Heliconian Club

This is a FREE event for grade school children. Please register ahead of time as space is limited. Register here: https://torontoheliconianclub.wildapricot.org/event-6708558 or contact [email protected] to leave your child or children's names and the activity they prefer (listed on poster).

So long, farewell….On the evening of June 5, the Heliconian Club held its annual BBQ. In addition to some serious feasting, members and their guests were treated to a unique bilingual presentation called “Give Me a Minute” written, staged and performed by this year’s Artists-in-Residence. As summer approaches we bid farewell to an outstanding group of AIRs. Left to right in the photo: Meryl Mourey (Drama), Caitlin Griffin (Dance), Homa Samiei (Music), Doris Purchase (Visual Art). Absent, but there in spirit: Deirdre Kelly (Literature). (Photo credit: Sue Ince)

Such a treat to be part of Doors Open Toronto once again. More than 350 people popped by to check out our unique Hall, which is celebrating its 150th birthday this year. Thanks to all the volunteers and performers!

Heliconian Hall opens its doors this Sunday for a day devoted to the arts. Experience music, dance, visual art, and literature brought to life by Heliconian Club members.

Free to the public • May 24 • 10–5 • 35 Hazelton Ave
Doors Open May 24, 2026

The Toronto Heliconian Club building first opened its doors in May exactly 150 years ago. Initially a Sunday School, then a Carpenter’s Union, in 1923 it became the home of local Women artists – painters, authors, musicians, actors and dancers who were refused entry into the Arts and Letters Club because of their gender.

This Sunday May24 at Doors Open we invite you to explore our historic building (designated a National Historic site in 2008) with its unique Carpenter’s Gothic Architecture distinguished by board and batten siding and ornamentation. Other Hallmarks include a Victorian Rose Window, two steep gabled porches, an arcade of lancet windows and an asymmetrical tower.

Throughout the day we will present a full experience of the arts from live music to dance to poetry to art on our walls. As you enter the building beside our steps famed artist Vivian East will be painting a street scene live. Inside, our present art show called ‘A World in a City’ following the Doors Open theme features diverse art mediums including Oil painting, Photography, Acrylics, Assemblage, Dioramas and Stained glass. There will be art chat docent’s tours available for those who wish to learn more about the artworks.

Also following the theme of a ‘World in a City’, throughout the day we will present diverse musical performances by our members featuring Spanish music by Ruth Kazdan, Iranian music by our Artist in Residence Homa Samiei, Contemporary music by Evelina Soulis, Brazilian music by Olivia Easter and Folk Music by Taivi Alexander. We will also have performances by our famed Dancer in residence Caitlin Griffin and award-winning poet JC Salenko.
Further inside the building there is a Boardroom with a display of published books by previous and present Heliconian authors and a collection of CDs by our music composer members. There will be live demonstrations of two working artists, one who will be drawing a still life and the other acrylic portraits. There will also be an artist present who will draw your portrait if you are interested!

Proceeding downstairs to the lower level we have a portrait gallery of our previous Presidents and a quiet place to sit and rest.

We hope you enjoy your visit with us!

Our 2026-27 residences are now open!
We have 5 residency programs open to women
Be a part of the 100+ year legacy of women in the arts at the Heliconian Club.

Go to our website for more information, https://www.heliconianclub.org/artistic-residency-information.html

or contact [email protected] before the end of May 2026