Artist Meetups Toronto

Cozy Craft Circle

**Cozy Crafting Circle: Bring Your Own Craft (BYOC)** **When:** Every Monday \| 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM **Where:** Forest Cafe (7936 Bathurst St, Thornhill) **Who:** Open to everyone! All ages, skill levels, nationalities, and genders welcome. Grab your favorite warm drink and join us for our weekly Monday afternoon craft session! Our **Cozy Crafting Circle** is a friendly, low-pressure, and inspiring space designed for local makers to come together, connect, and create. Work on whatever portable project you currently have on the go—knitting, crochet, mending, sketching, embroidery, journaling, beadwork, or paper crafts! **What to Expect:** * **Casual Socializing:** Connect with artistic and like-minded people from around Vaughan, Thornhill, and Toronto in a relaxed setting. * **Skill Sharing:** Want to learn a new stitch or troubleshoot a project? Our circle is built on community collaboration—feel free to ask questions and swap creative tips! * **Cozy Vibes:** Enjoy the wonderful atmosphere, signature drinks, and delicious treats at Forest Cafe while you craft. *Note: Please support our fantastic host venue by purchasing a beverage or treat during the event!* Bring your current project, enjoy the cozy company, and let's create together! Optional: Have extra magazines, paper scraps, or craft supplies laying around? Feel free to bring them to share or trade!

The Toronto Artist's Way Meetup Monthly Meetup

The purpose of the group, based on the book The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, is for people to meet and talk about their artistic challenges in any field (painting, writing, music etc.) and encourage each other to break their creative blocks and fulfill themselves in their art. If you find people who are sympathetic, you may want to form your own group, meeting regularly to explore the book and supporting each other in their artistic journeys. I have gone through 2 such clusters and can say that it is a very powerful experience. Why not come to a meeting and see for yourself?

Contour Opening Reception

Contour explores growth, change, and renewal through layered textures, shifting landscapes, and expressive abstract forms. FEATURING ARTIST: Yangyang Pan, Annette Mcarthur, Divyani Chandorkar, Steve Wilson, Irina Laskin, Daria Gavrilina, Lynden Cowan & Joanne Lomas. Step into an immersive visual experience where texture becomes story and time unfolds in cycles. Contour is a compelling exhibition of abstract and landscape works that explores growth, change, and renewal through layered forms and expressive techniques. From shifting horizons to textured surfaces that echo seasons passing, each piece reflects the rhythms of life—inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and connect with the ever-evolving nature of memory, place, and transformation. [ENROLL NOW](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/contour-opening-reception-tickets-1989398741188?aff=ebdssbdestsearch)

ARC Ensemble: Artists of the Royal Conservatory ($40)

The **ARC Ensemble** and students of the **Glenn Gould School** explore ***Armenian works composed*** before the breakup of the Soviet Union and Armenian independence – captivating and evocative music unknown in the West. Included on the program are arrangements of Armenian folksongs for string quartet, a compelling Cello Sonata by Avet Terteryan, and seductive piano miniatures by Alexander Spendiarian and Arno Babadjanian. **Ticket link is below**\-\-\-and\-\-\-ANY seat is a great seat\. https://bit.ly/ARCConcertOct4 The multiple Grammy Award nominated ARC Ensemble comprises the senior faculty of The Royal Conservatory's Glenn Gould School, with special guests drawn from the organization's most accomplished students and alumni. **It is among Canada's most distinguished cultural ambassadors** with recent appearances in Los Angeles, New York and London’s Wigmore Hall. The research and recovery of music suppressed and marginalized under the 20th century's repressive regimes remains its focus and a growing number of works have now rejoined the repertoire. “As always with this ensemble, performances could hardly be bettered in terms of execution and commitment.” (*Gramophone*) **ARC Ensemble-** **(Artists of The Royal Conservatory)** **Erika Raum**, violin **Marie Bérard**, violin **Steven Dann**, viola **Thomas Wiebe**, cello **Kevin Ahfat**, piano with students of **The Glenn Gould School-** **Avery Tracy**, violin **Gina Lanzrein**, violin **Shyler Macaggi**, viola **Mira Kardan**, cello **TICKET Link here:** https://www.rcmusic.com/concert/arc-ensemble-453001?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=453001_ARCconcert&utm_content=arts_events_listing

Relaxing with Art, Chill Convos and Making New Friends

*Unwind, get creative, and connect with cool people.* Looking for a calm space to do some art, have meaningful (or silly) convos, and meet new friends in the city? This is your spot. I’ll be bringing **colouring pages and markers** for anyone who just wants to show up and relax. You're also totally welcome to bring whatever creative activity helps *you* unwind — think **sketchpads, mini canvases and paint, journals, clay sculpting, wire bending, model building kits, and collage supplies**. We’ll hang out, make art, and enjoy chill conversations in a cozy, no-pressure environment. No experience or talent required — just bring yourself and whatever helps you feel creative and calm. **✦ What to Bring (optional):** *Any relaxing art or activity you enjoy **✦ I’ll provide:** - Colouring pages, markers, and good vibes **Where to Meet (Across from Shoppers at the Food Hall inside The Well):** *The easiest way to get to the venue is to make your way to La Plume restaurant or The Dorset restaurant and turn towards the statue then take the stairs to the lower level. - Shoppers will be on the right and across from Shoppers will be an entrance to The Well's food court. *Make a left and you should see the long tables. - **We'll meet at the long tables across from Shoppers** Come solo or bring a friend — this is all about slowing down, making connections, and enjoying a creative evening together ✨

Koerner Hall: Vieux Farka Touré (15% off promo)

We will start off the 26/27 Koerner Hall concert season, with a performance by Vieux Farka Touré (from Mali), and opening for him is Melat Mengesha (from Ethiopia) (And we have our eyes on other concerts during the season!) Also we have a 15% off ticket promo!! ***Ticket link is below*--($50-$80)** Known worldwide for his electrifying live shows, Vieux Farka Touré’s virtuosic guitar work blends Malian blues, rock, and soul. Winner of Ethiopian Idol Melat Mengesha opens the show. Often referred to as “The Hendrix of the Sahara,” **Vieux Farka Touré** is the son of legendary Malian guitarist Ali Farka Touré, who died in 2006. His live performances are highly energized, and Vieux is known for dazzling crowds with his speed and dexterity on the guitar, as well as his palpable charisma and luminous smile, both of which captivate audiences despite any language barriers (though Vieux does speak eight languages!). Hailing from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, now based in Toronto, \*\*Melat Mengesha’\*\*s music features contemporary, folk, and Ethio-jazz roots sounds. Two major influences in her artistic expression are the legendary Ethiopian singers Gigi (Ejigayehu Shibabaw) and Aster Aweke. A major turning point came in 2015, when Melat won the first season of Balageru (Ethiopian Idol). That breakthrough opened the door to a variety of showcases and performances, from intimate stages to large-scale concerts, allowing her to tour across her hometown and beyond. **TICKET LINK** here: **PROMO CODE**: ISCULTURE15 https://www.rcmusic.com/concert/vieux-farka-toure-449801 Note: the PROMO code works for all pricing--**EXCEPT** the PREMIUM/purple seats

Creative Code Toronto meetup at InterAccess

Join us for a Toronto meetup of creative coders! This will be a venue to get to know each other and see what's going on in the community. We'll have a space downtown and some food available. We're partnering with [InterAccess](https://interaccess.org), a gallery, educational facility, production studio, festival, and registered charity dedicated to new media and emerging practices in art and technology! * If you've got a project you've worked on in the past that you're proud of, we'd love to see it and for you to walk us through what went into it. * If you're currently working on something or investigating some new ideas and feel like sharing, this would be a great time discuss your process so far! * If you haven't done anything yet but are interested in creative coding, we'd love to see what works have inspired you. Sign up here if you're interested in speaking! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MsbtdvTGMNT75lqq4lnxydY4TczStAOZE1Ap8mQJKeM](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MsbtdvTGMNT75lqq4lnxydY4TczStAOZE1Ap8mQJKeM) **What is creative code?** *Creative coding* refers to anything with an artistic component that uses code as a medium. We welcome artists who use code (for visuals, audio, poetry, or whatever else), designers, animators, toolmakers, researchers, or just enjoyers and people looking to learn more! **Location:** InterAccess, at 32 Lisgar St. **Join our discord** if you want to talk to everyone before/after the event, or have any suggestions for things you'd like to see or do! [https://discord.gg/ux9txXPsdJ](https://discord.gg/ux9txXPsdJ)

Alliance Francaise: Duo Perse-Inca ($20)

We'll kick off our season with **Alliance Francaise**--with a wonderful concert on a Saturday night!! We've been very fortunate to see **Duo Perse-Inca** 2X before. Once in Toronto. Once in Montreal. Sounds from Iran, mixed with sounds from Peru. Instruments and artists--they communicate with each other so well! ***Ticket link is below***: $20 (general admission) We love the **Alliance Francaise** space (music, theatre, film, art) **A World Music Concert--** **Duo Perse-Inca returns** to Alliance Française Toronto nearly four years after their acclaimed Spadina Theatre performance. **Showan Tavakol and Federico Tarazona - rooted respectively in the musical traditions of Iran and Peru** \- have built a repertoire that moves seamlessly between improvisation and co\-composition\, setting the Iranian kamancheh and the Andean charango in genuine dialogue\. Their album *Echoes of the Mountains* charts a journey across continents and through the ages, delivered with mastery and warmth. **More info and sounds:** https://centredesmusiciensdumonde.com/en/portfolio/duo-perse-inca_en/ **TICKET link for September 26th**--(will SELL-OUT) https://www.alliance-francaise.ca/en/art/cultural-season/concerts/311-duo-perse-inca

Light & Ink w/ Hien

THUG Equinox-kickoff edition!

As a **special-edition\* THUG event**, we are excited to announce that we will be hosting a Houdini Usergroup event on Monday September 21, to kick off the week of Equinox! Stick around Tuesday and Wednesday for workshops, presentations and physical interaction of the like-minded! We will of course be having presentations Monday night as well -- covering RBDs and COPs -- AND there will be a special giveaway! Pick up an H22 tshirt and your very own FLIP plushy :)) Please RSVP so we get enough food+drink for everyone. Else... we'll see you there! For Tuesday and Wednesday registration, click [here](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/houdini-hive-equinox-tickets-1996727885857?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=181bf58c2b) to register. \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- *\*we will return to Thursday default setting; Monday only for this occasion!* \*\*presentation schedule of speakers will be posted in due time :)

BEAUTY & FASHION w/ ANNA

ROTMAN Talk: Prof. Daron Acemoglu- "What Happened to Liberal Democracy?" ($25)

### **Book Synopsis:** **From Daron Acemoglu, 2024 Nobel laureate in economics and coauthor of *Why Nations Fail,* an ambitious and expansive inquiry into the biggest story in global politics over the last hundred years: the rise and fall of liberal democracy.** **"A very important work and a must-read."** —Thomas Piketty, #1 *New York Times* bestselling author of *Capital in the Twenty-First Century* **Tickets are $25 only (or with book $44). LINK below.** **"Daron Acemoglu is one of the most brilliant and insightful thinkers I’ve ever known. His particular genius is being able to look at impossibly complex problems and see right to the heart of what matters. This book is a tour de force that left me feeling more optimistic about the future than I have in a long time."** —Steven Levitt, #1 *New York Times* bestselling author of *Freakonomics* The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 raised hopes that we were one step closer to the triumph of liberalism. Soon, many predicted, we would all be living in functional liberal democracies. Sustained economic growth would benefit all segments of society and war would be a relic of the past. A generation later, one can only ask: What happened? **Nobel laureate Daron Acemoglu** argues in this powerful book that liberal democracy flourished when it pursued its core promises of shared prosperity, democratic governance, and the free pursuit of knowledge. But liberalism, a philosophy built to challenge power, never fully adjusted to becoming the establishment. Nor was it able to deal with the economic and social disruptions that digital technologies wrought. Worse, in the postindustrial economy, liberalism turned its back on its core promises. As a segment of college-educated elites became politically dominant and separated from the rest of society, they sowed the seeds of widespread inequality while intensifying efforts to reshape mass culture and values. **Ticket link** (mostly sold-out)-- https://www.rotman.utoronto.ca/news-events-and-ideas/public-events/events-listings/2026/september-2026/sept-29-daron-acemoglu/ (Note: these ROTMAN Author Talks start promptly at 5:30pm, and finish at 6:30pm. We begin to meetup about 5pm for coffee/cookies)