Artists from left to right: Adam Boyce, Ebony Jansen, Shaan Taseer, Linda DeLuca, Huy Lam. On the wall: Huy Lam’s works on wood, Shaan Taseer’s water colours and Andrea Zadro’s drawing
Sunday, April 3, 2016 / 6 pm
Black Cat Gallery
2186 Dundas Street West, Toronto
This past Sunday, on April 3rd, Andrew Williamson, of The Black Cat, teamed up with Toronto artist, Ebony Jansen to host an event called Sips and Crits. He had heard about her hosting artists at her home to have critical discussions about their work that was new, almost complete, or still in progress. Williamson thought it was a great idea and wanted to open it up to more artists. This event gives artist a space in which they can bounce ideas off one another and see what is working for their pieces or what could be changed or learn about another ways of getting a better final product.
Artists from left to right: Ebony Jansen, Huy Lam, Shaan Taseer, Linda DeLuca in front of Huy Lam’s work
The artists that were featured that night were Andrea Zadro, Huy Lam, Linda DeLuca and Shaan Taseer; while two other artists, Adam Boyce, and Kevin Carey, came to check out what it was all about. Each artist took about 15 minutes to chat about where they were with their works and then opened the floor to the others’ opinions.
Linda DeLuca discussing her works
Each artist voiced how they appreciated having a space in order to have discussion that featured well balanced ideas and comprehensive analysis. It was such a welcoming and kind space in which strangers really came together. There was a feeling of comradely in the room as everyone chatted.
Artists from left to right: Kevin Carey, Andrew Williamson, Andrea Zadro, Adam Boyce and Ebony Jansen
As we were all getting ready and packing up, everyone was discussing how this event could be the start of a wonderful community of artists in Toronto. Williamson and Jansen agreed of having the event run again. There is a limited space for only 15 artists each time. I would highly recommend the event for artists of all walks of life to give it a shot.
Text and photo: Emily Newell