Protected: Residential School Survivor Lecture
Protected: Moccasin-Making with the Manitobah Storyboot School
Moccasins to Murals: In Conversation with Joseph Sagaj
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Tickets: Free, registration required
Join us for an inspiring evening with Joseph Sagaj, Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) of the Sturgeon Clan, as he shares his remarkable journey as an Indigenous artist. Growing up in Neskantaga, a remote community of just 300 people located 433 km northeast of Thunder Bay, Joseph’s creative foundation was shaped by moments like making moccasins with his mother.
His artistic path took him from his home community to Toronto, where he graduated from the Ontario College of Art (now OCAD University) in Fine Arts in 1985. Despite the challenges and struggles often faced by artists, Joseph pursued his passion and carved out a meaningful career.
This conversation will explore his artistic evolution, his identity as an Indigenous artist, and the stories behind the many murals that adorn the city, each one a vibrant testament to his talent and heritage. The conversation will be moderated by Justine Woods, Curator of Indigenous Collections, and Shan Fernando, Manager of Public Programming.
Agenda
6:00 pm – Doors Open
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm – Conversation
7:30 pm – 8:30 pm – Galleries Open
Please present your ticket at the Front Desk upon arrival. This talk will take place in-person at the Bata Shoe Museum (located on the G level). Please note, seating is not guaranteed. Limited spots available. Please contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
ABOUT JOSEPH SAGAJ:
Joseph is Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) of the Sturgeon Clan, and is from a remote and isolated community of 300 people in Neskantaga, located 433 km northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario. One of his highlight activities from his youth was making moccasins with his mother. Joseph later moved to Toronto, attended the Ontario College of Art, as it was called then, and graduated in Fine Arts in 1985. The art world, as it is with most artists, was at times a struggle and a challenge. Regardless, Joseph pursued his dreams with passion! This talk will highlight Joseph’s journey as an Indigenous artist and will give insight to his many murals across the city of Toronto.
Protected: Outlaws and Allies: Cowboys and Queer Culture
Protected: Country Music Trivia
Protected: Hoedown at the BSM: Pride Party
Protected: Celebrating 30 Years: Spring Exhibition Opening & Community Day
Curator’s Talk: Celebrating Women in Design
Date: Tuesday, March 11
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Doors Open 6:30 pm)
Ticket: $15 General Admission, $10 Student (ID Required) and Senior (65+), Free for Friends of the BSM
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Join us for an inspiring lecture by Bata Shoe Museum Curator Nishi Bassi as she explores the impactful, but often underrecognized contributions of women in shoe design. From Beth Levine’s pioneering work in the mid-20th century to Aurora James’s modern activism-driven designs, women have played a vital role in shaping the footwear industry. This engaging talk will explore the artistry and influence of these remarkable women but also examine the barriers that have historically limited female representation in shoemaking. Discover how these trailblazers have carved their path in a male-dominated field, paving the way for future generations.
Agenda
6:30 pm – Doors Open
7:00 pm – Lecture Begins
8:00 pm – Lecture Ends, Galleries Open
9:30 – Doors Close
Please present your e-ticket at the front desk upon arrival. Please contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
Nishi Bassi is a Curator and Exhibitions Project Manager with over 10 years of experience in the museum industry. Her educational background is in British history, and current research interests include fashion, consumer culture, and post-colonialism. She is also an EDI champion, who strategically plans and advocates for change to ensure that accessibility remains a priority in all projects. Nishi has been with the Bata Shoe Museum since 2013 where she currently works as the Curator and Manager of Exhibitions. She currently holds a volunteer position on the Board of Directors for ICOM Canada.
Earth Day at the BSM
Date: Sunday, April 13, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets:Included with Free Sundays admission, registration is encouraged
Celebrate Earth Day at the Bata Shoe Museum with fun and eco-friendly activities for all ages! Discover how footwear impacts the environment in our engaging Footwear and the Environment presentations, exploring sustainable practices and innovative designs shaping the future of shoes. Then, get creative with our shoelace coloring activity—a hands-on way to refresh your old shoes and give them a brand-new look while keeping them out of the landfill. Join us for a day of inspiration, creativity, and steps toward a greener future!
Agenda
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Shoelace Colouring (while supplies last)
12:15 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm – Footwear and the Environment Presentation
Please present your e-ticket at the front desk upon arrival. We encourage visitors to arrive early to avoid disappointment. All events and activities are presented on a first come, first serve basis. Please contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions or concerns.
March Break 2025
When: Monday, March 10 – Saturday, March 15
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: Included with general admission.)
Step into a fun-filled March Break at the Bata Shoe Museum with daily crafts, games, and tours that are sure to keep kids and adults entertained all week long. Get creative at our self-guided craft station, join one of our expert guides for a fascinating tour of our galleries, or challenge your footwear knowledge with our Wheel of Shoes Trivia game for a chance to win a shoe-themed prize.
Daily Drop-In Programming Schedule
Each program runs for about 45 minutes to 1 hour
11:00 am – Guided Exhibition Tour
12:00 pm – Wheel of Shoes Trivia
1:00 pm – Guided Exhibition Tour
2:00 pm – Wheel of Shoes Trivia
All March Break programming is included with your general admission ticket for adults and children. Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult. Crafts are while supplies last.