The Art of Economics: John Maynard Keynes And The Bloomsburies

Collage: Art in the Junction in a digital frame of the Arts Theatre Logo
Credit: rosreferat.ru

Spring is coming, the tide is turning, and the Junction has already crested the wave softly, gently, slowly leading by example.

Tough times are not a new experience for most artists and when a society experiences this as a whole it is very often the creativity and innovation of the artists that lead the way to a new phase of development and prosperity. It is the provenance to time and place that secures long term value and what began as the Local Option Art Awards in the Junction has evolved more forms of cultural expression.

Due to the tremendous success of the Local Option as an experiment in the Art of Democracy last year the WTJHS will be helping to facilitate a "Stroller Tour" of the Junction, promoting local artists from one end of the Junction to the other throughout the summer. With the climate both environmentally and economically making it much more appealing to do something healthy, educational and local we can capitalize on the Junction's well earned reputation as an arts community and promote this local phenomenon as a great way to spend the day in the Junction.

Arguably the most influential economist of the first half of the 20th C was the titan, John Maynard Keynes. In January I walked into Pandemonium looking for "The Ghost in the Machine" by Arthur Koestler and came out with a biography of Keynes by Robert Skidelsky. Koestler would have been proud of me.

It was Keynes who was responsible for the post WWII boom that established the infrastructures and educated middle class that elevated millions from poverty until Margret Thatcher and Ronald Regan became enamoured with Milton Friedman and Frederick Hayek’s laissez - faire free market economy; anything goes, the markets will balance themselves-- that has plunged us into this economic winter of doom. However I'm delighted to find great sections of Keynes economic policies are being reimplemented to our south and at home as the thaw allows the shovels to restore the infrastructures. The Keynesian experiment has become the precedent for a successful boom that lasted 40 years and had his theory been continued would have avoided this crisis altogether.

So, where is the art in all this you ask? Well, John Maynard Keynes was the financier responsible for an artistic phenomenon known as the Bloomsbury Group that was strongly influenced by the Impressionist movement. The Bloomsburies had a radical approach to the role of art in social structure with a strong commitment to local culture. Keynes concept of full employment included artists as leaders and innovators. By supporting local artists a ferment is created and if the buzz resonates strongly enough precipitates unique artists who gain high profile recognition and elevate others and the environment that produced them. Unlike the handpicked, golden handcuffed protégée of Sachi and 'branded' markets that benefit the few to the detriment of many, Keynes artistic model provides a broader and more enduring prosperity for the benefit of the community at large.

The Local Option Art Awards was based on these fundamental principles. It was a overwhelming success and the Local Option Gala in October at Latitude 44 Gallery is considered the most fun and exciting event of 2008 in Junction. The guest speaker Don Thompson, whose book The $12 Million Stuffed Shark: The Curious Economics of Contemporary Art said the walls around us are where the true value of art is to be found. If we recognize, appreciate and support it.

May 1st will be a unique opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary and dynamic culture of the Junction at Humberside Collegiate Institute between 6 and 11 pm as we celebrate the Amalgamation Centennial, 100 Years since the Junction saved Toronto from bankruptcy by agreeing to a union of two equal and independent cities. We are commemorating the Centennial with a re-enactment of the celebrations that launched the Junction into it's most dynamic and prosperous phase with intelligence born of strong community spirit for the benefit all all.

Admission is free and EVERYONE is welcome. For more info see the artjunction's Amalgamation Centennial page or contact the Junction Historical Society at wtjhs.ca.

2009 © Cara Reeves

Junction Parents: Junction art

Junction Art 2008 @ artjunction.blogspot.com

Credit: latitude44gallery.ca & junctionparents.blogspot.com

Junction Parents: Junction art

What a beautiful piece of prose and what a descriptive language of Irina's post exploring the world/word of art, a local art, the Junction art.

"... many Junction area businesses chose to display work by local artists, just take a walk and explore, with your kids!"

What a great way to get kids involved in art!!! Cara will be glad to read this post, and I only have to say "Please,bring us some more art."

The Art of High Tea in the Junction

Invitation: Local Option Art Awards Afternoon Tea in the Junction
Photo: Easter Walk in the Junction, 2008 © Emmanuel Mifsud

THE LOCAL OPTION ART AWARDS
AFTERNOON TEA in the Junction

When: Sunday, November 23rd, 2008
Time: 3 - 6 pm
Where: Latitude 44 Gallery
Address: 2900 Dundas Street West, Toronto, Ontario M6P 1Y8

You are cordially invited to attend
THE LOCAL OPTION ART AWARDS
AFTERNOON TEA in the Junction.

Presented by: The Junction Historical Society
Sunday, November 23 rd , 3 - 6 pm
Latitude 44 Gallery, 2900 Dundas St. W. (at Mavety)
Toronto, Ontario M6P 1Y8

A celebration to present certificates of thanks to artists and
business owners who participated in the Local Option Art
Awards and Boom Times Cabaret, Heart of the Junction Talk
Show.

Souvenir Centennial Trains will be presented to Centennial
Train Race winners and Boom Times Cabaret sponsors.
Please come and celebrate this unique cultural experiment
in the Art of Democracy and Living History.

Tea, coffee and pastries from Pascal's Bagels and Baguette.

This event is an opportunity to discuss art and culture in the
Junction. Everyone welcome.

Sponsor of the Local Option Art Awards, Michael Reeves.

Local Option Art Awards Afternoon Tea in the Junction
A Celebration of Art and Culture in the Junction
Presented by: The Junction Historical Society
Sunday, November 23 rd , 3 - 6 pm
Latitude 44 Gallery, 2900 Dundas St. W. (at Mavety)
The card was printed by West End Offset Plate Service

Words of Thanks for Making Local Option Art Awards Gala Fundraiser a Success

WTJHS: Thank you to everyone who made our 2008 Gala fundraiser such a wonderful success!

The West Toronto Junction Historical Society would like to thank the artists, businesses and community for making our Gala fundraiser a success.

We reached our financial goals in the middle of the economic storm and it is good to note that according to the Toronto Star today the auction houses are setting records for sales of renowned artists.

Thank you so much for helping make the Junction Historical Society Gala such a hip and exciting event. It was wonderful when a voice from the audience asked our guest speaker, Don Thompson, for some good news about the art market and he pointed the walls around us and said this was where value was actually created. There are good artists in every community and there needs to be a spectrum for comparison and choice.

At the Gala I mentioned the influence of the Bloomsbury Group and their concern for social conscience. I did not realize that the economist Maynard Keynes was instrumental in the development of the group. Keynes economic plan was the foundation for financial success before Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman convinced people to allow the market free rein and led to this current financial and environmental meltdown.

Stephen Leacock, at the time arguably the most famous Canadian in the world, was about the only economist who said Free Trade would not lead to a balanced economy and was refused a doctorate in Economics and was given a degree in philosophy instead. It was his humourous works, including "The Arcadian Adventures of the Idle Rich" that helped him balance his own economic reality. I think in the last election Stephen Harper under estimated how many "ordinary Canadians" are artists. There are many spin off's from the Local Option Art Awards, it is evolving and has developed it's own momentum.

There will be one more event at Latitude 44 Gallery on Sunday, November 23rd, 3 - 6 pm for the artists and community to meet and discuss this Centennial project and to present the winners of the Junction Centennial Train races with their trains and the watercolour by Local Option Sponsor, Michael Reeves as well as certificates of appreciation to those involved in the project. It will be an opportunity to discuss the arts and culture in the Junction.

Lisa Rainford was right when she headlined her article about the Local Option Art Awards "The Function of the Junction is to Celebrate Art" and we continue to do so...

Many thanks again to all who have helped make this remarkable project real.

Cara Reeves, WTJHSCC

TheStar.com: NYC auctions setting records
Buyers undeterred by economic forecast, still paying millions for art
By Ula Ilnytzky
Published Nov 04, 2008 04:30 AM
http://www.thestar.com/article/529912

Press-Release: Junction Historical Society Balances Art and Economy at Local Option Art Awards Gala

The Local Option Art Awards Gala in the Junction:
Cara Reeves, WTJHSCC and Pascal Abboud, Pascal's Baguette and Bagels
2008 @ artjunction.blogspot.com

For Immediate Release

JUNCTION HISTORICAL SOCIETY BALANCES ART AND ECONOMY AT LOCAL OPTION ART AWARDS GALA

Toronto, ON, October 24, 2008 - Best selling author Don Thompson (The 12 Million Dollar Stuffed Shark: The Curious Economics of Contemporary Art -- currently on the best seller lists in Toronto, London and New York) joined local artists, businesspeople and residents at Latitude 44 Gallery (2900 Dundas St. W.) on Thursday October 23, 2008.

The community ensured the success of the Junction Historical Society’s silent auction and Awards ceremony. Despite turmoil in the global financial and art markets, the event proved that investing in local art can create a stable financial base by setting realistic goals.

The Local Option Art Awards, a Junction Centennial initiative sponsored by Mariposa County artist Michael Reeves, is a unique experiment that has benefited the whole community.

Between the Junction Centennial weekend in April and the Arts Festival in September, 20 businesses have hosted 27 artists. The first, second and third prize winners were chosen by public vote. The results: a tie for first place between Emmanuel Mifsud and Peter LUI Gang; Brian Anderson was chosen as runner up; and Olga Sadowy was awarded the third prize.

Martin Scott of 'Forever Interiors' initiated and facilitated a limited edition of 70 Junction Centennial Trains on behalf of the Historical Society involving young local artists in the project. About 25% of the artists who participated sold their works; some artists received commissioned work due to the exposure; some will be continuing the relationships they have built with the businesses. Four of the businesses would like Latitude 44 Gallery to continue to use their spaces to sell more works by local artists.

The "Best Art and Business Matches" from the project will remain on display at Latitude 44 Gallery until the end of the month.

–30–

For information, please contact:
Janet DiBernardo
Latitude 44 Gallery
2900 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON M6P 1Y8
Phone: 416-769-2900
Website: www.latitude44gallery.ca

links:
artjunction: Invest in Art and Do It Tonight in the Junction
artjunction: Junction Local Option Art Awards Guided Walking Tour Photos
Press-Release: Best Selling Author Don Thompson to Speak at Local Option Gala Celebrating Art and History in Toronto Junction
Press-Release: Local Option Art in the Junction: The Local Option Art Awards Gala
The Local Option Art Awards Gala / WTJHS Fundraiser. Be there and you’re history!
by Neil Ross, writer/comedian/historian
Invitation to the Gala: Celebration of the Toronto Junction Local Option Art Awards
by Cara Reeves, WTJHSCC
artjunction: Invitation to the Local Option Art Awards in the Junction

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Junction Local Option Art Awards Guided Walking Tour Photos

Photos: Toronto Junction Local Option Art Awards Guided Walking Tour, August 9, 2008
2008 @ artjunction.blogspot.com

The Junction Local Option Art Awards Guided Walking Tour photo set is online now.
Have a virtual tour, add your comments, and don't forget to come tomorrow to Latitude 44 Gallery for a Gala Celebration for the Local Option Art Awards.

See you there.

links:
The AJO: Toronto Art Junction Option + Guided Walking Tours
artjunction: Invitation to the Local Option Art Awards in the Junction

Press-Release: Best Selling Author Don Thompson to Speak at Local Option Gala Celebrating Art and History in Toronto Junction

The Toronto Junction Local Option Gala,
(Thursday, October 23, 7-10 pm,
at Latitude 44 Gallery, 2900 Dundas Street West, Toronto)
celebrates the best in art in support of the Junction Historical Society.
Bring your loonies and toonies for the Centennial Train Races.

For Immediate Release

Best Selling Author Don Thompson to Speak at Local Option Gala Celebrating Art and History in Toronto Junction

Toronto, ON, October 19, 2008 – The West Toronto Junction Historical Society is hosting The Local Option Art Awards Gala and Silent Auction on Thursday Oct 23rd, 7 -10pm at Latitude 44 Gallery 2900 Dundas St, W. Toronto as part of our Centennial year celebrations. This event commemorates the dynamic relationship between the Arts and Business unique to the Junction established 100 years ago and successfully revived over the last few years putting the Junction back on the map as "as an up and coming funky arts community".

Our guest speaker is Don Thompson author of "The $12 Million Stuffed Shark, The Curious Economics of Contemporary Art" (published by Doubleday Canada). His book is currently on the best seller list in Toronto, New York and London. Drawing on exclusive interviews with both past and present executives of auction houses and art dealerships, artists, and the buyers who move the market, Thompson launches the reader on a surprising journey of discovery.

Local Option Art Awards sponsor, artist Michael Reeves, is very familiar with the market Thompson describes and has postulated a unique alternative based on the principles of The Bloomsbury Group recognized the role artists play in fostering culture through community participation.

The Junction Centennial Train Races inspired by Martin Scott of “Forever Interiors” has involved young artist using pieces of our past to create our future. Between April and September 20 businesses have hosted 27 artists of all ages and the winners have been chosen by public vote. The prizes to be presented at the Awards Gala include a sculpture called "The Spirit of the Junction" by local artist Reid English which will be given to a member of the public who participated in this experiment in the Art of Democracy.

There are many interesting and unique items dating from 1900 to the present up for auction including 13 framed reproduction photos from the Junction archives. Please come out and support this vital and vibrant organization to ensure it is part of Junction history for the next 100 years.

Contact: Janet DiBernardo
Phone: 416-769-2900
Web site: www.wtjhs.ca

links:
Press-Release: Local Option Art in the Junction: The Local Option Art Awards Gala
The Local Option Art Awards Gala / WTJHS Fundraiser. Be there and you’re history!
by Neil Ross, writer/comedian/historian
Invitation to the Gala: Celebration of the Toronto Junction Local Option Art Awards
by Cara Reeves, WTJHSCC
artjunction: Invitation to the Local Option Art Awards in the Junction

Press-Release: Local Option Art in the Junction: The Local Option Art Awards Gala

Press-Release: The Local Option Art in the Junction:

The Local Option Art Awards Gala
Thursday, October 23rd
Time: 7 pm - 10 pm
Latitude 44 Gallery
2900 Dundas Street West
Toronto, Ontario M6P 1Y8

For Immediate Release

Local Option Art in the Junction: The Local Option Art Awards Gala

Toronto, ON, October 15, 2008 - Best selling author Don Thompson (The 12 Million Dollar Stuffed Shark: The Curious Economics of Contemporary Art) will speak at an event honouring the winning artists in the Local Option Art Awards and in support of the West Toronto Junction Historical Society at Latitude 44 Gallery, 2900 Dundas St. W. on Thursday October 23rd between seven and ten pm. The event, celebrating the Centennial of the Junction, will feature the first ever Centennial Train Races and the massive collectively created installation, Community Spirit of the Junction.

The gala will feature a silent auction of items of historical and artistic value. Sneak preview begins on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at Latitude 44 Gallery.

"The event is being sponsored by artists and the local community who recognize the cultural value of the Junction Historical Society," says gala coordinator and Junction Historical Society volunteer Cara Reeves. "Please help us raise funds to keep this vital organization alive and well."

Thursday October 23rd, 7pm
Contact: Janet DiBernardo
Latitude 44 Gallery, 2900 Dundas St. W.
Phone: (416) 769-2900
Email: latitude44gallery@bellnet.ca
Junction Historical Society website: www.wtjhs.ca

links:
The Local Option Art Awards Gala / WTJHS Fundraiser. Be there and you’re history!
by Neil Ross, writer/comedian/historian
Invitation to the Gala: Celebration of the Toronto Junction Local Option Art Awards
by Cara Reeves, WTJHSCC
artjunction: Invitation to the Local Option Art Awards in the Junction

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Invitation to the Local Option Art Awards in the Junction

The Local Option Art Awards, (Thursday, October 23, 7-10 pm, at Latitude 44
Gallery, 2900 Dundas Street West, Toronto)
celebrates the best in local art in support of the Junction Historical Society.
Bring your loonies and toonies for the Centennial Train Races.

Dear Friend,

You are cordially invited to attend
The Local Option Art Awards Gala in the Junction
Help ensure the Junction Historical Society is around for the Junction's next hundred years.

Date: Thursday, October 23, 2008
Time: 7 pm - 10 pm
Venue: Latitude 44 Gallery
Address:2900 Dundas Street West
Toronto, Ontario M6P 1Y8
(West of Keele Street)

The Local Option Art Awards Gala in the Junction
Presented by: West Toronto Junction Historical Society

The gala will raise funds for the WTJHS in the Junction City's Centennial year and honour the winners and participants in the Local Option Art Awards.
Historical, artistic and antique items will be available in a silent auction. The specially commissioned sculpture "Spirit of the Junction" will be presented to a member of the voting public who participated in the Art of Democracy.
Wine and cheese will be served. Cash bar.
Payments for auction items can be made by Interac and all major credit cards.
Bring your loonies and toonies for the Centennial Train Races!

For more information contact: Janet DiBernardo, 416-769-2900
Web-site: www.wtjhs.ca

Please feel free to pass along this invite to anyone you think might be interested.

links:
Press-Release: Best Selling Author Don Thompson to Speak at Local Option Gala Celebrating Art and History in Toronto Junction
Press-Release: Local Option Art in the Junction: The Local Option Art Awards Gala
The Local Option Art Awards Gala / WTJHS Fundraiser. Be there and you’re history!
by Neil Ross, writer/comedian/historian
Invitation to the Gala: Celebration of the Toronto Junction Local Option Art Awards
by Cara Reeves, WTJHSCC
artjunction: Invitation to the Local Option Art Awards in the Junction

The Local Option Art Awards Gala / WTJHS Fundraiser. Be there and you’re history!

Invitation: The Local Option Art Awards Gala / WTJHS Fundraiser
You are cordially invited to attend
The Local Option Art Awards Gala in the Junction.
Help ensure the WTJHS is around for the Junction's next hundred years.
Thursday, October 23rd
Time: 7 pm - 10 pm
Latitude 44 Gallery
2900 Dundas Street West
Toronto, Ontario M6P 1Y8

Over the Centennial year we have developed a number of programs that have made an impact here in the Junction. None more so that the Local Option Art Awards which will hold its first annual gala on October 23 at Latitude 44 Gallery (2900 Dundas Street West).

The gala will raise funds for the West Toronto Junction Historical Society, a vital force in the Junction, working to preserve the history and heritage of this unique neighbourhood. Artists, historians, patrons of art and lovers of history will come together to celebrate the Spirit of the Junction. As the evening unfolds, speakers tell the wondrous tales of art as a vital link in Junction history and the historic marriage between art and business in the community.

Items of historical and artistic value will be on display to be purchased at silent auction, an array of treasures from gold and silver leaf to vintage brass fire extinguishers manufactured in the Junction will be auctioned off. Vintage photographs from the Junction’s past have been exquisitely framed and will be offered as mementos of the railway town that became a city.

Original art work by the winners and participants in the Local Option Art Awards will be on display. The grand prize winners Peter LIU Gang (shown at High Park Martial Arts) and Emmanuel Mifsud (Super Submarine) will receive their rewards from the business owners who sponsored their work over the course of the Centennial summer. Also honoured will be second prize winner Brian Anderson (Triple Z Roti) and third prize to Olga Sadowy (alsoTriple Z). Every artist who participated will be awarded a special certificate to commemorate their contribution to the history of art in the Junction and the Art of the Democracy.

A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the original sculpture "Spirit of the Junction" specially commissioned by Junction artist Reid English and won by a member of the voting public.

It will be an evening of sparkle, wit, art and history, a chance to support one of the most active Historical Societies in the city as it faces the challenge of staying alive in these days of global financial crisis.

The Local Option Art Awards Gala / WTJHS Fundraiser.
Be there and you’re history!

Also in attendance: Junction journalist AB Rice who will narrate the historical development of art and business in the Junction story. He’ll be there and so will I.

Please join us!

Neil Ross, writer/comedian/historian

link:
Invitation to the Gala: Celebration of the Toronto Junction Local Option Art Awards
by Cara Reeves, WTJHSCC

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Invitation to the Gala: Celebration of the Toronto Junction Local Option Art Awards

Junction Local Option Art Awards Gala
Thursday October 23rd, 7pm
Latitude 44 Gallery

West Toronto Junction Historical Society

100 FLAGS CAMPAIGN and LOCAL OPTION ART AWARDS
The West Toronto Junction Historical Society Centennial Committee is launching the 100 Flags Campaign. It is our goal to have at least one hundred flags flying on the day of the Centennial, April 14, 2008: any flag you like. Or create your own Junction Flag. We’ll keep the campaign rolling through the summer with the hope of 1,000 flags up throughout the community for the Arts Festival in September. The 100 Flags Campaign was designed to promote the Local Option Art Awards and to bring the community together for the Centennial. At this point we have 16 Junction Business Improvement Area venues lined up to host artwork for the Local Option Art Awards which are sponsored by Mariposa County artist Michael Reeves. More than 40 artists who have responded to a public call will vie for $1,000 first prize, $500 second prize and $250 third prize which will be awarded to winners determined by public vote throughout the Junction between the Centennial weekend and the Arts Festival in September. A winning voter will receive Reid English’s sculpture, "Spirit of the Junction," specially commissioned by the Institute of Canadian Popular Culture. All winners to be announced on the last day of the Arts Festival and awards will be presented at a WTJHS fundraiser in October. WTJHS is launching this campaign in the memory of Enoch Ward, who flew a solitary flag to commemorate the birth of “Junction City,” so that we might celebrate the independent spirit in all of us and participate in the Art of Democracy.
www.wtjhs.ca
Credit: thejunctioncity.com

Press-Release West Toronto Junction Local Option Art Awards GALA
Credit: wtjhs.ca

From April 12th – September 7th 20 Junction businesses have hosted the works of 20 artists and the winners have been chosen by public vote in this West Toronto Junction Historical Society Centennial initiative.

We have a tie for First prize. Emmanuel Mifsud whose work is showing at The Super Sub ( Dundas West and Keele) and Peter LIU Gang showing at High Park Martial Arts ( Dundas West of McMurray). Second prize goes to Brian Anderson showing at Triple Z Roti and Third prize to Olga Sadowy also showing at Triple Z (Dundas and Medland).

The prizes will be presented at The Local Option Art Awards Gala and silent auction fundraiser for the WTJHS on Thursday October 23rd, 7pm at the Latitude 44 Gallery, 2900 Dundas Street West (ph 416- 769-2900)

Framed reproductions of historic photographs from the WTJHS archives will be among the evening’s most sought after works including silver and gold leaf, historic artifacts from the Junction Fire Hall, Station #423 and original works by contemporary artists. A lucky member of the voting public will be presented with the specially commissioned sculpture 'The Spirit of the Junction' by Reid English.

There have been wonderful spin off’s from this project. Several of the artists have sold their work, some have had work commissioned through their participation in the Local Option Art Awards, and children have been seen running through the Junction ballots in hand following the map. Artists have been offered more space to continue to show their works in the businesses. The feedback has been tremendously positive— this project has been a joy from start to finish and the Gala will be a wonderful celebration of this dynamic Centennial initiative.

Local Option Art Awards GALA
Thursday October 23rd, 7pm
Latitude 44 Gallery
2900 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON
phone: 416 – 769 – 2900

Cara Reeves, WTJHSCC.

links:
Toronto Junction Local Option Art Awards: Self Guided Walking Tours
Junction Art Tour: The White Goddess Graces Pandemonium
The AJO: Toronto Art Junction Option + Guided Walking Tours
Toronto Junction's Rich Living Exposition of Art: the Local Option
Vital Links Between Arts and Business: Toronto Junction Local Option
Explore the Local Toronto Art Scene and Vote for Your Favourite Artist
insidetoronto.com: Celebrating art is the function at the Junction
by Lisa Rainford, July 31, 2008

Toronto Junction Local Option Art Awards: Self Guided Walking Tours

Map: The Local Option Art Awards Participated Businesses
Credit: wtjhs.ca

You are welcome to take a self-guided Local Option Art Awards tour. Be a part of the Art of Democracy in the heart of "Junction City".

The Local Option Art Awards is a West Toronto Junction Historical Society initiative with 20 local businesses hosting 27 artists exploring the themes of this storied community and vying for $1,000 first prize, $500 second prize and $250 third prize which will be determined by public vote.Vote for your favorite works and you may win 'The Spirit of the Junction' sculpture by award-winning artist Reid English.

Voting closes at 2 pm Sunday, September 7, 2008 on the last day of the Junction Arts Festival, winners will be announced at 4:30 pm Sunday, September 7, at the Latitude 44 Gallery, and Local Option Awards will be presented at WTJHS Silent Auction, on Thursday, October 23, starting at 7 pm at the Latitude 44 Gallery (2900 Dundas Street West, Toronto, M6P 1Y8).

For more information, visit www.wtjhs.ca, or email westjunction@bellnet.ca Please include the words "Local Option Tour" on the subject line. Ballots and maps available at all participating businesses.
Visit www.latitude44gallery.ca, phone: 416-769-2900.

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

links:
Junction Art Tour: The White Goddess Graces Pandemonium
The AJO: Toronto Art Junction Option + Guided Walking Tours
Toronto Junction's Rich Living Exposition of Art: the Local Option
Vital Links Between Arts and Business: Toronto Junction Local Option
Explore the Local Toronto Art Scene and Vote for Your Favourite Artist
insidetoronto.com: Celebrating art is the function at the Junction
by Lisa Rainford, July 31, 2008

Junction Art Tour: The White Goddess Graces Pandemonium

Map: The Local Option Art Awards Participated Businesses
Credit: wtjhs.ca

The Local Option Art Awards Tour on Saturday August 9th was a great success despite the rain.

Popping in and out of participating businesses along Dundas Street West, one of the most popular stops on the tour was Forever Interiors and it was great to see the forty Junction Centennial souvenir trains and another thirty in production by local artists; students from Western Tech. Using fragments of our past to create the future for young people is one of the great benefits that has come to the WTJHS under the kindly auspices of Mr. Martin Scott. Four dollars of the sale from each train goes to the WTJHS.

The tour stopped at Phil’s Espresso Bar for a coffee break during the worst of the rain. Tables of artists discussing everything from the origin of vaudeville through pantomime to the Elysian mysteries in ancient Greece. It was also noted that theatre as we understand it today was born at the same in the same place as democracy. Poets use theatres as venues to discuss issues of the day.

The Junction had five theatres during the early twentieth century. Peter LIU Gang’s illustration of the Beaver theatre was the first artwork on our tour. Pantomime and vaudeville are direct descendents of that earlier theatrical tradition. The comedy of contemporary folk culture created laughter at the next table and a couple on the high stools in the window were looking across the road to Jim Macdonald’s White Goddess reclinging gracefully in the window of Pandemonium Books and Discs.

Next tour Saturday August 23, 2 pm leaving from the "Junction City" platform.

Hope to see you there.

Cara Reeves, WTJHSCC.

Take a free art tour led by Nathan Stroud and Tia Gillespie
Twenty Local Businesses along Dundas Street West Showing 27 Artists!

Please visit WTJHS.ca or Latitude 44 for a list of participating businesses.

links:
The AJO: Toronto Art Junction Option + Guided Walking Tours
Toronto Junction's Rich Living Exposition of Art: the Local Option
Vital Links Between Arts and Business: Toronto Junction Local Option
Explore the Local Toronto Art Scene and Vote for Your Favourite Artist
insidetoronto.com: Celebrating art is the function at the Junction
by Lisa Rainford, July 31, 2008

photo:

Forever Interiors: a series of "Junction City" Trains at the Latitude 44
Local Option Art Awards Tour 2008
Photo: artjunction.blogspot.com

"Junction City" Trains are a West Toronto Junction Historical Society initiative proposed and facilitated by Martin Scott of Forever Interiors. These little trains, made from ceiling tiles and wood reclaimed from local renovations, are small pieces of our past used to create our future, "... a playful, portable representation of the Junction," as Cara Reeves calls them.

Contact Forever Interiors
Designing New Stuff from Old Stuff
Furnishings, Decor, Antiques
2903 Dundas Street West, Toronto, 416 291 2001
www.foreverinteriors.com
Or Latitude 44
Gallery ~ Framing ~ Decor
2900 Dundas Street West,Toronto, 416-769-2900
www.latitude44gallery.ca

About Forever Interiors
Forever Interiors is about reusing, rebuilding, and custom building used furniture and decor. We collect intact and broken "quality" furniture that we intern rebuild into something entirely new for sale in our showroom. We also custom build a number of items ranging from Coat Racks to Harvest Tables to our customers exacting specification. We are a small and young store (3 years old) but with creative ideas that have brought us to the attention of Toronto Star, City TVs' Breakfast Television, and the Toronto Life's top 500 Stores in Toronto.