TORONTO MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES YOU MAY NOT HAVE VISITED YET

THE GRAD SCHOOL GUIDE

BY: LAETITIA DANDAVINO-TARDIF

When we think of museums around Toronto, the first ones that come to mind are the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) or the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). Yet, there are so many more. Here are just a few of my favorite cultural museums or art galleries in Toronto I bet you haven’t checked out yet. These institutions are all located in Toronto core and easily accessible by public transportation, so there is no reason for not visiting them in the upcoming months.

1. Gardiner Museum

111 Queen's Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C7

The Gardiner Museum, the leading Canadian ceramics museum, is known worldwide as a great specialty museum. Although small looking compared to its neighbor, the ROM, the Gardiner holds a permanent collection of almost 3000 pieces. This collection includes ceramic and porcelain treasures from all around the world, and from Ancient to contemporary objects. Every year, the museum mounts three temporary exhibitions. Clay workshops are available, if you have a creative mindset or want to learn techniques. This past winter, it had a nationally acclaimed exhibition Yoko Ono: The Riverbed and, in 2019, it will hold the highly anticipated Ai Weiwei: Unbroken exhibition. Finally, the Gardiner Museum is at a 10-minute walking distance from campus. Admission is free using your OMA membership card.

A post shared by Gardiner Museum (@gardinermuseum) on Jul 12, 2018 at 7:17am PDT

2. Textile Museum of Canada

55 Centre Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2H5

In the heart of downtown Toronto, the Textile Museum is the only museum in Canada that dedicates its collection, research and exhibitions to the media of textiles. The TMC’s 13000 artifacts from around the world cover nearly two millennia. It is a fascinating way to explore, discover and understand various cultures. A past exhibition I personally enjoyed was Artistry in Silk: The Kimono of Itchiku Kubota, which made one discover Japanese culture and landscapes through Kubuta’s Kimono designs. Finally, entrance is also free with your OMA card.

A post shared by Textile Museum of Canada (@textilemuseumofcanada) on May 10, 2018 at 8:41am PDT

3. Ryerson Image Centre

33 Gould Street, Toronto ON M5B 1W1

The Ryerson Image Centre is in Ryerson University’s School of Image Art’s building. It focuses its collection, exhibitions and research on photography and related media. I recommend going to see the Scotiabank Photography Award: Shelley Niro, 2017 winner, before it closes on August 5, 2018. In addition to the main galleries, the RIC has a Student Gallery that showcases the artworks and curatorial practices of Ryerson University’s students or recent alumni. The RIC is walking distance from the Eaton Centre and its admission is free to all.

A post shared by Ryerson Image Centre (@ricgallery) on Jun 11, 2018 at 2:58pm PDT

4. The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery

231 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8

The Power Plant is Canada’s leading non-collecting public gallery dedicated to contemporary visual art. It is located at the Harbourfront Centre in a mid-1920s powerhouse. The Power Plant is pro-active in showcasing diverse living artists and engaging with a variety of audiences, thus fostering a local-global dialogue related to contemporary art practice. The gallery holds three shows per year (fall, winter and summer). Many MMSt students attended its Summer Opening Party, last month, to see the exhibitions of Ellen Gallagher, Abbas Akhavan and Grada Kilomba. The Power Plant also offers a large programming of lectures, film screenings, and holds a Sunday Scene speaker series. This art gallery is free to all.

A post shared by The Power Plant (@thepowerplantto) on Jun 26, 2018 at 1:22pm PDT

5. 401 Richmond

401 Richmond Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 3A8

If you are in a different mindset, take time to discover an arts-and-culture hub: 401 Richmond Street West. Located in the heart of the Fashion District, this restored heritage industrial building is home to a mix of over 140 creative minds. It has twelve art galleries and thirty artists' studios, which hold many events throughout the year such as performances and exhibitions. Galleries I recommend checking out include Abbozzo Gallery, Open Studio and Gallery 44. As one can see, visiting 401 Richmond is a full day of great and diverse discoveries, and is free!

A post shared by 401 Richmond (@401richmond) on May 26, 2018 at 8:23am PDT

BONUS: Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto

158 Sterling Rd, Toronto, ON M6R 2B2

You have probably not visited the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto Canada (MOCA) recently as it has moved to a new location in the Junction in the landmark heritage Tower Automotive Building. Save the date: opening day is September 22nd, 2018. The MOCA builds upon the experience of the former Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCCA) having held 200+ exhibitions with works of over 1,100 Canadian and international artists. The moving from its previous location on Queen West to a larger space accommodates the museum’s ever-growing aspirations and significance. In its new 55,000 square foot home, the MOCA integrates artist residency studios and workshop space for educational programs. I had the chance to visit the new building, under construction, during the Doors Open Toronto and I am looking forward to its opening. Admission will be free to the permanent collection and student memberships are $20.

A post shared by MOCA Toronto (@mocatoronto) on Jun 23, 2018 at 10:20am PDT

I hope you will take time to visit these museums and art galleries and make the most out of their great events and programming! As MMSt students, it is important to visit a variety of cultural institutions to broaden your knowledge of museum practices, as well as complement with and make the most of your graduate experience. Follow up on events organized by MUSSA to learn about other opportunities to visit these museums and more!

COMING TOGETHER IN JUNE

WHAT'S HAPPENING WEDNESDAYS

BY: KELLY MANIKOTH

It’s June and summer has finally reached the 6ix! I love summer because it’s a season when we get together with others to enjoy time off, delicious food, and the glorious, sunny weather. June is also Pride Month in Toronto, giving us an extra reason to celebrate love, equality and creativity with friends and family. The events highlighted in this column are ways we can reconnect with friends while also meeting new people in the city. Featured in this article are events hosted by the Toronto Ward Museum, where fellow student Susan Jama is interning, Halton Heritage Services, where Julia Zungri and Sarah Rolko are completing internships, the Gardiner Museum, where Kara Isozaki is an intern, and Open Studio, where yours truly is completing an internship!

1. St. Lawrence Market BBQ and Concert in the Park

Ushering in June with a BBQ! Source

What better way to kick-start the summer than with a large BBQ! The St. Lawrence BBQ Market takes place on the first day of June, coinciding with the annual Music in St. James Park concerts. For the past six years, the St. Lawrence Market Business Improvement Area, a non-profit organization, has hosted outdoor concerts every Thursday in the summer. For the first summer concert of the year, merchants from the St. Lawrence Market will prepare a special barbecue meal. Enjoy gourmet sausages, rotisserie chicken and corn on the cob while listening to the special concert performance by Lemon Bucket Orkestra. For more information on the event and vendors visit St.Lawrence Market's website and Old Town Toronto

Where: St. James Park, located at King and Jarvis

When: Thursday, June 1st, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Cost: Tickets for BBQ in the Park are sold on the day of the event at St. James Park. Guests can purchase 4 food items for $10 or 2 food items for $5 (accepts cash only)

2. Library Book Sale at S. Walter Stewart Public Library

June is also a great time to begin a summer reading list! Join other bookworms and head to the Library Book Sale at the S.Walter Stewart Library. Bring a bag with you and take home new finds and treasured classics, or purchase a bag at the library and fill it! Proceeds support the Youth Advisory Group’s New Garden at S. Walter Stewart. For more information, you can call the branch at 416-396-3975.

Where: 170 Memorial Park Ave, East York, ON M4J 2K5

When: Saturday, June 3rd , 9:00am – 1:00 pm

Cost: Hard covers, Graphic Novel & Large Paperbacks: $1 each OR 3 for $2

Paperbacks, magazines, Children’s Books, Comics: 50¢ each OR 3 for $1

Videos, DVDs & CDs : $2 each OR 3 for $5

Buy a library bag and fill it! $10

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3. Not Just Numbers from the Toronto Ward Museum

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In honour of Canada 150, The Toronto Ward Museum is hosting Not Just Numbers. This is an interactive mystery game where diverse members of the community are invited to discover the people behind the data that make up the Canadian census. Participants can examine newspapers, scrutinize old photographs, analyze maps and more clues to piece together stories and narratives which solve the mystery of Canadians living during the Second World War. The event featured takes place in Kingston, but these games will take place across Canada! For more information, visit Not Just Numbers

Where: Kingston Frontenac Public Library, Isabel Turner branch, 935 Gardiners Rd, Kingston, ON K7M 9A9

When: Saturday, June 10th, 2:00 - 4:00pm

Cost: Free! For tickets, click here

4. .Exhibition Opening of Oakville: 190 Years in the Making and Mayor's Historic Picnic

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Celebrate Canada’s 150th as well as Oakville’s 190th with a picnic and official exhibition opening set up by Halton Heritage Services the Oakville Historical Society, which focuses on how Oakville's industry contributed to its growth and development as a town. After exploring the exhibition, enjoy the Oakville Mayor’s Annual Historic picnic on the Lakeside Park, which will feature live band music, prizes, and parades. The exhibition runs for a year, and can be viewed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-4:30 pm and the third Sunday afternoon of each month (the opening times of the Oakville Historical Society). For more information on the event, visit: Oakville Annual Mayor's Picnic

Where: The exhibition is held at the Oakville Historical Society building, located at 110 King St, Oakville, ON L6J 1B1.

The picnic takes place at Lakeside Park, 2 Navy St, Oakville, ON L6J 2Y5

When: Sunday, June 11th , 12:00 – 4:30pm.

Cost: Free!

5. Summer Exhibition Openings at Open Studio Artist-Run Centre  

Saimaiyu Akesuk, Qaumajaq (Fly), 2014, stonecut & stencil, 94.8 x 62cm, featured in the main Open Studio Gallery. Source.

On June 16th, Open Studio, an artist-run studio and gallery, is introducing three new art exhibitions for the summer. Learn about the artistic practice of printmaking, meet artists that specialize in the skill, and enjoy the colourful pieces that will be displayed in Open Studio’s three galleries. The Member’s Gallery features the work of Toronto-based artist Jennie Suddick, the Prints Sales Gallery highlights the Kandinsky-inspired work of Walter Procska, and the main gallery showcases the work of Innuit artist Saimaiyu Akesuk. Curated by Nancy Campbell, this exhibition highlights Akesuk’s work created in Cape Dorset, Nunavut, between 2013-2015. Refreshments and drinks will be provided. For more information, visit upcoming exhibitions at Open Studio

Where: Open Studio, 401 Richmond St., Suite 104, Toronto ON. M5V 3A8

When: Friday, June 16th, 6:30 – 8:30pm

Cost: Free!

6.  Father's Day Weekend at the Taste of Toronto

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The Taste of Toronto is the perfect opportunity to get a group of friends together or to treat Dad to foodie-inspired Father’s Day weekend! Fort York National Historic Site will turn into a culinary paradise where one can sip and sample some of the signature dishes created by Toronto’s most acclaimed chefs and restaurants. While enjoying gourmet grub, chefs will also put on demonstrations and teach the tricks of the trade in hands-on workshops.

Some of the chefs participating in Taste of Toronto 2017 are Sylvain Assie (Café Boulud), Rob Gentile (Bar Buca) are Sonia Mondino (Pray Tell), Ted Corrado and Alexandra Feswick (The Drake).

For further information, visit TasteOfToronto.com.

Where: Fort York National Historic Site, 100 Garrison Rd. Toronto ON M5V 3K9

When: Taste of Toronto features six sessions from June 15th – 18th

Thursday, 5:30pm – 10:00pm

Friday, 11:30am – 4:00pm; 5:30pm – 10:00pm

Saturday, 11:30am – 4:00pm; 5:30pm – 10:00pm

Sunday, 12:00pm – 5:00pm

Cost: Thursday and Friday sessions = $17.00 each

Saturday and Sunday sessions = $21.00 each

Youth (13-17) Price for all sessions = $10.00 each

Free entry on-site for children 12 and under

Prices are inclusive of HST but exclude service charges. Get tickets here

7. Explore the relationship between literature and design at the 2nd Annual Toronto Art Book Fair

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The Toronto Art Book Fair (TOABF) is a public event taking place from June 15th – 18th at the cultural hub, Artscape Youngplace. View the work of hundreds of Canadian and international artists, writers and designers, three exhibitions, book launches and workshops. This is the second year that the TOABF will take place, providing a platform for small presses, independent publishers and contemporary art galleries to showcase their work. Programming for TOABF 2017 will explore the theme Artists' Books x Archives x Alternative Narratives. For more information and to view a list of participating galleries, visit: https://www.torontoartbookfair.com/

Where: Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw St, Toronto, ON M6J 2W5

When: Opening Night Party - Thursday, June 15th 6pm - 10pm

Fair Hours:

Friday, June 16th 12pm - 8pm

Saturday, June 17th 12pm - 8pm

Sunday, June 18th 12pm - 7pm

Cost: Free!

8. See and be seen at the SMASH: Voyeur*ish Party at the Gardiner Museum

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The Gardiner Museum is hosting one of the coolest arts events of the year! The SMASH: Voyeurish Party is art-directed by Toronto-based artist and photographer Justin Broadbent, and aims to give participants an immersive contemporary art experience inspired by Cindy Sherman, Damien Hirst and Banksy. The event features installations from local artists, such as Robin Clason, music by DJ Killa Kels, and is catered by Adrian Niman and Matt Blondin of Food Dudes and Southbrook Vineyards.

Where: The Gardiner Museum, 111 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C7

When: Thursday, June 22nd , 8:00pm

Cost: $125 per ticket; if you are a “Young Patrons” member at the Gardiner Museum, you receive a complementary ticket to the event. Get your ticket here

9. End off the month of June by celebrating Pride!

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June 2017 is Toronto’s second annual Pride Month, culminating with the 37th annual Pride Parade on Sunday, June 25th. During the final week of June, explore Toronto’s "Village", the area surrounding Church and Wellesley known as the historic home for Toronto’s LGBTQ community. Many restaurants and bars on these streets are holding special events for Pride. A few exciting places to checkout on Church Street are The Churchmouse & Firkin (475 Church Street) or Crews & Tangos (508 Church Street).

When: Pride Week is the last week in June, with the Pride Parade taking place at 2pm on Sunday, June 25th

Where: Various locations at Church and Wellesley street. Check Pride Events to stay updated on different venues and restaurants hosting events. The Pride Parade on Sunday begins on Bloor and Church Streets, South on Yonge Street to Yonge-Dundas Square.

Cost: Prices vary depending on the venue. The parade is free!

Whether you’re meeting new people at summer parties or catching up with old friends over coffee, I hope your June is filled with quality time connecting with others and celebrating love.

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MMSt 2017 INTERNSHIPS: PART ONE

INTERNSHIP CHECK-IN

BY: TABITHA CHAN

Hi everyone! Welcome to the first internship check-in post of 2017. Since my internship at the Art Gallery of Ontario is coming to a close, I am very excited to be able to learn about other students' experiences through this column. I'd like to feature as many students as possible this summer to share the wide range of internship roles and institutions. Let's get started!

Today's post features:

Aurora Cacioppo: Art Gallery of Hamilton - Hamilton, ON
Kelly Manikoth: Open Studio - Toronto, ON
Christopher Shackleton: Elgin County Museum - St. Thomas, ON
Leore Zecharia: Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre - North York, ON

Describe what a typical day is like for you at your institution. What are some of your main duties and responsibilities?

Aurora: I usually come into work and get settled in at my desk in the library by making myself some tea and booting up my laptop. Right now we are prepping for an upcoming exhibition featuring a new acquisition to AGH’s permanent collection. It includes soapstone carvings made by Inuit patients that were being treated for tuberculosis at Hamilton Mountain Sanatorium. My responsibilities for the first half of my internship will consist of researching the history of tuberculosis in Canada, sanatoria in Hamilton, and Inuit patients that were admitted there. I will also be using this research to help with the didactics and programming for the exhibition. This allows me to practice my research skills and learn about my hometown’s history at the same time. For the second half of my internship, I’ll be researching and preparing a grant proposal. I've attended a few curatorial meetings with Tobi [Bruce, Director of Exhibitions and Collections and Senior Curator at AGH], including an acquisition meeting. Tobi and two other curators presented new artwork to the Acquisitions Committee in hopes for a motion to add it to AGH's collection! It was so exciting. These meetings are giving me insight on how the gallery functions. I am learning about AGH's working environment (which is very supportive and encouraging), I am keeping informed about all of the gallery's programming, and I am able to see how Shelley Falconer, President & CEO of AGH and MMSt alumna, is making sure things run smoothly. So far, so very good!

Kelly: So far, every single day at my internship has been different! I started my placement at a very busy time in the gallery; in the span of three weeks there have been three major events and an opening. As an intern, I helped out any way I could; from assigning inventory/accession to new prints entering the gallery, archiving new prints, priming walls, building shelves, unpacking and installing artworks for exhibitions, presenting and photographing prints for clients, running errands (i.e. rushing to the hardware store when we ran out of screws the day of an opening!), writing and setting up labels, cleaning and prepping the gallery for events, such as setting up food and photographing openings.

Chris: As far as I can tell, there really is no typical day here! We’ve had quite a mixed bag of tasks so far, with one day dedicated to being a filming location for The Nature of Things with Dr. David Suzuki, and another spent delivering a 180kg cube of mud from the wall of a historic house, in exchange for a disassembled carriage! Our museum acts as the centre of a modified heritage network, so we wear many hats as advocates for heritage across the county. I generally assist visitors when they arrive and throughout their time in the museum, and between tours I will work on a variety of projects and assist with inquiries, research, or documentation.

Leore: Right now I am doing a lot of research for school programs during Holocaust Education Week, so my days mainly consist of research. As a small institution, I am also running sessions for New Dimensions in Testimony and filling in where I am needed.

Aurora taking a selfie with Alex Colville's Horse and Train - a special work in AGH's permanent collection!

What is something you have learned in your first few weeks of your internship?

Aurora: I’ve learned that things move extremely fast, and there are always a number of events, exhibitions, and lots of programming on the go. Being able to juggle many things at once is important to master. Being organized and having connections is extremely beneficial because it allows for outsourcing information, delegating tasks, and collecting experience or contributions from other professionals. I’ve learned that a team that works well together is essential for the success of an institution.

Kelly: I learned the importance of being versatile and flexible within your skillset. In a small artist-run centre, one person has multiple roles, for example my supervisor is the Print Sales and Archive Manager, so she has two roles in one. Being well equipped with computer skills, financial knowledge, technical skills such as using power tools all while staying caught up with trends in the contemporary art world will get you very far. I also learned the value of time management and prioritising tasks (something that the first year of grad school has also helped me learn!).

Chris: I’ve learned that sometimes the power of a local history legend completely overshadows the narrative presented by the facts as we know them!

Leore: What I have learned so far is that while there are school groups and the public in and out every day, for us it is more behind the scenes work while volunteer museum educators are guiding the groups.

Kelly at Open Studio's Member's Ink Silent Auction Event with her supervisor Astrid

What is something that has surprised you about museums that you did not know before working in a real one?

Aurora: Sometimes special guests come visit! On May 12, Ethan Hawke came to visit AGH. He is currently filming a movie in Hamilton about Maud Lewis and he wanted a tour of the vaults and to see some of Maud’s work that is featured in AGH’s permanent collection. After his tour, he came up to the office floor and said "Hi"!

Kelly: Something that surprised me is how tight knit the Toronto arts community is. Everyone knows and supports one another by attending events, openings and exchanging art within the network of Canadian artists.

Chris: I was surprised with the number of other institutions that utilise the Elgin County Museum for advice, resources, and expertise.

Leore: What is surprising is that there are so few Holocaust museums and education centres in Canada, and we are essentially the only one in Ontario. There are so many people who don’t even know we exist, but for those who do, we have school groups come from all over Ontario.

Chris with the Elgin County Museum's brand-new Jumbo the Elephant display. 

What are you most looking forward to in your internship? What excites you about your internship?

Aurora: I am most excited about getting to know my community through the art gallery! I grew up in Hamilton, and I am proud to be interning at such an awesome institution that is so close to home! I am also very excited to learn about the role of the curatorial team in the preparation for exhibitions, as well as understanding what day-to-day life is within a mid-sized institution like the AGH. I’ve had experience in a smaller gallery, and it is interesting to see how the dynamic has shifted and the responsibilities have been delegated. I’m also extremely excited to be contributing to the research preparation for an important exhibition for our city's history (Carving Home, opens June 27).

Kelly: The most exciting aspect of being at Open Studio for me is handling prints and then meeting the artists who created the artwork! The studio is located right beside the gallery, so when I admire a work on display or in inventory, I can go next door and meet the artist who created the piece or watch them work on new pieces.

Chris: I’m most looking forward to a special guest we have coming into the museum this week, whose name I can’t reveal! We also have several loans coming in and out, and I’m kind of excited to see what the handover and paperwork process is like! Every day so far has been an adventure, with a number of incredible people and objects crossing my path. I’m always excited when I answer the phone and hear the words “I have some stuff here I think you might want,” because I invariably imagine the rarest and most desirable objects I can.

Leore: What I am most looking forward to is helping with the preparations for Holocaust Education Week in November.

Leore taking a selfie with her lovely official nametag!

What do you hope to accomplish while you are at your internship?

Aurora: I hope to gain an understanding of how a mid-size institution works in terms of back-end preparation, installation of an exhibition, striking the exhibition, programming, and more. I am interested in leadership positions and their impact on institutions like the AGH, and I am hoping to learn from the working dynamics here. I am also hoping to develop my research and communication skills.

Kelly: During my time at Open Studio, I hope that I can get more people interested in contemporary art by local artists. This can be by letting people know of upcoming events and openings, sharing artwork on social media, and creating intriguing exhibitions.

Chris: I hope to build a network of experts in local heritage and tourism marketing who I can consult in the future. For our upcoming Expo 67 and Centennial exhibit, I’ll be sourcing and coordinating loans of souvenirs and photographs from the community, so I’m trying to put together a cohesive collection of pieces to tell an interesting and engaging story about how those two events impacted Elgin County.

Leore: What I hope to accomplish is creating a program from start to finish.

What’s your passion?

Aurora: My passion is storytelling. I love learning about history and people and objects and places through stories. Museums and art galleries present these stories, and that is why I am so thrilled to be pursuing a career in this profession.

Kelly: My passion is to connect communities together through fine art, as well as creating my own artwork.

Chris: My passion is improving the experience of the visitor to the museum, whether they’re a casual tourist or an expert researcher. Using that as my goal focuses my choices when I accession materials, write and research displays, or provide tours, because I try to put myself in the shoes of anyone who may be affected by my work. Thinking about the usefulness and outcomes of my work also serves as an excellent motivator when tasks seem unappealing or daunting.

Leore: My whole life I went to Jewish overnight camp where as I grew up I started to realize more and more the importance of the informal education I got from there, and the power it has when complemented with formal education. If I could stay at camp for the rest of my life, I would, but unfortunately that is not a realistic dream. I have always wanted to work in museums, and during my undergrad, I realized that I would be able combine my love of museums with my passion for the informal education system. As well, I want to continue on the path of Jewish collective memory. So, that would be my passion.

Thank you to Aurora, Kelly, Chris and Leore for your honest responses. Check back in two weeks for Part Two of the internship check-in series!