Essence of the Garden: Plein Air Art Exhibition and Sale 

Celebrating Art, Nature, and Community — Essence of the Garden is a new plein air art exhibition and sale featuring over 70 original artworks created outdoors at Toronto Botanical Garden and Edwards Gardens. This curated, site-specific show invites visitors to experience the Garden through the eyes of the artists who paint here—capturing moments of light, movement, and the essence of the natural world.

Saturday, October 4 through 18, 2025
Open Daily, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Free Admission 

This inaugural exhibition coincides with Toronto’s Ravine Days (October 4 to 13, 2025) , an annual city-wide celebration of Toronto’s ravine system.

Presenting Sponsor Foresters Financial

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 What You’ll See

• Over 70 plein air paintings celebrating 70 years in the Garden created by 27 talented local artists
• Artworks displayed in public spaces across the Visitor Centre: Lobby, Hallways, Library, Studio
• Guests are encouraged to share their reflections on the essence of the garden at the vintage letter-writing desk
• Visit the Garden Shop for unique, artist-made gifts and mini works

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Meet the Artists

Learn more about Plein Air Art and engage with the onsite artist(s) who will be available daily at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

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Take Home a Piece of the Garden

Artwork will be available for purchase throughout the run of the show—buy your favourite painting and take home a piece of the Garden. Additional items from participating artists will be available at the Garden Shop and/or pop-up boutique, including miniature art, prints, cards, and magnets.

Sales support both the artists and Toronto Botanical Garden’s community programming.

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Our Partners

Hosted in partnership with Alexandra Sharma, the Toronto Watercolour Society, Willowdale Group of Artists, and Northview Group of Artists.

Featured Image credit: Our Memories by artist Alexandra Sharma

Thank you to Snaptique for capturing highlights of our Opening Night with their vintage photo booth. Snaptique has been providing fun photo activations since 2014. They are the best photo booth rental in Kitchener, Ottawa, and Calgary.