SonyaAll this cold weather is making us feel a little squirrelish. Now that we’ve cleared of holiday bills and rested up this past month Marie Kondo-ing our homes, it’s time to get out and explore the many events happening in the city. Here are some of our favourites…
NIGHT OF IDEAS: Art Museum, Hart House, University of Toronto: February 2. 7 pm to 2 am. Free admission.
Join artists, philosophers, and scientists for a night of thinking through the urgencies of our time. This night event is happening simultaneously in more than 50 cities. Lectures, workshops, performances, screenings and readings scheduled throughout the night. More info at www.artmuseum.utoronto.ca
TORONTO FASHION WEEK: Yorkville (various locations) February 5 to 7.
Canadian designers take to some of the most beautiful spaces in the Bloor Yorkville area to showcase their Fall/Winter 2019 collections. Designers include Hilary MacMillan, Lesley Hampton, Narces, Mikhael Kale and more. Special “Fashion Talks” also scheduled for those who are interested in a more in-depth conversations on the creative process and what’s impacting the fashion world. More info at www.torontofashionweek.to
STING Starring in THE LAST SHIP: Princess of Wales Theatre, February 9 to March 24.
In a rare theatrical engagement, the multiple Grammy Award® winner and superstar Sting will star in The Last Ship, his heartfelt and empowering new musical in an exclusive production created for Toronto alone! Featuring original music and lyrics by Sting as well as a few of his best-loved songs — Island of Souls, All This Time and When We Dance — The Last Ship is set in the shipbuilding community in Tyne and Wear, UK, and tells the story of a young man who returns home after seventeen years at sea. Mirvish.com for details.
COME FROM AWAY: as of February 5 has moved to the Elgin Theatre.
This feel good story that brings people together in a time when the world seem to stand still. Based on the true stories of the thousands of travellers who were stranded in Gander, NFLD during the hours and days following 9/11. Restores your faith in humanity. FYI: a limited number of rush tickets available daily. Mirvish.com for details.
OSLO: CAA Theatre, February 9 to March 3.
The 2017 Tony Award for Best Play makes it’s English-language Canadian premiere. About the Play inspired by the true and personal story: In 1993, in front of the world’s press, the leaders of Israel and Palestine shook hands on the lawn of the White House. Few watching would have guessed that the negotiations leading up to this iconic moment started secretly in a castle in the middle of a forest outside Oslo. “A fast-paced, quick-witted intellectual thriller. Remarkable!” — The Independent, London. More info at www.mirvish.com
THE ARTIST PROJECT: Better Living Centre, February 21 to 24.
Our favourite contemporary art fair returns for the 12 year with over 300 artists from Canada and abroad. Inspiring, thought provoking and never boring. Meet with many of the artist directly. More info at www.theartistproject.com
TORONTO WATERFRONT ICEBREAKERS: Waterfront, until February 24. Free admission.
Explore five different interactive public art installations along the waterfront from the foot of Spadina Avenue to Queens Quay Terminal. Installations created by award winning artist from Toronto, Germany, and Greece in this third annual exhibition. This year’s theme is “Signal Transmission” . More info at www.waterfrontbia.com
TORONTO LIGHT FEST: Distillery Historical District, until March 3. Free Admission.
During the coldest, darkest days of winter in the city feel the warmth and glow of awe-inspiring installations the light up the night by international artists. Grab your hot cocoa or defrost yourselves at the many bars and restaurants on site including the new Madrina Bar y Tapas (Michelin-starred chef Ramon Simarro). More details at www.torontolightfest.com
GODS IN MY HOME: Chinese New Year with Ancestor Portraits and Deity Prints. Royal Ontario Museum. Exhibition runs until September 29.
Chinese New Year is full of celebrations, symbolism and superstition. This ROM Original exhibition brings together Chinese ancestral paintings and traditional popular prints and examine the belief of how they protect, and bless, the home and family. More info at www.rom.on.ca
IMPRESSIONISM IN THE AGE OF INDUSTRY: Monet, Pissaro, and more: Art Gallery of Ontario. February 16 to May 5.
Paris was transforming in 1870s- the explosion of factories and transportation was changing the face of the city. This exhibition takes a look at how French Impressionist artists captured the spirit of change. Over 120 works are featured with masterpieces by artists including Monet, Pissarro, Degas, Van Gogh, and more. Also, check out the Curated Dinner: Modern French Cuisine at AGO Bistro restaurant themed around the featured exhibition. More info at www.ago.net
AI WEI WEI: UNBROKEN: Gardiner Museum. February 28 to June 9.
Featuring iconic and new works of one of the most influential artists of our time. This highly-anticipated and timely exhibition explores the breaking of boundaries, both physical and symbolic, and considers how the artist’s ceramic works form a basis for his ongoing exploration of urgent social justice themes, including immigration, freedom of speech, and the repression of dissent. More info at www.gardinermuseum.on.ca
A NOVEL EVENING: Lavelle Restaurant. February 14.
Here’s a “novel” way to celebrate with the people you love. Novel Evenings is hosting a night to connect over storytelling, poetry, music, and of course food. The inspiring evening includes hot artists like spoken word artist Ali Alikhani, Hip Hop Canada’s latest Weekly Eight pick exMiranda and shared experiences with the curators from Novel Evenings. The prix fixe menu features three courses ($85). General admission to the event is $20 and includes a glass of champagne. The first 100 guests will also be greeted with a signature cocktail. Novel Evenings was created with a shared purpose to reconnect with each other. More information can be found here.
CURIOUS MINDS: The Hidden Gems of Italy: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema. Tuesdays 10 am to 12 pm. Limited single tickets available.
Join Italian Cultural Studies professor Dr.Franco Gallippi for a whirlwind tour of Italy’s most interesting regional cities. Explore the art, history and foods beyond the tourist hot spots. Details here.
OSCARS LIVE SCREENING: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema. February 24 at 6:30 pm. Free Event.
Join the fun, the glitz and glamour of the Academy Awards at this free broadcast event. Tickets available at the site.