VISUAL ARTS

The Gallery at the J

Carried Forward by Karen Pe’er

Carried Forward by Toronto-based artist Karen Pe’er reflects on Yemenite Jewish traditions, transforming memory, loss, and heritage into living acts of resilience and continuity. Through intricate works inspired by her father’s community, Pe’er explores what it means to inherit a culture shaped by displacement yet kept alive through remembrance and reinvention. Each piece is an act of preservation and renewal, ensuring that ancestral stories continue to be carried forward.

Artist Bio:

Karen Pe’er (she/her) is a Toronto-based visual artist, mother, and recent graduate from OCAD University. Her work is deeply rooted in her cultural heritage and her experiences as a member of the Jewish diaspora. Pe’er’s practice explores the complexities of home, displacement, and identity. She confronts the painful legacies of her ancestry, delving into the personal and collective history of the Yemenite Jewish community. By acknowledging the difficult truths, she reclaims these narratives, honours the resilience of her people, and brings their stories out of silence, preserving cultural memory and ensuring these stories continue to evolve across generations.

Exhibit Dates: November 1 - November 30

Location: The Frank Jacobs Gallery

Admission: FREE

THE GALLERY AT THE J

The Imagine Tree

located in the main lobby of the MNjcc

The Imagine Tree is a radiant symbol of possibility, a living space where dreams take root and grow into something beautiful. It is more than simply a tree, it is a gathering place where people can leave their wishes, prayers, and intentions for love, peace, and a brighter tomorrow. Each tag placed upon its branches carries the unique energy of someone’s heartfelt desire, weaving together a collective vision of what the world could be. When you stand before the Imagine Tree, you feel its branches reach toward the sky with warmth and vitality, as though carrying every wish upward to the light. It reminds us that while one dream may feel small, together our hopes form a chorus strong enough to change the world. The tree is a space where kindness, compassion, and creativity blossom endlessly, and where every visitor becomes both dreamer and gardener of possibility.

Drop by and add a tag today!

Each tag you hang on its branches adds your voice to a growing canopy of dreams.

Imagine Tree dates: October 17 - December 1, 2025