Explore the Mayan and other cultures in the city...

MAYA: Secrets of the Ancient World
19 Nov to 9 Apr 2012
ROM

Journey through the mysterious land of the ancient Maya at the Royal Ontario Museum in the world premiere of the landmark exhibition, Maya: Secrets of their Ancient World. This original exhibition vibrantly brings to life the Classic Period (250 - 900 CE) of this ancient Mesoamerican culture and features many never-before-seen artifacts. Nearly 250 artifacts have been assembled, including large sculptures, ceramics, masks, and jewellery, to tell the story of their sacred rulers, inspired architectural feats, elaborate writing system, bloodletting rituals and cosmology of death and resurrection.

For more information, check out the ROM website.

Book launch: Mayan Horror: How to Survive the End of the World in 2012
20 Nov (Doors open at 4 PM)
Rivoli

When the Mayan Calendar runs out on December 21st, 2012, all manner of possible disasters will befall the earth, from a collision with a rogue planet, to biblical flooding, to being attacked by swarms of gnats. But just because life as we know it will come to an end, it doesn't mean you can't survive and even prosper financially in the post-apocalyptic world. Bob Robertson's Mayan Horror: How to Survive the End of the World in 2012 gives you all the vital information you'll need to come through smiling after Armageddon wreaks havoc on the planet. All your questions will be answered: who are the Mayans? Is Maya Angelou one of them? Are oven mitts useful against the earth's molten core?

For more information on the book, check out publisher Anvil Press' website.

Ancestral Teachings: Contemporary Perspectives
16 Nov to 30 Nov
Gladstone Hotel

An exhibition of contemporary Aboriginal art in which artists draw upon values and lessons from their oral culture to deal with present realities.

To find out more about the exhibition, the accompanying fine arts and craft sale and birch back workshop, check out the Thunderbird Aboriginal Arts, Culture and Entrepreneur Centre website.

Annual Swedish Christmas Festival
19 Nov
Harbourfront Centre

Guests will enjoy festive entertainment with two shows daily featuring the renowned Lucia pageant. The pageant will include a procession of children singing traditional Swedish Christmas carols. Lucia is a symbol of goodness and light that opens the Christmas season. Other entertainment includes traditional folk dancing.

For more information, check out the Harbourfront Center website.

Reading: carried away on a crest of a wave
Nov 20
Tarragon Theatre

Set in the years following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, carried away on the crest of a wave is a play about causality and the interconnectedness of things. From an escort in Khao Lak, to a priest in Tamil Nadu, to a housewife in Utah, it asks, "What happens when the events that tie us together are the same that tear us apart?"

For more information, check out the Tarragon Theatre website.

Craft Afty
Nov 19
Desmond and Beatrice

As if you needed a reason to check out a cupcake shop! This Leslieville bakery will host an afternoon of crafts featuring local knitters, jewellers, painters, candle-makers and more.

For more information, check out the Desmond and Beatrice Facebook page.

Youth Workshop: Introduction to Grafitti Art
19 Nov to 20 Nov
Toronto School of Art

This youth workshop is intended for students between the ages of 14 and 18, but open to general public as well. The participants will learn the basics needed to produce graffiti mural art. Throughout the 2-day workshop, topical issues surrounding this controversial art form will be discussed and debated from our personal, city, and global perspectives, with input from local graffiti writers and art educators. Students will begin a design and on the second day will produce a mural outdoors.

For more information, check out the Toronto School of Arts website.

In Concert: Murray McLuhan
19 Nov
Young Centre for the Performing Arts

Murray McLauchlan is one of Canada's most decorated, influential and praised songwriters. He exudes an unbridled passion for Canada, and with the release of Human Writes, his first album in six years, McLauchlan charts a breathtaking journey that explores the light and dark side of humanity. Simply put, Human Writes is a pinnacle piece in a lifetime of achievement. Don't miss this ONE NIGHT ONLY performance.

For more information, check out the Young Centre for the Performing Arts website.

In Concert: Tipica Toronto
19 Nov
Lula Lounge

It might be getting chilly in Toronto, but we can pretend we are in the tropics!

To sample some tunes, check out the Tipica Toronto MySpace page.