardom when Virgin Radio 99.9 (CKFM Toronto, Canada) welcomed the single “Superstar” into rotation. “Superstar” hit the airwaves in 2016 and it didn’t take long for the record labels to take heed of this: he was courted by both Sony and Ultra Records. After signing with Ultra Records, Om collaborated with Alex Gaudino, a prolific DJ in the global community. In 2018, he was invited to perform at the 13th Annual Caribbean Hall of Fame Awards. His single “What We Guh Do Now?” (Featuring Juno-nominated artist Trinity Chris) held the #1 spot on various radio charts in Jamaica for 3 months. Another one of his singles, “Someone Special to Me”, was featured in the critically acclaimed documentary “This is for Toronto”. In 2021, Om teamed up with two-time Canadian Latin Award winner BenAnthony LaVoz and Latin Grammy winner Sensei Musica to release “The Gentleman & Scholar”, which was nominated for three Canadian Latin Awards. Om has recently worked with Juno-nominated producer T.J. Habibi on his critically acclaimed solo album “Theatre of Cruelty”, which won two OMAs in 2022 for “Best Emerging Artist” and “Best Music Video.” Om is currently signed to Sony Music and is working on new music for MTV, some of which will be featured in shows like Catfish, Teen Mom and the reboot of Jersey Shore.
HADDIX is a high energy pop-rock artist from Toronto Ontario. After releasing music written aside Grammy nominated songwriters in Nashville TN, HADDIX launched her first live shows in 2022, debuting at NXNE ’22! Since then she has taken her show on the road with her incredible band, opening for Juno nominated talent and gaining attention in the Canadian music scene. Her 6 singles released to date explore themes of love, empowerment and self confidence. Being apart of the 2+LGBTQ1A community, she hopes that her music resonates with all music lovers and that everyone can see a piece of themselves in her music. Simply put – be ready to see one hell of a show!
DRIFF in a Jiff will be downstairs in the lookout with film screenings at 7:30PM. The filmmakers will be on site to answer questions.
He Comes at Night (10 mins) Directed by Joseph Covello Produced by Krystle Ferdinand
On a stormy night, an anxious eight-year-old from a fractured home wakes up to the terrible realization that the monster under her bed may be real.
Join Farah in the studio to decorate a mini planter pot! Springtime designs and colour choices are available to get the creativity flowing. No prior arts experience necessary!
Special thanks to Starapples, RBC Foundation’s Emerging Artist Project, and DRIFF in a Jiff for their support with this event.
We are so excited to present two new exhibitions at the RMG: Piecework and Brigitte Sampogna’s, Nowhere. No, Where? Now here. Join us at 6pm to help us celebrate the work of 11 incredible artists.
Hangama Amiri, Woman Before A Mirror, Muslin, cotton, polyester, dyed fabric, nylon tulle, velvet, chiffon, silk, sued, and found fabrics, 73” x 53.5”, 2022. Courtesy of the artist and T293 Gallery.
We are so excited to celebrate the opening of two new exhibitions at the RMG!
Using the materiality of quilt making as a metaphor for how the fabric of the world holds together, Piecework is an exhibition that brings together a group of contemporary artists who use textiles and assemblage as world-building tools.
Nowhere. No, where? Now here. is an exhibition by RBC Emerging Artist in Residence Brigitte Sampogna, which uses a laundry line as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of self-discovery and was produced during her winter residency at the RMG.
Artists from both exhibitions will be with us on Friday to share their works and ideas with us.
The party continues with a guided studio activity, film screenings with DRIFF in a Jiff, and a spellbinding musical performance by Mimi O’Bonsawin.
DRIFF in a Jiff will be downstairs in the lookout with film screenings at 7:30PM. The filmmakers will be on site to answer questions.
The Test (11 mins)
Directed by Martin Baena
Written/Produced by Noah R. Taylor
An eccentric driving examiner takes advantage of a young man trying to get his licence.
On the Fence (6.5 mins)
Directed by Paula Ner Dormiendo
This short, thoughtful film presents several intertwined conversations with a group of multicultural individuals and their struggle with identity.
Drop in to the education studio between 7:00 and 8:30 to participate in a creative activity for all ages that asks: What does comfort mean to you? Inspired by our new exhibition, Piecework, this activity invites you to fill paper quilt pieces with patterns that express your own personal interpretation of comfort. All of the pieces will be added to a quilted mural on the studio wall as an expression of community and creativity.
Mimi O’Bonsawin is a contemporary roots singer-songwriter from Northeastern Ontario. Through her rhythm and story-driven songs, Mimi embraces the beauty of the land, all the while yielding to her Franco-Ontarian and Abenaki roots. In her music you will find sounds from the forest, uplifting melodies and introspective lyrics weaved with pop sensitivities and acoustic instruments. The layers of percussion and surprising harmonies make you feel the music rather than just hear it. Mimi will be performing from her new album: Willow.
Special thanks to DRIFF in a Jiff and RBC for their support with this event.
Join us for an evening with Black Lit Durham and Desarae Dee!
Welcome back to our RMG Fridays for 2023! We will be celebrating an evening of Poetry! With an introduction from Kesha Christie, will feature 3 unique Poets for your heart and Soul. Speaking of Heart and Soul, we have the beautiful Desarae Dee back for a solo performance! DRIFF is also onsite to deliver a double feature of Iranian Films, Boiled Tea and enigmatic, Identibye.
7 PM – Doors open
7:15 PM – DRIFF Film Screening in the Lookout
7:30 PM – Introduction by Kesha Christie and poet performances
8:30 PM – DRIFF Film Screening in the Lookout
8:45 PM – Desarae Dee performance
Kesha Christie is a dynamic storyteller and speaker. She connects people and culture through African and Caribbean folktales and stories that hook and ignite the imagination. She has shared stories with listeners in the Caribbean, the US, India and across Canada. Performing in schools, libraries, festivals, and community, corporate and special events. She has a weekly podcast called Walk Good and a YouTube channel under Talkin’ Tales, which amplify the power of stories.
Kesha is board member of the Storytellers of Canada, and founder of an annual storyteller event, which celebrates the oral tradition and showcases local entrepreneurs in the community. For more information visit www.talkintales.ca.
Judith Shaw Judith Shaw is a poet and a member of the Durham Storytellers. She is the author of a children’s book “My Grandmother Said Art Is Everywhere”. Judith was born in Kingston, Jamaica and raised by her Grandma Wawa. Judith believes grandparents are wise and special, and that they should be loved, honoured and respected. Judith works as a visiting home Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), but also finds delight tapping into her artistic abilities. She enjoys daydreaming and believes art arrives from the ability to dream and from the freeing of our imagination.
Shakkoi aka Need Some Koi Shakkoi aka Need Some Koi is a multi talented creative excelling in dance instruction and spoken word poetry. After performing as a dancer for six years, she is now focusing on making sure the world hears why they too Need Some Koi through her speaking, hosting and comedy appearances. Floetry Fitness, her business that focuses on creating spaces for movement and poetry, has been seen on Breakfast Television’s Movin in the Mornings, as well as Nia Centre, Black Women in Motion and the City of Pickering. With plenty of experiences to share, there is no doubt that everyone needs some Koi in their lives!
Desarae Dee Desarae Dee is a Canadian Instrumental Fusion Artist, Multi-Instrumentalist and Producer who has made significant waves in the Canadian music industry with her unique and unconventional playing style since 2014. Known as “Toronto’s Queen of Vibes,” her passionate and meaningful sound combines a unique mixture of faith, soul, vulnerability and divine balance. 8 years into her life as a music artist, she has established herself as a genre-bending and boundary-pushing artist. She has an extensive resume that includes an abundance of music releases, in addition to regional touring, features on Spotify’s Fresh Finds Jazz, NPR Music’s Jazz Night: On The List and Jazz Night Staff’s Holiday Faves playlists, national and international media and radio coverage and a Top 100 finish in the 2022 CBC Music Searchlight competition. In addition to her numerous musical accolades, Desarae was one of five recipients of the 2022 SiriusXM Black Canadian Awards powered by the SOCAN Foundation. As someone who never saw herself represented in the entertainment industry, Desarae has blazed a trail of authenticity and genre exploration while continuing to break barriers in the industry and forge a path for current and future Black Women Musicians.
Downstairs in the Lookout
Join DRIFF downstairs in the Lookout for two short films.
Screenings repeat at 7:15pm and 8:30pm.
Identibye (15 mins) (Persian with English subtitles) Winner of multiple awards internationally, including Best International Short at DRIFF 2022 Director: Sajjad Shahhatami Without a single word being uttered by the protagonist, the actor and director draw us into a struggle with identity few of us can imagine.
Boiled Tea (15 mins) (Persian with English subtitles) The family is getting ready to celebrate Samaneh’s birthday, but a pack of tea changes everything!
Special thanks to DRIFF in a Jiff for their support with this event.
The RMG reserves the right to cancel this event due to circumstances beyond RMG’s control or not reasonably anticipated, including but not limited, to weather, or inability of Facility to host Event.
sophia bartholomew, dances around a living tree (detail), 2022, wood, found materials and organic matter, string, C-clamps, and laminated sheets.
Join curator Hannah Keating for a guided tour of the exhibition Loose Parts, which includes work by sophia bartholomew, Akash Inbakumar, and Justin Mezzapelli.
Thursday Curatorial Tours are free and open to everyone. They provide deeper insight into the themes, context, and content of our exhibitions. Seating options are available. For more information about access and our facilities, please visit rmg.on.ca/visit/ or contact Hannah Keating at [email protected] with any specific requests.
No advance registration required.
Save the date! Join us for these upcoming Curatorial Tours:
March 23 – Powerful Glow, Lisa Myers Join curator Lisa Myers for a tour of our special exhibition, Powerful Glow.
April 20 – Piecework, Erin Szikora Join Associate Curator Erin Szikora for a guided tour of the exhibition Piecework, which includes work by Hangama Amiri, Alicia Barbeiri, Colleen Heslin, Jeremy Laing, Tau Lewis, Preston Pavlis, Jagdeep Rania, Moraa Stump, Joyce Wieland, and Alice Olsen Williams.
May 18– The Ties That Bind, Sonya Jones Join Senior Curator Sonya Jones for a guided tour of the exhibition The Ties That Bind, which includes work from the RMG’s permanent collection.
June 29 – Queering the Collection, Heather Riley Join Project Coordinator, Digital Collections and curator of this show Heather Riley for a guided tour of their permanent collection exhibition, which explores themes of queerness within the RMG’s collection.
September 21 – Untouched Landscapes and Topographies, Erin Szikora Join Associate Curator Erin Szikora for a guided tour of the exhibitions Untouched Landscapes, with work by Aaron Jones, and Topographies, with work by Anna Binta Diallo.
