The 'Junction City' Centennial Event: the Local Option Art AwardsVote for Your Favourite Artists: 20 venues, 27 artists, last day - Sunday, September 7, 2008
We continue our series of publications "Explore the Local Toronto Art Scene..." about one of the West Toronto Junction Historical Society (WTJHS) Centennial initiatives. As we promised, we are giving you all the details of the Local Option Art Awards Tour.
Historical Societies are by nature interested in the origins or people, things and the relationships they precipitate. Central to the prosperity that created "Junction City" was the dynamic relationship between business and the arts.photos:
With the Local Option Art Awards and the "Junction City" Trains the WTJHS has recreated a flourishing relationship between art and business for the Centennial year.
A beating pulse awoke in the heart of the Junction when it became clear that the business community wanted to ensure that every artist who had responded to our call had a place in the Junction. 20 businesses are hosting 27 artists.
Pat Schnurr of Picture it Framed is the treasurer for the Junction Forum for Art and Culture (JFAC) and chose 4 photographs of last years Arts Festival by artist Luke Tymowski.
Metamorphosis by Olga Weiczorek chosen by The Relax Shack clearly shows how successful the art has dovetailed with the businesses. Rhonda Noland's triptych is a great companion for it.
Filip Matovinas' painting fit The Hair Lounge like a hand in a glove.
We would like to thank The Hair Lounge, Kaleidoscope Photography, Environment Matters and Latitude 44 for fundraising for the WTJHS at the opening of CONTACT on May 3rd.
Ciara Bracken Roche of The Agora Mediterranean Cafe selected a painting by Norma Roberts.
Pascal's Bakery and Baguette is showing works by Emma Goodman and David Crighton. Pascal Abboud and his wife Ranina Saker have lived and worked in the Junction for 7 years. Pascal is currently secretary of the Junction Business Improvement Area (JBIA) and hope the Centennial will be of benefit to the whole community.
Victor Latchman of Taylors Shoes was instrumental in creating the JBIA 35 years ago. It was the second BIA in the world: Bloor West Village being the first. It took about a year to set up the JBIA, there were 8 or 9 members then, now there are over 100. Victor has chosen to show a painting by Dione Goyette.
Neill Cunningham of Pandemonium is Acting Chair of the JBIA and we are indebted to him for his understanding of the vital role the WTJHS can play in promoting JBIA objectives for the mutual benefit of both organizations. Works by Alison Fleming and Jim McDonald are on display in his window.
The photographs by Emmanuel Mifsud at Super Submarine are a delightful experience when you appreciate the juxtaposition through the window.
Blockbuster is getting rave reviews for David Crightons' compilation of Junction storefronts.
The Early Years Centre is hosting 7 artists; Taelor Branco, Kara Bogaz-Gol, Alan Ferguson, Lea Jonus, Rebekah Clarke Robinson and Jim McDonald. Lisa Kristines' Train of Thought - Peace train was the front runner coming out of the Centennial Weekend.
Triple Z Roti has welcomed 4 artists; Tongson Chen, Olga Sadowy, Sam Sueshi Miya and Brian Anderson.
The blue wall at The Athens House of Beauty looks like it was made for Nathan Strouds' work ' The Dream in High Park'.
Optometrist Dr. Feldman and Associates have chosen 2 pieces by Caitlyn Chismore which were another brilliant match.
Phil's Expresso Bar is hosting 2 drawings by Nathan Stroud. One - a view from his window. A moment held in time.
The Hole in the Wall will house a monochrome painting in the window based on an historic photo of the Junction. The painting is already on display in the bar.
The story of the parrot exhibited by Bonnie McKenzie at the West End Holistic Centre is one of the best surprises as to how something so exotic could have a truly Junction theme.
Mark Furmans' photographs of alleyways exhibited in the entrance to Shox Bar and Grill came from conversation with Gus and chance meeting with Mark. Street art at it's best.
Vera Litynsky painted a picture especially for The Organic Beet and those were the smiles that set the tone that continues to hum through the Junction because of this WTJHS Centennial initiative.
Tia Gillespies' work is on display at Latitude 44 Gallery as is 'The Spirit of the Junction' sculpture to be presented to a voting member of the public.
We would like to acknowledge the tremendous support of Janet and Mary Ann Di Bernardo and Mariposa county artist Micheal Reeves for making this project possible. The WTJHS is also very appreciative of the offer made by Janet and Mary Ann to host a silent auction fundraiser us on Thursday, October 23rd 2008. Donations are being gratefully accepted.
Real to Reel Productions, Hairy Tarantula and Traxx have generously supported the Local Option Schools projects and Post and Beam Reclamation loaned us the key to "Junction City" for the inaugural ceremonies. Urbanscape Gallery has and will again be exhibiting historic images of the Junction on behalf of the WTJHS and JFAC. Martin Scott of Forever Interiors has facilitated a wonderful Centennial initiative: "Junction City" trains for the benefit of the WTJHS and in support of local artists and businesses. If you would like to help make the trains please contact Martin Scott at 416-291-2001.
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the members of the JBIA and the artists who have given us their support. Please pick up an Art Awards map and ballot at any participating business, fly a flag to celebrate the art of democracy or buy a "Junction City" Train to help keep the WTJHS rolling along.
Many thanks again,
Cara Reeves, WTJHSCC.
The 'Junction City' Centennial Event: the Local Option Art Awards TourEntry #: 10
Artist: David Crighton
Junction Theme: "My Junction" - a "Community of the Crossroads"
The 'Junction City' Centennial Event: the Local Option Art Awards TourEntry #: 6
Artist: Lisa Kristine
Junction Theme: "Train of Thought" - the Peace Train
The 'Junction City' Centennial Event: the Local Option Art Awards TourEntry #: 8
Artist: Mark Furman
Junction Theme: "...Source of Inspiration..."
The 'Junction City' Centennial Event: the Local Option Art Awards TourEntry #: 34
Artist: Bonnie Mackenzie
Junction Theme: "Saving Christmas"
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