Clay Date

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 [email protected] if special accommodation is required.

• Clay from our studios
• Live online clay experience with artist Habiba El-Sayed (1 hour)
• SoCIAL LITE Vodka Soda or Ok! Kombucha
•  Fabric face mask by Mode Masks and WonderBunnie Designs
• CLIF Bar & Company energy bar
• Rawcology granola
• Basil Box voucher

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

Hosted by

In-Kind Sponsors