July 7 – 9, 2023
Nathan Phillips Square
Fri & Sat 10 am – 7 pm, Sun 10 am – 5 pm
The weather cooperated with this years TOAF, although it was still hot but pleasantly so, attracting a crowd of visitors.
Executive and Creative Director, Anahita Azrahimi said that setting up on the Thursday had proved difficult at times. This is her 8th year running TOAF and so she has had challenges over the years. As she explained the 350+ booths included some community organizations and galleries. Indeed, I saw booths from StreetArt, Arts Brampton, Gallery 44, the ROM, The Toronto School of art and others. Azahimi said they felt it important to reach out to community organizations to enhance the fair. Add to that Dance Performances, Art Talks, Musical Performances and Live Painting, as well as numerous awards and art tours, and there seemed no end to what TOAF could offer.
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Executive and Creative Director, Anahita Azrahimi
I chatted with Paul Aloisi at his booth and he was enthusiastic. Artists Anastasia Eve and Marge Creswell from StreetArt had their work on display. Creswell a grad from OCAD 1994 is an accomplished muralist with many public murals around the city.
Paul Aloisi
Anastasia Eve
Marge Creswell
There were a number of Quebec artists and I stopped to chat with several. Pascal Normand had a booth in TOAF before and had his work online during COVID. He preferred the live Fair rather than the virtual one. All artists are online now and the costs of participating have gone up.
Pascal Normand
Quinn Henderson
Peterborough scratch artist, Lisa Martini-Dunk had done well before in TOAF and had switched booth locations to see how it might impact sales. Her work was quite unique as was Halifax artist’s K. McLean who used found objects to create imaginary submarines. An enthusiastic visitor requested a certain model of submarine and the artist replied that all his creations were imaginary.
Lisa Martini-Dunk
K. McLean
Artist Sandra Tarantino had just sold a work when I approached. She has done the Fair for many years and even advises newbies on how to set up their display. Her display was impressive. Sculptural Collage artist Sara Petroff was doing well at the Fair attracting visitors and selling plenty of art works. She uses “discarded materials to reframe history “. The works were appealing.
Sandra Tarantino
Sara Petroff
Artist Moses Salihou was new to TOAF and happy to show his work to visitors. He, like many artists were using QR Codes for people to get more info on their phones while scanning. Artist Ali Rahimi was using technology including 3D printing to create his sculptural works and also used technology to create moving works for screens.
Moses Salihou
Ali Rahimi
This years TOAF has lots to offer to any visitor and what more can you ask for, including good weather. Anahita and her team and the Board have crafted another successful fair. And of course, thanks to the many sponsors who make it all possible. Visiting the Fair will make your weekend special and enjoyable.
Text and photo: Phil Anderson