ART & DESIGN | Stefan Sagmeister's The Happy Show
World-renowned graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister has created commercial work for brands like Levi's and The Rolling Stones but his latest public showcase examines the artist's quest to find happiness. Ten years of exploration into the subject has culminated in typographical artwork of maxims and rules to live by that Sagmeister has called The Happy Show. All work is designed by the branding expert and is organized by the Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania. The exhibit previews tonight at the Design Exchange, running until March 3rd. UPDATE (12:00pm): Tonight's preview is invite only and thus not open to the general public. The exhibition is officially open as of tomorrow (from 10am to 5pm).
Design Exchange (234 Bay Street) 6:30PM $15.20

MUSIC | Home Sweet Home Tuesdays at the Dakota Tavern
The Strumbellas celebrate their homecoming to Toronto with a residency at the Dakota Tavern for the month of January. The six-piece alt country and indie rock band performs every Tuesday, beginning tonight until January 29th, alongside their friends, Tin Star Orphans. The Orphans hit the stage at 10PM with The Strumbellas following shortly after. Other supporting acts will be announced at a later time.
The Dakota Tavern (249 Ossington Avenue) 10PM $7

ART | The Big Chill
Neilson Park Creative Centre opens the New Year with a large-scale art exhibition featuring the works of artists from across Ontario. The Big Chill is the centre's annual winter art show with drawings, paintings, calligraphy, photography, print and sculpture up for grabs. Opening today, The Big Chill will see some 20+ artists selling their original, locally created works until January 27th.
Neilson Park Creative Centre (56 Neilson Drive) Free

FILM | Doctors of the Dark Side Toronto Premiere
Hot Docs opens their Cinema Politica programming with the Toronto premiere of Doctors of the Dark Side, a documentary about the torture scandal in U.S.-controlled military prisons. Examining the role that psychologists and physicians played in the torture of detainees, director Martha Davis investigates the controversy with over four years of footage in her 2011 film. For more political independent films that will be screened during Cinema Politica's stint at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema, check out their website.
Bloor Hot Docs Cinema (506 Bloor Street West) 6:45PM

OTHER EVENTS ON OUR RADAR:

• TWM: The Spoofs, (Giraffe), The Bright Skies
• I Can't Believe It's Not Bowie!

Photo courtesy of The Strumbellas