55th Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition

July 8 – 10, 2016
Nathan Phillips Square
Hours: Sat 10 am – 8 pm; Sun 10 am – 6 pm

This year’s outdoor exhibition started in the morning with a little rain and then heated up. The 310 artists seemed well prepared. I talked with a few on Friday, the 8th, around noon, just after the opening, and some had already gotten a few sales. They had been worried that the threat of rain might keep people away. There seemed to be a good crowd that were enthusiastically taking to artists.

The new executive director, Anahita Azrahimi, was busy running around with last minute fixes. She explained that the jury had changed and there was more prize money available – over $30,000 this year – plus the addition of the Beer Garden, which I am sure would be appreciated in this heat. It apparently is on the stage of the Square and with the steps becomes a cascading Beer Garden.

There was a variety of works on display this year including lots of crafts as well as contemporary painting, photography, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, duct tape cityscapes and much more. There were also some informal artist talks & walks.

Many of the artists I talked to had been set up before at the Outdoor Show, one going back as far as 1990. They came prepared and were ready to sell their work. For many artists it is one of the high income times in terms of sales. Last year the show was in September – due to the Pan Am Games using the square for cultural events – so an extra effort was made this year to remind people that it was back in its usual time in July. Artists remember the bad weather and rain of last September.

There were some unique displays such as James Kennedy’s metal laser cut geographical works of the great lakes and different provinces. Mike Hammer’s joyful and colourful paintings drew in visitors for a closer inspection. Artists, such as Nicole Moss and Joanna Gresik, exhibited urban landscapes with a different and engaging approach. Artists, Sarah Carlson and Sarah Hillock, used nature as inspiration in their works which stood out well as skilled and refreshing. Photographer, Sandy Middleton displayed some rural landscapes that were muted and attractive.

James Kennedy

Mike Hammer

Nicole Moss

Joanna Gresik

Sarah Carlson

Sarah Hillock

Sandy Middleton

Tape artist, Emanuel Pavao was happy as he had just sold a work. His colourful pieces use a variety of tape to construct urban street-scapes. Elizabeth Aston’s paper cut outs pinned to paper inside their frame were appealing as well and you also should appreciate the time that both these artists put into creating their work.

Emanuel Pavao

Elizabeth Aston

Ceramic artist, Christopher Reid Flock  had colourful sculptural works that were covered with fabric giving them a different textural appeal. He explained that each year his work changes and he uses the outdoor show to test the public’s reaction to his new work. Aurora Darwin had glass works that were cleverly engaging.

Christopher Reid Flock

Aurora Darwin

A few artists such as Lisa Ng used humour in their work which I always appreciate. Her tongue and cheek work fit the bill. Morgan James work was also quirky and fun. Lucky Jaskson’s wooden cut outs of pop figures were affordable and would make great gifts. She cut them out with a squirrel saw and they stood up on stands.

Lisa Ng

Lucky Jaskson

Outdoor veterans Ross Bonfanti and Stephen Gillberry were happy to be participating again. Bonfanti had a variety of works: some concrete figures and a few wall mounted canvases all with his unique brand of humour. Gillberry reflected that he started at the outdoor show in 1990. Back then there were as many as 700 artists in the show. Landscapes are always a dominant Canadian feature in art and Shannon Dickie’s muted landscapes work well with Nathan Phillips Square’s water and fountain in the background. Artist Laura Culic’s rural landscapes were wonderfully crafted as well.

Ross Bonfanti

Stephen Gillberry

Shannon Dickie

Laura Culic

Matthew Tarini’s small paintings were realistic but excellently executed and with some edge. Keight Maclean’s paintings were dark and appealing and painted with skill. My last stop was at Stephen Perry’s booth and his work with the wind up duck was fun and a good note to depart the show on. I am sure I could have stayed a few more hours exploring artists’ booths and discovering more great and wonderful displays of work.

Matthew Tarini

Keight Maclean

Stephen Perry

Every year the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition gives artists and the art loving public a great opportunity to engage and share their work and love for art. This year was no disappointment and no doubt artists and organizers will both be happy and have a good reason to do so.

Text and photo: Phil Anderson