Furoshiki - Opens Saturday!

SAMARA Contemporary in collaboration with Kid Icarus, are pleased to announce Furoshiki, A group exhibition that will feature the works of 20 artists working with the theme: “Gifting”. Furoshiki wrap is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wrapping paper.

Where: Samara Contemporary, 156 Augusta Avenue, Toronto

When: Saturday, November 30th, 12-6pm

Every holiday season more than 8 million tons of gift-wrap ends up in landfills. Disposable and chemically processed, this waste is destroying our environment. Furoshiki can be re-used, passed on from one gift receiver to the next.

Cloth wrapping has been used for over 1200 years in Japan. The word Furoshiki came about during the Edo period (1603-1868) when cloths were commonly used in bathhouses to wrap clothes or as bath matts. Today, Furoshiki can be used to wrap gifts, wine bottles, books, groceries, or just about anything!

This year and onward present your special gift enveloped in beautiful art created by some of Canada’s
top illustrators and artists! An environmentally ethical and unique option to gift giving!

Participating artists:
Daniela Roessler, Dave Setrakian, Fiona Smyth, Flips, Akin Ossington alum Jenn Kitagawa, Jill Holmberg, Jimmy Chaile, Akin Sunrise artist Jieun June Kim, Justin Broadbent, Akin Ossington alum Kendra Yee, Kirsten McCrea, Luke Parnell, Happy Sleepy, Marijke Bouchier, Mariko Paterson, Mike Ellis, Orbital Arts, Rachel Joanis, Santiago Paredes, Trio Magnus

Fairland Funhouse Summer Job Opportunity →

Toronto’s most experiential art and music pop-up venue is coming to town this summer!

In partnership with Universal Music Canada, Toronto’s most talented Visual Artists & Designers will transform an abandoned grocery store into an immersive and interactive art-maze called Fairland Funhouse.

THE EXPERIENCE

This place is all about make-believe and art that you can be in. At Fairland Funhouse, the adventure begins by jumping through a large donut portal at an old school diner. You might also find yourself at an interdimensional hotel hidden beneath a magical underwater world.

Let’s just say this is not a traditional exhibition!

Expect to be transported into magical realms that meld art, music, and tech.

THE HISTORY

Located in the heart of Kensington Market in downtown Toronto, Fairland is an old grocery store that has existed in the market since the 1950s. This iconic location has a history of doing pop-ups and live rooftop shows during Pedestrian Sundays.

This summer, guests will be able to explore the art-filled funhouse, catch a secret rooftop concert, and attend the best parties of the summer.

WHY?

We’re a collective of designers, innovators, and creatives wanting to design experiential environments that inspire a sense of play and exploration, through multisensory storytelling and interactive art.

Today many value and crave creative expression and experience over possessions. Our mission is to push the boundaries of social environments, and create an experience that captivates and provokes imagination.

Storefront Gallery on the Danforth: Rebekah Andrade

Akin Dufferin member Rebekah Andrade has enough work to fill a small store. And so she has. Filling it with her paintings in a last-minute turn of events, she has transformed the empty storefront, formerly a shoestore at 348 Danforth Ave, into a small gallery full of bright beautiful art for the next ten days. 

The venue, owned by Thomas Walsh a local businessman, was only going to be empty for a short period but within a matter of days Rebekah had a working title (taken from a recent piece in the show) and complete collection ready. '' It was a challenge'', she says, ''but I'm so happy I did it!'' Rebekah says the titles of her paintings arise from a self-reflective and humorous take on life, with pieces like We Drank We Laughed and So Tender And Delicate. 

Coming from Northern BC, Rebekah Andrade finished her BA at Emily Carr in 2012 and has since exhibited across Canada and internationally. Her most recent formal exhibition, a group show, is still up at Sussex Contemporary in Ottawa. Check out her pop-up featuring IT WAS NEVER ABOUT YOU and chat with Rebekah until January 31, most days (except christmas) 11-7 pm at 348 Danforth Ave. 

Art Pop-Up: MAY 17, 2014: YEAR OF THE QUIET SUN