Don Valley Art Club to host in-person art exhibit: April 27-May 8

Photo Don Valley Art Club.
Photo Don Valley Art Club.

Spring is a time for renewal, rebirth and especially after two long years of Covid restrictions, a time of rejuvenation. This month, the Don Valley Art Club is springing back to life and is returning to the Papermill Gallery, located on the historic Todmorden Mills site, to host its first “in-person” art show in over two years. An interesting fact about the Papermill Gallery was that in the 1800s, it was the first of its kind in Upper Canada to produce machine-made paper and provided newsprint for some of the colony’s first publications.

“If you could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint.” —Edward Hopper

The Don Valley Art Club, established in 1948, has long been considered an important part of the Toronto arts community, and Leaside is fortunate to have them as our near neighbours. The club, with more than 180 active members, has for almost 75 years gathered to give artists a forum to create original paintings, drawings, sketches and other media.

The in-person show runs from April 27 to May 8 with over 100 new pieces available to enjoy and purchase. The show will continue online until May 15th, where many more artworks can be viewed. In addition, on Sun., May 1st from noon to 4 p.m., visitors can observe and interact with several “plein air” artists. “Plein air” is about leaving the studio behind and experiencing painting and drawing in the landscape. This centuries old art form was a favourite style of the French Impressionists, and allows artists to capture the subtleties of the changing light and colour on the landscape.

Papermill Gallery is located at 67 Pottery Rd. Admission is free, with free parking on site.