Local painter Peter Harris best known for his Toronto urban landscapes has an upcoming exhibit “New Paintings” at the Mira Godard Gallery (22 Hazelton Ave) running from March 2nd – 30th. Once again he’s managed to capture those simple, quite moments that often go unseen within the bustle of the big city.
For more info: peterharris.ca
Previously: Peter Harris Exhibition
Follow @1LOVETO
How to Buy Art… or rather, how to train your eye to buy art. Because the fact of the matter is art can be very pricey. And for some of us nowadays, purchasing art is a luxury that isn’t affordable. But despite this, it still is a worthy endeavour. Why? Because it helps support artists, builds relationships and can improve our quality of life.
With that being said, here’s a few tips to help you when thinking about purchasing art:
1. Educate yourself.
Take the time to look at a diverse work of art. Get out there and visit artist run centres, galleries, museums etc. Because art is an investment, you want to make sure you take the time to learn about the types of work and artists that interest you.
2. Be patient.
Do not feel the need to buy a piece right away. The biggest mistake you can make is to make a compulsive purchase. Take the time to see what else is out there. And if you really love a piece, take the time to think it through. Or if you don’t see anything you like, wait until the right one comes around.
3. Develop relationships with galleries & artists.
Go to exhibit openings. Talk to the people who run the galleries. Often this can lead to getting the heads up on a new piece that might interest you or even an arrangement to pay for a piece in installments, making this much more affordable than paying a lump sum.
4. Invest in a few pieces that you really love instead of buying a bunch of pieces.
This is related to tips 1 and 2. Why not set a yearly budget for purchasing art? Or even plan to buy just 1 or 2 pieces a year?
5. Join a group.
There’s nothing like exploring new work and being able to talk about it with a group of like minded people. Almost every museum in the city has a members group you can join and they often have special events or outings for their members. I particularly enjoy the Moccamigos, a membership group created by the Museum of Canadian Contemporary Art specifically targeted to a younger audience.
This weekend offers a fantastic opportunity to put some of these tips to practice and check out some new art at the Artist Project running this weekend at the Better Living Centre.
For more info: theartistprojecttoronto.com
Image 1 by Sophie Hogan – “Night Hobby”
Image 2 by Brent Orr – “Stay Down”
Special thanks to Julia Ouellette and Fela Grunwald for their assistance with this article.
Posted by Tahnee Pantig
Follow @1LOVETO
A collection of 11 Toronto artists are showcasing their work as part of “Balanced Expressions”, an exhibit put together by artist Jimmy Chiale at the Hashtag Gallery (801 Dundas St W). The show features 11 sets of work including 1 black & white piece as well as 1 colour piece, each aimed to compliment each other. The show runs from February 21st – March 10th, 2013.
Elicser
For more info: hashtaggallery.com
Follow @1LOVETO
Toronto artist Danilo M. McCallum exhibited his work at Accents, a unique bookstore on Eglinton W, as part of the Black Future Month showcase, providing a glimpse into our distant future. The concept of the show was based on the tradition of Black History Month, and the fact that we venture back in history to recognized many of the great achievements accomplished by Black people. Rarely do we venture forward, so Danilo takes us on his artistic interpretation of a futuristic path full of vibrant colour and evolution.
For more info: danilommccallum.com
Follow @1LOVETO
On a rainy Monday evening, amongst the chaos of Toronto rush hour traffic I had the chance to experience calm and quiet amongst the beautiful setting of the AGO. Yoga at the AGO first started in 2011 as a part of artist Paul Butler’s Post Graduate Studies program, but demand for the program encouraged the AGO to continue hosting the yoga classes beyond Butler’s residency. Yogis can now partake in sun salutations in both the Henry Moore Gallery and Galleria Italia 3 times a week on Mondays, Thursday and Sundays.
There’s something about doing yoga in the Henry Moore sculpture gallery that makes one feel profoundly more alive. The practice of movement and breathing amongst the very still stone sculptures provides a stark contrast that only elevates the experience. The same can be said for practicing in the Galleria Italia. In contrast to the Henry Moore gallery, the wood of the Galleria Italia gives a sense of warmth and intimacy. The wood pillars almost encourage you in your backbend as you do your best to mimic their curves.
Yoga at the AGO is a great way to combine yoga and art, two fields that are often perceived as intimidating. While a traditional yoga studio may have its bells and whistles of hot rooms, unfamiliar props and luxurious change rooms, yoga at the AGO is yoga stripped down to its basics. It’s just you and the mat.
For more info CLICK HERE
Posted by Tahnee Pantig
Follow @1LOVETO
Check out this laser cut street map of Toronto by Virginia-based company Cut Maps who have created a collection of city maps for sale including Boston, Chicago, LA, Tokyo and more.
Here’s a list of some other unique maps of Toronto:
1. Toronto Neighbourhood Poster
2. Maps of Toronto by Keith Jones
3. Super Mario Toronto Subway Map
4. City Prints
Follow @1LOVETO
Beth Lesser’s exhibit “Reggae or Not: The Birth of Dancehall Culture in Jamaica & Toronto” is an important look at the evolution of reggae music during the 1970s and 80s. During this time she travelled extensively between Jamaica and Toronto documenting the music scene as it became popular in places like Toronto’s Kensington Market, Little Jamaica’s Eglinton Ave West and St. Clair Ave East. Dancehall music grew in popularity not only because of Jamaican immigrants and reggae enthusiasts, but from the help of community radio stations like CKLN who broadcasted Jamaica’s “Reggae Showcase”.
The exhibit runs until February 28th at the Gladstone Hotel with live music, panel discussions and film nights.
For more info CLICK HERE.
Posted by Tahnee Pantig
Follow @1LOVETO
The Insight Project is an online series featuring 15 talented young people in Toronto who have, and will continue to make a significant impact in our communities. Producer Ayah Norris and Director Kyla Zanardi have uncovered some incredible stories of people who have carved their own path, and continue to push their industries forward in new and creative ways. Take for example Che Kothari…
ABOUT
Growing up in Guelph, Ontario, Che struggled to figure out where he fit in. At the age of 15, a family vacation opened up his world. Surrounded by the rich roots of the Caribbean, with a camera in hand, Che eagerly documented everything he saw, determined to share what was happening in the world with everyone back home. That deep sense of urgency and community spirit drove Che into an accomplished career as a photographer and beloved cultural community instigator.
For more info: insightproject.tv
Previously: The Insight Project: Kim Crosby
Follow @1LOVETO
The Insight Project is an online series featuring 15 talented young people in Toronto who have, and will continue to make a significant impact in our communities. Producer Ayah Norris and Director Kyla Zanardi have uncovered some incredible stories of people who have carved their own path, and continue to push their industries forward in new and creative ways. Take for example Kim Crosby…
ABOUT
Kim wasn’t one of those kids playing outside. She was inside in her room, voraciously reading and writing. Here, Kim created space in her imagination to, as she says, “be as big as I felt.” A deep hunger for learning drove Kim to university. She quickly realized this wasn’t the type of learning she was looking for. With the imagination and resiliency she fostered as a child, Kim carved her own path, using her voice to create spaces for others.
For more info: insightproject.tv
Follow @1LOVETO
Haley Ma finished his 5-piece inspirational video series “Break Perceptions” with Toronto B-Boy Piecez.
To see all 5 videos CLICK HERE.
Previously: Break Perceptions – “Dance Is Life”
Follow @1LOVETO
Who says art classes have to put a dent in your wallet? Not Trade School Toronto.
First started in New York in 2010, Trade School Toronto began September of last year and have returned for another session of classes being held during Toronto Design Week. The idea behind Trade School Toronto is to provide an alternative learning environment that’s run by barter. That’s right. No cash needed. You pay for class with a barter item your teacher requests. For this session, the classes are diverse and range from Designing Human Interactions to Learning the African Net Weave.
There are still a few spots left for the remaining classes. This session of Trade School Toronto runs until January 25, but be sure to like their Facebook Page to get updates on their next session (rumour has it it’ll be in March!).
For more info: tradeschool.coop/toronto/class
Posted by Tahnee Pantig
Follow @1LOVETO
Toronto-based designer Ryan Taylor has designed “The Babylon Light”, a power-coated lighting system that acts as a hanging garden. The light will be revealed at this week’s Toronto Interior Design Show.
For more info: oniprojects.com
via Contemporist
Follow @1LOVETO
