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adventures IN ART |
Betty Ann Jordan
Art InSite delivers unforgettable guided tour of the cultural, artistic side of Toronto. But first and foremost, it is Betty Ann Jordan. Here, in Betty Ann's words, is what that means:
I define "art" in the broadest possible terms.
For me it encompasses fine art, studio craft and applied design, including architecture, furniture, clothing, interiors and graphics. I consider shopping for one-of-a-kind objects and collectibles, or eating at unique restaurants and cafes to be a creative exercise.
People who take my tours feel that they've met a new friend, an insider who is deeply connected to Toronto culture. They also get to experience Toronto through the eyes of a journalist and are invited to take advantage of my contacts. I know people wherever I go and introduce my fellow-travellers to fascinating people whom they'd never meet otherwise.
A tour with Betty Ann is an unparalleled opportunity to experience Toronto from an artist's point of view. Betty Ann Jordan is the founding owner of Art InSite tours. She is a well-known art journalist, and monthly gallery columnist for Toronto Life and Where Toronto visitor magazine, a trained artist and ten-year veteran arts writer and editor at Canadian Art magazine, as well as two-time guest editor of Ontario Craft magazine.
Also, as a sought-after guest speaker, Betty Ann is regularly asked to
give art-related talks, and, recently, to MC an ongoing series of salon
evenings for women in business and the arts.
Art InSite offers you a chance to experience (and acquire, if you like) contemporary art in all its forms, behind the scenes, connected with a dizzying array of visual culture that extends from the mainstream to the bleeding edge.
As Globe and Mail critic Blake Gopnik recently (and controversially) observed, "Toronto artists, and maybe even dealers, are more interesting and daring than some of their New York counterparts. Art buyers are so rare here that most artist don't even think of catering to them. That makes for a lot of experimentation."
Four-Hour Personal Tours
- Yorkville and Environs, including Atlantisia Gallery, home gallery of TDBAB's "Artist by Appointment," Terrence Jon Dyk
- Distillery Complex and St. Lawrence District
- Spadina Arts Buildings and West Queen West
- Decorative Arts and Studio Craft Day
Cab and walking tour at your own pace through any one of these art centres in Toronto, including historic commentary and shopping tips, and a meeting with one or more artists. Optional lunch or afternoon tea.
$ 99USD/hr ($396US) (excluding food; includes cabs)
More details of specific tours and custom itineraries here =>
Two-Hour Personal Tours
- Yorkville Galleries and studio, including Atlantisia Gallery, home gallery of TDBAB's "Artist by Appointment," Terrence Jon Dyk
- Distillery Complex and studio
- Spadina Arts, Fashion and Entertainment Districts
- West Queen West urban culture
- Decorative Arts, including the Textile Museum
A neighbourhood walkabout of any one of the exciting areas listed above, with stops at three to five studios and galleries, each focusing on a specific art form. Refreshing tea break included.
$ 99USD/hr ($198US) (excluding food; includes cabs)
More details of specific tours and custom itineraries here =>
The McMichael Collection of the Group of Seven
The Group of Seven were Canadian wilderness landscape painters inspired by the work of Tom Thomson and strongly influenced by Post-Impressionism, creating bold, vividly-colored canvases, and instilling elements of the landscape with symbolic meaning.
The group was not limited to the seven founding members, and they eventually changed their name to the Canadian Group of Painters. Besides Thomson, the group included Franklin Carmichael, A.J. Casson, Lionel Fitzgerald, Lawren Harris, Edwin Holgate, A.Y. Jackson, Arthur Lismer, J.E.H. MacDonald, F.H. Varley. Emily Carr was inspired by the group early in her career.
Betty Ann Jordan's ArtInsite tour of the Group of Seven takes you to the finest collection of their works anywhere in the world: The McMichael Canadian Collection in Kleinburg.
ITINERARY
9:30 am: Depart TDBAB in private car
10:30 am: Arrive McMichael Canadian Collection, Kleinburg
10:30 - 12:30 pm: Tour Gallery, including Canadian Portrait show and Group of Seven landscape paintings. (Gallery housed partly in a vast log structure.)
12:30 - 1:30 pm: Picnic boxed lunch on the grounds (the grounds are lovely with views of the Humber Valley, a pine woods and a walking trail by a stream)
1:30 - 2:00 pm: Finish touring Gallery & gift shop (discount off purchases)
2:00 - 2:15 pm: Drive to private ceramic studio
2:15 - 2:45 pm: Visit studio which is home and workplace to two nationally-reputed ceramists
2:45 - 3:00 pm: Drive around Kleinburg , a charming, picture-perfect little town
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Drive back to Toronto Downtown Bed and Breakfast
Cost of this all-day tour, $549 USD for one, $599USD for two. Admissions, parking, private guide, transportation and lunch all included.
More details of specific tours and custom itineraries here =>
