An Artists’ Affair celebrates final curtain call

An Artists’ Affair was an intimate event held annually between 2010 and 2017, featuring a selection of talented musicians, dancers, actors and artists. Since its inception, An Artists’ Affair successfully raised more than $1.8 million (net) for The Al & Malka Green Artists’ Health Centre at Toronto Western Hospital and the Artists’ Health Alliance.

Under the artistic direction of the immensely talented Veronica Tennant, An Artists’ Affair attracted cultural champions in our community such as Marc Jordan, Sheila McCarthy, Karen Kain, George Koller, RH Thompson, Molly Johnson and Amy Sky, in addition to principal dancers from the National Ballet School of Canada and stars from the Canadian Opera Company. For the first five years, An Artists’ Affair featured a partnership with Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra.

An Artists’ Affair was supported by many generous donors and sponsors over the years. Al and Malka Green attended and their generosity was recognized on an annual basis. Lynda Hamilton’s generosity extended from her personal contributions as a champion for the Artists’ Health Centre and the Artists’ Health Alliance to her role as a Co-Chair of the event. Founding Chair of the event, Dr. Michael Baker, was integral to the success of the event every year.

The Al and Malka Green Artists’ Health Centre, opened in 2002, is the first of its kind in the world. Created in partnership with the Artists’ Health Alliance on behalf of the artists’ community, the Centre specializes in treating both creative and performing artists, and its mandate includes research, education and outreach to the artistic community. To address the occupational health problems of artists – such as joint injuries, voice problems, and psychological issues – the Centre provides primary and specialty medical care, as well as physiotherapy, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, psychotherapy and support groups, and naturopathy.

The Willows perform with George Koller