North York Arts is proud to present the Northbound Gallery Program, an initiative to highlight newcomer and first-generation artists, as well as those with connections to North York. Our third reception for Northbound will be held at the Toronto Centre for the Arts and is free to the public.

The reception will showcase North York artist Banafsheh Erfanian and her exhibition Shahnameh (The Epics of Iranian Kings), a Dialogue with Persian Youth which runs from July 3 to July 17. Banafsheh's exhibition is based on Shahnameh, "The Book of Kings," an epic poem written by Persian poet Ferdowsi between 977 and 1010 CE. Banafsheh illustrated this book to showcase Persian art and culture while speaking to diverse and contemporary audiences.

This exhibition will also feature Northbound artist Mika Babineau, whose exhibition Ace and in your Face focuses on different aspects of asexuality is currently running in the Art Alley gallery until August 24.

The Northbound reception will be held at the Lower Gallery located at the TCA on July 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. It will include a cash bar and light refreshments. The reception is free, but members of the public are to RSVP. More information about Northbound, Banafsheh, and Mika can be found at northyorkarts.org/programs.