Women in Art and Community

Women in Art and Community

There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.
-Michelle Obama

Alexandra Luke would be proud. While we can only speculate on how she saw the future of a small building on Simcoe Street that housed works by the Painters’ 11 and other Canadian artists, fifty years later the Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG) has since been known as the space where art, thought, and community thrive.

March’s theme for RMG’s First Fridays paid special attention to the women who have, and still put their energies into pieces that inspire discussion and -hopefully, progress.

The night began with a combined piece by the women’s choir and senior dance ensemble from O’Neill Collegiate and Vocational Institute (OCVI). Choreographer Jenni MacNeil explained how the students working together symbolized their hope for rising above hatred.

“When many different art forms can come together under a common theme, that in and of itself is a beautiful model of diversity and tolerance, and how we see ourselves reflected in each other,” she said.
Later in the evening guests were invited to tour the gallery with in-house expert Steven Bland, and saw how some women in art celebrated womanhood in themselves, or ones they admired.

Of course the discussion landed on Beyoncé. Specifically a metal work of Beyoncé’s silhouette fused to an energy source.

“(The artist’s) inspiration for this (piece) comes from hydro towers…her theme is to put power and the feminine together to show the power of women, she’s not making a joke of calling this (piece) ‘Beyoncé,’ because she is one of the most powerful women in the entertainment community… So really, it’s honouring Beyoncé,” Bland explained to admirers.

However, not far from the power piece, was another metal work of a woman’s body, as a bench.
Perspective, of sorts.

Meanwhile, musicians Trish Robb, entertainment specialist DJ Lynz kept guests in an upbeat and mellow vibe, while Caitlin and Cassidy McAuliffe, also known as the Woodland Sisters (@woodland.sisters), led an environment-conscientious workshop for more hands-on guests in the upper and lower levels respectively.

For more art and perspective, or a great night out that celebrates local creativity, head to the next First Fridays at RMG on April 7, at 7:00 p.m.

RMG Fridays: Origins

By: Stephanie Pollard

RMG Fridays: Origins reminded Oshawa and Durham Region that we live-recognize, learn from, and honour- culture.

As the first event to officially begin the Robert McLaughlin Gallery’s (RMG) 50th anniversary celebrations, Origins felt more like an opening night than get-together. A nervous excitement buzzing around the main floor had managers, media, artists, and volunteers hustling to settle last minute details, and get ready for a night that would not only pay homage to the gallery’s beginnings (the building sits on recognized Mississauga territory, a branch of the Anishinaabeg Nation), but could signal a change in how Oshawa interacts with its identity .

CEO of the Robert McLaughlin Gallery Donna Raetsen-Kemp, hopes people begin to see the gallery as a resource they can actively claim.
“This is about connecting people (with) art and each other, (and) the gallery being (a) vehicle (for this event) is just a really beautiful example of when that happens, because this is their place, we’re here for the complete community,” she said.

The night began with a special opening ceremony by cultural consultant Kim Wheatley, who is also an Anishinaabe (Ojibway) band member of the Shawanaga First Nation. Wheatley, with two of her three daughters performed a unity song with hand-drumming, the fancy shawl dance, and facilitated a dream catcher workshop respectively. Wheatley thanked RMG for involving Durham Region’s First Nations community in planning Origins.

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Image: Colin Burwell, the RMG Media Team

“I’m really proud of the gallery for acknowledging its Indigenous beginnings,” Wheatley said.

Volunteer and community manager Carla Sinclair was also happy with how Origins was supported from beginning to end.

“I’m not part of that (the Indigenous) community, so when I went to plan this event I reached out to lots of different organizations…and it was amazing how many people stepped up to the plate and were so happy to contribute (and) give advice,” she said. Following the opening ceremony, guests enjoyed performances by Cale Crowe and Elsa Jayne, a Pow Wow presentation, and film ‘Indigenous Arts Protocols’ by The Ontario Arts Council.

Origins also hosted special community supporters like the Durham Region Metis Council, the Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle, the Aboriginal Student Centre of Durham College, and the Oshawa Community Museum. Aboriginal Student Advisor for Durham College Peggy Forbes, hopes that this specific RMG Fridays leads to representation that recognizes Canada’s multi-faceted history.

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Image: Colin Burwell, the RMG Media Team

“Most people don’t know about the true history of Canada-our shared history; it’s not ‘mine’ against ‘yours,’ it’s a shared history…so it’s really important that people push for more solid curriculum that includes Indigenous studies,” she said.
Fortunately, the gallery plans to host future events that will showcase the many cultures that call Oshawa home.

“We’re all part of this community, and unless you see yourself celebrated in them, you’re not going to necessarily feel a part of it. I absolutely think that as an art gallery, (which is) supposed to be a leader in forward thinking…in pushing the boundaries a little bit and (seeing) how the community evolves, I think it’s important to celebrate all cultures that exist in our community,” Carla said.

For updates on upcoming RMG Fridays visit www.rmg.on.ca, or their Facebook (@TheRMG), and Twitter (@theRMG) pages.

How Do People Find Them?: Stephanie Pollard on the Value of RMG Fridays

They’re artists in Oshawa…as in ‘GM town’ Oshawa?
But they’re based in Toronto right?
No?!
So where do they get support for their work?
How do people find them?
(Do they even have an Instagram account?)
Who comes out to see their work, do they know where to find them?

RMG Fridays is where artists and art lovers get together to experience and share the local creativity buzzing at home.
On the first Friday of each month at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG) in Oshawa, a quiet 72 Queen St. comes to life by welcoming a stream of admirers that moves easily to and from the displays of local artists and businesses.

“We’re showing visitors what Oshawa has to offer, in Oshawa,” said RMG’s volunteer manager Carla Sinclair. “People can ask the artists questions, talk to business owners, and get a great night out with family and friends-minus the expensive drinks and parking.”

Jay Dart was October’s First Friday artist with his ongoing creation of the land Yawnder, a place where inspiration lives and takes shape.
“Yawnder is my mental landscape. When people are going into that creative space, they go somewhere-their ideas come from the back of their mind that they can’t quite describe. It’s a little abstract and for me, that is Yawnder,” he said. The exhibit gives visitors a chance to take a walk in Dart’s Yawnder through the story’s main character Jiggs, as well as discover their own Yawnders by creating idea geists and including them in the exhibit.

Not far from Yawnder in the gallery’s lower level, local filmmakers showcase their work as part of RMG Fridays’ Friday Film Feature. Councilwoman-turned community activist Amy McQuaid-England took viewers to the South Patch community garden, one of the too-few practical steps taken to address the lack of access to fresh, locally grown food for residents living in Oshawa’s high needs areas. The decision to switch from politics to filmmaking seems to align with McQuaid-England’s focus on bringing sustainable and lasting change to her community, as the short film became the bronze winner at the 2016 International Film Awards.
Business-wise, Isabella’s Chocolate Cafe and the Auto Workers Community Credit Union (AWCCU) had displays where audiences could make their financial goals known, or sample an array of Yawnder themed baked treats respectively.

Creative manager of the AWCCU Meghyn Cox emphasized that each time local supporters – whether in the arts or otherwise-get together, the larger community reaches new levels.

“It’s about bringing people together and making things happen in Oshawa, Durham-it just gets bigger from there. The more we’re involved with community, everything gets better,” she said.

Be sure to check out the next RMG Friday on December 2, from 7-10 p.m.

Father’s Day is Fast Approaching

Mark down Sunday, June 19 in your calendars! Father’s Day has been around for over a hundred-years and we continue to celebrate all that our Dads have done for us. From teaching us how to ride a bike to driving a stick shift, they have always been there for us and it’s time to pay them back for their efforts.

Father’s Day is fast approaching, but no need to worry because we have the perfect gifts for Dad in our shop.

Wooden Kitchen Utensils by Hardwood Hill.

Here’s a set of handy kitchen utensils made by Hardwood Hill, handcrafted by Darren Neil. The Muddlers and spice boxes are perfect for any father that enjoys homemade drinks.

Assorted wooden housewares.

We also have an assortment of wooden utensils, not specifically for the kitchen, but are still perfect for Dad. There are prism corkscrews, magnetic wooden bottle openers and even cutting boards by Brent Rourke Designs.

Lemon Mint and Barley beer soap by Aide Body Care.

If your dad loves beer why not get him one of the special lemon mint and barley beer soaps by Aide Body Care, made in collaboration with local brewery, 5 Paddles Brewing Co.

Gentlemen’s Shaving Bar by Aide Body Care.

Grab some more products by Aide Body Care made especially for men. Aide Body Care’s Gentlemen’s Shaving Bar is perfect for Dad when paired with a shaving brush.

Treat your dad to something special and stop by the RMG Shop to pick up on of these, and more, fantastic gifts for Father’s Day.

Museum Month: Visit our Neighbourhood Museums

In celebration of Museum Month, we’re shining a spotlight on the other galleries and museums around Oshawa and the Durham Region.

The Whitby Station Gallery and the Visual Arts Centre of Clarington also play important roles in the cultural community of Durham Region. The Oshawa Community Museum and Archives(OCMA), Parkwood Estate, the Canadian Automotive Museum and the Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum are sharing the cultural history of Durham Region.

The Oshawa Community Museum and Archives:

Oshawa Community Museum and Archives, Guy House.
Photo courtesy of the OCMA

The Oshawa Community Museum and Archives works to preserve and present Oshawa’s history and help the public better understand and appreciate the City’s heritage. The OCMA tells Oshawa’s story from the first native settlements and to the present day.

The OCMA holds a photograph collection from Thomas Bouckley, artifacts from the Henry, Robinson and Guy families, a medical instrument collection and vast artifact and photograph collection showing historic Oshawa. The Oshawa Historical Society administers the OCMA to ensure all funding received from the City of Oshawa goes to support the operation and administration of the OCMA.

The OCMA is a leader in promoting Oshawa’s history and connecting people and communities with their past. Now that the weather has gotten nicer the Heritage Gardens are perfect place to go to enjoy the history behind some of Oshawa.

Parkwood Estate:

Parkwood Estate, Oshawa.
Photo courtesy of Parkwood Estates.

Parkwood Estate is a mansion located in the heart of Oshawa, decorated in classic period representation of the early 20th century design. The rooms are made to highlight the lifestyle of a wealthy family and their guests. The collection is so complete it gives an impression that the family still lives there!

In 1915, the McLaughlin family had gained notability and achieved “First Family” status in Oshawa. They purchased Prospect Park to be the site of their new home, Parkwood Estate. The mansion was designed by Darling and Pearson, a team of architects who had a large influence on Canadian institutional architecture. The mansion began construction in 1915 and finished in 1917.

The gardens around the house provide an elaborate distraction for families and visitors to the estate. Parkwood Estate offers an opportunity to see the last and finest remaining residential gardens designed by Harries & Hall, Dunington-Grubb and John Lyle.

Whitby Station Gallery:

Train car outside the Whitby Station Gallery.
Photo courtesy of the Whitby Station Gallery.

The Whitby Station Gallery started as a community gallery run by a group of art enthusiasts in Whitby as Whitby Arts Incorporated. The group, along with benefactors and supporters, purchased Whitby’s Grand Trunk Railway Station in 1969. The station was set to be demolished, but the purchase by the group saved the building and it was moved in 1970 and given the name Whitby Station Gallery.

The gallery’s permanent collection houses more than 300 original pieces, including works by Anne Meredith Barry, David Blackwood and Kim Ondaatje. The gallery is also about to start its SG Pop-up Studio, which brings free art experiences to events in the community. The events start on the weekend of May 14 at the Food Truck Frenzy in the Iroquois Park Sports Centre and Artfest on the Esplanade in Pickering.

Visual Arts Centre of Clarington:

The original Mill that was later turned into the Visual Arts Centre.
Photo courtesy of the VAC.

In 1973, the town of Bowmanville purchased the Mill, a historic landmark of Bowmanville with rich history, and council agreed to turn the building into a Visual Arts Centre (VAC). Mills were seen as a life source for towns in the past, and now that hasn’t changed, except the type of life it brings to the town. The VAC still brings life to the community in the form of art, something that most people didn’t have the luxury in taking part of in the past.

The VAC of Clarington is located along Soper Creek, along a path through the Rotary Centennial Gardens and along the Soper Valley. The VAC is currently exhibiting Maralynn Cherry’s Water Stations (a pilgrimage). Cherry is a non-status indigenous artists of Odawa heritage.

Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum:

A CVRT Scorpion on display at the Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum.
Photo courtesy of the Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum.

The Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum is home to Canada’s largest collection of operational military vehicles. They host a program called ‘Tank Sundays’ which lets visitors of all ages experience the world of tanks first hand.

The museum also hosts a static display to display their collection, including medals, manuscripts, photos, uniforms and more. The display tells the story of the Ontario Regiments 150 year history, spanning through the World Wars, the Cold War and modern times. The museum also focuses on the Militia’s evolution from the early 19th century, while highlighting the historical relationship between the industrial development of Oshawa, General Motors, and the Regiment.

Canadian Automotive Museum:

The historic Canadian Automotive Museum.
Photo courtesy of the CAM.

The Canadian Automotive Museum maintains a former car dealership from 1921 at 99 Simcoe St. South. While the main floor holds mostly European vehicles, the second floor keeps the history of automotive manufacturing in Canada. The museum is also home to an extensive library, and a lot for drive-ins and car shows.

The CAM currently has the European Masterpieces from the McDougald Collection on display on the main floor and the Cars Built in Canada – 1900-1980 exhibit on the second floor. Also the exhibit A Rolls-Royce for Royalty: Canadian Aristocracy after the Great War opened on May 5. The exhibit shows the story behind the 1914 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, the vehicle Edward, Prince of Wales used during his 1919 Royal Tour of Canada.

Mother’s Day is around the corner

In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation for Mother’s Day, designating the second Sunday of May to be a national holiday. Since then, we have celebrated over 100 years of moms taking care of us 24/7, since we were born.

If you are looking to give back to your mother for all she has helped you with, join the over 80 countries who will celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May.

To help repay some of the debt you owe to your mother consider taking her out for a Mother’s Day brunch on May 8th. Hosted by the RMG in Arthur’s on the 4th with catering provided by Pilar’s Catering. There will be two seatings at 10:30am and 12:30pm. Reservations are required, email [email protected] to secure your spot.

Photo by Brilynn Ferguson

There will be an assortment of fresh pastries and baked goods along with a variety of options for meals and a dessert buffet to follow.

Along with the brunch, we have our regularly scheduled OPG Second Sunday with a special Mother’s Day theme. Children will be creating a unique tile mosaic, a beautiful card and gift wrap for the special person in their lives.

There is no reservation required for OPG Second Sundays, just drop by the RMG from 1pm to 3pm.

Now let’s talk gifts for mom!

Don’t forget to stop by the RMG Shop before May 8 to check out some of these, and more, unique locally made gifts for the special lady in your life including:

Some new supplies for culinary endeavors.

One of these handmade Wizard of Oz themed editions by Kelly Grace.

Some of these fantastic body products by Aide Bodycare.

Or a great Canadian product for your Canadian mom.

Make sure to treat your mom extra special on May 8 and the rest of the year too! Don’t forget about Father’s Day on June 19! The RMG Shop has plenty of locally made dad-friendly gifts.

Spring into a Durham art gallery or museum!

This article was previously published on Oshawa This Week.

Donna Raetsen-Kemp, CEO of The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, on cultural treasures in your backyard

Your Durham Region museums and galleries are gearing up for spring!

We’re all working hard to bring you the kind of programming you want — inspiring, challenging, engaging, thought-provoking and, heck yes, even entertaining. You might be surprised at the wild array of creative and cultural things to do right here in your own backyard.

At The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, we’re shining a bright light on our local community. We’re looking for meaningful, interactive ways to connect you with our arts programming and national calibre exhibitions. We’ve added unorthodox gallery programming like yoga and mindfulness sessions to our roster. Surprised? Surveys suggested it and we agreed — what better place than an art gallery for gentle movement and quiet reflection?

On a more traditional arts note, check out the meditative quality of working with clay at the Visual Arts Centre of Clarington.

On the flipside, art galleries can be amazing places for social gathering. The all-ages, RMG Fridays, on the first Friday of each month, and Station Gallery’s April Drawing for Art are great examples of amped-up cultural events that bring people together in celebration of art. Whether you like your arts and culture experience served up slow and quiet, full of energy and enthusiasm, or somewhere in between, your Durham Region art spaces have something in store for you.

If you know your public art gallery well, visit soon. If you never thought a public art gallery or museum was the place for you, give it a try! You might be surprised to find that there’s a whole lot more going on behind those doors than you imagined.

Your Durham Region galleries are free to visit, so drop by for 10 minutes or stay for an hour. Sometimes it takes a few visits to feel a connection.

Consider a gallery hop. Start your day at the RMG, SG or VAC and plot your course from there. You may want to add a visit to Parkwood Estate, the Canadian Automotive Museum or the Oshawa Community Museum.

And, finally, it may not feel like it right now but summer is just around the corner. If you’re looking for ways your kids can flex their creative muscles, public art galleries across Durham Region have a plethora of summer art camp options. Be warned, programming is top notch, so spots will fill up fast.

Check out the websites for more details – and then jump in with both feet.

Volunteer and Membership Event

Jessica Moffitt, RMG Communications Intern, spent her winter semester at Durham College working alongside Sam Mogelonsky, Manager of Marketing and Communications. Over the duration of her placement, Jessica learned about social media management, writing and marketing, but really found her niche in event management. Assisting our Manager of Community and Volunteer Development, Carla Sinclair, Jessica helped plan and orchestrate The RMG’s annual volunteer appreciation event. On April 17, the RMG celebrated our volunteers and members and Jess was there helping out and capturing the event during her Volunteer Week Instagram takeover.

Volunteers. They are the backbone of almost any non-profit organization and add so much heart and soul wherever they donate their time and talents. The volunteers at the RMG are a prime example of the dedication it takes to make an organization and community thrive, which is why we take the time every year to thank them with the RMG Volunteer Appreciation Lunch and Membership event.

This year’s event featured a delicious spread of spring themed salads and sandwiches from Pilar’s catering in Oshawa, along with thank you gifts from the RMG and an recognition scroll from Oshawa’s MP Colin Carrie. Volunteers of all ages and interests mingled as they enjoyed their lunch at Arthur’s on the 4th which was gleaming with the warm spring sunshine.

After lunch and speeches from Carla Sinclair, Manager of Community and Volunteer Development and Donna Raetsen-Kemp, CEO, guests headed down to the Isabel McLaughlin Gallery for the Membership Event featuring a presentation from Charlotte Hale, Toronto gallery owner and fine art photography collector. Introduced by Oshawa Mayor John Henry, Hale guided the audience through the art of purchasing and collecting fine art photography from a beginner’s perspective. The talk concluded with a spread of desserts, coffee, tea and a live acoustic guitar performance by Elijah Mabana.

The RMG is humbled by the energy and commitment our volunteers extend to the gallery each and everyday. We look forward to celebrating their involvement in the cultural community for years to come.

Kids can learn something new at the RMG!

At the RMG, learning never stops! With school winding down, it’s time to start thinking about how to keep young minds at home staying sharp! Fret not, the RMG has you and those sharp minds covered. With tons of art classes and camps, the toughest choice you’ll have is which ones to enroll your kids in!

Our Summer Camps will be the highlight of any kid’s summer, straying from traditional camp activities to explore creativity and give kids a great opportunity to indulge in a new level of arts and crafts! Here’s what we’ve got in store this Summer!

Are you looking to keep your tiny ones busy for a little bit, out of the house? Check out our Mini Summer Art Camp for Tots! For ages 2-4, running from August 2-5, from 9:30am to 10:30am Indulge your tiny tot’s creativity at the RMG, and who knows, you might end up raising the next Picasso! There’s only one way to find out!

With many parents still at work while their kids are enjoying summer break, the RMG has already thought up a way to keep your kids busy, creative and having a blast while you work! Summer Art Camp for ages 5-10 is the perfect place for kids to have fun this summer. There are plenty of options to accommodate parent’s busy schedules, with half days (9am to 12:30pm or 1pm to 4:30pm) and full days (9am to 4:30pm), parents can customize their kids day, depending on their schedule. For parents who need a little extra time before and after camp, we also offer pre- and post-camp options, where we will gladly keep your kids entertained from 8am to 9am and from 4:30pm to 5:30pm. There are five different camps, four days long, with themes ranging from Play All day to Mixed Media Mayhem. There’s something for every kid to enjoy!

When the kids get a day off school, you won’t have to worry about what to do with them this spring! The RMG has P.A. Day camps for kids aged 5-10, that run from 9am to 4pm. The camps coincide with all Durham District School Board (DDSB) and Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) P.A. Days (April 8 DDSB, April 15 DCDSB, June 3 DDSB) and encourage creative learning and activities so your kids can get a day off school, but their minds will keep going!

Are you hoping to give your teen or pre-teen something more stimulating to do than hanging out at the mall all summer? Well, we’ve got you covered for that, too! With our Pre-teen and Teen Summer Camp for kids aged 10-14, from August 2-5 from 1pm to 4pm, we offer your teens a glimpse of what it’s like to work in an art gallery! They will also have the opportunity to lead workshops while learning art techniques and making socially conscious art projects. This camp will keep your pre-teens mind fresh and stimulate thinking outside of the box while encouraging them to share their ideas and skills. It’s the perfect camp to get their minds ready for school in the fall!

The RMG also has plenty of weekly art classes this spring for kids of all ages. From P.A. days to homeschoolers, we’ve got everyone covered to kick off the closing of the school year and get kids excited to be creative this summer!

For tiny ones aged 2-4, Art Tots is a fun way to break normal routine and engage your kid’s mind in a different kind of creativity! Drop in with your family on Tuesday from now until May 10, 10:30am to 11am.

We know young kids like to have fun, but we also know they need enriching activities to keep their brains strong. That’s why Art FUNdamentals for Kids is the perfect art class for your 5-10 year old this spring! From April 2 – May 28, drop your kids off on Saturdays for 10am to 12pm or 1pm to 3pm for a super fun and informative learning experience! Your little Van Gough or Da Vinci will thank you later!

If your kids are homeschooled, it’s not always easy to come up with educational and stimulating art projects at home. So why not incorporate the RMG into your homeschool curriculum! Our Homeschool Art Classes run from 10:15am to 11:15am on Tuesdays from now until May 10, and offer a fun way to give your kids the attention of homeschooling while interacting on a creative level at an actual art gallery! How much fun is it to run art class in a gallery? Your kids will be thrilled and your home curriculum will be elevated!

So if you’re looking for enriching, educational and super fun spring classes or summer camps, look no further! The RMG is your one stop shop for your artsy kids. Visit Learn & Participate for a full list of art classes and camps, details and pricing, or call us at (905) 576-3000 for more information. Can’t wait to see you all this summer!

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.

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.

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.

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!