VISUAL ARTS
21 GAY STREET An exhibition in the spirit of Pride, featuring three artists with a collection of works reflecting overarching LGBT themes. (7 Tank House Lane, 416-979-1980). Until Aug. 17. BIG AT THE ROM showcases 40 artifacts from around the world drawn from a collection of approximately 50,000 textiles and costumes. Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen’s Park, 416-586-8000). Until Nov. 3. BUILDING A CITY: PEOPLE, PLACES AND LIFE IN TORONTO 1845-1899 exhibits historical maps, photographs, and portrait paintings which recall the early days of Toronto. (95 Front St. E., 416-3927604). Until Sept. 14. FLIGHT Unique art works on the theme of flight exploring the realms of real and imaginary are showcased. Pieces from James John Audubon’s Birds of America, Leo and Diane Dillon’s Worldly Wisdom and Ron Lightburn’s Stargate are featured. TD Gallery of Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge St., at 416-397-5925). Special exhibit tour Aug. 16. Until Sept. 21. JASON EVANS is an exhibition displaying 12 group portraits of the people who work at the Art Gallery of Ontario by its latest photographer-in-residence. Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St. W., 416-979-6648). Until Aug. 31. GLORIA GREEN: STREET NOYZ Urban Toronto streets have a mixture of beauty and grit that’s rich enough to fuel any artist’s imagination, and local abstract painter Gloria Green gets inspiration just by observing from her balcony. Rue Pigalle (927 Queen St. W., 647-352-8115). Until Aug. 17. ARTHUR S. GOSS: WORKS AND DAYS as a part of the Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival, this photography exhibit displays buildings and sites of old Toronto. Ryerson Image Centre (33 Gould St., 416-979-5164). Until Aug. 25. (IN)VISIBLE Local painter Carlos Delgado pays homage to the musicians and performance artists who make Toronto’s streets entertaining. Hotel Ocho (195 Spadina Ave., 647-607-8002). Until Aug. 30. CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Like the red soles of his shoes, the Design Exchange lays out a red carpet for its summer exhibit on Christian Louboutin, the iconic French luxury designer. Design Exchange (234 Bay St., 416-363-6121). Until Sept. 15. MESOPOTAMIA: INVENTING OUR WORLD Toronto history buffs and museum goers get a rare chance to see more than 170 artifacts from the cradle of civilization. Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen’s Park, 416-586-8000). Until Jan 5, 2014. NINE RIVERS CITY: PHOTOGRAPHING TORONTO’S EXTRAORDINARY WATERWAYS is an exhibition with images that are penetrating, idiosyncratic interpretations of the rivers that form part of Toronto’s physical and socio-eco nomic identity. Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4000). Until June 1, 2014. OFF THE WALL! RAFA MACARRON AND HORACIO SAPERE Toronto art lovers get to experience a rare look at works by two significant Spanish painters in this new exhibition. The Alison Milne Gallery (198 Walnut Ave., Suite 3, 416-203-6266). Until Aug. 17. OH DEAR is a free art exhibit showcasing the work of North York natives and artists who use art to represent housing and mobility in their community. Mel Lastman Square (5100 Yonge St., 416-395-6412). Until Aug. 26. PICTURE CHANGE Featuring only one photo by each contributing photographer, Picture Change showcases more than 100 Canadian artists with a collection of meaningful, emotionally charged photos. Royal Bank Plaza (200 Bay St., 905-2829074). Until Nov. 11. POSTSCRIPT: WRITING AFTER CONCEPTUAL ART is an exhibition of more than 50 artists and writers exploring the intersection of art and language. The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery. (231 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4949). Until Sept. 2. JIMMY ROBERT: DRAW THE LINE is a solo exhibition by Brussels-based multidisciplinary artist Jimmy Robert. The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery (231 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4949). Until Sept. 2. GABOR SZILASI: THE ELOQUENCE OF THE EVERYDAY is a photo exhibit showcasing the importance of community, displaying photos collected over five decades from Hungary, rural Quebec and Montreal. Ryerson Image Centre (33 Gould St., 416-979-5164). Until Aug. 25 TORONTO ON THE WATER, THE EXHIBIT is a free event featuring more than 100 archival images of Toronto’s vibrant history on the waterfront. Queens Quay Terminal (207 Queen’s Quay W., 416-596-9821). Until Sept. 2. AI WEIWEI: ACCORDING TO WHAT? Highly regarded Chinese contemporary artist Ai Weiwei’s work is coming to Canada. Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St. W., 416-979-6648). Aug. 17-Oct. 27. WHY NOT NOW? is a free outdoor exhibit featuring work by Mark Titcher, Sara Cwynar and Ron English. Drake Hotel (1150 Queen St. W., 416-531-5042). Until Sept. 2.