Focusing on the quietly unremarkable and transforming it into something luminous, Toronto-based illustrator Cristy Q brings everyday moments into sharp, joyful focus. Through bold colour, clean graphic forms, and a sly sense of visual wit, ordinary objects are reimagined as playful, tender, and unexpectedly emotive. What might otherwise go unnoticed becomes vivid, characterful, and full of story.

This exhibition is both a celebration of the small things and a reminder of how much beauty hides in plain sight—an invitation to slow down, look closer, and rediscover the charm woven into daily life.

The show runs until April 30 at RAID Gallery & Cafe in Parkdale, Toronto. Join us for the upcoming launch party, details below, and experience the work in person.

Outside the city? You can follow and support Cristy’s work on Instagram and stay connected wherever you are.

LAUNCH EVENT

RAID Gallery & Cafe invites you to a special opening celebration for Everyday on March 26, from 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM. Meet the artist, experience the work up close, and immerse yourself in an evening of art, atmosphere, and community.

Enjoy curated bites and delicious drinks sponsored by BareBones Bartending as you take in the exhibition.

Secure your tickets now, and be sure to follow us on Eventbrite to stay in the loop and get early access to future events.

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Blending illustration, animation, and augmented reality, the exhibit explores themes of earth stewardship, Indigenous wisdom, and challenging systems through imagination and connection—bringing moments from Cynthia’s upcoming graphic novel to life.

The official exhibit launch takes place February 14, 12–5 PM, at 1720 Queen Street West — and the exhibit will be up till March 1st, 2026.

Meet the artist and step into the world of Rainbow Circle.

Discover more on the Rainbow Circle graphic novel Kickstarter page.

We’re extending Toronto, A Love-Hate Letter — Maurice Vellekoop’s stunning showcase — for another month! If you haven’t yet experienced the lush, oversized artwork from this acclaimed graphic memoir, now’s your chance.

Even better, we’re hosting a special MEET & GREET with Maurice himself!

Come chat with one of Canada’s most celebrated illustrators, pick up a copy of his memoir I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together (Penguin Random House), and grab a signed print while you’re at it ☺️

• 📆 Sunday, August 10th 2 - 4pm

• 📍 RAID Gallery & Cafe, 1720 Queen Street West, Toronto.

Extending one show, means we’re truncating another — and by no means do we want to sell any other artist short! Due to unforeseen circumstances we’ve had to cancel the planned photographic exhibit Where Art Unveils The Hidden showcasing the work of Inna Gherciu. We hope to reschedule this show for our 2026 season.

You can discover more of Inna’s work on her Instagram.

We’ll also be hosting a smaller exhibit between Toronto, A Love/Hate Letter and the upcoming Please Destroy and Rebuild With Care – The Art of Brennan Bova (launching October 8th). This interim show will spotlight Canada’s Golden Age of Comics — stay tuned for full details coming soon!

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Whether you’re on the hunt for something bold, beautiful, or one-of-a-kind, this event is your chance to discover local makers, support small businesses, and treat yourself to something special.

Don’t miss out :)

Featured Vendors Include:

• Curated vintage clothing and accessories from EVOL Vintage (Kalman Andrasofszky), Katie Sawatsky, Studio Jean-Guy, and more...

• Heightened Tarot — with intuitive readings attuned to you.

• Basic Nail Art Hoe — press-on nails that speak in colour, shape, and mood!

PLUS: we are raising funds for Friends of Ruby, a Toronto-based charity that provides mental health support, transitional housing, and drop-in services to LGBTQIA+ youth!

Bring a friend, bring a tote, and your questions for the cards!🌟

📍RAID Gallery & Cafe is located at 1720 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario.

Vellekoop captures the beauty, frustrations, and contradictions of growing up queer in 1970s Toronto. It is a journey of self-discovery that pays tribute to the people and places that leave a lasting impression on us, and shows how our bond with a city can evolve, shift, rupture, and deepen over time.

Join us at the RAID Gallery & Cafe on Thursday, June 5th, for an extra special event featuring Maurice and fellow Canadian illustrator icon Anita Kunz. Anita’s work is celebrated for her ability to blend wit, critique, and visual impact. It has appeared in publications such as The New Yorker, Time, and Rolling Stone. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience two illustration legends as they reflect on identity, memory, and the creative process.

Come for the art, stay for conversation…

• 6:30 pm DOORS OPEN

• 7:00 pm MAURICE VELLEKOOP IN CONVERSATION WITH ANITA KUNZ

• 7:45 pm Q&A

• 8:00 pm MIX & MINGLE

All guests of the event will receive a limited-edition signed print by Maurice.

Taking place at 📍The RAID Gallery & Cafe - 1720 Queen St W. — CLICK HERE to purchase your ticket.

Join us as we welcome back some familiar faces — Thomas the Elf, Filburt the Fox, and the charming world they inhabit. This special anniversary exhibit offers a peek into the origins of Forest Folk through Dax Gordine’s early sketchbooks, a curated selection of beloved comic strips from the past decade, and sneak peeks from the upcoming fourth volume in the Forest Folk series.

The exhibit runs from April 19th to May 31st at 1720 Queen Street West. Don’t miss this heartwarming tribute to ten years of laughs, mischief, and magic in the woods!

MEET DAX GORDINE

Dax Gordine is an artist, illustrator, and animator with a career spanning over two decades in comics, animation, and video games. His vibrant, expressive art style is rooted in his love for classic animation and storytelling, bringing charm and energy to every project he touches.

Dax began his career in animation, contributing to feature films such as Osmosis Jones, Eight Crazy Nights, and Curious George. He later transitioned into video game concept art, working on Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 & 3. His dynamic storytelling skills also led him to illustrate Giant-Size Little Marvels for Marvel Comics, written by Skottie Young.

As a creator, Dax is best known for Forest Folk, his all-ages comic series that follows the whimsical misadventures of Thomas the Elf and his mischievous companion, Filburt the Fox. Inspired by the comics and cartoons of his youth, Forest Folk began as a webcomic in 2015 and has since grown into a beloved series enjoyed by fans worldwide, with annual print collections. The fourth volume, Mischief & Monsters, is set to launch on Kickstarter on May 19th — sign up for the landing page now to help us achieve a strong launch! Members of our newsletter who pledge will receive a free bonus item during campaign fulfillment!

Join us at the RAID Gallery & Cafe in Toronto’s Parkdale area for an evening of uninstructed life drawing featuring a mix of nude and costumed models. Our bi-weekly sessions relaunched on March 6th for the spring, and the next one is happening this Thursday, March 20th! Reserve your spot now on MeetUp.com.

From rapid 10–30 second gesture sketches to longer 20-minute poses, it’s a perfect space to explore your creativity and connect with local artists!

Further details below…

🎭 March 20th model: Anike Morrison

🎨 All skill levels welcome! Basic materials are provided (while supplies last). Seating includes 10 art studio donkeys, 5 easels, plus tables and a comfy couch.

📅 When: 7 PM – 10 PM (doors open at 6:45 PM)
💰 Cost: $25 with Meetup RSVP | $30 at the door (pay on site)
🍷 Refreshments and snacks available for purchase
✨ Two 15-minute breaks for mingling and relaxing

Reserve your spot on MeetUp.com as space is limited, then drop in early to grab your ideal seat. Let’s make it a night of art, inspiration, and community!

“A sporophore is the spore-producing organ of a fungus, also called the fruiting body. This felt like a fitting title for the exhibit; I call my artworks "ink organisms" because the ink seems to take on a life of its own….” - Avi C. Engel

SPOROPHORE

Join us for our first Gallery Installation of 2025 opening on February 18th at the RAID Gallery & Cafe located 1720 Queen Street West, in Toronto’s historic Parkdale neighbourhood. The Exhibit runs till April 18th, 2025. We hope to see you there!

About Avi C. Engel

Avi (they/them) is a Toronto-based visual artist and musician who uses ink, brush pen and micron pens as tools for their creative expression, with inspiration from the natural world and their own imagination and inner space. With a balance of improvisation and careful composition, Engel brings you an otherworldly experience through their art.