April 26, 2026
Heavy Hues, Together In Colour
A daytime art, music, and style event in East York – substance‑free, open to all.
Join us on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 12:00–6:00 PM at 32 Cranfield Rd, East York (Toronto) for a one‑day celebration of colour, sound, and community. Browse original artwork, hear live local music, discover curated fashion and jewelry, and meet independent creators from across the city.
🕒 Date & time: Sunday, April 26, 2026 - 12:00–6:00 PM
📍 Location: 32 Cranfield Rd, East York (Toronto)
What To Expect
- Charity art auction featuring original works by emerging and established artists
- Live acoustic performances throughout the afternoon
- Curated fashion and accessories pop‑up
- Substance‑free, daytime atmosphere (no alcohol on site)
- All ages and all backgrounds welcome
Proceeds from art sales and the event help support participating artists, core event costs, and a local community organization that offers peer‑based support and programs.
Event Schedule
A full afternoon of lived experience, music, and community connection.
12:00 PM - Event Start
Word from our Title Sponsors: PagePickUp & FlexSpace Logistics
Host Introduction for the day
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 1: Taylor McNamara
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 2: Tom Herstad
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 3: Emily Sauer
(10–15 min) Charity Speaker 1: The Gatehouse
1:20 PM
Word from our Sponsor: Cost Liquidation
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 5: Les Williams
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 6: Nolisha Gaskin
(10–15 min) Book Reading 1: Tom Herstad
2:20 PM
(30 min) Music Performance: Matt
Word from our Sponsor: Okseelaw
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 7: Ghrian Shine
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 8: Stewart Thompson
(10–15 min) Charity Speaker 2: Bros Before Lows
3:50 PM
(30 min) Music Performance: Rich Freed
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 9: Nathalie Cousineau
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 10: Joe Seymond
(10–15 min) Book Reading 2: Ghrian Shine
5:20 PM
(15 min) Music Performance: Taylor McNamara
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 11: Patrick Doering
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 12: Oksana Nasadiuk
(15 min) Guest Speaker 1: Peter Handjis
Final Thank You from Host
Functional Mocktails by DNA Drink Solutions (12–2 PM)
Join us early at Heavy Hues, Together in Colour for a special two‑hour pop‑up bar with DNA Drink Solutions, Toronto’s experts in custom zero‑proof cocktails and functional mocktails.
From 12:00–2:00 PM, founder and expert mixologist Adrian Stein and the DNA team will be serving a custom menu of elevated, alcohol‑free drinks designed just for this event—balancing taste, aroma, and feel‑good ingredients so you can sip something special and stay clear‑headed.
Crafted, alcohol‑free cocktails
Functional mocktails designed to support focus, calm, and energy
Beautiful glassware and garnishes that make your drink feel like an experience, not an afterthought
Event line
Catch DNA Drink Solutions behind the bar:
🕒 12:00–2:00 PM only
Event Schedule
A full afternoon of lived experience, music, and community connection.
12:00 PM - Event Start
Word from our Title Sponsors: PagePickUp & FlexSpace Logistics
Host Introduction for the day
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 1: Taylor McNamara
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 2: Tom Herstad
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 3: Emily Sauer
(10–15 min) Charity Speaker 1: The Gatehouse
1:20 PM
Word from our Sponsor: Cost Liquidation
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 5: Les Williams
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 6: Nolisha Gaskin
(10–15 min) Book Reading 1: Tom Herstad
2:20 PM
(30 min) Music Performance: Matt
Word from our Sponsor: Okseelaw
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 7: Ghrian Shine
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 8: Stewart Thompson
(10–15 min) Charity Speaker 2: Bros Before Lows
3:50 PM
(30 min) Music Performance: Rich Freed
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 9: Nathalie Cousineau
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 10: Joe Seymond
(10–15 min) Book Reading 2: Ghrian Shine
5:20 PM
(15 min) Music Performance: Taylor McNamara
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 11: Patrick Doering
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 12: Oksana Nasadiuk
(15 min) Guest Speaker 1: Peter Handjis
Final Thank You from Host
Featured Visual Artists
Xiao Wen Xu – Minimal Skies
Xiao Wen Xu is a Chinese‑born Canadian artist based in Toronto, with a Master of Architecture from the University of Waterloo. Her “Minimal Skies” series transforms photographed skies from Toronto and Grand Bend into serene oil‑painted gradients, reducing each scene to colour and light.
Website: https://xiaowenxu.com
Instagram: @xiaowenxu_art
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xiaowenxufineart
Ted Nisker
Toronto‑based artist Ted Nisker explores colour, texture, and form through painting and mixed media, sharing work online and in local spaces.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tednisker/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TedNisker/
M.C Cruz
Artist and writer M.C Cruz works across illustration, zines, and video, with a practice rooted in personal narrative, identity, and culture.
Website & blog: https://localeopardlady.wordpress.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/VY-KGjbjDRI
Yasaman Mehrsa
Visual artist and illustrator Yasaman Mehrsa creates work that blends fine art and design, often centring on movement, pattern, and everyday moments.
Website: https://www.yasamanmehrsa.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yyasist
Four Scythe
Four Scythe brings a distinctive visual style and hand‑made pieces that lean into bold imagery and graphic storytelling.
Happy Fairy Art – Jeanna Jane Chua
Jeanna Jane Chua (Happy Fairy Art) offers whimsical, uplifting pieces designed to bring a sense of play, colour, and comfort into everyday spaces.
Website: https://happyfairyart.com/pages/about-us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happyfairy_art/
Bold Brambles Studio - Mahima Argarwal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldbrambles?igsh=dXRscmtjYnR5dDht&utm_source=qr
Event Schedule
A full afternoon of lived experience, music, and community connection.
12:00 PM - Event Start
Word from our Title Sponsors: PagePickUp & FlexSpace Logistics
Host Introduction for the day
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 1: Taylor McNamara
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 2: Tom Herstad
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 3: Emily Sauer
(10–15 min) Charity Speaker 1: The Gatehouse
1:20 PM
Word from our Sponsor: Cost Liquidation
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 5: Les Williams
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 6: Nolisha Gaskin
(10–15 min) Book Reading 1: Tom Herstad
2:20 PM
(30 min) Music Performance: Matt
Word from our Sponsor: Okseelaw
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 7: Ghrian Shine
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 8: Stewart Thompson
(10–15 min) Charity Speaker 2: Bros Before Lows
3:50 PM
(30 min) Music Performance: Rich Freed
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 9: Nathalie Cousineau
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 10: Joe Seymond
(10–15 min) Book Reading 2: Ghrian Shine
5:20 PM
(15 min) Music Performance: Taylor McNamara
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 11: Patrick Doering
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 12: Oksana Nasadiuk
(15 min) Guest Speaker 1: Peter Handjis
Final Thank You from Host
Live Music Schedule
Enjoy live sets from Toronto‑area musicians throughout the day. Exact times may shift slightly as we finalize the run‑of‑show.
Early afternoon
JC Sandoval – 1:00–1:30 PM
Acoustic songs and storytelling from singer‑songwriter JC Sandoval.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejcsandoval/
Taylor McNamara – 1:30–2:00 PM
Opening‑day set featuring originals and covers in an intimate, acoustic style.
Mid‑afternoon
JC Sandoval – 3:00–3:30 PM (second set)
Late afternoon
Between 3:30 and 5:00 PM, enjoy rotating sets from:
Rich Freed – time TBA
Original music and re‑imagined favourites with a soulful, guitar‑driven sound.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rich_freed/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RichFreed
Diana Lyn Ruffolo – 30‑minute set between 4:00 and 5:00 PM
Vocalist and musician with “Sunny D & The Flower Pedals,” bringing warm, melodic songs to close out the day.
Band site: https://sunnydeeband.com/bio
Event Schedule
A full afternoon of lived experience, music, and community connection.
12:00 PM - Event Start
Word from our Title Sponsors: PagePickUp & FlexSpace Logistics
Host Introduction for the day
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 1: Taylor McNamara
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 2: Tom Herstad
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 3: Emily Sauer
(10–15 min) Charity Speaker 1: The Gatehouse
1:20 PM
Word from our Sponsor: Cost Liquidation
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 5: Les Williams
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 6: Nolisha Gaskin
(10–15 min) Book Reading 1: Tom Herstad
2:20 PM
(30 min) Music Performance: Matt
Word from our Sponsor: Okseelaw
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 7: Ghrian Shine
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 8: Stewart Thompson
(10–15 min) Charity Speaker 2: Bros Before Lows
3:50 PM
(30 min) Music Performance: Rich Freed
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 9: Nathalie Cousineau
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 10: Joe Seymond
(10–15 min) Book Reading 2: Ghrian Shine
5:20 PM
(15 min) Music Performance: Taylor McNamara
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 11: Patrick Doering
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 12: Oksana Nasadiuk
(15 min) Guest Speaker 1: Peter Handjis
Final Thank You from Host
Featured Vendors
Explore a small marketplace of independent makers and brands:
Vanquish Jewelry
Toronto‑based brand Vanquish offers thoughtfully designed jewelry pieces for everyday wear and special occasions.
Website: https://vanquishjewelry.com
Instagram : @vvanquish__
More vendors will be announced as they’re confirmed.
Event Schedule
A full afternoon of lived experience, music, and community connection.
12:00 PM - Event Start
Word from our Title Sponsors: PagePickUp & FlexSpace Logistics
Host Introduction for the day
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 1: Taylor McNamara
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 2: Tom Herstad
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 3: Emily Sauer
(10–15 min) Charity Speaker 1: The Gatehouse
1:20 PM
Word from our Sponsor: Cost Liquidation
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 5: Les Williams
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 6: Nolisha Gaskin
(10–15 min) Book Reading 1: Tom Herstad
2:20 PM
(30 min) Music Performance: Matt
Word from our Sponsor: Okseelaw
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 7: Ghrian Shine
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 8: Stewart Thompson
(10–15 min) Charity Speaker 2: Bros Before Lows
3:50 PM
(30 min) Music Performance: Rich Freed
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 9: Nathalie Cousineau
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 10: Joe Seymond
(10–15 min) Book Reading 2: Ghrian Shine
5:20 PM
(15 min) Music Performance: Taylor McNamara
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 11: Patrick Doering
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 12: Oksana Nasadiuk
(15 min) Guest Speaker 1: Peter Handjis
Final Thank You from Host
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Honouring the partners whose support helps bring Heavy Hues, Together in Colour to life—from venue and production to artists, music, and a welcoming substance‑free experience.
Sober Coach Adam
Adam Shaffer, a CCAR Recovery Coach, Sober Companion, Interventionist, Safe Transport and Certified Addictions Worker - the founder of Sober Adam Inc.
Website: https://www.sobercoachadam.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobercoach_adam/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AXTdQwev1/
Create Institute
The Create Institute is a training institute in intermodal expressive arts therapy whose mission is to train expressive arts therapists who are self-reflective, self-aware, therapeutically proficient and highly sensitive to both verbal and non-verbal communication. The training we provide honours the essential connection between human imagination, the arts and life as a way of fostering growth and change.
Website: https://www.thecreateinstitute.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createinstitute/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCreateInstitute/
Cost Liquidation
Cost Liquidation brings Costco-brand overstock plus designer bags, shoes, and clothing to one place – with new inventory weekly and in-store pick-up only.
Website: https://costliquidation.ca/
Pinot's Palette
The Pinot's Palette Experience - Time with our friends and loved ones is valuable and we are all about providing an extraordinary experience. Whether you're planning a girls night out or celebrating a special evening, we offer everything you need to make your party a success!
Website: https://www.pinotspalette.com/
Event Schedule
A full afternoon of lived experience, music, and community connection.
12:00 PM - Event Start
Word from our Title Sponsors: PagePickUp & FlexSpace Logistics
Host Introduction for the day
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 1: Taylor McNamara
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 2: Tom Herstad
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 3: Emily Sauer
(10–15 min) Charity Speaker 1: The Gatehouse
1:20 PM
Word from our Sponsor: Cost Liquidation
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 5: Les Williams
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 6: Nolisha Gaskin
(10–15 min) Book Reading 1: Tom Herstad
2:20 PM
(30 min) Music Performance: Matt
Word from our Sponsor: Okseelaw
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 7: Ghrian Shine
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 8: Stewart Thompson
(10–15 min) Charity Speaker 2: Bros Before Lows
3:50 PM
(30 min) Music Performance: Rich Freed
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 9: Nathalie Cousineau
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 10: Joe Seymond
(10–15 min) Book Reading 2: Ghrian Shine
5:20 PM
(15 min) Music Performance: Taylor McNamara
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 11: Patrick Doering
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 12: Oksana Nasadiuk
(15 min) Guest Speaker 1: Peter Handjis
Final Thank You from Host
Host Organization
This event is hosted by Recovery Without Borders (RWOB), a Toronto‑based, peer‑led community organization that uses arts, events, and learning spaces to bring people together around wellbeing, belonging, and life transitions.
RWOB’s work includes:
- Community forums and online sessions
- Peer‑oriented groups and circles
- Practical programs around work, income, and entrepreneurship
You don’t need to be part of any program to attend—this art day is open to anyone who enjoys creativity, wants to support local artists, or is simply looking for a calm, substance‑free way to spend a Sunday.
Learn more: https://recoverywithoutborders.org
Event Schedule
A full afternoon of lived experience, music, and community connection.
12:00 PM - Event Start
Word from our Title Sponsors: PagePickUp & FlexSpace Logistics
Host Introduction for the day
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 1: Taylor McNamara
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 2: Tom Herstad
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 3: Emily Sauer
(10–15 min) Charity Speaker 1: The Gatehouse
1:20 PM
Word from our Sponsor: Cost Liquidation
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 5: Les Williams
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 6: Nolisha Gaskin
(10–15 min) Book Reading 1: Tom Herstad
2:20 PM
(30 min) Music Performance: Matt
Word from our Sponsor: Okseelaw
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 7: Ghrian Shine
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 8: Stewart Thompson
(10–15 min) Charity Speaker 2: Bros Before Lows
3:50 PM
(30 min) Music Performance: Rich Freed
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 9: Nathalie Cousineau
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 10: Joe Seymond
(10–15 min) Book Reading 2: Ghrian Shine
5:20 PM
(15 min) Music Performance: Taylor McNamara
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 11: Patrick Doering
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 12: Oksana Nasadiuk
(15 min) Guest Speaker 1: Peter Handjis
Final Thank You from Host
Our Mission
Recovery Support That Meets You Where You Are and Takes You To The Solution
Global, Peer-Led Community
Join weekly online forums with people in recovery, families, and professionals from cities around the world—anonymous-friendly, free, and open to all stages.
24/7 Digital Support
Use OpenRecovery’s free app to journal, track your mood, and access recovery tools and community anytime, from anywhere. Speak to Kai; your always-on recovery companion here to support when you can't speak to a therapist, peer-support or coach.
Work & Entrepreneurship Pathways
Get connected to recovery-friendly employers and low-barrier entrepreneurship programs so you can earn income in ways that fit your life. Training, tools & resources provided to ensure access to everyone.
Housing, Stability & Freedom
Explore sober living and affordable housing options today, with a long-term vision that can include rent-to-own and shared-equity opportunities. Financial freedom should be part of the solution.
Our Mission
Recovery Support That Meets You Where You Are and Takes You To The Solution
Global, Peer-Led Community
Join weekly online forums with people in recovery, families, and professionals from cities around the world—anonymous-friendly, free, and open to all stages.
24/7 Digital Support
Use OpenRecovery’s free app to journal, track your mood, and access recovery tools and community anytime, from anywhere. Speak to Kai; your always-on recovery companion here to support when you can't speak to a therapist, peer-support or coach.
Work & Entrepreneurship Pathways
Get connected to recovery-friendly employers and low-barrier entrepreneurship programs so you can earn income in ways that fit your life. Training, tools & resources provided to ensure access to everyone.
Housing, Stability & Freedom
Explore sober living and affordable housing options today, with a long-term vision that can include rent-to-own and shared-equity opportunities. Financial freedom should be part of the solution.
Ready to Talk About What’s Next?
Reach out to explore support, partnerships, or how we can help in your city.
© 2026 Recovery Without Borders. All rights reserved.
Recovery Without Borders does not provide treatment, therapy, or in-patient care. We connect people to vetted professionals and organizations and focus on long-term recovery solutions.