A Community of Creatives
Live Monthly Meetings!
As a member of SOYRA, you will enjoy the benefit of being able to attend in-person monthly meetings. This is a great opportunity for you to meet and network with other artists.
Members Meetings are organized so you can find out all the latest SOYRA news including everything you need to know about upcoming shows and exhibitions.
SOYRA works hard to bring you engaging learning opportunities presented by a variety of qualified art professionals. Every month, you will have the opportunity to listen to a presentation from a guest speaker or watch a guest artist demo their techniques.
Your SOYRA Members Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month in the Aurora Armoury located at 89 Mosley Street, Aurora, Ontario. Doors open at 6:30pm and the meetings start at 7:00pm sharp.
SOYRA operates on a calendar basis from January 1 to December 31 with a break from monthly meetings during the months of July and August.
Previous Guest Artists
Speakers, Demos and Workshops
Here is a list of the exciting artists and speakers we have booked in for
Tuesday Members Meetings!
Up Next: November 12
William Lottering - The Art of Portraiture
November 12, 2024
Presenter: William Lottering, Artist and Playwright
Topic: The Art of Portraiture
While the art of portraiture is an age-old constant in the Visual Arts, its purpose has not changed - it records human images, their personalities and often their place in society.
In this presentation, William Lottering will discuss portraiture with some historical and modern examples, as well as how his own works are developed.
Feel free to bring one of your own portraits to display during the talk!
December 10, 2024
Topic: AGM & End of the Year Social!
There's nothing better than getting together with friends and art colleges at the end of the year!
This year, our meeting will start of as an AGM, giving you info about SOYRA in 2024. There will be a lot to time after the meeting to mingle, chat and have a look at the amazing work created by SOYRA member artists during the year's Plein Air Events.
Mark your calendars and make sure to be at this meeting!
October 8, 2024
SPECIAL GUEST PRESENTER!
Presenter: John Hartman, C.M.
John Hartman, one of Canada’s foremost painters, is known for his unique aerial depictions of Canada’s iconic landscapes. The concepts originated from childhood dreams of flying and imagining the
landscape unfurling like a roll of film below him. Hartman’s prolific practice includes oil painting, watercolour, pastel, and printmaking.
John Hartman was presented with The Order of Canada in February 2024 by Governor-General of Canada Mary Simon, in recognition of enriching Canadian contemporary art by bringing landscapes and cityscapes to life on printing plates, canvas and paper. The Order of Canada is Canada’s highest distinction for excellence in visual and media arts.
September 10, 2024
Presenter: Sharlena Wood
Topic: Mixed Media Power
Mixed media can be daunting even if we technically understand our favorite materials. Knowing what mediums and surfaces work well together, permission to test and be experimental, and confidently break rules in support of knowledge and desires, are important and empowering. This evening is all about the power of drawing and painting combined.
June 11, 2024
Presenter: D.D. Gadjanski
Topic: An Evening of Critique
An exceptional opportunity to understand the importance of the elements of design. When properly considered, they make a world of difference in one's work. She will discuss what is good, what isn't working and how to fix it.
May 14, 2024
Presenter: Roslyn Levin
Topic: Japanese Brushstroke Painting
Roslyn Levin is an internationally accomplished
artist who has practiced sumi-e or Japanese
brushstroke painting for more than 30 years.
Sumi-e is a form of spontaneous ink painting where the artist depicts the essence of what he or she is trying to portray with as few brushstrokes as possible—simply and elegantly, but with strength in each line or shade.
April 9, 2024
Back by popular demand!
Presenter: Susan Lahey, MA, ISA CAPPPresident, Eastern Art Consultants Inc.
Topic: Understanding Chinese Calligraphy: The Art of Words
Susan Lahey will discuss the evolution of Chinese characters, styles of brush strokes, and how to “read” a painting, while sharing the beauty and philosophy behind examples of famous calligraphy that captures the essence of “writing an idea” this
is unique to the visual form of the
Chinese written language.
March 12, 2024
Presenter: Vicki Carruthers
Topic: An Artist's Journey
Experience the world through a child's eyes as Vicki presents bold, imaginative landscapes captured in whimsy shapes and vibrant colours. Discover how her passion for art shaped her journey, emphasizing themes of perseverance, love for sharing, and contributing positively.
February 13, 2024
Presenter: Zorica Miric
Topic: The Mathematics
of Reflection
Geometric reflection refers to how light interacts with surfaces and how those surfaces reflect light. Understanding these principles allow artists to accurately represent the play of light and shadow in their work. Benefit from the expertise of an artist with a solid mathematical background!
December 12, 2023
Presenter: Geoff Taylor, author of 'Tom Thomson's Last Bonfire'
Topic: An evening filled with lively and engaging entertainment as the author shares his creative version the events surrounding Tom Thomson's mysterious disappearance.
This is also a much anticipated and well attended end of the year social event for SOYRA members. Enjoy an evening of art talk, connect with fellow artist and get your holiday season off to a great start!
September 12, 2023
Presenter: Linda Welch
Creating a Sense of Place
Linda Welch is a York Region photographer and
artist and the current President of SOYRA.
Her work captures timeless moments which trigger a memory or tell a story.
This evening's presentation reveals how she creates a sense of place in her work to freeze a moment in time, prompt a response to a feeling about place or a compelling desire to communicate an idea.
May 9, 2023
Artist: Andrew Hamilton
Medium: Multidisciplinary Artist
Topic: Paint like the Group of Seven
April 11, 2023
Presenter: Susan Lahey, MA, ISA CAPP
President, Eastern Art Consultants Inc.
Topic: THE ART OF APPRAISING, HOW VALUE IS DETERMINED
