Introducing &co! A summer series of art activations bringing the creativity of North York artists to existing public programming. We bring NYA flare, everywhere.
Catch us in the community to meet new local North York artists, participate in fun arts activities, and get to know your local neighbourhood arts organization!
Scroll below to see where we’ll be this summer!
Do you have an event you’d love to add an arts activity to? Reach out to jay-marie@northyorkarts.org to see if we might be a good fit.
See you soon!
Click on each event to learn more
Willowdale Concert Series
Don’t Mess With the Don
Play on the Runway
Willowdale Concert Series – Instrument Petting Zoo
July 18 – 5pm to 7pm
Lee Lifeson Park
North York Arts
Stop by the NYA tent to test your talents with our instruments including a djembe drum, steel pan, electric guitar, and more!
Willowdale Concerts in the Park – willowdalecentral.org/concert-series-2024
Back by popular demand, the Willowdale Concerts in the Park Series features live style performances where emerging and established Canadian artists showcase their talent. Come join us every Thursday evening (7-9pm for the months of June & July) at the Lee Lifeson Art Park, for a free outdoor concert.
Pre-concert park activities happening from 5-7pm.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and take in the show or have a seat at the Amphitheatre. These outdoor events are a great opportunity to enjoy the park as it was meant to be!
Meet your Artists – Jay-Marie Phillips and Declan David
Born in Scarborough, Raised in Trinidad, Jay-Marie Phillips is a community programmer, event organizer and producer living in North York, working extensively in collaboration with others to create more diverse spaces through inclusive programming. Outside of her artistic contributions, she works with vulnerable sector youth as part of the Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Network In the Dundas West Neighbourhood.
Declan David is an Afro-Caribbean-Canadian visual artist specializing in animation, illustration, and painting. He graduated from OCAD in 2023 with a BFA in Fine Art, focusing on digital painting and expanded animation. He has a background in event planning working with various university of Toronto affiliated organizations. He is super excited to be able to share his skills with the arts community here at North York arts.
Don’t Mess with the Don – Saturdays at the Container
July 27 – 10am – 1pm
11 Redway Road
North York Arts
Stay tuned for exciting programming!
Saturdays at the Container – dontmesswiththedon.ca/saturdays-at-the-container
Every second Saturday, Don’t Mess with the Don hosts kids and families for Arts & Crafts, a history/nature walk through the Don Valley and our stewardship site, and a free BBQ for all. Everyone will have an opportunity to be creative, doing easy and fun art projects related to the Don Valley. Decorate real birdhouses you can take home or paint your very own butterfly for your pollinator garden.
Led by a teacher and creative volunteers with everything provided, this is a great way to spend your Saturdays. If you missed a craft we always have extras from previous weeks and all the paint, markers, tissue paper, etc. to decorate. The crafts have a learning component and each project is tied to a specific aspect of the Don Valley.
Held at our Container Hub, 11 Redway Road, there is no cost and drop-ins are welcome.
Stay tuned to Meet your Artist!
Play on the Runway
Aug 17 & 18
8 Hanover Road
Working with North York based Grip Tape Artist Ashley Lettuse, and Sticker Artist Amanda Lederle, NYA will be providing a booth to invite patrons of Play on the Runway to facilitate an art booth with stickers, and drawing. Ashley will direct and guide guests on how to decorate the stickers, and execute their ideas. She will also provide her own sticker art for inspiration to attendees and give out to patrons. These stickers can go on the bottom of a skateboard, the side of a rollerblade, or even to display at home.
We will also be doing a DIY popsicle fingerboard making activation, facilitated by our outreach coordinators Maria Moreno and Declan David. This is a great activity for youth and families to participate in crafts, and take home something from this memorable event.
About Us
North York Arts (NYA) collaborates with artists, arts organizations, and partners to develop, strengthen, and promote cultural programming and initiatives for North York communities
Contact us
North York Arts
5040 Yonge St.
Toronto, ON, M2N 6R8
Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
