Top museums and art galleries to visit in Toronto
Looking south over Fort York, the Gardiner Expressway and the Toronto Island Airport. (photo credit: The City of Toronto)
If you are visiting Toronto, or live here, and want ideas for cultural activities to do this season, here is a list of top museums and galleries in the Toronto area to check out. The museums range from history to living museums, and the galleries are primarily the major ones (there are oodles of smaller ones scattered across the city that are also well worth a visit).
Note that at the time of writing, Toronto is still currently not fully opened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so please check the respective websites for updates, opening hours and public safety guidelines for visitors.
Royal Ontario Museum (photo credit: Taxiarchos228)
Top museums and galleries list (in alphabetical order):
Art Gallery of York University
Art Museum at University of Toronto
Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery
First Floor Gallery and Architecture & Design Gallery
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre Gallery
Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre
Market Gallery, St. Lawrence Market
Morris and Sally Justein Heritage Museum
Orborne Collection of Early Children’s Books
Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Museum
Royal Canadian Military Institute Museum
Royal Regiment of Canada Museum
Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library
Toronto Police Museum and Discovery Centre
TD Gallery at Toronto Reference Library
Toronto Scottish Regiment Museum
Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch
As well, the city of Toronto holds Virtual Exhibits. For more info, visit Ontario Museum Association and Toronto Tourism.
Railway Museum (photo credit: Arild Vågen)
Ancient Chinese art at ROM (photo credit: Wladyslaw)
Resources: Ontario Museum Association, Toronto Tourism, Ontario Tourism
Sources: Wiki
Trust the creative process
In 2005, I wrote a book titled The Whispering Heart: Your Inner Guide to Creativity. Following a few years of exploring what creativity is, I decided to actually put it down in writing. Something I learned in the process, is that trusting the creative process is actually part of the creative process.
Let me explain.
Fear and/or self-doubt inevitably pop-up during the process of creating…anything. Part of the creative process is to transcend fear and self-doubt. Unless you do, your creation won’t see the light of day. But it takes trust.
Learning to enjoy the creative process is part of the process. It takes trust.
No matter what you do, no matter what the end result is, there is much to learn as you go through the process and about the process itself. Trust is required.
If a project goes off the rails, such as a book deal falling through, a business failure, a painting doesn’t work out, what is important is what you learned and discovered through the process. It takes trust.
There are no mistakes, only lessons. If we only ever count on the end-result, we would miss most of life.
It takes trust.
Edison tried 9,000 experiments to perfect the light bulb. That’s 8,999 lessons before he got it right. That is a lot of trust.
* partial excerpt from my book The Whispering Heart: Your Inner Guide to Creativity.
*photo of Stained Glass Path of Farinet in Valais, Switzerland, created by local Swiss artists. Read about the art and my adventure here.
Season 3, episode 5 of Extraordinary Women TV airs tonight on Rogers TV
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
TORONTO, Nov. 25, 2014 – Season 3, episode five of Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner airs tonight featuring on-location interviews with Toronto’s iconic art entrepreneur, Jane Corkin, founder/director, Corkin Gallery; and Fay Athari, founder/director, Arta Gallery. Both guests share insights into the business of art. The show airs tonight at 7pm ET on Rogers TV Cable 10/63 in Toronto/Scarborough.
The show aims to empower women get their dreams into action by providing the tips and tools from some of today’s most extraordinary women. This season, Shannon goes on-location around the city of Toronto to speak with women from a range of pursuits about their passions and challenges — and how they overcome them.
Now in its third season on Rogers TV, the television series began as a live web TV talk show for women in Canada, and has grown into an inspirational, relevant and informative resource for women who want to follow their hearts and dreams, and live extraordinary lives. In January 2013, the show began airing on Rogers TV in Toronto/Scarborough, with 46 episodes being produced and aired over the first two seasons. The show has also aired in several other Rogers’ Ontario markets. And last season featured the “Woman to Watch” regular segment.
Shannon’s guests are women from all walks of life and industries, including: arts and entertainment, business, charities, media, sports, experts – and more. Some past notable guests include: entrepreneur Debbie Travis; actress Mariel Hemingway; singers Jully Black and Sarah Slean; philanthropist, The Hon. Margaret McCain; dean of law faculty at the U of T, Mayo Moran; fashion designer and Canadian icon, Linda Lundstrom; president/CEO, ROM, Janet Carding; Rebecca MacDonald, founder, Just Energy; actress Sarena Parmar; Plan Canada’s president/CEO, Rosemary McCarney; among many others.
Nearly 300 episodes have been posted and archived on the web for public access since its inception in September 2010, when it began as a live web TV series, and 52 episodes have been produced to-date for Rogers TV. Extraordinary Women TV is produced and owned by Shannon Skinner and Comfy Chair Productions Inc., and is filmed in Toronto.
Rogers TV Toronto’s full scheduling information: click here.
* photo courtesy of Corkin Gallery
Season 3, Episode 4 airs tonight on Extraordinary Women TV on Rogers TV
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
TORONTO, Nov. 18, 2014 – Season 3, episode four, of Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner airs tonight featuring special coverage and interviews from the Canadian Beauty Innovation Awards. Shannon speaks with Natalie Lewis, founder, Canadian Beauty Innovation Awards; Linda Leatherdale, VP Marketing and Business Development, Cambria and financial columnist; Mary Tripi, hair stylist icon and entrepreneur; and Academy Award-nominated actress and wellness advocate, Mariel Hemingway. Also featured are interviews with founder and executive director, Re-Think Breast Cancer, MJ DeCoteau; and renowned Toronto artist, Beverley Jenkins.
The show airs tonight at 7pm ET on Rogers TV Cable 10/63 in Toronto/Scarborough.
The show aims to empower women get their dreams into action by providing the tips and tools from some of today’s most extraordinary women. This season, Shannon goes on-location around the city of Toronto to speak with women from a range of pursuits about their passions and challenges — and how they overcome them.
Now in its third season on Rogers TV, the television series began as a live web TV talk show for women in Canada, and has grown into an inspirational, relevant and informative resource for women who want to follow their hearts and dreams, and live extraordinary lives. In January 2013, the show began airing on Rogers TV in Toronto/Scarborough, with 46 episodes being produced and aired over the first two seasons. The show has also aired in several other Rogers’ Ontario markets. And last season featured the “Woman to Watch” regular segment.
Shannon’s guests are women from all walks of life and industries, including: arts and entertainment, business, charities, media, sports, experts – and more. Some past notable guests include: entrepreneur Debbie Travis; singers Jully Black and Sarah Slean; philanthropist, The Hon. Margaret McCain; dean of law faculty at the U of T, Mayo Moran; fashion designer and Canadian icon, Linda Lundstrom; president/CEO, ROM, Janet Carding; Rebecca MacDonald, founder, Just Energy; actress Sarena Parmar; Plan Canada’s president/CEO, Rosemary McCarney; among many others.
Nearly 300 episodes have been posted and archived on the web for public access since its inception in September 2010, when it began as a live web TV series, and 52 episodes have been produced to-date for Rogers TV. Extraordinary Women TV is produced and owned by Shannon Skinner and Comfy Chair Productions Inc., and is filmed in Toronto.
Rogers TV Toronto’s full scheduling information: click here.
Guest line-up for season premiere of Extraordinary Women TV
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
TORONTO, Oct. 28, 2014 – The guest-line up has been announced for the season premiere of Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner , which airs tonight at 7pm ET on Rogers TV Cable 10/63 in Toronto/Scarborough. In this first episode, host Shannon Skinner goes on location to the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, filmed this summer, where she speaks to a range of Toronto-based artists including: Jenn Goodwin, dancer and programmer for Nuit Blanche; Lindsay Zier-Vogel, Love Lettering Campaign artist; Kate Taylor, visual artist and Vice Chair of the Artists’ Network; Karen Taylor; Ness Lee, best known for her sumo-inspired illustrations; Sarah Gaby-Trotz; and jewelry designer, Lisa Ridout.
“This season, I wanted to highlight a number of artists because they make our world an interesting place and they yet are so often overlooked,” says Shannon Skinner, the show’s host and producer. “These women are extraordinary because they are brave enough to not only follow their dreams, but to share their art with the world, which requires courage.”
The show aims to empower women get their dreams into action by providing the tips and tools from today’s most extraordinary women. This season, Shannon goes on-location around the city of Toronto to speak with women from a range of pursuits about their passions and challenges — and how they overcome them.
Now in its third season, the television series began as a live web TV talk show for women in Canada, and has grown into an inspirational, relevant and informative resource for women who want to follow their hearts and dreams, and live extraordinary lives. In January 2013, the show began airing on Rogers TV in Toronto/Scarborough, with 46 episodes being produced and aired over the first two seasons. The show has also aired in several other Rogers’ Ontario markets. And last season featured the “Woman to Watch” regular segment.
Shannon’s guests are women from all walks of life and industries, including: arts and entertainment, business, charities, media, sports, experts – and more. Some past notable guests include: entrepreneur Debbie Travis; singers Jully Black and Sarah Slean; philanthropist, The Hon. Margaret McCain; dean of law faculty at the U of T, Mayo Moran; fashion designer and Canadian icon, Linda Lundstrom; president/CEO, ROM, Janet Carding; Rebecca MacDonald, founder, Just Energy; actress Sarena Parmar; Plan Canada’s president/CEO, Rosemary McCarney; among many others.
Sponsors to acknowledge include: The Private World of Mary Tripi; Jordane Cosmetics; Deborah Krymuza (makeup design); Your Global VA; Fresh Florals; Makara Jewelry; 69 Vintage Clothing Company; and Shannon Skinner Media.
Nearly 300 episodes have been posted and archived on the web for public access since its inception in September 2010, when it began as a live web TV series. Extraordinary Women TV is produced and owned by Shannon Skinner and Comfy Chair Productions Inc., and is filmed in Toronto.
Rogers TV Toronto’s full scheduling information: click here.
Creativity’s dirty little secret
I have a secret to tell you…
A dirty mind is great for creativity.
It has been long understood that creativity and sex are linked. Lovers often express their feelings and desires through creative forms, such as poetry, love letters and painting, regardless of whether it is amateur or masterful works.
Think about the time when you first met your spouse, a new flame or the hot guy/girl you bumped into while on vacation. You probably had energy and passion that drove you wild, and you likely did double the amount of work you would ordinarily. Instead of taking two hours to churn out a report for your boss or client, it took you only one hour to hammer it out because you had other more, how shall I say, interesting things to do.
Sexual energy and creative energy are so strongly connected that they impact each other profoundly – this is pure biology, chemistry and physics in cahoots with one another. Sexual energy fuels inspiration and passion, and when harnessed and properly channeled is a pleasurable and powerful means to motivate us creatively.
I had once read that some professional athletes have been known to avoid sex at least 24 hours prior to competition, so they can harness their pent-up sexual energy for that important game. The ancient Greek athletes (originally only men were allowed to compete) were so serious about the Olympic championships they did not touch a woman, or another man, for at least one week prior to their game in order to keep the “inner flame” lit.
There are many well-known artists who have consciously embraced their sexuality and directed that energy toward creating their art masterpieces. Think of the artist Toulouse-Lautrec, who turned his sexuality into his now-famous classic portrayal of Parisian nightlife. Writer John Cheever is alleged to have believed sex improved his writing as well as his eyesight – talk about great insight.
In the business world, people who work together and are physically attracted to each other are usually more productive because there is a “charge” that fuels their creative energy. It can be an electrical experience reaping amazing results. Consider the number of television dramas and soap operas that are built on this dynamic. Chances are you probably know of someone who married a person they met while working together.
Here are some ideas on how you can harness your sexual energy to help channel it toward your creative dreams and ultimately get them off the ground:
1. Plan Romantic Nights Out with Your Mate: With some organization and planning, take your mate out on special occasions that enable you to become more intimate with one another, such as candlelight dinner or simply a walk on the beach. Above all, make it fun.
2. Enjoy Some Aphrodisiacs: In a recent study, scientists discovered a regular daily apple intake can boost sexual pleasure in healthy women. There are a number of other foods that are believed to help get you “in the mood,” such as oysters and chocolate. For naysayers, there is no harm in giving it a go, right?
3. Relax and De-Stress: We all know that too much stress is taxing on our health and productivity, but it can also impact our sexual energy and creativity. So find ways to de-stress. If at all possible, find ways to do this together with your mate, like couples yoga, where it can add to your intimacy.
4. Mind the Alcohol: Although a few drinks might remove inhibitions and get you in the mood, the name of the game here is to harness your sexual energy to become more creative and make that creative dream happen. Difficult to do with a hangover. So do not overdo it.
And so, experiment with your sexual energy and creativity, and determine what works best for you. You never know where that blend of these powerful forces will take your creative mind and talent.
(based on an excerpt from “The Whispering Heart: Your Inner Guide to Creativity,” by Shannon Skinner)
* photo courtesy of cjhallman
Tonight’s guests on Extraordinary Women TV on Rogers TV
Up next on Extraordinary Women TV on Rogers TV
Disco Queen/filmmaker Claudja Barry, and artist Vivian Reiss
TORONTO, March 25, 2013 – Tonight on the next episode of Extraordinary Women TV, host Shannon Skinner sits down with special guests Disco Queen, Claudja Barry, best known for her hit song Boogie Woogie Dancin’ Shoes, who discusses her new film about Dance Hall Music; and the vivacious artist, Vivian Reiss, who talks about her wonderful art and the key to living joyfully. Tune-in to Rogers TV Cable 10 & 63 in Toronto/Scarborough tonight at 7:30pmET.
Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner is the first-of-its-kind web TV talk show that is an inspirational, relevant and informative resource for women who want to follow their hearts and dreams. In January 2013, the show also began airing on Rogers TV Cable 10 & 63 in Toronto/Scarborough Monday nights at 7:30pmET, with repeats throughout the week.
Shannon’s guests are successful women from all walks of life – many high-profile — from Toronto and across Canada, from a range of industries, including: arts and entertainment, business, finance, charities, eco, media, experts – and more. Some notable guests include: singers/songwriters Suzie McNeil, Sarah Slean and Amy Sky; news director/anchor, Kym Geddes; media personality/relationship expert Jen Kirsch; journalist/author Jan Wong; fashion designer and Canadian icon, Linda Lundstrom; businesswomen Rebecca MacDonald (Just Energy) and Kelsey Ramsden (Belvedere Place Development); actresses Sarena Parmar, Lisa Berry; Plan Canada’s Rosemary McCarney; former Chatelaine editor Rona Maynard; among many others.
More than 180 one-on-one interviews have been conducted and archived since its inception in September 2010.
Rogers TV’s full scheduling information: www.rogerstv.com/ExtraordinaryWomenTV
– 30 –
For information, contact:
Shannon Skinner
Producer/Host, Extraordinary Women TV
416-576-8809 (cell)
shannon@skinnerpublicity.com
www.ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com
Glasgow, a city of fine art
When you think of Glasgow, art may not be the first thing that comes to mind. On a recent trip to Scotland’s second largest city, my discovery of a vast collection of world-class fine art was not only a pleasant surprise, it is revealing of this city’s cultural soul. Glasgow boasts more than 20 art museums and galleries, many of which the whole family can enjoy. Best of all, a number of them are free to the public.
After all, Glasgow was the home of architect and designer, Charles Rennie Macinstosh, one of the most creative designers at the turn of the previous century. It was also home to the famous Glasgow Boys and Glasgow Girls, who were a group of leading Scottish artists known for their early work in impressionism. These are only a sampling.
If you are planning a trip to Glasgow, here some of the art museums not to be missed:
Also on permanent display is The Mackintosh House, an impressive recreation of the original home and furnishings of Charles Rennie Macintosh and his wife, Margaret MacDonald Macintosh, a remarkable artist in her own right, where the couple had lived in the early 1900s. Macintosh took what was an old Victorian home and modernized it, being one of the first designers to paint dark wood furniture white, a complete departure from the traditional dark.
(example of Macintosh-designed furniture; House of an Art Lover)
(Rodin’s “The Thinker” sculpture at the Burrell)
The Burrell Collection offers one of the largest private art collections in the world. Gifted to the city of Glasgow by Scottish shipping magnate, Sir William Burrell, in 1944, it is located on a lovely, sprawling, woodland property outside the city. Access may not be as easy as the more central galleries, but well worth the effort. Displays comprise a wide-range of art from important French artists such as Rodin, Degas, Cézanne and Boudin, to late medieval art, Chinese and Islamic art, and more. Of particular interest is the exhibition, Jean-Francois Millet: Under Investigation, a collection of 11 works by French artist Jean-Francois Millet that is currently “under investigation” by a team of experts to determine if the artist is actually Millet. The Burrell regularly holds temporary exhibitions, and events and activities for adults and children. Admission is free.
Photos of the River Clyde, Glasgow School of Art, Macintosh furniture, Burrell courtesy VisitBritain
Shannon Skinner is the author of The Whispering Heart: Your Inner Guide to Creativity, and creator and host of Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner. Travel and exploring the world is her greatest inspiration.
My perfect day in New York City
SHANNON’S TRAVEL BAG: Travel Tips for Women
Shannon Skinner writes about her perfect day in New York City.
__________
If you know me, you know I have a love affair with New York City. It is a city that I find so electrifying and full of life. It is the heartbeat of the world. If you are shaking your head ‘no’ in disagreement with this statement, just imagine what life would be like without the New York Stock Exchange and Wall Street.
This past weekend, I went to New York for some R&R and to get re-energized and inspired. For many people, summer-time is the season to putter in the garden, work on the cottage, or simply chill-out with family while the kids are out of school. I find it is nearly impossible to get down time in my home city of Toronto, regardless of the season. I don’t have a cottage in the Muskokas to escape to. In fact, I never will have a cottage because I have no desire to be anchored to one — I’d rather travel. Probably like you, I have many distractions and a thousand reasons why I should be “working” 24/7. For me, to allow my mind to wind down and vacate for a bit, and to reclaim my energy when it gets depleted (and oh boy it does), I need to get away. In fact, I’ve come to accept that I have no choice.
For many people, travel is considered a luxury. It is something you do once you have wealth, or when you retire. There was a time when I did not travel because I did not have the money or could not take the time away from my work. However, I have come to realize that by taking off time and going to a place that inspires me, I have more energy than I had before, and the inspiration is the gasoline that fuels me to keep being productive and achieve my goals. Without it, my tires go flat. So it does not do me any service to not travel.
I spent Sunday in the most marvellous way. In the morning, a dear friend of mine and I visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It has been a few years since I had been to the Met, and I felt a desire to surround myself with the beauty of some of the greatest genius artists since the beginning of time. After a couple of hours of meandering through its vast galleries and halls, my friend and I had a brunch in the Met’s restaurant. How divine it was to sip on a glass of chilled prosecco along with a decent-sized serving of French toast, while surrounded by a view of the park on one side and a bright naturally-lit hall filled with amazing life-size statues on the other.
And with temperature soaring in the 90s in Manhattan, a scorcher of a weekend, the museum’s cool air conditioning was a welcomed reprieve.
The Met, one of the best art museums in the world, offers so much education about art history. As far as my taste in art is concerned, I must admit my favourite artists are the 19th century European impressionists. What’s not to love about Monet’s water lilies? There is something uplifting and almost calming about the work of the impressionists.
The Met has something to offer for everyone, regardless of your taste in art, age, or background. There is always something to learn and experience. And be sure to check out the rooftop terrace, which offers an impressive view of the city.
Following our morning with the art masters, my friend and I found ourselves at the River Café, which is situated under the Brooklyn Bridge, on the Brooklyn river side. We treated ourselves to a beverage at the bar, which had talented piano player behind us and an amazing, unobstructed view of lower Manhattan in front of us. I must add, the restaurant, which is world-renowned, has a lush garden of flowers, one of the best indoor display of flowers I have ever seen, inside the entrance. The restaurant is also famous for holding the graduation party for JFK when he graduated from law school.
The bar had friendly bartenders who entertained my friend and I with their travel stories. Although we did not have anything to eat, from what I could around me, the food looked delicious.
It was a wonderful environment to catch-up with my friend, reminisce, to share dreams, hopes — and a few laughs.
For me, this was the perfect way to spend a Sunday. What’s yours?
