The Three Secrets of Fatima's Bistro: Food, Wine & Décor

Invitation: Fatima's Cafe & Bistro Grand Opening Gala, June 23,2009
Credit: Fatima's Cafe and Bistro

fatima's
cafe & bistro

You are invited to attend
A Grand Opening Gala
at
Fatima's Cafe & Bistro
on
Tuesday June 23,2009
from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm

3108 Dundas Street West
647.727.4550

Staying local this summer, go Mediterranean in The Global Malta Village, just across of The Melita Travel at the intersection of St. John's Road and Clendenan Avenue.

Congratulations to Fatima - Fatima's Cafe & Bistro Grand Opening is today!

Press-Release

Mediterranean Charm in the Junction: Fatima's Cafe & Bistro Grand Opening

When: Tuesday, June 23rd 2009, 5:30 pm - 8 pm
Where: Fatima's Cafe and Bistro, 3108 Dundas Street West


Toronto, June 22, 2009 - Recession be damed, Fatima Santos, first time restauranteur brings fine, yet affordable, Mediterranean fare to the Junction - the west end district of Toronto where she has developed loyal fans from having run the Freetime corner coffee shop for years.

This Tuesday June 23, 2009 from 5:30 pm to 8 pm, Fatima's Cafe & Bistro invites you for a sampling of fine food along with live latin, jazz and blues by local Junction musicians, Mango Moon.

This summer, go Mediterranean, stay local. The affable restauranteur noticed a need, and an opportunity, for a Mediterranean style bistro. "I love the Junction and the people here. They appreciate food from different parts of the world," - said Fatima. I wanted to bring a mix of different Mediterranean fare with my new restaurant to continue to serve the local residents and other Torontonians."

The menu of French, Italian and Portuguese dishes offers a delicious array of quiches, crepes, pastas, grilled panini sandwiches and fabulous daily soups and salads.

The Mediterranean music and charming decor, creates an ambiance of friendliness where one feels transported to a seaside bistro in the old country.

Come in on weekends for organic coffee, breakfast specials and brunch. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Licensed restaurant offers an extensive wine selection. Take-out available.

Contact: Fatima
3108 Dundas St W
Toronto, ON M6P 2A1
Tel (647) 727-4550
web-site: fatimasbistro.com
facebook: fatima's cafe and bistro
free WiFi

links:
urbanspoon.com: The Junction Restaurants
urbanspoon: Old Toronto: The Junction: Fatima's Cafe & Bistro
The Free Time Cafe: Breakfast Served All Day
dvshop.ca: Junction Restaurant Guide: Bar, Bistro, Brunch: Fatima's Bistro
junction-parents.blogspot.com: Mediterranean Charm in the Junction: Fatima's Cafe & Bistro Grand Opening
breakingprojects.com/junctioneer: Fatima’s Cafe & Bistro Grand Opening
theglobeandmail.com: You think you've got bad neighbours
By Antony Reinhart
theglobeandmail.com: Globe Doc: Neighbourhood nightmare
Video by Kevin Van Paassen

The West Toronto Junction: It Is Where Canada's First Queen's Plate Race Was Held

Collage: A 2 Minute Horse Race & 150 Years of The Junction History
2009 @ artjunction.blogspot.com

The 150th Running of the Queen's Plate at Woodbine Racetrack

Event: 150th Running
Date: Sunday, June 21, 2009
Woodbine Post Time: 12:35 pm
Queen's Plate Post Time: 5:36 pm (ninth race)
Distance: One mile and two furlongs (1 1/4 mile)
First Race Winner: Don Juan (1860)
Race Record: Izvestia (1990), 2 min :01 4/5 sec
Purse: $1,000,000Live on CBC-TV | CBCSports.ca
Time: 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Believe it or not, but the first four Queen's Plate races were run in the Junction.

A little bit of history:

1857 to 1876 - Carleton Race Course - On William Conroy Keele’s farm in an area known as the West Toronto Junction. This tract of land adjacent to Lambton Mills, Brockton, Seaton and the village of Carleton. It was south of Dundas Street and west of a road later named Keele St. To pinpoint it further the track’s northern and southern boundaries are Annette and Glenlake, streets that were built after the track had been subdivided into building lots in 1857 it became the headquarters of the Toronto Turf Club and hosted the first running of the Queen’s Plate on
June 27, 1860. The first four Plate races were run here.

Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame Newsletter
June 2007, Volume 1, Issue 1

Initiated in 1859 by the then president of the Toronto Turf Club, Sir Casimir Gzowski, a distinguished Polish engineer and ancestor of the popular Canadian broadcaster, Peter Gzowski, the Queen's Plate was inaugurated on June 27, 1860, at the Carleton racetrack in Toronto, Ontario. The prize of 50 guineas was originally awarded by Queen Victoria. Elizabeth II, as Queen of Canada, is patron of the event, and various other members of the Canadian Royal Family have been in attendance through the years.

wikipedia.org: Queen's Plate

Keele had the Carlton Park Race Course laid out on his property in 1857. This was the site of Canada’s first Queen’s Plate race June 27, 1860, now the oldest consecutive thoroughbred horse race in North America. The first Queen’s Plate was won by Don Juan, a 5 year old bay gelding, owned by James and John White, ridden by Charles Littlefield.

cunneyworth.com: West Toronto Junction

The Junction, as it is known today and where this week's Ugly Duckling roosts, has a long and interesting history. Much of the area is built on the site of the old Carleton Race Course where the first Queen’s Plate was run.

nationalpost.com: Ugly Duckling: Junction history
Posted: May 30, 2009, by Shari Kulha

Now it's time to learn the ABC's of the QP and place a bet for the 1st Jewel of Canada’s Triple Crown. The other gems in the Crown are the Prince of Wales Stakes (Sunday, July 12th at Fort Erie Racetrack) followed by the Breeders’ Stakes (Sunday, August 2nd at Woodbine Racetrack).

heritagetoronto.org: The Queen’s Plate Turns 150 
Horse race’s humble beginnings began in the Junction 
From “The Plate: 150 Years of Royal Tradition from Don Juan to the 2009 Winner” by Louis E. Cauz and Beverley Smith
Posted on January 7, 2013 by Kaitlin 
"A one hundred and fifty year-old tradition began in 1860, when the first Queen’s Plate took place on what was then a quiet estate near the Toronto suburb of Carlton (sometimes spelled “Carleton”).">>>
By David Wencer, originally published June 15, 2010

July Events and Workshops at Wise Daughters' Craft Market

Screenshot: Wise Daughters Craft Market Newsletter, July 2009

Hello Craft Fans,

June's been busy around here, between making sock monkeys for Clowns Without Borders and taking part in the Junction yard sale for the Redwood Shelter - both very successful events.

But wait, there's more!

This Saturday, Tiffany Thornton (formerly of Whimsy) will be in the downstairs space launching her Global Baby line of international quality infant wear, starting at 11:00.

We've got a great recession-busting idea that will save you lots of money come holiday season. It's Christmas in July! Learn to handmake 3 different gifts in each of two afternoon sessions - so much more personal than store bought. And on July 8, learn the ancient art of bookbinding.

It's been all about the adults up until now, but I guess the kids should get to play too! Anna Redish is offering a 2 week morning craft camp here starting July 6. See website for details.

Finally, I'm happy to announce that the shop is now listed with Toronto the Better (http://www.torontothebetter.net), a consumer group that recognizes ethical businesses.

Hope to see you all in the shop soon!

Mary Breen, Owner
www.wisedaughters.com

New Products

• So many fun and affordable gifts for any occasion (including treating yourself!).
• Crocheted Sushi Magnets by Patricia Ki (also available – breakfast foods such as smiley eggs and French toast)
• Stylish Glass Belt Buckles by Jennifer Aubé, Urban Fusions
• Beautifully designed and crafted girls’ hemp dresses by Christine Deuerlein
• Summery Scarves by Diana Brugos

June Workshops - Please pre-register

Bookbinding
Workshop Leader: Amy Borkwood
Wed, July 8, 7 – 9:30 pm
Learn the Coptic stitch – the oldest bookbinding method – as you make a beautiful journal with recycled paper.
$35 includes all materials.

Christmas in July
Workshop Leader: Anna Redish
Get an early start on your holiday gift-making. Handmade gifts are both economical and personal.
Spend an afternoon making 3 different crafts, and take away the skills to make gifts for everyone!

Christmas in July Part 1, Sat, July 11, 1 – 5 pm

• Beeswax candles
• Appliqué tea towel
• Lavender sachet
• Gift tags and bags

Christmas in July Part 2, Sat, July 25, 1 – 5 pm

• Fabric wallet
• Hand stamped cards
• Bead & leather necklace
• More gift tags and bags

Each session $65, both for $120.
Or sign up with a friend, pay $60 each!
Includes all materials and instructions.

Wo-Built Home Design Series
Wise Daughters hosts the last in our current series of interactive talks:
Wed, July 15, 7 – 9 pm
Being green at home – great energy saving tips. $10.

Every Thursday, 7 - 9 pm is Sit 'n' Stitch night. No charge.
Drop in to knit, needlepoint, crochet or whatever you like to do, in the company of other crafty people! BYO mug for tea.

Please call 416-761-1555 for more info or to register for workshops

If you know someone who would like to receive this information, please forward this post.

Wise Daughters Craft Market
Local handicrafts and do-it-yourself workshops
3079B Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON, M5P 1Z9
(facing Quebec Ave, just south of Dundas, behind Crema Coffee)
There is ample street parking on Dundas and Quebec.
Via TTC: Junction bus from Dundas West Stn,
Lambton bus (or 15 min. walk) from High Park Stn.
www.wisedaughters.com
wisedaughters@sympatico.ca
416-761-1555

links:
Toronto Junction Arts & Crafts Neighbourhood: Wise Daughters' Story
July Events and Workshops at Wise Daughters' Craft Market
June Events and Workshops at Wise Daughters' Craft Market
May Events and Workshops at Wise Daughters' Craft Market
April Events and Workshops at Wise Daughters' Craft Market
March Events and Workshops at Wise Daughters' Creative Place

Art Writer: Submit Your Application for the Canadian Art Writing Prize by June 26, 2009

Screenshot: Art Writer: Submit Your Application for the Canadian Art Writing Prize
Credit: Canadian Art Foundation

Attention Art Writers: Apply now for the Canadian Art Writing Prize.
Deadline extended to June 26, 2009.

The writing prize launches in conjunction with Canadian Art’s 25th anniversary, and is designed to encourage new writers on contemporary art.

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and may have published no more than three pieces of writing in national or international magazines. To apply, please submit two samples of non-academic art writing of no more than 1,000 words, plus a brief biographical sketch, by June 26, 2009. Submissions must be in English. Translations are accepted. Submissions must be sent as single Microsoft Word attachment files to writingprize@canadianart.ca. Only email submissions will be accepted. Mail and fax submissions will not be accepted.

Details:
canadianart.ca: Canadian Art Writing Prize
http://www.canadianart.ca/foundation/programs/writingprize/

Good Luck!

Press-Release: 2009 Junction Arts Festival: Weaving Mosaics!

Screenshot: Press-Release "The 2009 Junction Arts Festival: Weaving Mosaics!"
Credit: junctionartsfest.com

MEDIA INFORMATION – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Please retain for events listings

THE 2009 JUNCTION ARTS FESTIVAL:

WEAVING MOSAICS!

Toronto’s one-of-a-kind arts fest takes over Dundas West, September 9 to 13

Toronto, ON, June 18, 2009 – The Junction Arts Festival, produced by the Junction Forum for Art and Culture, remains true to its name presenting five free days of eclectic culture and a multitude of unique dance, visual, literary and musical arts in many different forms; September 9 – 13, 2009 along Dundas Street West between Keele Street and Quebec Avenue (weekend street closure, September 12 and 13).

Creative producer Michael Menegon states, "The festival and the Junction’s roots are based in artistry, innovation and that ‘certain something’, that can only be found by being there. This year, we will weave a mosaic of extraordinarily creative discoveries throughout the Junction and showcase our incomparable neighbourhood."

The adventure will feature an all Canadian artist line-up, and proud Junction native singer-songwriter Justin Rutledge is collaborating with the festival creative producer as host/programmer of a special evening of musical celebration (exact date and more details TBA).

GET DOWN TO IT:

• The Junction City Square: At Dundas Street West and Pacific Avenue, it is the centre to the five-day celebration, the spot for the weekend beer tent and the place to find the train platform (specially built for the 2008 Junction Centennial); the 2009 Main Stage.
• Visual Arts: A festival foundation, the Juried Art Exhibit and Junction and impromptu galleries along Dundas West go for the full five days. The new Artist Laneway, featuring visual, sculpture and installation artistry, will be there to discover (during weekend street closure only, Sept. 12 & 13).
• Musical Arts: The Junction City Square’s train platform will act as the Main Stage for live music and headlining performances (dates TBA). Musicians will also play in unexpected settings in local shops (Sept. 12 & 13).
• Literary Arts: Back for the second year with an increased presence, the literary component will feature writers and poets in unusual venues and experimental ways; sponsored by Junction publishing company BookThug, www.bookthug.ca (Sept. 12 & 13).
• Performance Arts: There’ll be dancing in the streets – dance, theatre and comedy performers wind there way in and out of Dundas West shops and buildings (Sept. 12 & 13).
• The Green Village: The third annual Green Village is a specific area during the weekend street closure presenting materials, speakers and workshops on environmental initiatives such as building green, painting green and rooftop gardens (Sept. 12 & 13).
• The KidZone: Is a FunZone with kid-friendly arts and crafts, face painting, games, rides and more (weekend only, Sept. 12 & 13).
• Artist Vendor Market: Creative types, artisans and yummy food and drink vendors make for interesting and fun weekend shopping (Sept. 12 & 13).

Note: More details are coming soon and for schedule updates please visit regularly at, www.junctionartsfest.com.

New to the festival website is the Junction Arts Festival Blog, which will be updated almost daily by Michael Menegon or the JFAC board with insights into the creative and planning process.

The 17th annual Junction Arts Festival is generously supported by title sponsor the Junction Business Improvement Area (BIA), and is also possible because of the active involvement from Junction businesses and residents.

The Junction Forum for Art and Culture (JFAC) is a non-profit arts presenting organization and its main project is the annual Junction Arts Festival. The hands-on JFAC Board of Directors consists of dedicated cultural producers, artists, residents, business owners and politicians, all of whom are based in the Junction.

–30–

For media information and interviews, please contact:
Laurie Lockhart, Publicist
Tel: 416-988-2530 / E-mail: gtmessage@sympatico.ca
Website: www.junctionartsfest.com

For general information, please contact:
Michael Menegon, Creative Producer
2009 Junction Arts Festival
Tel: 416-767-5036 / E-mail: junctionartsfest@bellnet.ca
Website: www.junctionartsfest.com

Councillor Bill Saundercook (Ward 13, City of Toronto), JFAC Chair

Celebrate Imnarja Festival at the Runnymede Park: Sounds, Smells, Tastes and Scenes from Malta Just Around the Corner!

Flyer: Imnarja Festival, Sunday, June 28, 2009 at the Runnymede Park, Cancelled

June 28, 2009 update:

Parks, Forestry and Recreation
Parks will be open for casual use only. There will be no turf or grounds maintenance.
Cancelled

• All permits in parks, tennis courts, outdoor sports fields and civic squares.
• Wedding photography permits. No new permits will be issued
  
• In-person registration for recreation programs at community centres and civic centres will be cancelled. Registration through touch-tone automatic registration and the internet will continue
• All recreation programming, including camps, classes, drop-ins, clubs, school visits, walking tours and presentations
• All City programming in community schools.

City of Toronto: Labour Disruption Information

When the Imnarja festival will take place this year?

Imnarja Festival
Organized by the Maltese Canadian Federation

Sunday, June 28, 2009

At Runnymede Park
[The park is located north of Toronto Malta Village on Ryding Ave, east of Runnymede Rd, and south of St Clair Ave West.]

Mass Celebration at 2:00 pm

Followed by a variety of games and entertainment
Including the Malta Band

Come and meet your friends,
Enjoy Maltese food,
and an Evening of entertainment

links:
The Arts Junction: Little Malta Toronto 2008: Imnarja Festival and Heritage
worldisround.com: The Maltese Community In Toronto, by Charles Bray
visitmalta.com: Religious, Public Holidays, Food and Drink, Festivals, Family Entertainment, Exhibitions
maltaculture.com: Malta Arts Festival 2009
solotravel.org: The annual cultural festival in Malta known as the 'festa'
youtube.com: Mnarja 2001 Toronto Joe Demicoli
Malta daily photo: I will try and show you as much as i can using my digital camera. Now please fasten your seatbelts relax and enjoy the ride.

Slavonic Literature and Culture Day Celebration in Toronto

Photo: Svetlana Roufanova, Founder & Chair of the Russian Library
& Community Information Centre, Toronto
Celebration the Day of Slavic Written Language and Culture; May 20, 2009
2009 @ Anya

The year 863 A.D. was a time that Russian language alphabet was created. The Slavic Princes asked the Emperor Michael III of the Byzantine Empire to send them wise teachers to create a written language for the Slavic people. Brothers Cyril and Methodius were the two chosen Christian missionaries who created the Cyrillic alphabet that has become the Russian alphabet.

To commemorate the achievement of the Saint Brothers the day of "Slavonic Literature and Culture Day" was established in 1991. In Canada it was celebrated for the 4th time on May 20th 2009 at the Bathurst Clark Resource Library in Vaughan, Ontario. The founder and organizer of the celebration Svetlana Roufanova displayed the rich book collection of some of the finest examples in Russian Literature that the Cyrillic alphabet has to offer. The day was filled with lively performances, poetry readings, traditional arts and craft exhibit and the presence of key speakers and honorary guests.

The presentation began with an opening speech by the Archpriest Oleg Kirilov, Rector of the Christ the Saviour Russian Orthodox Cathedral, who explained in detail the story and significance of Cyril and Methodius’ enormous contribution to the development of Russian written language and literacy. Present at the celebration were the Consul General of Russian Federation in Toronto, Andrey Veklenko who awarded the Knight Order to Professor Alexey Stakhov for his life achievement in science and art, having dedicated his life to research of the Golden Section.

The evening was marked by performances from the children’s folk ensemble "Ladushki" as well as poetry recitation of popular Russian poems by young Russian Canadian students. There were also professional poets residing in Toronto who read their pieces such as Ilya Lipes and Marina Shubina. It was an extremely important celebration to cherish and preserve Russian cultural traditions. The Slavonic Literature and Culture Day has become a custom in Canada, time-honoured by the Russian public.

2009 @ Anya

Collage: Celebration of the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture
Toronto, May 20, 2009
Credit: NTV Canada

links:
How to Spell 'Hockey' in Russian: Celebration Slavic Literature and Culture Day in Toronto
toronto.mid.ru: ПРЕСС-РЕЛИЗ: О ПРАЗДНОВАНИИ ДНЯ СЛАВЯНСКОЙ ПИСЬМЕННОСТИ И КУЛЬТУРЫ
vaughanpl.info: Press-Release: Day of Slavic Written Language and Culture

Congratulations to Junction Arts Festival Blog Launch!

Screenshot: Junction Arts Festival blog: Information on the festival as it is created

Live Music & Performance Stages; Juried Art Exhibition;
Junction Galleries; Installation Art; Street Performances; KidZone
Credit: Junction Arts Festival blog

Big congratulations on the launch of the Junction Arts Festival blog and all of the hard work it took to get here.

Now we could follow news about the process of creating and planning the festival and some insights into events upcoming at this year's festival!

Great job, the site looks great. We will do our best to spread the word out.

Mark your calendars for the five days' Junction Arts Festival that will take place Wednesday, September 9 to Sunday, September 13, 2009 in the Toronto community of the Junction! It is going to be an amazing event.

links:
junctionartsfest.com/blog: Junction Arts Festival blog
artjunction.blogspot.com: Press-Release: The 2009 Junction Arts Festival Sends out Call to Artists

West Toronto Junction Community Yard Sale and Potluck

Flyer: 1st Annual Junction Community Yard Sale
and Community Potluck, Saturday, June 13th, 2009
Credit: junctionra.ca

1st Annual Junction Community Yard Sale

(In front of your house!)

Saturday June 13th
9 am – 2 pm

Mc Murray, Vine, Indian Grove, Mulock,
Jackson Place, Maria & Clendenan (N. of Dundas) are participating

New street update: Jackson Place just added Sunday
Maria Street will also be having yard sales

To be followed by a community Potluck
in Vine Parkette at 4 pm

Please bring your favourite dish or
Beverages to share with your neighbors

Please be kind to the environment and bring your
own reusable plates, cutlery and cups

To get your street involved e-mail
thejunctioneer@gmail.com

Why I Knit Traffic Bollard Cozies

Photo: Why I Knit Traffic Bollard Cozies
2009 © Wise Daughters Craft Market

Early in June, city workers came around to install traffic bollards in front of Wise Daughters Craft Market, in order to stop zealous drivers from climbing the curb and parking on the hydro vault under the pavement. The bollards are no doubt useful. But they were rusty, and just not very aesthetically pleasing.

I have a huge basket full of orphaned bits of wool from past projects (mine and other people’s). My mind started ticking. I had seen delightful footage of a group called "Knitta" in the documentary "Handmade Nation"; these vigilante knitters go out under cover of darkness and wrap cosies around utility poles in Houston, Texas. A few years ago, I enjoyed the initiative of a group that took it upon themselves to paint the bike rings down Roncesvalles in brilliant hues.

A little texture and colour can really make my day.

So I knit cosies for my traffic bollards, adorning them with some yarn flowers and balls for extra flourish. My hope is that the cosies will start to felt in the rain. If vandals or dogs do damage first, so be it. I’ve beautified my little bit of the Junction for at least a while.

Why tuck our handiwork away in the privacy of our homes, or worse still, in storage closets? Let’s go public with our craftiness!

To this end, a footnote... World Wide Knit in Public Day takes place on the second Saturday of June each year. It was started in 2005 to bring knitters together, showcase the diversity of knitters everywhere, and generally celebrate the act of knitting. Regrettably, I learned about this too late to take action for this year, but in 2010, I’ll be sure to gather up knitters for a party at Wise Daughters!

2009 © Mary Breen
Wise Daughters Craft Market
Local handicrafts and do-it-yourself workshops

Press-Release: Toronto West End Web - Social Media Discussion & Workshop

Flyer: Toronto West (Web 2.0), Wednesday, June 17, 7 - 8 pm
Crema Coffee (3079 Dundas Street West @ Quebec Ave.)
[come early for networking]
Meet, network and socialize with web savvy and curious neighbours.
Discussion theme: How to organize and promote online for yourself, your organization or your community using social media.
The Junction - West Bend - High Park - Roncesvalles - Bloor West Village - Runnymede - Baby Point
Credit: Crema Coffee Co. + Totally Spun

For Immediate Release
Please add to your listings & forward appropriately

Toronto West End Web - Social Media
Discussion & Workshop

Come to meet other local web savvy, or just web curious residents.

Toronto, ON, June 11, 2009 – On Wednesday, June 17th from 7-8pm at Crema Coffee Co., West-end Toronto residents in and around the Junction neighbourhood will meet to discuss online organization and promotion using social media.

Hosted by area media company Totally Spun in space graciously donated by Crema Coffee, this meeting will be introductory and hopefully only the first of many. Come to meet other local web savvy, or just web curious, residents. Discussion will be about the use of social media tools such as Twitter.com to promote or organize for personal, business or community efforts.

This first meeting is geared toward residents, business owners and community organizers in the Junction, but neighbours from all nearby communities are welcome and encouraged to attend.

WHAT: Toronto West Web - Social Media Discussion & Workshop
WHEN: Wednesday June 17, 2009, 7-8pm (come early for networking)
WHERE: Crema Coffee Co., 3079 Dundas St W @ Quebec Ave
WHY: To discuss organizing with social media, meet web savvy neighbours
HOW MUCH: It's Free!

This meeting was organized by Paul Reynolds from Totally Spun and Olga Goubar of The Arts Junction.

For more information, please contact Paul Reynolds at paul@totallyspun.com.

Three Perspectives on the Bloor West Art Tour, May 29 – 31, 2009

Collage: Artist Mary Sims-Morey at the Wise Daughters on the Bloor West Village Art Tour
Credits: Bloor West Village Art Tour + Wise Daughters Craft Market

As an artist I strive to capture an intimate view of the natural world around me; subjects that capture my interest for their beauty, intricacy, mood or feeling. I love what each painting has to teach about colour, form, and composition, and especially those paintings that tell a story.

Mary Sims Morey

It Was a Joy

This year was my 4th year showing with the annual Bloor West Art Tour, and it was a joy to be able to display my work at Wise Daughters. Mary Breen's shop is located in a wonderful building, with a very large front window bringing in daylight to the split level layout of upper shop floor, and lower workshop and gallery space. The combination of abundant natural light, renovated light coloured walls, and a few strategically placed spotlights, creates the perfect setting for working in textile arts, crafting, and displaying artwork.

Tour Artist: Mary Sims-Morey

My Wish for Everyone

I’ve been a regular of the Bloor West Art Tour for many years, usually travelling by bike to take in as many venues as possible. I was delighted to be able to sponsor the event and host artist Mary Sims-Morey now that I have gallery space as part of Wise Daughters Craft Market.

My initial observation was that many of the tour’s visitors had come from points some distance from our neighbourhood. Clearly awareness of the event has built throughout Toronto over time. People were thoroughly enjoying a day out, discovering the area as well as appreciating the art. What a valuable way to expose our neighbourhood as a desirable destination for culture, as well as history and great food.

I was thrilled to see so many of Mary Sims-Morey’s paintings leaving the premises in the hands of happy buyers. My wish for everyone is to own some original art, even it’s a tiny piece – it’s just so good for the soul.

Tour Host/Sponsor: Mary Breen

A Junction Morning

The Junction is home -- comfortable, relaxed, open the door friend and walk in. And this is precisely the atmosphere of the galleries on the Saturday morning of the Bloor West Art Tour.

The round trip starting from Dundas and Clendenan to the destination of Cool Hand of a Girl took just over four hours, a jaunt of normally a fraction of that time. Why? In the first block alone one must admire Martin’s flowers and beautiful window display; examine international handcrafts; look for new baubles at Lavishy.

At Dundas and Quebec, artist Rhonda Nolan warmly welcomed visitors to Sandra Muscat’s gallery / studio space where both artists’ vibrant pieces were displayed. Sandra’s art books and supplies were at hand giving a sense of the presence of a working artist.

At Wise Daughters, art was found upstairs and down. The store houses a fine cross-section of contemporary handmade articles while the lower studio featured Mary Sims-Morey. It was an honour to stand before each painting especially with the artist present.

Pat Schnurr’s Picture It Framed hosted artist John Pressault. These paintings of northern scenes, trains, and trees in spring bloom were vivid and powerfully beautiful.

And so on down The Junction. The Relax Shack had a black and white photo exhibit as it participated in the Contact display. There were all sorts of treasures found in the shops along both sides of Dundas. A sharing of the exquisite French toast and an omelette at Cool Hand of a Girl with fresh coffee - delightful!

Of course, the best part of walking The Junction is meeting people. Folks chat, exchange stories, smile, and you look forward to seeing them again.

Hope these Studio Tour artists open their doors again next year.

Tour Participant: Bambi Rutledge

An Exploration of Contemporary Art Scene in Toronto: Reflections on Life and Art

Photo: Explore the Art of the City:
Junction Centennial Contemporary Art Tour with Jen Morin
2009 @ artjunction.blogspot.com

The Junction Historical Society would like to thank Jen Morin, a local resident and cultural facilitator for offering to lead a tour of the Contemporary Arts in our vicinity as part of the Amalgamation Centennial events to raise funds for the Junction Historical Society on Saturday, May 16th 2009.

With a weather forecast of rain, thunder, lightening and hailstones 12 brave souls and our intrepid leader met at 401 Richmond St at 11 am. We carried out umbrellas as talisman against the rain and they worked miraculously. We swirled through a light shower as we entered the Power Plant and whilst we were there the skies opened and we watched the storm through the huge plate glass windows over looking the lake: the clipper ship bobbing in the harbour and the raindrops trickling down the glass. We came out into sunshine and wove through the first of 3 weddings that appeared along the tour. The second was posed just inside the gates as we arrived at The Distillery District and as we headed to the Corkin Gallery, two tiny children were jumping in a large puddle with great glee and delight. As we reached Union station and were saying our goodbyes a third wedding fluttered by on their way to having photos taken at the station. A comedy is famous for having lots of weddings and this was fun…

We visited 10 Galleries in all at 401 Richmond. We visited Open Studio. Gallery 44 Centre for Contemporary Photography -- where an installation of feathers photographically reproduced on silk organza, cut out, and pinned to the wall so they fluttered just like real ones, by artist Sally Ayre was a favorite of the tour. A Space Gallery, Red Head Gallery, YYZ Gallery and Wynick/Tuck Gallery. Seeing work by Mary Pratt and a bronze telephone by Michael Snow. Echoes of fresh ideas lingering as we broke for lunch and sprinkled ourselves through local restaurants enjoying a multitude of culinary cultures. At Mamas Pizza a lunch discussion of John Ralston Sauls' latest book "A Fair Country" brought The Children of Peace to the table; the legacy of fairness and equality they shared with the First Nations tradition and their commitment to celebrating art and culture.

At The Power Plant the vacuousness of the corporate lie was turned inside out by artist Carey Young with the trained voices of our own High Park Toastmasters, who meet in the room opposite the Historical Society downstairs at the Annette St Library on the first Thursday of the month. There we were. Our own trained speakers, part of an international exhibit. What more can I say, isn't that what art is supposed to make of life: a mirror and we found ourselves in the picture front and centre in the middle of the tour.

In the Distillery District we saw the exploration of the relationship between a lady and a gentleman, a couple, who were both artists giving a more contemporary multi-dimensional perception of Adam and Eve at Artcore, I believe it was and I'm sorry I didn't catch their names but the metaphor came through loud and clear echoing eternity with a much broader and equal vision. Ronnie Woods of the New Faces had a painting of Rod Stewart and the other guys for sale at the Blue Dot, which set of a whole raft of storytelling and anecdotes about what our lives were like when that music was released, lots of laughing …

Then we had tea and ice cream and gave Jen a birthday card and chocolates along with our deepest thanks. Despite the forecast, the weather was perfect and we parted in the sunshine with hugs and smiles all round. It was a great day to remember and financially beneficial to the WTJHS. The Golden Mean: the rule of thirds that artists and architects copy from nature applied perfectly. $300 less $100 expenses (TTC passes and Power Plant admission). When Jen first proposed this idea as a silent auction item for The Local Option Art Awards Gala she valued it at $200.

Thanks again Jen and we hope the rest of your birthday was as wonderful as the part you shared with us.

2009 © Cara Reeves

Photo Collage: Explore the Art of the City:
Junction Centennial Contemporary Art Tour with Jen Morin
2009 @ artjunction.blogspot.com
Curator Jennifer Morin leads a tour on a journey of artistic exploration through some of Toronto's most innovative and influential galleries in a guided tour: 401 Richmond, Power Plant, The Distillery District

links:
gg.ca: Media: His Excellency John Ralston Saul: Speech at the Temple of the Children Of Peace
September 15, 2005
Vanitas: Nicholas and Sheila Pye’s first solo exhibition at Artcore
Explore Canada’s Contemporary Art Scene in Toronto: Special Guided Walking Tour with Jen Morin
The Arts Junction: Junction Historical Society Balances Art and Economy at Local Option Art Awards Gala

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Toronto Arts Festival LuminaTO Is Here! You Are Invited to Celebrate the Guitar!

Screenshot: Luminato's Free Opening Weekend Celebration, Toronto, June 5-14, 2009
Credit: luminato.com: A World of Creativity

LuminaTO is

• annual festival of the arts
• now in its third year
• brings a world of creativity to Toronto
• for ten days
• June 5-14, 2009
• more than 100 events
• with theatre, dance, music, film, literature, visual arts, and design shows
• free opening and closing weekend celebrations!

Opening Weekend, Friday, June 5 - Sunday, June 7
Luminato First Night with Randy Bachman
Yonge-Dundas Square FREE!

The Great Canadian Tune - A Guinness World Record Event!
Bring your guitar and help get Toronto into the Guinness Book of World Records!
Download the HELPLESS of Neil Young (1969) lyrics and chords and start practicing!
Yonge-Dundas Square FREE!

The World of Slide Guitar
Yonge-Dundas Square FREE!

Closing Weekend, Friday, June 12 - Sunday, June 14
Closing Weekend Celebrations: Featuring Cirque du Soleil
Waterfront FREE!

Goran Bregovic
Yonge-Dundas Square FREE!

National Bank Yorkville Festival - Brazilian Guitar Marathon
Village of Yorkville Park FREE!

President's Choice "1,000 Tastes of Toronto"
Central Waterfront FREE!

and much, much more.

See you there!

links:
The LUMINATO LENS: the place to find festival buzz, from tips on how to festival
National Ballet of Canada: Class on Stage and We Mean It