As the leader of the Group of Seven, Lawren Harris first rose to national prominence while living and painting in Toronto during the 1910s and 20s. To celebrate the launch of The Idea of North: The Paintings of Lawren Harris, the July First Thursday is a collision of the history and future of Toronto, with exciting new performances by artists Anique Jordan and Brian Solomon. The city's most beloved comedienne Kathleen Phillips Locke will pop-up as well with her reflections on all things northerly.

Toronto supergroup Darlene Shrugg brings their all-star sound to July First Thursday. Featuring members of U.S. Girls, Slim Twig, Ice Cream and Fiver, they take the stage in Walker Court at 10 p.m. Don’t miss DJ Miss Margot 2.0 and DJ Shramm spinning throughout the Gallery.

For an exclusive after-hours view of the exhibition, be sure to book your combo-ticket to see The Idea of North during July First Thursday. Last entry is 9:30 p.m. No exhibition launch would be complete without hearing from the curator, Andrew Hunter, the AGO’s Frederick S. Eaton Curator of Canadian Art, who will be giving pop-up talks throughout the night on "The Idea of Toronto."

Additional programming highlights at July #AGO1st include the pop-up Out of the Vaults exhibition of prints and drawings generously hosted by Volunteers of the AGO, as well as hands on art-making activities and a delicious landscape of tasty treats at our Night Market. Be sure to pick up your First Thursday program on your way, created by Toronto-based cartoonist and designer Jonathan Rotsztain.

For programming updates, follow the #AGO1st hash tag on Twitter and Instagram. And don't forget to RSVP to this event on Facebook.