Carol has enjoyed a variety of opportunities to bring children and visual arts together; as a classroom teacher in both public and private school settings, and as an art educator for the Toronto District School Board, The Bishop Strachan School, Branksome Hall and organizations such as City of Toronto Public Health, City of Toronto Special Events, DiscoverAbility and the RedEye Studio Gallery in the Distillery District.

She believes that teaching is enhanced by her practice as a visual artist and her involvement in the arts community. Regarding her own art making, she calls herself an imaginative realist. Carol aspires to be open to new and sometimes surprising thoughts which develop as she considers her part in the human experience. Painting is a way of reviewing and reflecting upon these ideas. Visit Carol's website at www.carolknowlton-dority.com

The Dragon Sock ! See another side of Carol's artbeat in the November 2010 issue of Canadian Living "It's Showtime!" - excerpt on the Canadian Living website here »

The Art Gallery is a part of our Art and Spiritualilty program which strives towards building a wider community. Our Vision statement is: " CCDP is a place where genuine spirituality, like art is open and dynamic .... both are the hope of a world so badly in need of transformation."

"To send light into the darkness of men's hearts - such is the duty of the artist" - Robert Schumann

The Art and Spirituality program picked up steam in the New Year. In January and February, our very own Bob Reeves had a very successful show themed: Epiphany - the moment of Awakening/Realization. The paintings showed paintings in interesting light, perhaps give us that "aha" experience.Gallery visitors were touched by it and loved it - three people went home with Bob's paintings. Bob had the unenviable position of having 5 viewers who wanted to go home with the same painting, but only one could do that. Also Bob might be commissioned to paint something for somebody.

Currently our Carol Dority has an exhibition themed: One in Spirit. Carol's paintings challenge us to see that we (all of humanity) are all one in spirit and encourages us to reflect on the attitudes that separate us and hence our behaviour toward each other?! This show runs through May 1st.

Following Carol's show, we have our Ramesh Kamath scheduled for a photographic art show themed: Nature: Its Healing power. In this exhibit Ramesh displays photographic art of Nature and shares with us the healing he has felt and continues to experience from being in the middle of Nature. The printing of his images has been generously sponsored by Toronto Image Works - a professional printing service bureau.

As far as the Gallery is concerned, we're earnestly seeking sponsors, patrons and donors to help us with the purchase and installation of a professional track lighting system to make the viewing of the art more enjoyable and impactful. We need about $7,000 towards this. Any help is appreciated. Please speak to either Ramesh Kamath or Walter Blackwell if you've any questions. The checks should be made payable to CCDP and earmarked for the ASR Enhancement Fund. Thank you!

We look forward to bringing you a year full of engaging, awe-inspiring Art that will lead to reflection.

Our mission is inherent in CCDP’s Mission Statement and builds on the strategic plan, GROWS.. Specifically:

• To provide an opportunity for the community at large to share in the enriching experience of art;
• To engage the community and artists within and beyond CCDP;
• To create a gallery space where artists can exhibit their work for the appreciation of the community;
• To create a programme that is self-sustaining and ongoing through sponsorships, patronages, donations and commissions on art sales.