28 Dec 2016

The Flatiron Mural

Mural on the side of the building featuring windows and other architectural details but made to look like a canvas pinned up and folding at the edges

Location: Between Wellington and Front, at Church Street
Date photo taken: 2 April 2014

This mural is perhaps one of the best know pieces of public art in the city. It was also one of the first. In 1979 six Canadian artists were invited to submit designs for a new art installation to anchor the new Berczy Park. Derek Besant's winning vision transferred an historic storefront from across the street (43 Front Street, the current home of Winners) to this location and gave it a playful treatment. In his words, "I wanted to use both the old and the new in Toronto.... This project was a chance to use all the sensibilities in the city." 

Murals at that time were painted directly on the wall and tended to have a short life expectancy. To avoid this problem, Besant painted his mural on specially prepared panels affixed to a steel frame mounted on the wall. Even so, after more than 20 years of sun, rain and snow, the paint had started to peel and the image fade. A major restoration of the work was undertaken in 2008, at which time the panels were traced, sanded, primed and completely repainted. 

21 Dec 2016

Red Ribbon

A Christmas light display consisting of a large red ribbon done in lights

Location: Church and Wood Streets
Date photo taken: 14 December 2016

The Church Wellesley Village, that section of Church Street between Wood and Gloucester, is jam packed with festive light displays. At the southern entrance to the Village sits this 5.5 metre glowing red ribbon. Commissioned by the Church Wellesley BIA as a celebration of life and to recognize the struggle of those living with HIV/AIDS, it was lit on World Aids Day, December 1.

14 Dec 2016

Naughty or Nice

Naughty or Nice sign in lights at the Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery

Location: Toronto Christmas Market, Distillery District
Date photo taken: 28 November 2015

The Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery is in full swing and people are flocking to it once again. For those who have visited in previous years, you will notice some familiar elements, such as this lit sign on the Pure Spirits Patio, but have no fear, there are still plenty of new and fun elements. A forest of pink trees? Check! The market continues until December 22.

7 Dec 2016

En Masse Mural

A portion of a black and white mural with strange figures and designs

Location: Niagara St. east of Bathurst
Date photo taken: 15 April 2015

This image represents one small piece of a huge, mind-tripping mural on Niagara Street. Covering the entire east-facing side of a building at Niagara and Bathurst, the work was done by En Masse, an artist collective from Montreal that works strictly in black and white.