Tag Archives: fine art

ART TORONTO WELCOMES OVER 100 NATIONAL & INT’L GALLERIES, INSTALLATIONS, PROJECT SPACES, and more!

FLY was thrilled to be invited to the “media day” preview of this year’s ART TORONTO art fair and it was exciting to meet new artists and galleries as wellas lots of favourites like the McMichael Gallery which was front and centre at the top of the escalator. FLY was fortunate to view their current Tom Thomson exhibition and they were busy promoting their upcoming show…. https://mcmichael.com/
Just around the corner from McMichael was Montreal’s www.Blouin-division.com featuring the stunning “bead” works of Renne Condo. FLY then discovered a new gallery along Dundas West (website coming) Zaal Art Gallery and the charming booth hosts welcomed questions about the art, esp. the 3rd image below – what do you see? The artist has actually painted his face mid-shaving – it’s a foamy portrait.

FLY was welcomed into the booth of Halifax-based IOTA Gallery and the lovely ladies representing Nova Scotia artists were happy to share news of their gallery and works on display.

And IOTA’s artist Carrie Allison creates unique and intriguing soft sculptures such as these, below….Next door FLY found this small booth packed with lots of art books. Aperture is based in New York City and run by a very knowledgeable Richard Gregg. http://www.aperture.org
FLY was looking for BC-based Jean Paul Langlois (FLY has one of his stunning prints on her wall) and found 2 of his paintings represented by The New Other Gallery – it was a stunning booth with a couple of secret nooks containing other fabulous works, including the large blue and gold work by Jaspal Birdi. Definitely recommend checking out: wearethenewother.com
So many cool booths, however, only a few of the artists and gallery directors/curators were on-site for this media day event. Sadly, FLY could not interview anyone else but took a lot of photos for you.

FLY always looks forward to Sandra Ainsley‘s big exhibition booth – she represents many superstars of the art glass world including Dale Chihuly of whom FLY is such a fan. This year’s booth did not disappoint! Bravo, Sandra.  https://sandraainsleygallery.com/

Thank you to the Art Toronto show producers and good luck to all the galleries working hard to promote Canadian and international artists. The show opens tomorrow, Friday Oct. 27 and runs throughout the weekend. Check out times and details: https://arttoronto.ca/

RIVERDALE ARTWALK WELCOMES CROWDS ON SUNNY SATURDAY

FLY was thrilled to walk the aisles of tents overflowing with beautiful artworks today at the Riverdale Artwalk on Queen St East- the annual outdoor art show runs tomorrow (Sunday) so get yourselves down there to support local artists. Lovely to run into old friends and discover some exciting new artists so join FLY as we talk a virtual stroll around the park.  First tent FLY saw was that of Elena Dinissuk whose bright pink top looked lovely against the backdrop of her stunning abstract land/skyscapes. www.elenadinissuk.caFurther down the aisle, FLY found a very cheerful David Harcombe, surrounded by sparklers and urban signs. www.davidharcombe.caThen FLY flew into the next booth belonging to Tueai La who surrounded herself with her beautiful florals. www.tueaila.ca Jen Raetsen creates beautiful “wool paintings” – yes, that’s right. She uses coloured wool to form gorgeous lux images and FLY was so taken with them that a tiny miniature (3rd pic) ended up going home with her. www.jenraetsenart.com Jeff Walker is a real fun artist. FLY has a cute robot from last year’s event and here are even more little creatures and ‘bots to enjoy. www.gowalkergo.com FLY was thrilled to discover Eric Allen Montgomery, a mixed-media artist who creates cool works with “found” stuff! So many things to discover in each artwork and Eric and his lovely partner (they had just returned from their honeymoon) were decked out in Eric’s digital design clothing. www.EricAllenMontgomery.ca FLY was intrigued by Eric’s art dispenser, an old candy machine, so decided to have a go….this mini-masterpiece came out – it’s a wee sliver with so much going on…love it.Glad to see Carolyn Laidley Arn (below) standing on guard…apart from her large paintings, she’s created some miniatures that are perfect for small walls (if you live in a condo, you know what I mean)  <ahref=”http://www.carolynlaidleyarn.com”>www.carolynlaidleyarn.comBeing a proud mum, Carolyn directed FLY across the aisle to her daughter’s booth (below) but she was so busy with visitors, FLY didn’t disturb her.Gail Williams was surrounded by bold colours and giant abstract portraits. Her booth was very joyful. www.gailwilliamsartist.com
Kate Taylor was busy filming her booth with her sister but FLY would like to acknowledge Kate’s commitment to supporting other artists at Riverdale Artwalk every year. Definitely a “friend of Fly”.  www.katetaylorstudio.com
Lori Mirabelli was hard at work with potential buyers when FLY dropped in. Lori’s art has been selling well in Europe, too. Congrats on all your hard work, Ms. M.  www.lorimirabelli.com FLY loves Mark Gleberzon‘s bold Barbie portraits, esp. the pink pompadour wigged dolls. Now if only FLY could shape her eyebrows as well as Barbie’s….sigh! That gold monolith looks amazing in person – all textured and shiny.  www.markgleberzon.com Mark’s gallery mate, Morgan Jones (below) was full o’ beans in his booth…stand still, Morgan. Gotcha!  www.morganjonesart.com
Another newbie artist for FLY was Lynn Cragg who is obviously a real horsey person. She also loves cows and owls and sheep….can’t wait to write a story on her for The Rider newspaper that focuses on country life and the equine world. www.lynncraggfineart.com It was hard to even get into Cat Marchese‘s tent – her photographic studies of vintage bricks were very popular. The lady in pink (below) was busy chatting to new collectors – bravo, Cat!  www.citybonez.com Finally, FLY stopped into one of the busiest booths today, belonging to Neerja Trehan just as she was selling two paintings to two different art lovers. Congrats and bravo you, Neerja! www.neerjatrehan.com And FLY was very touched when Neerja gifted her with this beautiful handcrafted candle in thanks for continued artist support – you are so welcome, Neerja.The art show continues tomorrow, Sunday June 4th, at Jimmy Simpson Park, Queen St East. More info at: www.riverdaleartwalk.ca

ROSEDALE ART FAIR THIS WEEKEND @ RAMSDEN PARK, TORONTO

Thank goodness the weather cooperated today with more sunshine than raindrops, and FLY was able to buzz around the artists’ tents of this year’s ROSEDALE ART FAIR – the first time for nearly 3 years, thanks to Covid. Usually held further up Toronto’s Yonge Street at Summerhill, the park setting was lovely with lots of green grass and leaves.
FLY’s first port of call was the charming display by Michelle Hutchinson – her abstract florals were so colourful you’d expect to see bees hoping from flower to flower!  www.MichelleHutchinsonArt.com…and next door to Michelle was Gail Williams whose paintings were fun and filled with wonder. www.gailwilliamsartist.com  FLY particularly like one titled “Prince” so here’s a closer look… Sculptor Chaka Chikodzi always has a busy tent…FLY had to do some pretty fancy flying between his potential buyers just to get a couple of great close-ups!  www.chakachikodzi.com  Mark J. Gleberzon has been a friend of FLY’s for many years, and his work is definitely a favourite of the winged-one! Mark recently had great success exhibiting in Chicago, selling multiple paintings and even before today’s Fair opened, he had already sold 2 of his Barbie & Ken pop portraits. Bravo, MJG!  www.markgleberzon.com Jibola Fagbamiye was too busy selling his fabulous portraits to stop and chat with FLY – bravo Jibola- but FLY grabbed a few shots of his booth in action!  www.jibolastudios.comThe weather started to cloud over so to avoid getting wings wet, FLY flew over to another aisle sheltered under the trees and immediately stopped when spying FLY’s favourite colour…cobalt blue…at Andrew Stelmack‘s booth. www.astelmack.com  Next door was another FLY favourite, Michael Toole, who greeted FLY with another gorgeous blue graphic artwork! www.michaeltooleart.comMeet the delightful Ghazaleh Naderian who showed FLY around her booth, filled with beautiful floral mini-paintings. Perfect for that little space you need to brighten up.  www.ghazal-arts.com
 FLY’s bestie, Erena, ran into one of her favourite artists, Olaf Schneider – she has a number of his paintings herself. Those parrots were magnificent but scared FLY somewhat as they like eating little insects….oh dear!  www.olaf.ca  
You still have another opportunity to visit the Rosedale Art Fair tomorrow, Sunday June 12 so please go visit and say hi to all the artist – they’re so pleased to get back to “normal” and show their work to art lovers and (hopefully) buyers. 

TORONTO’s ARTISTS’ NETWORK CELEBRATES NEW HOME WITH AN EXCITING EXHIBITION

Last night (Wed. Nov. 6) FLY was thrilled to be invited to the official opening of The Artists’ Network new digs in downtown Toronto. Located in the vibrant cultural community of Leslieville at 1158 Queen St East, the gallery hosts a juried exhibition of Artists’ Network members that includes original works inspired by a broad interpretation of the theme MOMENTUM, from the act of moving forward to the poetics of spiritual growth. FLY was invited to the celebratory soiree by the fabulous Connie Gorsline who posed in front of her wonderfully energetic seascape (below)The gallery filled quickly with members and fans of fine art ….….who discovered lots of stunning artworks on the walls…….and FLY was pleased to see a favourite photographic art piece by Lori Ryerson (below)And here’s Connie with fellow artist Nancy Bennett (below) enjoying a glass of cheer and the great company!Congratulations to Kate Taylor and the entire Board of The Artists’ Network in securing such an amazing new HQ, and FLY recommends a personal visit to see the talent contained within its walls. The current show runs until November 24 (see details below) and to learn more about the organization and upcoming events, visit their website: www.theartistsnetwork.ca 

URBAN GALLERY WELCOMES 1st YR STUDENTS FROM CENTENNIAL COLLEGE FINE ARTS STUDIO PROGRAM

This past Saturday, Toronto’s URBAN GALLERY hosted the opening reception for the annual student art exhibition from the Centennial College Fine Arts Studio Program and what a resounding success it was! Within minutes of opening the door to the show titled “Syzygy”, the gallery was packed with enthusiastic art students and their families excited to view their work hanging on the walls – their first experience with a professional gallery. Here are just a few of the exciting works on show…. “SYZYGY” is described as: Everyone has a colourful story…this is ours!  An alignment of celestial creations by Toronto’s emerging art stars from Centennial College Fine Arts Studio program.
This year’s participating students are:  Hiba Abdul-Kareem, Edwin De Villa, Janset Evcimen, Lauren Faughnan, Alice Gong, Adriana Gruszka, An Ho, Manasi Joshi, Vaishak Muralidharan, Yenny Nguyen, Peter Onovo, Haewon Park, Ye Jin Park, Kyeongmin Park, Walter Penado-Vasquez, Shreya Praveen, Paul Rajan, Selenea Rikkonen, Talha Saaed, Erik Sanderson, Alexis Santha, Alexandra Seventikidis, Ghanwa Shahnawaz, Darja Sikorova, Cameron Tausch, Noah Tuomisto, Ruby Urlocker and Madeline Wong-Mayhew
Congratulations to all the participating young artists whose work will be on display until March 30th so come out and support these emerging Canadian artists. URBAN GALLERY is located at 400 Queen St East, Toronto – just 1 blk E of Parliament.
Visit their website for hours and directions:  www.urbangallery.ca