In accordance with the announcement by the provincial government, the Gardiner Museum has closed temporarily. The health and safety of our visitors, staff, and the wider community remains our top priority. We'll continue to provide you with engaging digital content to keep us connected while the galleries are closed.
During our temporary closure, we're posting exhibitions and selections from our collection online. Discover Inuit ceramics, Chinese and Japanese porcelain, pottery from the Ancient Americas, and more!
On Thursday April 29 at 1 pm, join us for a free online lecture with Professor Alison McQueen, who will discuss the significant contributions of women working at Sèvres in the first century of its history. The presentation will feature works from leading international porcelain collections and bring attention to the often-overlooked roles of women retouching glaze, laying down prints, and burnishing. Register now!
Every object in our permanent collection can be accessed through our eMuseum portal. Learn about individual collecting areas, like Italian Maiolica or Modern and Contemporary Ceramics, or search the full collection by keyword. You'll be amazed by what you discover!
With the Museum closed temporarily, we need your support to continue to offer innovative and engaging exhibitions, programs, and community projects online, as well as plan for the future. Please consider making a donation to help us build community with clay.
Registration is now closed
Make a donation of $75, $100, or $125 to participate in this unique art fundraiser. Free for Young Patron Circle members.
With the cancellation of this year’s SMASH art party, we’re excited to introduce Clay Date, a new online art fundraiser in support of the Gardiner Museum and inspired by the special exhibition RAW.
Presented by the Young Patron Circle, Clay Date will virtually unite a community of art enthusiasts and cultural philanthropists for an evening with artist Habiba El-Sayed. Participants will explore how raw clay can be used in experimental, performative, and durational ways, and delve into the inherent qualities that make it the perfect medium for illustrating complex ideas and emotions. This hour-long livestream will take place on Tuesday August 25 at 7 pm.
1. Make a donation of $75, $100, or $125 toward the fundraiser by August 20*
2. Pick up your clay kit from the Gardiner. Curbside pickup will be available on August 19 from 11 am – 8 pm, and August 20 – 23 from 11 am – 5 pm)**
3. Join the virtual event via Zoom Tuesday August 25 at 7 pm on for an exclusive clay experience with artist Habiba El-Sayed. The link will be sent to you by email prior to event.
*A tax receipt will be issued for the maximum allowable amount. **For those unable to travel to the Gardiner, limited delivery options are available at checkout for an additional fee. Delivery areas include City of Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Vaughan, and Markham. Please email jackien@gardinermuseum.com if special accommodation is required.
Plus more surprises!
Inspired by Islamic architecture and human vulnerability, Toronto-based artist Habiba El-Sayed uses a variety of materials, performance, and temporal techniques to illustrate her concepts. Her work focuses on connecting to, exploring, and interpreting aspects of her identity, particularly as a Muslim woman living in a post-9/11 world.
El-Sayed holds an Advanced Diploma from Sheridan College in Ceramics (2014) and a BFA in Ceramics from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (2016). She recently completed a three year residency at the Harbourfront Centre (2019) and her work has been shown in galleries and museums across North America. Alongside her art practice, she is a pottery instructor and will return to the position of Pottery Technician and Instructor at Markham Museum post-pandemic.
Odessa Paloma Parker (Co-Chair) / Michael Liebrock (Co-Chair) / Naomi Brearley / Isha Damania / Netila Demneri / Garrick Frittelli / Madeleine Gillmeister / Justin Harris / Azadeh Houshmand / Marina Krtinic / Sophia Lal / Kulin Matchhar / Anjli Patel / Rahul Patel / Jigen Shah / David Wade / Connie Xi
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In-Kind Sponsors