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)

THIS SATURDAY (6Jun/26 @ 2-5pm): come join us for the opening of Doris Purchase's multi-disciplinary art exhibit: "The Ribs of a Place"! Be a part of her ceremonial cleansing of the space, along with viewing her giant carved 'ribs' gracing Heliconian Hall. See you tomorrow at 35 Hazelton Ave, Yorkville (Toronto)

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!

On Saturday, May 16 The Heliconian Club threw a Street Festival celebrating 150 years of historic Heliconian Hall, its home base for over a century. It was a grand party with special guests including our Patrons Marilyn Lightstone and Toronto City Councillor Dianne Saxe as well as John Caliendo, Co-Chair of ABC Residents Association, a major sponsor for the 150th celebrations. Also present were Mayor Olivia Chow and newly elected Dr. Danielle Martin, MP for University-Rosedale. Unfortunately, due to rain, the festivities were moved inside the Hall. A town crier gave a formal proclamation, "inviting neighbours, visitors, families, and friends to rejoice together in music, entertainment, heritage, and merriment." A packed audience enjoyed a mixed program of performances, a highlight of which was the Jesse Ketchum School Choir. Then everyone witnessed the unveiling of a new plaque from Heritage Toronto. To top it off, there was lemonade and cake for everyone.

Back by popular demand the Heliconian Club Writing Workshop Series is returning in 2026 with three new sessions.
REGISTER TODAY. SPACE IS LIMITED.

The sessions run from 1:00-4:00pm on the following days:

Getting Your Book Published: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Literary Agents, Editors and Publishers but Were Afraid to Ask with Deirdre Kelly

Thursday, June 11, 2026, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Deirdre Kelly, author, editor and long-time culture critic for The Globe and Mail, will moderate a panel comprising of a literary agent, editor and publisher. Get help with draft query letters and submit your questions to the experts in advance of the workshop for the answers you need to map your path to publication!


Humour Writing with Terry Fallis

Friday, July 10, 2026 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Join Terry Fallis, two-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour and the author of ten national bestsellers, for a multi-part workshop featuring an interactive session on discovering your writing voice, examination of examples of humour writing to see why they work, and prompted humour writing with the opportunity to read and receive feedback. And of course, lots of laughter!


Mining for Memoire with Kate Marshall Flaherty

Tuesday, August 11, 2026, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Back by popular demand, a new memoir writing program with Kate Marshall Flaherty. Kate is an award-winning poet, playwright and author who leads memoir writing workshops online, in libraries and community centres. Memoir is a magical platform for self-discovery. Prompts like an object or a photograph can stimulate memories that transport us back to the past and shed light on the present. Kate guides participants using the AWA method, which provides a safe space for taking writing risks and where each unique voice is valued.


All 3 workshops: Members $120 | Public $150

To register for the Writing Workshop Subscription (All 3 workshops) please click the following link:
https://torontoheliconianclub.wildapricot.org/event-6573262


***Free Bonus Session: In the fall of 2026. Advance notice to subscribers of a workshop on grant writing with representatives of the various arts councils.


To register for Individual Writing work shops please click the following links:

June 11, 2026: Getting Your Book Published: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Literary Agents, Editors and Publishers but Were Afraid to Ask with Deirdre Kelly
https://torontoheliconianclub.wildapricot.org/event-6560721

July 10, 2026: Humour Writing with Terry Fallis
https://torontoheliconianclub.wildapricot.org/event-6560718

August 11, 2026: Mining for Memoire with Kate Marshall Flaherty
https://torontoheliconianclub.wildapricot.org/event-6560719


For accommodations or more information please email the Heliconian Club at [email protected] or call 416-922-3618

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!

TONIGHT (Tue May 19 @ 7pm) -- Come enjoy an evening of magnificent Chopin piano music, with some added anecdotes by Dr. Melody Chan! Tickets: $30 public, $25 members. Doors open 6:30pm, concert begins 7:00pm; refreshments & cash bar available. See you soon! HeliconianClub.org

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