TORONTO COMMUNITY ARTISTS HOST SUMMER POP-UP GALLERY IN BLOOR-YORKVILLE AT THE COLONNADE
Local artists recovering from the pandemic’s impact are leveraging unused retail space June 19th – August 31st.
A group of seven local artists are taking advantage of retail space impacted by COVID 19 by hosting a curated pop-up gallery in Bloor-Yorkville. After a challenging year for many sectors, including the art community, Collective 131 – representing seven artists – found an opportunity to present their work in the Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood.
“The pandemic has had such a negative impact for so many artists who were unable to mount exhibits and shows,” said Morgan Jones, artist and a member of Collective 131. “We were fortunate to be able to access this incredible space that has been an integral part of the Yorkville community. As all sectors of the economy continue to recover, we look forward to connecting with art lovers who are looking for their next collector’s item, or who just want to be out doing something fun this summer.”
“We at the Colonnade are passionate about supporting local businesses. Our goal is to help entrepreneurs generate buzz and engage new customers to grow their business or brand,” said Beatrix Demers-Gavaller, specialty leasing manager with Morguard. “We want to create a vibrant shopping experience that connects engaged customers with the stories and inspirations behind makers goods. It reflects the creativity of the modern craft community, primarily in Toronto. The Colonnade has created this pop-up space for local artists, showcasing their incredible talent. Through cultivating community, we are building an influential presence for artisans, makers and future entrepreneurs.”
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Morgan Jones – Jones a former director of sales turned full-time artist left his corporate life several years ago. A self-taught mixed media artist Jones is now represented by a half dozen galleries and his works are collected internationally. @morganjonesart | www.morganjonesart.com
Todd Monk – Todd is a modern figurative painter, introducing a completely unique style called ‘Pixelism’ (he made that up), which is where Impressionism, Realism, and Digital converge. @toddmonkart | www.toddmonkart.com
Mark Gleberzon – An Honours graduate of the Ontario College of Art, Mark Jeremy Gleberzon works in painting, photography and mixed-media collage-assemblages. He is based in Toronto,
Canada. @mjggallery | www.markgleberzon.com
Vanessa Drew – Canadian artist, Vanessa Rachel Drew creates vibrant oil paintings of fresh flowers. After receiving her BFA from Queens University, she began a successful career, selling her work in galleries throughout North America for over 20 years. @vanessaracheldrew_art | www.vanessaracheldrew.com
Adrienne Jackson – A writer from 9-5, Adrienne’s favorite place to tell stories is on canvas with paint. Self-taught in her practice, painting began as an experiment that has evolved into a full-blown passion project. Her paintings are a colorful, whimsical journal meant to evoke happiness, energy and fearlessness. @crushwrks. www.crushworks.ca
J & J Photo – The collective artchild of Jane Pike and Jeff Turner, this couple combines their respective backgrounds in graphic design and photography to create bold colour statements with places and objects. Their work is available in several galleries in Toronto, and has made its way into homes as far-reaching as Germany and Trinidad. @jandj_photo_art | www.jeffturnerphoto.com
Huy Lam – Multi-disciplinary artist, Huy draws inspiration from his curious and experimental mindset to create sculptural balance between organic and industrial material, with an emphasis on materiality and process. His work is clean and sophisticated, with an elemental connection that brings warmth and harmony. @_huylam_ | www.huylam.net
Following all safety protocols, art lovers will be able to interact directly with the artists.
The Colonnade
131 Bloor Street West
905-281-5801