Since the mid-1950’s visual artists in the Estonian Canadian community have gathered together as an organized group to show their artwork and meet to exchange ideas. One long-standing group is the Society of Estonian Artists in Toronto, or Eesti Kunstnike Koondis Torontos (EKKT).
EKKT has a membership that includes professional, amateur and student participants from Canada, the USA and Estonia, all of whom have joined to belong to an art group connected to our Estonian heritage. Painters, sculptors, graphic artists, digital artists and artisans have had opportunities to exhibit in various venues in Canada and internationally. For many years, patrons and other financial supporters of the visual arts have also been instrumental in shaping the growth of EKKT.
For the past 11 years, the Timmase Kunstitare (Timmas Art Studio) on the grounds of Jõekääru Children’s Camp in Udora, Ontario have provided a chance for our members to gather informally and participate in workshops and drop-in studio time.
If you are interested in, or have a young family member about to enter into a post-secondary arts program, consider EKKT as a stepping-stone to further their creative exposure. Adult members of all ages (17-107) are welcome. For more information please contact Elva Palo atekktartists@gmail.com
The annual art show is a tradition for EKKT. This year’s 64th art exhibition will be held at the Estonian House Gallery Saturday, October 5th to Tuesday, October 8th, 2019 with an opening reception on Saturday at 1 pm. The children from the Estonian School (Eesti Kool) will have a chance to view the artists’ work on Tuesday evening.