What to see at the 2016 Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition
The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition has turned 55! And unlike last year, when it had to host its annual art show in September because of Panamania, it's now back at Nathan Phillips Square right in the middle of summer.
The action at this juried fair is on now. Among the 314 exhibitors, you'll find a diverse range of visual artists, including painters as well as those creating multi-media pieces, ceramics, glasswork and wearable art (i.e. jewellery and textiles).
The event is free to attend, so don't worry if you're not in the art market right now. There's still plenty to see, including the Art Now non-commercial contemporary art installations.
For this year, you'll be able to get a glimpse of Max Streicher's Troika, or massive inflatable horse sculptures, along with a movement installation by dance artist Jenn Goodwin.
Titled If I Should Stumble II, Goodwin's piece will be set to Uja by Tanya Tagaq ( and remixed by Tino Zolfo) and will feature Anita Nittoly and Sarah Doucet, Zoja Smutny, Brandy Leary, Kaja Irwin, Jasmyn Fyffe, Lua Shayenne, Nicola Pantin, Caroline-Niklas Gordon. They'll perform it on Saturday and Sunday at 2 and 4 p.m.
New for this year is the so-called "cascading beer garden," which is located on the NPS stage. This temporary watering hole is supposed to resemble the Spanish Steps and will feature Henderson Brewing's newest beer: Radical Wheat.
As for the art, be sure to browse around the booths because you never know what you might discover. For ceramics, don't miss last year's Founding Chairman's Award winner Christopher Reid Flock whose mixed media pieces include both Canadian and Japanese influences. For more mixed-media, visit the Revolucionario Design booth. Artist Ricky Sosa's Mexican heritage influences his work and he won the Best of Exhibition award in 2015.
And be sure to visit this year's winners, including Japneet Saini (Best of Exhibition), photographer and digital media artist Daniel Paterson (Founding Chairman's Award) and ceramics and multimedia artist Kaley Flowers (Best of Student).
Patrick LaJoie's wood-transfer photographs are always eye-catching, and this year he's showcasing summery coastal scenes. For something a little less idyllic, check out Dragica Vidakovic's large-scale panels depicting construction workers.
And if you want to wear your, Vanessa Raquel's 3D-printed, graffiti-inspired neon pieces are very approachable.
The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition runs until Sunday July 10 at 6 p.m.
Photo by umbereene on Instagram.
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