VISUAL ARTS
12 TREES: LET THERE BE LIGHT focuses on light as a potent symbol of hope. Art installations include a disco-ball Christmas tree, a manually powered holiday tree light show, an animated winter dreamscape and more. Curated by artist Douglas Coupland and vice-president of Public Art Management Ben Mills. Gardiner Museum (111 Queens Park, 416-586-8080). Until Jan. 7, 2018.
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. Classic favourites, pieces rarely seen and some surprising picks have been brought to light to display the country’s diversity and artistry. McMichael Canadian Art Collection (10365 Islington Ave., Kleinburg, 905893-1121). Saturday until Nov. 17, 2018.
CHARLES DICKENS: THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS Elevation Pictures and the Toronto Reference Library have teamed up to bring original Charles Dickens artifacts to Toronto. This exhibit features first edition copies of Dickens’ novels, letters and paintings. It’s also in celebration of the new film The Man Who Invented Christmas. Rating CCCZ. Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge St., 416-395-5577). Until Dec. 3.
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. Gallery 555 (555 Bloor St. W., Suite #6, 416-9859448). Until Dec. 30.
CHRISTIAN DIOR The House of Christian Dior is celebrating its 70th anniversary, with this exhibit featuring more than 100 objects (designs from daytime wear to grand occasions) and reasons why its iconic designs garnered global attention and revived the Paris haute couture indus- try. Presented by Holt Renfrew and drawn from the ROM’s extensive collection from 1947 to 1957. Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen’s Park, 416-586-8000). Until March 18, 2018.
DOMINION OF THE NORTH: LITERARY & PRINT CULTURE IN CANADA consists of eight collections made up of 100 monographs, celebrating prominent poets, authors and historians. Rare books, pamphlets and periodicals taken from the Canadiana collection are on display. EJ Pratt Library (71 Queen’s Park Cres. E., 416-585-4470). Until Tuesday.
GUILLERMO DEL TORO: AT HOME WITH MONSTERS From the fantastic to the frightful, don’t miss this rare glimpse into the world of renowned film- maker Guillermo del Toro and his cabinet of curiosities. Art Gallery Of Ontario (317 Dundas St. W., 416-979-6648). Until Jan. 7, 2018.
GRAPHIC LIBERATION OF GENDER: POSTER EXHIBITION The late Eiko Ishioka (1938-2012) was famous as a designer, art director and graphic designer. Starting as one of the staff designers at Shiseido Cosmetic Company in 1961, Ishioka rewrote the self-image of Japanese women. These posters suggested that women enjoy fashion as an expression of pride in their gender. Japan Foundation (2 Bloor St. E., #300, 416-966-1600). Until Dec. 20.
IAM The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto and JAYU invited nine young people to photography and storytelling workshops. This exhibit is the result of their hard work in uncovering what reconciliation means to them. Twenty-five top Toronto artists donated their time and encouraged personal stories and artwork. Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas St. E., 416238-2453). Until Jan. 7, 2018.
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 nation wide viewers, while also encouraging local talent to make it big on the music scene. Zoomer Hall (70 Jefferson Ave., 416-607-7735). Until Jan. 18, 2018.
OFFICIALLY UNOFFICIAL FAN ART SHOW consists of 12 artists celebrating eight episodes. This group of talented local as well as international artists has produced works celebrating a movie franchise. The artists include Bowman, Eric Clement, Cube Works and more. #Hashtag Gallery (830 Dundas St. W., 905-616-8658). Tuesday until Dec. 31. Fanartshow.com.