52nd Annual Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition
July 5, 6 & 7, 2013
Nathan Phillips Square
Hours: Fri – Sat 10:30 – 7:30, Sun 10:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Photo: Julia Hendrickson
This year’s Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition (TOAE) is off to a great start with Nathan Phillips Square full of artists with a variety of art works for the public to view and hopefully purchase. Last year I remember the extreme heat and this years TOAE started with some rain with more forecast for the rest of the weekend.
Taliaferro Jones, the Director of Development and Operations had her hands full trouble shooting last minute details for the exhibition.
TOAE Director of Development and Operations Taliaferro Jones. Photo: Phil Anderson
Scores of volunteers were also busy greeting visitors and making sure they had a program. The artists were looking at the sky wondering whether to wrap or unwrap their art. The rain tapered off at least for a while.
Photo: Phil Anderson
I talked with artists as I visited as many booths as possible. One Ottawa based artist of Tick Tock Tom was saying how Toronto offered so much more for artists in terms of opportunities. He worked constructing some robotics from found items.
Artist Sean Galbraith. Photo: Phil Anderson
Artist Sean Galbraith once ran a gallery in Parkdale, Gallery DK with some fellow photographers. Sean had been part of TOAE before and was very positive about the event.
Some young artists were having their very first time showing of their work.
Artist Elly Smallwood. Photo: Julia Hendrickson
The site of TOAE seemed a little smaller with the new permanent stage at Nathan Phillips Square.
Artist Anne Cavanagh. Photo: Phil Anderson
Artist Anya Droug. Photo Phil Anderson
Artist Michael Rennick. Photo Phil Anderson
There are some installations and performance works I didn’t have a chance to see. The 13 Projects were curated by guest curator Rafi Ghanaghounian and board members Rui Pimenta and Elise Hodson. This years theme was a “choice of current of issues shaping the commercialization of art, or the idea of art relief “ – relief through art, relief through the art world, or relief in the context of an outdoor show “. Best to get a program to look at the schedule of these Art Now Projects. This was supported by the Toronto Arts Council and the absolute Tent and Services.
Artist Anne-Yvonne Jouan. Photo: Julia Hendrickson
Artist Daniel St. Amant. Photo Phil Anderson
Artist Adam Colangelo. Photo: Julia Hendrickson
There are also about $25,000 in cash awards are to given out. Art professionals will have the dire job of selecting the best in different art practices and categories. Kudos go to the 20 member volunteer board of Directors and their President, Flavio Belli for all their hard work along with the director, staff and volunteers of TOAE.
Fibre Artist, Lizz Aston. Photo: Phil Anderson
Just A Jar / Design Press. Photo: Julia Hendrickson
Photo: Phil Anderson
And to all the artists keep dry and best of luck though luck has little do with it as the art usually sells itself.
Phil Anderson