Amanda McCavour, Double Shadow (detail), 2025-26, thread, digital embroidery, free-motion machine embroidery, appliqué, hand stitching, nuno felting, pins. Image courtesy of the artist. Photo: Jamal Guzlan
The Museum London Gift Shop. Image courtesy of Museum London. Photo: Angela Antonopoulos
We’ve flipped the clocks back again, and November 1 marked the earliest possible date for the “fall back.” We won’t be changing the clocks again until March 14, 2027; the latest possible “spring forward” date. I’m not sure what this longer, darker period may do to everyone’s mood, but we can certainly make the most of this extended time to enjoy all of the amazing indoor arts and culture activities. The outdoor summer season will be here in a flash.
If you haven’t been to Museum London in a while, then this fall is a perfect time to re-engage. Since Julie Bevan took on the role of Executive Director and CEO, there has been a steady increase in programming and events, reinforcing Museum London’s place as a vital and vibrant cultural hub.
The latest announcement of London musician Shad as the inaugural Musician-in-Residence is a prime example of how Museum London is connecting community, elevating local talent and contributing to London’s identity as Canada’s only UNESCO City of Music.
Nico Williams, NDN Hustle (detail) 2024–25, 11/0 Japanese glass cylinder beads on thermally-fused/braided polyethylene thread. Image courtesy of the artist. Photo: Paul Litherland
“Launching this Musician-in-Residence program is realizing a dream,” said Bevan. “We’re honoured to be working with Shad, whose curiosity, hometown connection to London and acclaimed, multi-dimensional practice make him the perfect fit for this inaugural program.” Shad’s residency involves performances, public programs and educational initiatives.
The first Musician-in-Residence event will be held Thursday, November 12, 7–10 pm, with a conversation between Shad and acclaimed journalist and guest host of CBC Radio’s Q, Garvia Bailey. Shad will reflect on the experiences and ideas that have shaped his life and work, from growing up as a Rwandan Canadian in Southwestern Ontario to becoming one of Canada’s most celebrated hip-hop artists. Together, Shad and Garvia will explore memory, history, identity and the role music plays in helping us remember, reconnect and make meaning of our shared experiences. This is an in-person and livestreamed event, and registration through Museum London’s website is required.
This year’s Winter Launch Party at Museum London is Thursday, November 19. Last year, over 800 people attended this free event that continues to grow and engage audiences with the museum’s latest exhibits.
I’m looking forward to seeing Bingo, the first major solo museum exhibition by Sobey Award-winning artist Nico Williams. A member of Aamjiwnaang First Nation and an alumnus of London’s H.B. Beal Bealart program, Williams is inspired by everyday objects and pop culture. His work challenges the divide between art and craft, inviting us to consider the value and meaning we attach to both. Bingo brings together a vibrant collection of large-scale beadwork and sculpture, featuring a newly commissioned work made specifically for Museum London.
Artists & Aprons: Stratford, Simply Sensational by Richard Bain, foreword by Colm Feore. Photos courtesy of the photographer, Richard Bain
If you haven’t been to Museum London in a while, then this fall is a perfect time to re-engage.
I’m also so glad that Amanda McCavour’s installation, Double Shadow, will be at Museum London for a while yet. This is an expansive, site-specific installation that brings together more than 400 stitched elements, transforming the Museum’s Atrium wall into a field of airy, lace-like forms. These pieces hover slightly off the wall’s surface, and the shifting light and shadow animate the surface.
Since this is also the gifting season, make sure you visit the Gift Shop at Museum London. This is the spot for unique, Canadian-made art, crafts, jewelry and much more. There is something for every age and price point. museumlondon.ca
I am envious of those people who can take beautiful photos. If you have ever appreciated the photos in this magazine, you should know that many are taken by local photographer Richard Bain, who has been taking pictures for Lifestyle since around 2003. To date, Bain has published over 35 photography books, and his latest, Artists & Aprons, has just been published.
The new photographs of Stratford’s Avon River, the Shakespearean Gardens, architecture, and theatres are stunning. “The magic of Stratford extends far beyond the stage. The streets are alive with artists — painters, musicians, artisans and storytellers — whose creativity gives the city its unmissable soul,” says Bain. There are also a few bonus recipes from local restaurants, cafes and bakeries. Even Rod Beattie’s Coq au Vin. It was great to see the lovely photos of The Queen’s Cue — formerly the historic Queen’s Inn — that is being renovated by the Marriott Hotel chain.
Artists & Aprons is available at Stratford’s Fanfare Books and the Stratford Festival Theatre Stores; in London at Indigo Masonville and Oxford Books. Here’s a great gift idea for those very-hard-to-buy-for people, or even yourself.
I always look forward to seasonal performances and concerts. One that is on my schedule is O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy. Londoners would have first encountered the James and Jamesy characters at the 2012 London Fringe, and they would sell out their shows with every subsequent visit.
The show is on an extensive tour, with 34 locations in Ontario and two in Quebec in the coming weeks. On Friday, December 4, these charming characters will bring their quick-witted wordplay, physical comedy and very clever interactive events to Centennial Hall.
While the basic premise involves James (played by Aaron Malkin) going to his friend Jamesy’s (played by Alastair Knowles) apartment for tea, the story takes off from there as the characters approach the theatrical experience from very different yet equally hilarious perspectives. If you are a fan of Monty Python, Mr. Bean, and Dr. Seuss, James and Jamesy are definitely your cup of tea (pun intended).
“Theatre is in its essence an exercise in imagination, a suspension of disbelief,” says Alastair Knowles. “O Christmas Tea focuses on, and plays with, this distinction.” The characters bring a sense of play and joy to the simple act of having tea with a friend.
Theatre is in its essence an exercise in imagination, a suspension of disbelief.
“At this time of year, we’re inspired to dream big and tap into our child-like imagination,” says Malkin. “O Christmas Tea is a show that brings family and friends together.” The show has new elements and will bring new laughs to audiences of all ages. At the end of the day, this show is a celebration of the holiday spirit. The duo hopes the audience can receive the gift of shared laughter, play and joy.
There are two show times, 3 pm and 7:30 pm. Kudos to Malkin and Knowles for also having an “accessible” ticket price for anyone who needs it, with no questions asked. Tickets are available at ochristmastea.com.
One of London’s most popular visual arts events is Westland Gallery’s The Square Show. Formerly known as the Square Foot Show, this year’s exhibit introduces some new components.
This exhibit will feature 300 to 500 pieces of art that are all 12 inches by 12 inches (including any frame) in size. This year, artists represented by Westland Gallery have been invited to bring in any-sized work, but it must be square.
All of the pieces are available for sale, and prices start at $150. This is always an outstanding show, and the range of artwork is astounding. The Square Show opens on Wednesday, December 2, at 7 pm. My advice is to get there as early as you can if you intend to purchase any of the art. These pieces sell fast! The show will run until December 30. westlandgallery.ca
The Sorry! Comedy Fest runs November 4–7
Arty Facts
Sorry! Comedy Fest runs from November 4–7. There are shows at various locations in London and differing price points. What could be better than a weekend full of laughs? sorrycomedyfest.com
London Symphonia is celebrating its 10th year! On November 14, travel to the Caribbean Ocean and the rivers and jungle of Colombia with Grammy Award-nominated singer/songwriter and Polaris Prize winner Lido Pimienta as she explores her Afro-Indigenous (Wayuu) ancestry. On December 5, London Symphonia is collaborating with The Elora Singers in a new interpretation of Messiah, a perennial holiday favourite. londonsymphonia.ca
Broadway in London presents Mrs. Doubtfire
The Grand Theatre presents a musical retelling of A Christmas Carol
Broadway in London at Canada Life Place presents Mrs. Doubtfire on November 5 and A Christmas Story: The Musical on November 24. broadwayinlondon.com
The Grand Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol opens on November 24. This is a musical retelling that will feature well-known songs from the season with a live band. grandtheatre.com
KATHY NAVACKAS has spent over 30 years creating and managing arts and culture events, festivals and experiences. Her career has focused on supporting and promoting the arts and the artists that bring inspiration and creativity to our everyday lives.
