TORONTO — “What about
these two colours, they rhyme, right?” Peter held up a turquoise and a
fuchsia pastel crayon.

One of the many pieces of art that will be on display at the art show.

The instructor smiled and nodded at the complementary colours. Peter
is a musician, and this was his first time creating visual art.

Peter is one of 150 guests who comes to Beth Sholom Synagogue’s Out
of the Cold weekly program, which has run for 11 winter seasons. The
program offers guests a hot dinner, overnight shelter, breakfast, a
bagged lunch and clothing donations.

This past winter, Tuesday evenings at Beth Sholom have also included
an informal art program. Amid a room of diners and rowdy conversation,
one of the round tables is cleared at 7 p.m. to become the designated
art table. Paints and pastels are laid out, and guests and volunteers
sit down together to share ideas and create artwork.

On April 18, from 2 to 4 p.m., Beth Sholom’s Out of the Cold program
will be hosting its first art show and fundraiser, “Into the Light.” The
artwork, created by the synagogue’s guests, is for sale, with all
proceeds going to the artists and back into the program.

For more information about the exhibit, call Beth Sholom Synagogue at
416-783-6103 or e-mail Melanie at ­[email protected].

—Compiled by CJN Staff