Hamilton's best hidden gem

 For nearly a year I was commuting into Toronto daily and never had much of a chance to experience my city. I would leave at the crack of dawn and return when it was dark, missing all the great culture and art that Hamilton had to offer. 

But since I started my new teaching job here in Hamilton, I've been realizing how lucky I am to be able to work locally and enjoy the city in which I live. 

So in honour of a little art teacher research and  professional development, I decided that Winslow and I would go out on a date night to the James Street Art Crawl. The art crawl is when all the independent galleries, shops and book stores on James Street North open their doors and show all kinds of art made mostly by local artists. Wine, beer, snacks, candy, coffee and juice are served. People come to hang out, view art, party, socialize and talk.  The neat thing about this night is that everyone shows up. Students, older folks, younger folks, dads, moms, babies, kids. This event happens every 2nd Friday of the month and is a nice way to spend the evening with friends or the one you love. 

Some highlights of my night were: viewing Shelley Niro's Resting with Warriors prints, buying The Creative Family (a book I've been eyeing), seeing many great paintings and photographs, overhearing some teenage girls have a discussion with an artist about his work, and last but certainly not least...having a lovely date with my love.