Year of the Rooster

Location: Hudson's Bay store at Queen and Bay
Date photo taken: 17 January 2017

Walking through the Hudson's Bay Store at Queen and Bay I was struck by the vivid in-store displays. First I noticed the mannequins, dressed in reds and golds, with large feathers attached to their heads. Then part way along the main floor, I saw this large figure. Welcome to the Year of the Rooster! The Chinese New Year is celebrated this year on January 28.

Markland Wood

Location: Bloor St. W. near Markland Drive
Date photo taken: 9 January 2017

Markland Wood is a residential neighbourhood on the western edge of Etobicoke. It's a planned community conceived and constructed by Mark Cavotti and Associates on a large farm property purchased in 1958 from the Silverthorn family. It was an especially attractive plot for a new subdivision, being close to the city, well serviced by existing roads, and picturesque. The farm was bordered on the east and south sides by the Etobicoke Creek and on the west by Renforth Creek. Thanks to new flood regulations put in place after Hurricane Hazel, much of the land adjacent to those waterways could not be built upon, so the area is surrounded by green space and incorporates an 18 hole golf course. Many of the original trees were also retained and potential homeowners were asked to sign a contract promising to preserve the trees on their property. As for the name of the area, an anecdote from Mark Cavotti explains it: "My associates, at first, jokingly referred to the land as ‘Mark’s land’ and then, after the purchase was completed, they did me the honour of calling the area Markland Wood."

Birds

Location: Gerrard Street East

Date photo taken: 20 February 2016

When I first walked by this house on Gerrard, I thought "How nice, two birds sunning themselves on this cold winter day". I was almost right. A second look revealed that the birds were actually small figurines. I can't decide if that's even more charming than the real thing.

Traffic Signal Box - Gary Taxali

Location: Bathurst St. at Neptune

Date photo taken: 27 August 2015

Image #7 in the Traffic Signal Box Series

In addition to the 120 hand painted treatments on traffic signal boxes around the city, the Outside the Box program has also created two synthetic wraps to be used on multiple boxes. This box is wrapped in the distinctive retro-inspired work of Gary Taxali. If you're a fan of the style and want to see more, the gallery in First Canadian Place is hosting "Unfamous: The Work of Gary Taxali" until January 27th. The gallery is free to visit but hours are limited to Monday to Friday, 11 am to 3 pm. On January 12th the artist himself will be on hand for a tour of the exhibition.

The Flatiron Mural

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. 

Red Ribbon

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.

Naughty or Nice

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.