VISUAL ARTS
12 TREES: LET THERE BE LIGHT focuses on light as a potent symbol of hope. Art installations include a discoball Christmas tree, a manually-powered holiday tree light show, an animated winter dreamscape and more. Curated by Canadian artist Douglas Coupland and Vice President of Public Art Management Ben Mills. Gardiner Museum (111 Queen’s Park, 416-586-8080). Until Jan. 7, 2018. 100% SHELLY SAVOR This Toronto artist focuses on the human condition, exploring common details, capturing and embellishing images from everyday life and celebrating the small victories we usually tend to ignore. Large works on wood and canvas, as well as small scale sketchbook drawings. Gallery 50 (50 Gladstone Ave., 416-535-6957). Until Saturday. THE ART OF CANADA: DIRECTOR’S CUT Executive director Ian Dejardin has searched through the gallery’s vaults to select works for this curated show. Personally selected classic favourites, pieces rarely seen and some surprising selections have been brought to light to display the country’s beauty, diversity and artistry. McMichael Canadian Art Collection (10365 Islington Ave., Kleinburg, 905893-1121). Until Nov. 17, 2018. CHEN CAO: SELECTED WORKS is a series of painted portraits and still-life. Chen draws inspiration from the Dutch masters, combined with eastern philosophy on dualism and simplicity. This work expresses ideas of control and discipline relative to dualistic nature. Gallery 555 (555 Bloor St. W., Suite #6, 416-9859448). Until Dec. 30. EARTHLINGS is a group show of otherworldly, surreal and magical ceramic sculpture and works on paper, from artists with distinct cultural and geographical positions (from Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet, Kinngait/Cape Dorset, Qamani’tuaq/ Baker Lake and Toronto). Doris McCarthy Gallery UTSC (1265 Military Trail, 416287-7007). Until Jan. 27, 2018. ERICK GARCIA GOMEZ: THE SERPENT OF THE JUNGLE is a contemporary Mexican folk painter from San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas and Distrito Federal, Mexico. His series of paintings expresses the fight for a better society and incorporates his childhood experience of living with ex-convicts in the Lacandon Jungle in 1994, when a war between the government and the Zapatistas (EZLN) group in his small town broke out. Weird Things Gallery (998 Bathurst St., 647-7862987). Until Jan. 13. EVERY. DAY. OBJECTS. is this year’s Gifts By Artists exhibit and sale. Check out gifts by 29 artists or pick up the collection catalogue, featuring work by Lena Suksi and Fan Wu. Art Metropole (1490 Dundas St. W., 416-703-4400). Until Jan. 7. GUILLERMO DEL TORO: AT HOME WITH MONSTERS From the fantastic to the frightful, don’t miss this glimpse into the world of filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and his cabinet of curiosities. Art Gallery Of Ontario (317 Dundas St. W., 416-979-6648). Until Jan. 7, 2018. HOCKEY HALL OF FAME NHL CENTENNIAL EXHIBIT This limited-time exhibit is a comprehensive tribute to the players and teams of the National Hockey League from 1917-2017. It pays homage to 100 years of NHL hockey, highlighting the most memorable players and moments in league history. Hockey Hall of Fame (30 Yonge St., 416-360-7765). Until Dec. 31. MOSES AND MUSIC: FROM CITY TO ZOOMER is a celebration of Moses Znaimer and the networks, shows and watershed moments he created for a generation of Toronto and nationwide viewers, while also encouraging local talent. ZoomerHall (70 Jefferson Ave., 416-6077735). Until Jan. 18, 2018. MY CITY MY SIX: HOME/PLACE is a composition of 12 stories presenting diverse Canadian narratives written by residents of Scarborough, along with pieces from the University of Toronto Scarborough Collection and work by a variety of artists. Doris McCarthy Gallery UTSC (1265 Military Trail, Scarborough, 416-287-7007). Jan. 20, 2018. WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR These are the top 100 photographs from the world’s longest-running and most prestigious nature photography competition. Whether you are a photography enthusiast or a nature lover, you should see this exhibit. Beautiful shots of animal behaviour, marine scenes and breathtaking landscapes. Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen’s Park, 416-586-8000). Until March 18, 2018.