Experience Culture Days
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Join Villa Charities as we celebrate all forms of arts and culture, with free exhibitions, events, drop-in activities, and other programs during Culture Days. An annual national celebration of arts, culture, and creativity, Culture Days launches on Friday, September 20 and runs to Sunday, October 13, 2024.
Culture Days at Villa Charities’ multidisciplinary programs invite the public to engage with and participate in a broad range of hands-on and behind-the-scenes activities. Join us for our FREE events to discover and champion the importance of arts and culture in our community.
Academy of Realist Art – Studio Art Exhibition
September 21 – October 12
At the Academy of Realist Art – the only art school of its kind in Canada – students learn the academic skills for classical drawing and painting. Through a unique step-by-step process, students master the skills and disciplines needed to create realist art. Visit the in-studio art gallery and be amazed by great classical works of art by our students and master instructors.
Drop-in Music Lessons – Columbus Centre School of Music
Saturday, September 21
Ignite your passion for music and enjoy a free 15-minute music lesson! Voice, guitar, piano, ukulele, and drum lessons are available. Meet Columbus Centre School of Music instructor Josh Clemenger and discover our wide variety of music lessons that are available to musicians of all skill levels!
Register Now
Recreational Drop-in Dance Classes – DanzArts Toronto
September 23, 25 & 28
Interested in trying out a new dance class? DanzArts Toronto is excited to introduce children (ages 2.5+) & adults to the joy of dance by showcasing its benefits in a fun and inclusive environment! From September 23 to 28, sign up for any of DanzArts’ Recreational classes* designed to nurture creativity and provide a rewarding dance experience for all students.
*Dates & times subject to Recreational class schedule & availability.
Register Now
Other Upcoming Events
- The Vines of Diaspora: Italian Canadian Literary and Artistic Cultures: September 28
- Seniors in Action - Hula Dancing: October 1
- Yoga in the Gallery: October 2 & 3
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Ballo Liscio: October 2 & 9
- Instrument Petting Zoo: October 5
- “Two Grandmothers, One Path”: October 10
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Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute | | |
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS…
On Monday, September 16, we’ll be announcing a special promotion that could take you on a journey to celebrate and honour your family’s heritage!
Stay Tuned!
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#TributeThursday – Donor Spotlight | |
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Calabria-born Giovanni Diodati and Franceschina Derose understood the importance of spending time with family. This #TributeThursday, we spotlight their legacy and the sacrifices they made for their family, working to keep everyone together.
“From their house on Bellwoods Avenue, in the heart of Little Italy, they sponsored our uncles, aunties and other paesani from Sartano... We did not have much money, but it was a happy time. There was always food on the table and our house was always full of family for Sunday lunch.”
Read more of their story on the Immigrant Map.
Giovanni and Franceschina understood that hard work, hope, and a close-knit family were the pillars of a strong community. Their legacy will shine on for future generations as part of the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute installation. You too can honour your own family’s immigrant experience with the purchase of a plaque and be part of this heritage installation - now under construction!
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Tomato Sauce-Making Festival – This Saturday | |
Celebrate this annual Italian tradition with us on Saturday, September 14, and enjoy some pasta and live music by the Armonia Music Trio, featuring Francesca Uhac, Joe Maio and Joe Baiardo. Plus, receive a complimentary jar of fresh tomato sauce* to enjoy at home, courtesy of ICBSAC and Villa Charities! Funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. Tickets are $5.00 at the door.
*First-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.
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Jazz Night with Adrian Galante Trio | |
Multifaceted, exciting young jazz clarinetist and pianist Adrian Galante performs at the Columbus Centre for one night only, Wednesday, September 18. Possessing a lyrical “vocal-like” quality on the clarinet, Galante’s expressive playing exhibits a melancholic romanticism combined with a joyous feeling for swing, bebop, and the blues. Joined by Toronto musicians, Galante will perform a selection from his upcoming debut album release “Introducing Adrian Galante”.
Buy Tickets
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Music of the World with Romulo Delgado | |
Don’t miss "Music of the World" on Thursday, September 26, the grand finale of our Opera è Vita series for 2024! Experience famous global melodies performed by a talented live band and starring tenor Romulo Delgado, hailed by The Globe & Mail as “one of Canada’s most unique performing artists.”
Buy Tickets
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Register your Toddler for Italian Lessons | |
Give your child an early introduction to Italian culture with Italian for Toddlers, for ages 1 to 3. This immersive program, in partnership with Accademia dei Ragazzi, includes storytelling, music, and arts. Choose between a 10-hour course (on Wednesdays or Fridays) or a 20-hour course (on Wednesdays and Fridays). Classes begin September 25, 2024.
Learn More
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Book Your One-on-One Meeting for Friday Chats with Marco | |
Have a question about our programs and services? Take the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc. Appointments are 20 minutes each between 11:00am and 12:00pm and must be scheduled in advance. The next available Friday Chat is scheduled for Friday, September 13. Contact us today to schedule your in-person or virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 or email iusic@villacharities.com.
Book Your Meeting
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Villa Charities Foundation | | |
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Heart & Hand Awards on Friday, October 25, 2024 | |
This October, we invite you to join us in celebrating our volunteers at the 2024 Heart & Hand Awards, where we will be recognizing volunteers who dedicate themselves to Villa Charities. The exclusive Heart & Hand Award remains the premier volunteer and partnership recognition across the Villa Charities family. Over 350 guests will attend this event at Montecassino Hotel & Event Centre, to enjoy exceptional dining and camaraderie amongst old and new friends. Join us for this special celebration and support us in making this a truly memorable evening. To learn more about the event or to purchase a ticket, please visit villacharities.com/heart&handawards.
Buy Tickets
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Last Call to Join the Villa Charities Next Gen Leaders Committee! | |
Join like-minded Next Gen leaders in support of a great organization focused on enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. You can play a vital role raising funds on behalf of Villa Charities Foundation, the charitable arm of Villa Charities.
Learn More
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Only 3 More Days to Save Up to 50% on Gym Memberships | |
Our Personal Training Summer Sale ends soon! Sign up for a 13-week package with one of our expert trainers and enjoy up to 50% OFF your Columbus Centre Athletic Club membership. Offer only valid until Sunday, September 15, 2024! Don’t miss your chance to transform your health and fitness with one-on-one instruction, guided by our certified professional Personal Trainers.
Learn More
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Aquafit Classes Offer Fun and Fitness in the Pool | |
Our Arthritic Aqua Training, Deep End Aquafitness or Water Dance programs are all designed to strengthen your muscles and improve your cardiovascular fitness in a low-impact format, while having fun. Register now for our fall term classes online, by email at fitness@villacharities.com, in-person at our Membership Office during office hours or call 416-789-7011 ext. 215.
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Make Squash Your New Activity This Fall | |
Come to the Columbus Centre to learn to play squash through our 10-week programs running to November 13. Available for kids and adults, these programs will focus on squash fundamentals including strokes, footwork, grips, and the rules of the game. Participants will need their own racquets, goggles, and non-marking shoes. Feeling competitive? Sign up for our Monday night Squash House League!
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Registration for Swimming Lessons Opens This Saturday | |
The Columbus Centre Athletic Club swimming pool offers swimming lessons, programs, and clubs for children and adults of all ages and abilities. Registration for Group Swimming Lessons opens on Saturday, September 14 at 9:00am (in person) for Members and Non-Members. For more information, call 416-789-7011 ext. 215 or visit our website. Lessons begin the week of September 23.
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Calling All Pickleball Enthusiasts | |
It’s one of the most popular and fastest growing sports in North America – and now you can learn this game at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club Pickleball clinic starting this fall. This 10-week beginner program runs from September 15 to November 17 and will introduce players to the rules of pickleball including scoring, strokes and proper grip. Open to Members and Non-Members.
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Final Chance to Save 10% on a Full Year of Music Lessons | |
Fall term of music classes begin on Monday, September 16 at the Columbus Centre School of Music. Discover your musical passion and save 10% when booking for a full year of lessons (September 2024 – June 2025). Registrations are available to both returning and new students up to Monday, September 30.
Register Now
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Have You Registered for Our Premium Fitness Programs Yet? | |
Have you signed up for our fall Premium Fitness Programs yet? We offer Yoga classes, Pilates, TRX®, Judo, Tai Chi, Non-Contact Boxing and more! Learn more and register online, by email at fitness@villacharities.com, in-person at our Membership Office during office hours or call 416-789-7011 ext. 231. Registration is now open for Members and Non-Members. Take your fitness to the next level!
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Register Today for our Fall Art Programs | |
Spaces are filling up quickly for our art workshops! Our 10-week Artista Painting Workshop series begins on October 8, led by professional artist and multi-award recipient Sam Paonessa. These classes are perfect for students who have a passion for painting and wish to further develop their oil and acrylic painting skills and techniques. Our Less Defined Landscape workshop runs for 10 weeks beginning October 9 and inspires students to interpret, simplify and edit photo references using less traditional techniques and colour palettes.
Register Now
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Professional Level Training at DanzArts Toronto | |
DanzArts Toronto provides professional level training to students of all ages and skill levels. Registration is still open for our 2024 Summer Series and registration is now open for our 2024/2025 Dance Season. Click on the link below to learn more about our Summer Series Program and 2024/2025 Recreational Schedule or contact dance@danzartstoronto.com. Don't miss your chance to dance with us this season!
Register Now
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Splash into Fun with a Private Pool Party | |
Make a splash this fall with a private pool party at Columbus Centre Athletic Club! Whether it's for a birthday, a social event, or just because, our pool rentals guarantee a fantastic time with friends and family. Our certified staff will keep the fun safe and worry-free. Email gungar@villacharities.com for booking details and prices!
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Messages From Our Valued Arts Partners | | |
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Coro San Marco is Looking for New Choir Members | |
Are you passionate about music, love to sing and want to join a community group of talented vocalists? Then look no further! The acclaimed Coro San Marco choir is seeking new singers for our 2024/2025 season. No matter your age or background, we believe that music unites us all. Whether you’re an experienced vocalist or just starting your musical journey, we invite you to join us. If you are interested, please contact Daniel Colla by email: colladaniel@hotmail.com or phone: 647-289-1954.
Learn More
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f8 Photography Collective: “Artists’ Retrospectives” | |
The f8 Photography Collective, formed in 2010, will host its 27th photography exhibition at the Joseph D. Carrier Gallery, its second at the Columbus Centre. Titled "Artists' Retrospectives", it draws from member collections of stunning images produced over many years. The show runs from September 25 – October 6, 2024. Opening Reception is on September 25, 5:00 – 8:00pm.
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Book a Tour for Leonardo Da Vinci Academy | |
Book a tour today! Meet with a member of our administrative team to learn more about our Casa Montessori & Scuola Materna Preschools, our Lower Elementary Montessori and our Upper Elementary programs while visiting our newly renovated campus. We look forward to meeting you!
Learn More
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Our Mission:
Enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage.
Our Vision:
Inspiring people to explore the Italian in all of us.
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901 Lawrence Ave W, Toronto, ON, M6A 1C3 I About Us
Villa Charities Foundation Charitable Registration Number: 89337 0767 RR001
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