“ORIGIN – Paintings of scale and ambition”

Kyle Bennett, Cheryl HJ Lee, Jan Wheeler,

Majid Zeraati

  • February 13 – April 28, 2025

There are no false starts here. The artists of “ORIGIN – Paintings of scale and ambition” know exactly where they come from and where they are going. Their works assert, expand, and command space. These are paintings of scale and ambition, born from a deep understanding of artistic lineage and a forward momentum that refuses limitation.

An artist creates, causes, or gives rise to another thing. Just as a spring is the origin of the stream, the stream of the river, and the river of the sea, so too does the artist set something in motion. A painting is not a fixed moment—it evolves and interacts with the audience through the progress of time.

ORIGIN reminds us that great paintings are not just seen; they are experienced. Here, the artists embrace that challenge, offering bold visions that stand at the origin of something enduring.

BIOS

Price:

FREE

Location:

Upper Gallery, Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery,

Columbus Centre

“Past Present Future:
L’Arte che Scompare /
The Disappearing Arts”

Cindi Emond

  • May 5 – 26, 2025
  • Opening Reception: Tuesday, May 6,
    7:00 – 9:00pm

  • Artist Talk: Saturday, May 10, 10:00am –
    Interview conducted by Margo Kelly, former
    CBC Arts reporter

  • Meet & Greet with Artist: Saturday, May 17,
    10:00am – 12:00pm

This four-part series, “Past Present Future: L’Arte che Scompare / The Disappearing Arts”, is an exploration of extinguishing cultural arts in Italy, some of which are recognized by UNESCO. It is environmental portraiture representing Italian heritage, the persistence of cultural traditions and national identity. With the emerging forces of change and technologically advancement today, no one has time to reflect on our agro-pastoral past. The grape harvest of Asprinio, the Transumanza and the Cantu a Tenore, songs the shepherds sang, all connect to that past. The Marinelli Bell Foundry with its 26 generations of history may make one query why they should be considered in the context of disappearing arts. One only has to look at the crisis of faith to understand the worry the newest generation is grappling with. Emond hopes to share these fragile traditions with a broader audience because she thinks our cultures, rituals, and mythologies need to be preserved.

 

BIO

Price:

FREE

Location:

Lower Gallery, Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery,

Columbus Centre

 

Presented in partnership with Contact Photography Festival.

 

Under the Auspices of Istituto Italiano di Cultura Toronto, and the Consulate General of Italy in Toronto.

Art Exhibition Archives

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

For more information, please contact:

Giulio Recchioni
Executive Director, Cultural Programming
Phone: 416-789-7011 ext. 218
EmailGRecchioni@villacharities.com

COLUMBUS CENTRE

Since its opening in 1980, the Columbus Centre has served as a vibrant community centre where people can enjoy the richness of Italian culture within a Canadian setting. Today, the Columbus Centre remains a major hub for the GTA’s Italian-Canadian community and a popular meeting place frequented by more than 150,000 visitors every year. Patrons of all ages and ethnicities visit the Columbus Centre for dance, visual arts, music, Italian language and children’s camps; view art exhibitions at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery; attend cultural events and programming; and participate in a wide range of athletic, aquatic and wellness programs at our expansive Athletic Club.

 

In 2018, the Columbus Centre was added to the City of Toronto’s Heritage Register. Designated heritage elements include the mosaic-tiled and brick “St. Mary’s Training School” door frame and decorative mosaic at the southeast corner of the original building; the Rotunda, built originally as a venue for social functions and weddings, and converted in 1986 into an art gallery; and the adjoining landscaped setting of the sculpture garden.

 

The Columbus Centre is home to TLN Media Group’s corporate and multicultural media production headquarters, Leonardo Da Vinci Academy and the Academy of Realist Art.

 

To view Programs and Services offered by the Columbus Centre, click here.

Board of Governors

We are looking for Board Members!

 

Are you interested in getting involved in your local community and making an impact on a community centre that has played a vital role since 1980? For more than four decades, the Columbus Centre has served as a social, recreational, cultural and athletic complex, and a popular destination for the Italian-Canadian community. The Columbus Centre has been described as “a home away from home” and a place where everyone is welcome, and everyone is safe. It is a true multigenerational facility. 

 

We are looking for accomplished leaders that can take their places on the Board and make an impact. Please send your CV and a cover letter indicating why you are interested. Clearly indicate what demonstrated skills and experience you have that would be an asset to the Board, and what personal qualities make you an ideal candidate for the role.

 

Please email your materials re: Columbus Centre Board of Directors to the attention of: Chair, Nominating & Governance at volunteering@villacharities.com or mail/drop off in person to:

 

Villa Charities Inc.

901 Lawrence Ave. West Toronto, ON M6A 1C3

Attn: Chair, Nominating & Governance, re: Columbus Centre Board of Directors

 

The deadline for applications is July 15, 2024.

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