Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition
July 6, 7 & 8, 2012
NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE
Hours: Friday & Saturday 10:30am-7:30, Sunday 10:30am-6:30pm
Free Admission
My visit to Canada s biggest outdoor art show started in the early hours of the first day of the show, July 6, at 11 am. It was set to be a record breaker for the temperature in Toronto. You could feel the heat from the pavement at the City Hall . Artists came prepared with hats, plenty of water and sun glasses. Paramedics stood ready and the staff and volunteers were sorting out last minute problems.
The show receives over 100,000 visitors and it was early when I got there but people were coming out looking at the work of several hundred artists. This is the 51 first year for the outdoor show which has had its share of hurdles such as rain and garbage strikes.
Photo: Imre Hajagos
Visitors with Derek Stefanuk’s painting in the middle. Photo: Imre Hajagos
Visitors with Steven White’s works in the middle. Photo: Imre Hajagos
This years exhibition seemed to have plenty of strong works. Artists were ready to deal with the heat expected to reach 43 degrees with the humidity.
Artist Annie Veitch. Photo: Phil Anderson
Artist Christopher Banfalvi. Photo: Phil Anderson
Artist in residence, Jesse Bromm’s works. Photo: Nicholas Liang
Artist Sarah Munro. Photo: Phil Anderson
This exhibit provides buyers and collectors with a unique opportunity to talk with the artist and make a purchase directly from them. For gallery owners it is a good opportunity to scout for new artists or their roster.
Artist Mikael Surget. Photo: Phil Anderson
Artist Grace Eunmi Lim. Photo: Nicholas Liang
Artist Eric Cator. Photo: Phil Anderson
Artist Sean Galbraithin. Photo: Phil Anderson
Artist Richard Ahert. Photo: Phil Anderson
Jewelry artist Annie Tung’s tent. Photo: Imre Hajagos
Encaustic artist, David Brown had a slightly shaded spot and was happy to have a little shade for his art works made from beeswax.
Artist David Brown. Photo: Phil Anderson
For everyone it is a good chance to see what artists in Toronto and other cities are working on and to appreciate the cultural activity that keeps the city vibrant and alive.
Cityscapes in the city. Photo: Imre Hajagos
The little artists’ tent. Photo: Imre Hajagos
Photo: Imre Hajagos
Text: Phil Anderson