Celebrating Art, Nature, and Community — Essence of the Garden is the 2nd annual plein air art exhibition and sale featuring over 100 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 3 through 18, 2026Open Daily, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Free Admission
This exhibition coincides with Toronto’s Ravine Days, an annual city-wide celebration of Toronto’s ravine system.
Presenting Sponsor Foresters Financial
What You’ll See
Over 100 plein air paintings celebrating the Garden created by 46 talented local artists
Artworks displayed in public spaces across the Visitor Centre and are available for sale.
Visit the Garden Shop for unique, artist-made gifts and mini works
Engage with the artist(s) who will be hosting workshops and will be onsite throughout the exhibition painting ‘plein air’
Meet the Artists
Full list of artists coming soon.
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.
Our Partners
Alexandra Sharma
Don Valley Art Group
Toronto Heliconian Club
Toronto Watercolour Society
Willowdale Group of Artists
Women Artists Association of Canada
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.