2017: a new year, new beginnings, a time to look forward. 2017 promises to be a special year for Canada, as we share in the celebration of our country’s 150th anniversary.
In this, my first post for 2017, I wish to talk about the following:
- Canada’s Sesquicentennial. I have included information about a few of the very special events associated with the celebration,
- The Canada 150 Logo,
- TO Canada with love, Toronto’s love letter to the country,
- Update on Just Do It! Experimental painting classes January 2017, and
- Update on my new Art Think Cafe website and blog.
Canada’s Sesquicentennial
No need to wait until July 1, there is much to do so let’s get started right away. In fact many attended New Year’s Eve celebrations across the country, including right here in Toronto at Nathan Phillips Square. By all accounts, it was spectacular, befitting the kick-off of our celebratory year.
So what’s next? Thinking about doing some cross-Canada travel this year? Did you know that admission to Canada’s national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas is free for 2017. But you need your pass: Click here to order your pass now.
There will be celebrations, opportunities to discover or re-discover our history, and so many ways to participate, volunteer, learn, engage about many aspects of our country. Canada on Screen is one program that intrigues me, a showcase of 150 essential films, documentaries, shorts, animation and more, all made in Canada. This program kicks off in January at TIFF, and continues throughout the year. Worth watching! Absolutely free!
Now is the time to take a look at the Canada 150 website, find events and activities that are meaningful to you.
Canada150 Logo
A new logo has been designed for the celebrations. This logo is available for use for both commercial and non-commercial purposes, but you must apply. The logo was designed by Toronto artist Ariana Mari Cuvin. Check out her thoughts on her design.
TO Canada with Love
Toronto’s cultural love letter to the Country. We all know that Toronto knows how to celebrate well, and there is a full schedule of events across the city throughout 2017. Visual art, theatre, dance, screenings, historical, readings, and so much more. Are you perhaps planning an event this year? Consider adding it to the mosaic of activities listed on the TO Canada with Love Calendar. Your chance to give back to or share your passion within our own community.
Celebrations will continue in Toronto and across the country all year long. It is all happening right here, in our country, in our city, in our community, here for us to celebrate, participate and share. let’s all make the most of our Canada in 2017.
Just Do It! experimental painting class update:
Just Do It! classes are filling, with only a few spots left. At time of writing, the Tuesday evening class at Cedar Ridge has 2 openings and there is room for a few more participants in the Monday afternoon class at GAS, all other classes are now full. Check out the full winter class schedule, and do reply to this email if you would like to grab one of the remaining spots.
My Website and Blog update:
My new website, Art Think Cafe, continues to evolve. The bookshelf feature has grown since my last post, and now has over 50 artbooks that I absolutely love. I enjoy learning about these contemporary artists, many of whom are less well known. I invite you to take another look at the bookshelf. And if you have a favourite that you would like to see added, drop me a note.
While building Art Think Cafe, I have learned about security, firewalls and backups. Heading into the new year, I plan to work on bringing more features to the website, including adding more automation along with social media connectivity. Life is all about learning, I know the tools are out there, I just need to find them and learn how to use them. Thank you for participating in this journey with me.
Wishing everyone a rewarding, engaging, and inspiring 2017.
