Onsite Gallery unveils two new exhibitions as part of fall programming

On Sept. 9, members of Toronto’s cultural community gathered at Onsite Gallery, OCAD University’s flagship professional art gallery, to celebrate the launch of two new exhibitions. 

More than 275 people attended the opening reception for Returning to Ourselves: Rebecca Baird and Kenny Alvin Baird, a retrospective of work by award-winning Cree Métis artists and siblings Rebecca Baird and Kenny Alvin Baird, curated by Lisa Deanne Smith, senior curator, Onsite Gallery, and Michael Massie: Now and Then, guest curated by Alysa Procida, an arts administrator, curator, consultant and the 2026 International Liaison for the Arctic Arts Summit Secretariat. 

Returning to Ourselves: Rebecca Baird and Kenny Alvin Baird presents more than 40 years of work by the Baird siblings. The multimedia exhibition spans sculpture, painting and traditional material practices, alongside interior design, film, art direction, graphic design and public art commissions.

The Toronto-based artists approach their practices through their knowledge of Cree Métis histories, bringing together different forms of creative thinking informed by lived experience and collaboration. Rebecca Baird is also a graduate of OCAD U’s Interdisciplinary Master's in Art, Media and Design program.

“Collaboration is a key component to how the Baird siblings have thrived as creative people. Their relationship with each other and their varied Indigenous, punk, artist, and design communities is integral to their practices,” writes Deanne Smith. “Their careers challenge the Romantic-era myth of the lone artist genius and acknowledge a lineage of historical and contemporary peers, and cultural conversations, that their art and design works sit within and continue to shape.”

Onsite is hosting a slate of free public programming centred around Returning to Ourselves throughout 2026, including a beaded rosette workshop with Rebecca Baird on Oct. 16 and a conversation with the artists, curator and special guest on Oct. 24. 

Michael Massie: Now and Then brings together multimedia works from across the celebrated artist’s career. Dr. Massie is a celebrated Inuk artist internationally recognized for his skill as a silversmith and sculptor. He is best known for his iconic teapots and humorous owl sculptures, which continually expand the definitions of Inuit art. In 2024, OCAD U awarded Dr. Massie an honorary degree in recognition of the indelible mark he has made on the world of art and design. 

Now and Then highlights Dr. Massie’s exceptional ability to blend craftsmanship with commentary on contemporary social issues and politics while pushing the boundaries of public expectations of Inuit art and artists. 

Dr. Massie will join guest curator Procida for a talk on Oct. 28, travelling from Newfoundland to Toronto to discuss the humour, joy and experimentation that have defined his artistic practice, as well as how he has woven Inuit design traditions together with political commentary. Dr. Massie will share stories behind works on view in Now and Then, drawing from different phases of his career. Guest registration for the conversation is now open.

Together, the two exhibitions contribute to a broader understanding of Indigenous and Canadian art histories, creative practices and design. Both exhibitions are on view until Jan. 20, 2027. Onsite Gallery is generously supported by the Delaney Family.