Essence of the Garden: Plein Air Art Exhibition + 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.

 What You’ll See

Over 70 plein air paintings celebrating 70 years in the Garden
Artworks displayed in public spaces across the Visitor Centre: Lobby, Hallways, Library, Studio
Pop-up art shop with affordable, artist-made gifts and mini works

Meet the Artists
Join the experience through our daily programming at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

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, magnets

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

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 Alex Sharma