Explore the Local Toronto Art Scene and Vote for Your Favourite Artist

The 'Junction City' Centennial Event: the Local Option Art Awards
Vote for Your Favourite Artists: 20 venues, 27 artists, last day - Sunday, September 7, 2008

Explore the local art scene in the West Toronto Junction Historic District, Ontario through this summer with the Junction Forum for Art and Culture along with the Junction Business Improvement Area, and the West Toronto Junction Historical Society.

The Local Option Art Awards is a unique exhibit of community art celebrating the Centennial of West Toronto Junction, the only district of Toronto that was once an independent city. "The Junction has always represented a marriage between business and the arts," says Cara Reeves who is coordinating the project for the West Toronto Junction Historical Society in partnership with Janet and Mary Ann DiBernardo of Latitude 44 Gallery. "We asked the community to submit art with a Junction theme. Junction businesses enthusiastically agreed to exhibit the work. The winners will be chosen by public vote over the Centennial year. We wish to thank Mariposa County artist, Micheal Reeves, for sponsoring this WTJHS initiative."

Voting will close on Sunday, September 7, at 2:30 pm, the last day of the Junction Arts Festival. The winners of the "Local Option for Art Awards" to be announced at the WTJHS Local Option Gala on Thursday, October 23 at Latitude 44 Gallery, 2900 Dundas Street West.

In addition, 'Spirit of the Junction' -- a sculpture by celebrated artist Reid English will be awarded to a voting member of the public.

"The central element in this project is choice," she continues. "20 businesses along Dundas Street West from just East of Keele and West of Quebec are hosting the works of 27 artists. This experiment in democratic flexibility has generated an astonishingly coherent and vibrant presence in the Junction as part of the Centennial celebrations. As a Historical Society member, I'm particularly pleased with the way the Junction's past is reflected in the imagery."

The relationship between the artists and the business community is already blossoming into sales for some of the artists involved in the Art Awards Tour. Anyone from anywhere is invited to vote for their favourite artist.

For more information, list of venues please go to www.wtjhs.ca or www.latitude44gallery.ca.
Phone: 416-769-2900.

Credit:
West Toronto Junction Historical Society (WTJHS): A non-profit, charitable, volunteer organization. It was formed in 1980 by a group of local residents with the active support of the City of Toronto Planning and Development Department and Councillor David White. It was then incorporated in 1981 as an affiliate of the Ontario Historical Society.

Latitude 44 Gallery ~ Framing ~ Decor: With 25 years of corporate and retail framing experience, Latitude 44 is proud to have served and continues to serve both corporate and residential clients for all their framing, art and decor needs.

Junction Forum for Art and Culture (JFAC): It was incorporated as a non-profit group in February 2004. The annual Junction Arts Festival is the main project of the JFAC, an arts presenting body. 2008 marks the 16th year for the Junction Arts Festival, and the 100th anniversary of the Junction becoming an independent city (City of West Toronto, April 14, 1908).

Next week we will give you the details of the Local Option Art Awards Tour.

The Local Option Art can be viewed at the following participating Dundas Street West businesses:

• Picture It Framed: 3047 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON M6P 1Z5
• The Relax Shack: 3026 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON M6P 1Z3
• Agora Mediterranean Cafe: 3015 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON M6P 1Z4
• Parkdale-High Park Ontario Early Years Centre: 2918 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON M6P 1Y8
• Taylor's Shoes
• The Hair Lounge: 2940 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON M6P 1Y8
• The Beet Organic Café & Market
• Triple Z Roti
• Pascal's Bagels and Baguette
• Athens House of Beauty
• Optometrists: Dr. Brian S. Feldman and Associates: 2913 Dundas Street West , Toronto ON M6P 1Z1
• Latitude 44 Gallery Framing Decor: 2900 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON M6P 1Y8
• Forever Interiors: 2903 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON M6P 1Z3
• Blockbuster Video
• Hole in the Wall
• Phil's Espresso Bar
• Pandemonium New & Used Books and Discs: 2862 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON M6P 1Y9
• Super Submarine, 2856 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON M6P 1Y8; 416-762-9849
  
• West End Holistic Centre
• Shox's Billiards Lounge, Bar and Grill: The Local Option: 2827 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON
• High Park Marshal Arts: 3094 Dundas Street West, Toronto, Ontario M6P 1Z8

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