A Week of Cultural Experiences

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Mama Cormier

…from a visit to the ROM to an art opening at the Abbozzo Gallery and finally to a concert at Koerner Hall to celebrate International Women’s Day

Early in the week my friend and I and her two grandchildren and her daughter spent a few hours at the museum checking out the dinosaurs and the stuffed animal displays before heading to the playroom.

On Friday, Kevin and I joined our friends, Laurie and Phil and our daughter, Andrea and daughter-in-law, Josie at the Abbozzo Gallery for the opening of Richard A. Jacobson’ show, r|age. The theme was on age and aging and embracing the inevitable. It was a very interesting show and being able to meet the artist is always a bonus.

On Sunday, my friend Liz and I went to Koerner Hall to see the International Women’s Day Celebration. The concert featured three indigenous women from Canada. All three are award winning solo artists.

Shawnee Kish was the first presenter and her genre is alternative country.

Amanda Rhéaume was accompanied by a Métis fiddle player. Her music tells stories of Métis resistance and resilience.

Tia Wood was the youngest of the three presenters. In her 20s Tia left her home on the Rez in central Alberta to follow her dreams in Los Angeles. She developed an enormous social following as a creator.

Here are some of the songs put out by these artists.

Shawnee Kish

https://open.spotify.com/track/0D2DxT4D6SLe4a19HlzcgI?si=yccWvjw4SpS8ncEyTAAJxQ

Amanda Rhéaume

https://open.spotify.com/track/71ALgRSQ1neaZmRT2Ivj0P?si=ZqM-pbQjTzOZSsX_zZkpwQ

Tia Wood

https://open.spotify.com/track/6abgej5aQVjWvSFydjqo6o?si=8flK5kM2RU6uUQ-ArW-i1g

Exploring the Art Scene on Dundas Street West

Posted on February 22, 2026 by Mama Cormier

…yesterday, February 21, 2026

Yesterday was the perfect day to do some gallery hopping. It was the last day for the Open Type Typography Exhibition on Dundas St. W. It was already extended for an extra week.

When I first met my husband Kevin he was studying to become a graphic designer and for close to a decade he worked in the industry designing catalogues, menus, signage and advertising.

We had a wonderful conversation with the gallery owners. They were very interested in our upcoming show later this year and they gave us some information on their life drawing classes.

Directly across from this gallery was the Stephen Bulger Photography Gallery.

It was a great day. We were both inspired to get busy with our own art projects.

Play Along With Judy

Posted on January 12, 2026 by Mama Cormier

…thanks to Judy Dykstra-Brown for hosting the Numbers Game https://judydykstrabrown.com/2026/01/12/https-judydykstrabrown-com-2026-01-05-the-numbers-game-107-please-play-along-jan-12-2026/

Today’s number is 229. Just type it into your photo search box and see what comes up. Here is what I found.

Happy New Year

Posted on January 2, 2026 by Mama Cormier

…no New Year’s resolutions

Just making the best of every day. In the past I’ve tried making resolutions that were too ambitious. For example, I used to set a goal of making art every day. As soon as I missed two or three days in a row I felt like I had failed and instead of getting joy out of making art it became a chore. So this year I’m hoping to do one thing a day that brings me joy.

Yesterday I read my first book of the year. It’s a children’s book but I highly recommend it to anyone from 8 to 88.

Charlie Mackesy is both author and illustrator. The book is full of inspirational quotes and I know that I will be going back throughout the year to lift up my mood and stir my creative juices. I like Mackesy’s loose style of drawing so I picked up my fountain pen and opened my new journal. I wrote down my first quote and copied one of the illustrations.

Other things that bring me joy are walking, taking photos, baking, crafting, spending time with friends and family, travelling, going to the cottage and making art.

My one goal this year is to share my joy with you!

Weekly Prompts Colour Challenge – Grey

Posted on November 1, 2025 by Mama Cormier

…thanks to Sue W and Gerry C for hosting Weekly Prompts Colour Challenge – Grey https://weeklyprompts.com/2025/11/01/weekly-prompts-colour-challenge-grey-2/

Tuesday Textures at the Art Show

Posted on October 28, 2025 by Mama Cormier

…Toronto Art Fair

A Trip to Trfalgar Square

Posted on October 18, 2025 by Mama Cormier

…taking in The National Gallery and Canada House

On Friday we headed down to the Theatre District. We were gifted tickets to see a show at the Harold Pinter Theatre. We had a few hours before the show started so we walked towards Trafalgar Square.

Canada House sits next to the Square so we decided to step inside to take in the Hannah Claus exhibit. She is an indigenous artist from the Montreal area.

When entering Canada House, security is high and it’s like going through the airport without having to show a passport.

We also explored the National Gallery which is directly across the street from Canada House. We were interested in seeing the featured show but at £27 each we decided to stick to the galleries that were free. We headed straight to the Impressionists Rooms. I was not disappointed. Many of my favourite artists, including Van Gogh, Monet, Degas and Rousseau had work hung in these rooms.

Enjoying a Day at WAAC

Posted on September 27, 2025 by Mama Cormier

…taking in two great shows

The first show featured indigenous artists. It is called REDefined: voices from Turtle Island. Here are a few of my favourite pieces.

The second show was in the Ruth Upjohn Gallery where Kate Greenway featured her beautiful watercolours.

Judy’s Photo Challenge – #211

Posted on September 9, 2025 by Mama Cormier

…thanks to Judy Dykstra-Brown for hosting the Numbers Game https://judydykstrabrown.com/2025/09/08/the-numbers-game-89-please-play-along-sep-8-2025/

After typing in 211 in the search box on my photo page this is what came up. Try it and see what you get.

A Walk Through the Gallery

Posted on September 7, 2025 by Mama Cormier

….at WAAC

It was a beautiful day. We had the doors wide open at the gallery waiting for my guests and the public to arrive. The wine was chilling and my hostess, Mary had prepared the platters of sweets and nibbles. Here is a quick tour of the gallery.

The afternoon started out slowly but my guests started to arrive and the wine started to flow. The public also started to come through the doors. It was wonderful catching up with friends and family and I loved meeting new people. My cards were a big hit and several paintings and photographs sold. Here is where I was able to add red dots.