With winter break right around the corner, you might be wondering how to fill the time without all the old reliable exams, essays, and tests to schedule your life around. Fret not! The Faculty of Arts has you covered with everything you need to read, watch, or visit over the break this year.ĚýĚý
Visit: Françoise Sullivan "I let the rhythms flow" at the Montreal Museum of Fine ArtĚý
In 2023, the multidisciplinary artist Françoise Sullivan celebrated her 100thĚýbirthday. Sullivan has played a central role in the history of modern art and contemporary dance in Quebec as a pioneering artist. To pay homage to Sullivan and her ongoing artistic career, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is featuring an exhibition of her recent paintings in which she explores the themes of light and movement. During the Spring 2023 Arts convocation ceremony, Françoise Sullivan was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for her contributions to Quebec art and dance. The exhibit is on until February 18, 2024. Ěý
Read: The Price of Salt by Patricia HighsmithĚý
This 1950s novel follows the story of 19-year-old Therese Belivet as her monotonous life as an aspiring-set-designer-turned-department-store-clerk is disrupted by the alluring and impervious Carol Aird. Therese is immediately infatuated with Carol, despite Carol being married and about 10 years her senior. As Therese becomes increasingly enraptured with Carol, the tension between the two heightens, and the overall feeling of disquietude is palpable as the characters try to navigate the complications of their situation.ĚýĚý
Why is this novel the perfect read for winter, you may ask? The Price of Salt has an atmosphere that is at once invigorating and intense, yet incredibly comforting. It begins in Manhattan during the cold month of December and begs to be read next to a lit candle with a warm cup of tea. What screams the holidays more than a 20th century department store bustling with last-minute Christmas shoppers? Plus, after you finish the book, there’s still the 2015 film adaptation Carol starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara to watch.Ěý
Bake: Cookies for Drawn & Quarterly’s Cookie SwapĚý
A favourite amongst many McGill Arts students, Librairie Drawn & Quarterly, is hosting a cookie swap on Monday, December 11th. With the snow piling up, it’s always nice to spend a day inside baking, filling the house with scents of cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla. If you love any excuse to make (and eat) some sweet treats, this event is perfect for you. Spend next weekend trying out new cookie recipes from that cookbook that’s been sitting on your shelf for the past few months – then head over to Drawn & Quarterly to share your hard work!Ěý
Don’t own a cookbook or want to try out something new? Drawn & Quarterly has put together a comprehensive for your perusal.ĚýĚý
The cookie swap will take place at 7pm in the Drawn & Quarterly bookshop (176 rue Bernard O). If you don’t feel like leaving your house, you can still share your cookie stack online: .ĚýĚý
Visit: Sir George-Etienne Cartier National Historic SiteĚý
You don't need to be a McGill Arts History Major or an English literature student interested in 19th century literature to enjoy the next item on our list! At the Sir George-Etienne Cartier National Historic Site located in Old Port, you’ll be transported back in time to the Victorian Era and get a glimpse into a fully Victorian Christmas. The historic home is outfitted entirely in decor and regalia from the era, from the table elegantly set for Christmas dinner, to a German-style Christmas tree commanding awe and attention in the centre of the living room.Ěý
Admission tickets are $10, and the event runs on weekends from December 2nd to 17th, 10am to 5pm. .ĚýĚýĚý
Watch: A Holiday Concert -South Shore Children’s Choir in Old Montreal
If you are in the mood for live Holiday music in a beautiful historic setting, you will enjoy the series of concerts organized at Chapelle Notre Dame de Bon secours in Old Montreal, the city’s oldest stone chapel. Entrance is based on voluntary donation making this an accessible activity for all. On Sunday December 17th, two concerts by the South Shore Children’s Choir will be taking place as part of Choralies 2023. More information
Shop: Artisanal goods at Montreal’s Christmas VillageĚý
It wouldn’t be a holiday activities bucket list without at least one mention of the many markets, festivals, and villages Montreal has to offer. The Christmas Village located in Atwater Market is sure to get anyone in the holiday spirit. Atwater Market is a Montreal staple year-round and continues to host seasonal events that make the headlines (like this year’s ). This winter break, peruse goods made by talented local artisans and delicious local products – you might even find some unique Christmas gifts for family and friends. The Christmas Village is also host to the Kingdom of the Elves, an all-ages activities fair.ĚýĚý
Atwater Market’s Christmas Fair is on from November 30th to December 24th every weekend. about visiting hours and activities.Ěý