Library & Archives Unshelved: Artists of the Heliconian Club open house event

Archival material and ephemera from the Special Collections
and Heliconian Club File, collection of the
Edward P. Taylor Library & Archives, at the AGO 

(Art Gallery of Ontario)
Image courtesy The Art Gallery of Ontario

Today Steven and I enjoyed a very cool event at the Art Gallery
of Ontario showcasing art and memorabilia from the AGO Library
and Archives collections featuring artists from The Heliconian 
Club -- and as you know I'm a current member. The Heliconian
Club was formed in 1909, but took over the Heliconian Hall
on Hazelton Avenue in Toronto in 1923

Here's how the AGO described today's event:

"Friday April 10, 2026, 6-8 PM (drop-in)

Marvin Gelber Print & Drawing Study Centre,
Art Gallery of Ontario

This drop-in series, hosted by AGO librarians and archivists,
offers visitors a first-hand glimpse of highlights from the
AGO Library & Archives collections.

In this installment, Acting Special Collections Archivist
Camille McDayter will share archival materials relating
to the lives and careers of women artists who were
members of Toronto’s Heliconian Club. This year marks
the 150th anniversary of the construction of Heliconian Hall,
home to the club since 1923. 

The display will feature a selection of photographs, sketches,
 correspondence, and ephemera, shown alongside works
 on paper from the AGO’s Prints & Drawings vault.

Please visit the Marvin Gelber Print & Drawing Study
Centre at any point between 6 and 8 PM to experience
 this glimpse into Toronto’s artistic history."

So we did visit, and so did many members of the Heliconian
Club, and many art appreciators, artists and collectors.
It was a wonderful event.  

Have a loving your life day!