Our programs are fun, meaningful activities to support well-being and connection.

We regularly update our offerings to include new ideas as well as returning favourites. You can expect a wide variety of options, including the following:

The Baycrest Learning Academy offers engaging lectures and conversations with experts, artists and community members. Lifelong learning enriches the lives of older adults. Sessions are held monthly, and all residents and patients are welcome to attend. No registration is necessary.

Concerts performed by professional musicians are offered thanks to the generosity of many doners. These include intimate on-floor concerts in the recreation rooms and larger Thursday morning and Sunday afternoon concerts in the Sharp Family Atrium.

Glee Club is a choir group for clients in the Mountainview Club and Apotex. Glee club promotes a sense of belonging and emotional well-being through weekly singing and performance.

Sharing Dance is a fun, accessible dance program developed by Canada’s National Ballet School and Baycrest to support overall physical, emotional and social well-being. You can participate either online or in community settings. Classes are open to all – no dance experience needed! Learn more about the program and how to register at the National Ballet School.

To learn more about current programs for Apotex residents, view our recreation calendar.

Music therapists are an important part of our Arts and Culture team. They use music to help clients feel connected and enjoy meaningful experiences. They lead one-on-one or group sessions that include singing, playing instruments, listening or moving to music.

These activities are designed to meet each person’s needs and abilities. No musical skill is needed to benefit. Music therapy can help improve mood, bring back memories and support thinking and communication. It’s also a great way for clients to express themselves and have fun.

The Donald and Elaine Rafelman Creative Arts Studio is a bright and cheerful space where Baycrest clients can create their own art. Our Creative Arts team runs a variety of programs in the studio and operates a mobile arts cart that visits clients bedside in the hospital and Apotex.

You do not have to be artistic or have any previous experience to participate. We welcome clients of all abilities and impairment levels.

All arts programs are designed to engage clients both physically and mentally. Any project can be adapted to meet the individual needs of our clients. Our team is dedicated to helping clients find a sense of achievement and pride in their finished work.

Our programming includes art projects such as:

• Beaded necklaces
• Embroidery and quilting
• Knitting, weaving and crocheting
• Tie-dyed or hand-painted silk scarves or challah covers
• Hand built clay vases, bowls, platters, matzah boxes and more
• Ceramic painting of our own pottery and pre-cast ceramic piggy banks
• Hand-painted greeting cards for every occasion
• Watercolour paintings
• Special projects and clubs

How to register

Creative Arts Studio programs are open to clients of the Baycrest Apotex and hospital. We love visitors. Please feel free to drop by when we are in session to watch a program in action.

Please introduce yourself to the staff and we will be glad to help you enroll in a class. Or talk to a member of your care team to learn more about how to participate.

If you are a member of the public, the Baycrest Terraces residence also has an art centre that is open to the community. Please call 416-785-9500 ext 2939 for more information.

Cost of participating

There is no cost to participate in our programs. Clients and family members can purchase finished art pieces to help cover the cost of materials. We also sell finished artwork to our Creative Arts Stores to help pay for art supplies.

We also welcome donations of old art supplies like fabric, wool or trims. Please speak to our staff if you would like to donate.

Location

We are on the main floor of the Apotex building in the Sharp Family Atrium, across from the W.A. Café.

Baycrest is filled with fine art, sculpture and mixed media art to support the healing process. We believe that art is important in creating a therapeutic and welcoming environment for everyone.

Art is used to support:

• Healing and well-being
• Navigation and finding your way around
• A sense of community identity and attachment
• The enrichment of all our spaces

Baycrest Arts Funding Committee
Baycrest is fortunate to have a committee of dedicated art patrons. The Baycrest Arts Funding Committee raises money for programs and exhibitions that use art, music and dance to improve the quality of life for our clients. They also encourage people and companies to donate artwork to the Baycrest collection.

The Ronald & Nancy Kalifer Culture Hub is a gallery-like curated space for rotating exhibitions from Baycrest’s extensive art collection and external exhibitors. It also hosts programming for clients and engages the Baycrest community in a shared artistic experience.

The Culture Hub includes an inviting and accessible seating area where clients, families and companions can gather and enjoy the art.

For more information or to book a tour of the current exhibition please contact the curator of The Culture Hub, Meghan Richardson at [email protected].

Donations

We welcome donations to our permanent art collection. To donate, please contact Meghan Richardson at 416-785-2500 ext. 5538 or [email protected].

You will be asked to email digital images of the art piece, along with a description of the art and what you know about its history. We’ll contact you within two to four weeks to let you know if your submission meets our criteria.

We provide tax receipts for accepted donations at their appraised value. If your gift is valued at over $1,000, you will be responsible for getting an outside appraisal at your own expense

Monetary donations in support of the Department of Culture, Arts and Innovation or our Heritage Museum can be made through the Baycrest Foundation. Please indicate that you would like to direct your funds to the Morris & Sally Justein Heritage Museum.