Shawn Skeir Art/Music Residency IN CONTXT

Join Toronto-based visual artist and musician Shawn Skeir for an immersive art + music residency at CONTXT by Trane, a vibrant creative venue in Toronto’s Junction community. Over several months, Skeir will present evolving series of work exploring themes from Tapestries, Faces, Masks to Post-Digital Landscapes, blending painting, performance, and conversation to invite deeper engagement with abstraction, identity, and texture. Across four distinct series—each featuring opening events, artist talks, live performances, brunch socials, and free community strikes—the residency offers a dynamic space to experience an expressive visual language through music, dialogue, and creative exchange.

About the Artist
With over 25 years of experience as a fine art painter, Shawn Skeir has built a prolific career with work held in significant private collections and exhibited in numerous solo and group shows throughout North America. Alongside his visual practice, he has performed for decades as a vocalist in local venues, nightclubs, cabarets, and musical revues. Deeply committed to community and charitable causes, Skeir views creativity as both a privilege and a responsibility - using his practice to inspire, empower, and foster meaningful connection. “I feel a sense of achievement in using my talents to help communities and charitable causes. I feel it is important, as well as a great privilege, to have the opportunity to use my abilities as an artist to inspire and empower others toward a life lived with creativity and passion.” Find more information on skeirgallery.com.

Events and Dates:

Series 1: Tapestries, Faces, Masks and Markings

(Currently running)

Brunch, Art Social & Series 1 Strike
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Admission: Free (Please RSVP)

Series 2: Série de pronoms

Opening & Performance Event with Live Music

An engaging evening to mark the opening of Shawn's second series of artwork at CONTXT by Trane. As part of this ticketed event, Shawn will be performing a delightful selection of several r&b/soul classics - and if you think the man can paint, just wait until you hear him SING..! Shawn will also be available to interact with guests and discuss his work. You may be lucky enough to go home with a FREE photo print of one of Shawn's most celebrated images. Art, Music, Colour, Light and the Good Vibrations of CONTXT by Trane...

Saturday, January 24, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Doors: 4:30 PM | Concert: 7:00 PM
Admission: $15 Advance | $25 at the Door

Brunch, Art Social & Series 2 Strike
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Admission: Free (Please RSVP)

Series 3: Abstraction Plus

Opening & Performance Event with Live Music
Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
African Heritage Month Paint Concert
Featuring Kobena Aquaa Harrison
Doors: 4:30 PM | Concert: 7:00 PM
Admission: $15 Advance | $25 at the Door

Brunch, Art Social & Series 3 Strike
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Admission: Free (Please RSVP)

Series 4: Post-Digital Landscape

Media and Texture: Dots, DNA and Skins

Opening & Performance Event with Live Music
Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Doors: 4:30 PM | Concert: 7:00 PM
Admission: $15 Advance | $25 at the Door

Performance and Wrap Party
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Doors: 6pm / Performance 7pm
Admission: $10 Advance (first 15 people free - Reserve before April 23 midnight) | $20 at the Door

Brunch, Art Social & Series 4 Strike
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Doors: 11:30 AM | Concert: 1:00 PM
Admission: free (RSVP)

CONTXT by Trane a is a vibrant live arts and creative venue rooted in Toronto’s Junction community. Carrying forward the spirit of the original Trane Studio (2002–2012), CONTXT brings people together through music, poetry, visual art, film screenings, meaningful discussions and a healthy cuisine.