SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2010

ART | The Little Art Show
Tonight's auction at Mercedes-Benz Downtown is put together by the Artist's Network, an organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, and developing their members as 'professionals' in the visual art world. Proceeds from tonight's auction, hosted by Maggie Cassella, will go to funding the operations of the Network, which operates the Hang Man Gallery, and organizes the 2 day Riverdale Art Walk every summer. Mercedes-Benz Downtown (761 Dundas St. E.) 7PM $35

ART | Bloor West Village Arts & Crafts Show & Sale
Runnymede United Church will be nearly overflowing this morning with beautiful works from local artists exhibiting in five different rooms. There promises to be ample baked goods and refreshments, as well. Get there early, as this event is only scheduled to run until 2:30pm. Runnymede Untied Church (432 Runnymede Rd.) 10AM FREE

WORKSHOP | Animation Master Class with Koji Yamamura
Film students and lovers of animation should definitely attend this morning's workshop with Koji Yamamura. The Japanese animator/director who made his first animated film at 13 years of age, brings a strong background in painting to his work and vision, and has received numerous awards interationally, including an Oscar nomination in 2003 for the film Mt. Head. This workshop is sure to inspire and enlighten. National Film Board (150 John St.) 10AM $5/Free for Pre-Reg

FILM | Reel Asian Film Festival: The Mountain Thief
This compelling film tells the story of the inhabitants of Payatas in the Philippines, a town that is essentially a dump site. Director Gerry Balasta will be present at this screening of the story of a struggle to survive, a family drama, and an eye-opening look at the conditions war forces people to adapt to and thrive in. Innis Town Hall (2 Sussex Ave.) 5PM $12 via Ticketweb or at the door

MUSIC | Chhandayan All-Night Concert
Presentations of North Indian Classical music are rare enough in Toronto, but this evening's all-night concert presented by Small World Music and the NYC-based Chhandayan gives Toronto enthusiasts a very unique opportunity to experience a traditional and authentic Indian Classical listening experience. Some of the music's top names will be participating, including tabla guru Pt. Swapan Choudhury, sarodist Alam Khan, and many others. Experiencing a series of ragas, played at the proper time of day (or night), and their effect with sustained listening over a long period is the fashion in which this music is meant to be heard. St. Andrew's Church (73 Simcoe St.) 8PM $30 to $100

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2010

MUSIC | Tinars: Obsessions - Inspired by Painting: Alexina Louie and Iris Nowell
It's always incredible to witness and explore the relationships between different forms of art, and the ways in which they can influence and inspire each other. At this afternoon's installment of This Is Not A Reading Series, Award-winning composer Alexina Louie and Esprit Orchestra will share music, Iris Nowell will share insight into the edgy Toronto Beatnik-era group Painters Eleven, and there will be film presentations, as well. The Gladstone Hotel - Melody Bar (1214 Queen St West) 2PM $5

CULTURE | Field Trip: Walking with Shawn Micallef
Toronto author and modern-day fl창neur, Shawn Micallef will guide us through a walking tour of the Harbourfront district this afternoon, giving unique insight into the area's streets and buildings. Micallef's "psychogeography" concept will dominate the proceedings and give all participants a new way to view their surroundings.
The Power Plant (231 Queen's Quay West) 3PM $6 ($4 members)

LECTURE | Eating For Optimum Health
Our bodies are what carry us thorough our fast paced, non-stop lifestyles every day, and we must treat and 'fuel' them properly so they can continue to serve us well. Rebecca Dietzel will deliver a lecture this morning to help us understand how stabilizing blood sugar in our bodies is vitally important to our health in so many ways. Toronto Western Hospital (399 Bathurst St.) 10AM $40/$30 students

ART | Sunday Scene with Robert Wright
If you have been meaning to get down to The Power Plant and catch up on the happenings there, this afternoon's edition of "Sunday Scene" is the place you should be. Each Sunday a different art-and-culture oriented guest speaker gives a synopsis, commentary, and critical view of the gallery's current offerings. This week's speaker is the University of Toronto's Robert Wright, whose background in architecture, urban planning, and landscape design will lend an interesting angle to his 'take' on what is on at The Power Plant. The Power Plant (231 Queen's Quay West) 2PM FREE with gallery admission.

MUSIC | Michael Occhipinti's Creation Dream Quartet
An opportunity to see one of the country's top jazz guitar talents in a pub atmosphere for no cover is one not-to-be missed. Michael Occhipinti has been nominated for eight Juno awards in his career so far, and one of those was for his album Creation Dream, which featured the guitarist's beautiful interpretations of the music of Bruce Cockburn, who made a guest appearance on the CD. This afternoon's special performance will continue Occhipinti's exploration of the great Canadian songwriter's music. Dora Keogh, 141 Danforth Rd. 4PM FREE

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Photo by sjgardiner in the blogTO Flickr pool