Things to Do in North York

Founded by William Ho, a Goodwill Ambassador for One Heart Beat and a longtime instructor at the Royal Ontario Museum, The One Gallery strives to expose Canadians to the appreciation and practice of international art. The business has dispensed art rentals and sales for private and corporate use and film productions, and instructed apprentices in private or group courses since first opening its doors in June of 2010. William Ho's paintings and sculptures have adorned museums, galleries, the United Nations, and Parliament Hill of Canada. On select Friday and Saturday night at Meeting the Master: Renaissance at The One, spectators can witness Ho conjure a stirring landscape or stick-figure version of the Venus de Milo before their very eyes.

Ben Navaee Gallery is dedicated to two causes: first, to present and promote local Canadian artists in its gallery space, and second, to raise funds and awareness for philanthropic causes related to poverty, homelessness, and natural disasters. With classes, the gallery aims to educate its visitors, helping them learn about the work of a new artist or teaching them how to paint a heartfelt message onto that artist's car. During each calming session, students leave outside stress behind as they unlock hidden artistic talents with the help of gentle, encouraging instruction. This nurturing environment is an extension of Ben Navaee himself; a veteran painter, sculptor, and photographer, Ben has spent the last 25 years helping students better their lives through art, as well as yoga and meditation.

At Pro Dojos, certified martial-arts experts lead students of all ages and skill levels through a variety of pugilistic disciplines. Each location is independently owned, so the martial-arts styles may vary, but many offer karate, tae kwon do, kick-boxing, aikido, and jujitsu classes. The instructors elucidate the noble combat arts to kiddos as young as 4 years old, helping them build strength and motor skills while instilling the values of self-confidence. Teen classes focus on honing discipline and treating yourself and others with respect, and adult classes reinforce cardiovascular conditioning, strength, balance, and coordination. The instructors also lead classes for the whole family, allowing them to bond as a unit, which could possibly lead to starring in a hit sitcom about a crime-fighting family who takes down comical villains in their idyllic suburban neighborhood.

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection was set in motion in 1952, when Robert and Signe McMichael purchased the property and, inspired by their surroundings, began collecting artworks of similar beauty. Today, the museum—which is built of fieldstone and hand-hewn logs—remains enveloped by 100 acres of conservation land, and houses a permanent collection of nearly 6,000 pieces devoted solely to Canadian artists. Its 13 galleries showcase ongoing exhibitions, including a tribute to the McMichael legacy. The facility's floor-to-ceiling windows look out upon the surrounding Humber River Valley, where dense woodlands and oaks sporting powdered wigs influenced many of the collection's works. In addition to its permanent displays, the McMichael frequently hosts internationally acclaimed touring exhibitions, as well as lectures, musical performances, and workshops for aspiring creators.