Artists from different regions of Canada once again come together to participate in the 58th Toronto Outdoor Art Fair. The fair of 2019 is as thriving as in the past years. It is held – as always – at Nathan Phillips Square between July 12 and 14. 370 artists show their work.
This year’s theme is Unwalled, and true to its name, guests can freely wander around the 385 booths ran by individual artists and organizations. Visitors will see and experience a wide variety of art works by both established and young artists. According to the official introduction, there are mainly six types of artworks – 2D arts, 3D arts, craft and design, paintings, photography, and digital media including partial installations.
Cherie Harte’s booth
Ian Busher’s booth
Works by Jennifer McGregor
Works by Anu Kalra
StreetARToronto Live Painting
Partial Gallery / Make Art Move Art
It is noteworthy, that there are many exhibiting artists who reside far from Toronto, like Mike Smith and Michael Compeau. Compeau’s paintings depict buildings that seem to tell a story from his traveling while Smith expresses his deep love and devotion to his hometown.
Paintings by Mike Smith
Michael Compeau’s booth
Keith Thirgood
There are numerous young, emerging artists with great craft works and installations, such as Queenie Xu’s handmade clay containers or Chason Yeboah’s Home Birth.
Queenie Xu
Janet Panabaker’s kiln formed cold-worked glass pieces
Haewon Jung’s booth
Alisa McRonald’s booth
Besides the artists’ booths there are a few workshops that aim to educate the public. There are many events, tours, artist’s talk, performances and activities for all ages, and of course food and cooling drinks. Toronto Outdoor Art Fair is a great place to visit this hot summer weekend – and you can make it memorable if you buy some artwork to take home.
Text and photo: Xiaotong Cao