MOSTLY PORTRAITS

Did you know Canada.. Painter, printmaker, aphorist, journalist - Wilek Markiewicz is running an Art Exhibit at Laurier Gallery in Liberty Village, Toronto.

Wilek exhibits regularly in Toronto and in national and international juried shows. Painting, Oil Pastel and woodcut are his media. In 1972 Wilek founded The Polish Canadian Courier, the first Polish independent paper in North America and published and edited it until 1986. The paper continues its existence under changed name and ownership. He illustrated his book of original aphorisms, “Extracts of Existence”, with 43 woodcuts. Silcan House published “Okruchy Bytu” in 2004. His articles, stories and illustrations have appeared in journals and newspapers in Canada, Switzerland, Poland, Spain. His “Ethnic Press” column ran 13 years in the Toronto Sun.

His Show - MOSTLY PORTRAITS - Oil portraits on Arches paper -- and related works is at the Laurier Gallery in Liberty Village.

OPENING RECEPTION
Saturday, April 21, 2012
6-9 pm
Show continues to Monday, April 30, 2012

Hours Mon. – Fri. 11 – 5pm, Sat. 2-5pm

Laurier Gallery 113 Jefferson Ave.
Toronto M6K 3E4 (S. of King, E. of Dufferin)
416 232 0217

Twelve portraits done from life over a period of several months. Friends and acquaintances were willing to return to the artist’s studio again and again to sit in the model’s chair. The relationship between artist and model that developed as they sat facing each other emerges in these portraits.

Sometimes the sessions were quiet as the artist painted and the model sat lost in his or her own thoughts. Sometimes there was laughter and storytelling interrupted by a sudden instruction, “Now don’t move for a moment” and it was quiet again. It was amusing to see a portrait change from session to session. Was there a change in the artist or in the model that turned a gentle look in the painted eyes into a sharp intense look?

A snapshot shows one split second in the life of the subject. Each one of these portraits embodies hours in the artist/subject relationship. Now, with brushes, paints and palette back on the shelf, Wilek himself looks forward to seeing all his portraits hanging side by side, joining the rest of us who contemplate the personalities captured in these twelve portraits.

Group Of Five, Four Alive art exhibition

Did you know Canada.. Toronto Representative Faniya went to the Group Of Five, Four Alive art exhibition, see how it went..

Last week I had an opportunity to view the art works of Group Of Five, Four Alive, the Group of five unique and talented artists who presented their first ever group art exhibition at the ARTA Gallery in Toronto’s Distillery District.

The exhibition featured works of four contemporary Toronto artists Paul Garbett, Richard Brightling, George Argyropoulos, Elizabeth Hardinge and deceased artist Vince De Vita.

Paul Garbett’s artworks are inspired by nature and human nature, calling attention to the things what we usually do not see or do not want to see because we take them for granted and easily leave behind. Beautiful landscapes, forests, animals, people – beauty of everyday life.

Absolutely amazing industrial style of Richard Brightling who utilizes discarded wood and transforms it into beautiful works of art. From one side I found his works practical, down to earth creative pieces but from other side I feel like trees are talking to viewers about their life, where they came from, forests and wild life they left, people they saw and hands that touched them.

If you look at the George Argyropoulos paintings you can feel a movement in every work, there is no way to stop, people on the pictures are looking at you and they are ready to communicate. Bright colors give you resources to act.

Elizabeth Hardinge creates colourful and full of energy artworks, that take you on a journey to abstracts, real markets or just simple moments . The paintings are asking viewers to pause for a moment, enjoy it and take that feeling with you. I realized that I almost forgot the meanings of dull, unhappy and boring, everything turned to shiny, cheerful and happy.

Another talented artist Vince De Vita was an American who spent most of his creative life in Canada. He worked during the 1930’s and painted a number of works for the Canadian Government to promote the attractions of Canada. He also commissioned some members of The Group of Seven and many other local artists. His works filled with colors, life and energy.

Incredible story of De Vita’s paintings which were discovered in the attic of a Rosedale residence in the 90’s and then restored by Richard Brightling. To see them on display after 70 years with other passionate artworks was an unforgettable experience, this unique collaboration of past and present.

The exhibition will continue at the ARTA Gallery till April 17, 2012, for more information please visit http://www.artagallery.ca/exhibition/

Faniya
Teddy Out-Ready

NOVICA

Did you know Canada.. NOVICA has given artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity. I love that NOVICA does not charge artists any fees for listing their items on the website. Artists remain fully independent; they are free to raise their prices, lower their prices, or remove their items from our website, etc..

You will find a huge range of beautiful products from Wool scarves to Wrap Bracelets , Patterned Scarves , their Unique gift section and more, the options are endless and all of them nothing you've ever seen before.

I recently purchased this gorgeous Cotton sling bag, 'Ruby Assam'. Created by Manjuri Hazarika I love how modern this bag is with a cell phone enclosure and so different and unique that there will be no chance anyone else will have one. I think this will be the perfect spring/summer bag, I can't wait to use it!

I was SO impressed with the delivery, it was wrapped beautifully, which I think speaks volumes for the company, I love it when care is taken for shipping. I also received this hand written note, how awesome is that!

NOVICA also has a new service, NOVICA Live - a new gifts and jewelry home party division. Now you can see the products in person, get a feel for the quality and understand the detail involved in each piece. Home parties are such a rage right now, I've host one and been to two in the last 3 months alone! I absolutely would love to attend a NOVICA party, the range of products is just outstanding and there is something for everyone. I'm so impressed with the start costs as well, for only $199, the NOVICA Live start-up kit makes for a smart investment in your new business. The kit includes:

* $400 retail value of sample products
* Over $150 of business and presentation materials
* Your personalized e-commerce website

Great value and would be so unique to your area!

We are so excited to share with our readers a chance to win a $40 Gift Certificate for purchase on NOVICA.com!! Enter below for your chance to win!

Giveaway

Buying Handmade #madebyhandshow

Did you know Canada.. we think buying handmade is awesome! You not only know exactly what's in the product but you also know the hands that made it and I think that is something to cherish and be proud of.

At the Made By Hand Show coming up in April at the International Centre in Mississauga you will be introduced to Art vendors, Candle vendors, Fabric vendors, Jewellery vendors, Food vendors - you name, the Made By Hand Show has it!

Athena's Diaper Cakes

Why shop handmade? As I mentioned not only do you know exactly what you're getting but you are supporting local Canadians who work hard at their crafts. The baby blanket, soap, purse, doll and more will not have been made by a machine, it will have been made at home, by someone who is proud of their work and getting you the best quality item.

Details By Donna

I was reading an article by show manager Jacqueline Hunter who mentioned how many compliments she received on a handmade necklace she has. The unique one-of-a-kind gifts you can pick up from local vendors are beautiful and truly unique which is really cool.

LaLa Soap

Some of last year vendors include businesses that we've discussed on Did you know Canada before - like LaLa Soap - creator of beautiful soap, that smell amazing and made with natural ingredients.

We can't wait to hear about this years vendors!

Caramel Expressions

Did you know Canada.. we got the sweetest picture for my boys room, it's this train:

This was sent to us from Caramel Expressions - Caramel Expressions is a Canadian company offering adorable wall art to decorate and brighten up your little one's room. My boys are over the moon for this train, we are train addicts here.

I love that it's not soooo kiddish, not related to a TV character, it's just a sweet, special picture that I know we will be loving for a long time.

We love their entire Classic section - from the bus to the train to the fire truck and more, we'd love to have them all!!

It's such a sweet story that Caramel Expressions was born when a mom and dad "to be" were looking for some artwork to decorate their new baby's room and instead decided to design special pieces out of love. This is awesome :-)

To check out more of Caramel Expressions pieces be sure to check on their website and Like them on Facebook!!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Giveaway! McSweeney Photography

Winner: Congratulations to our winner: Rebecca! Can't wait to hear what photo you select!

Update: Thank you so much for commenting everyone, the giveaway is now closed and the winner is being contacted.

Did you know Canada.. I got two of the most beautiful photos of Algonquin Park from Canadian company McSweeney Photography.

Josh McSweeney delivers gorgeous fine art photos of parks, rural scenes, interiors and close ups. He also has stunning photos from his travels all over the world. After receiving my 2 photos I've already been back to shop for more. Just placing an order for this photo today!  I can't even tell you how excited I am about these beautiful photos, Algonquin Park and the Muskoka area is such a special place to my family and to be able to display such beautiful photographs will be a great talking piece in our home.  Something to look at and remember really great family times in the past and think about more to come.

With such a large range of sizes and finishes it's easy to get the perfect photo in the perfect style for your home. These would also make beautiful gifts (I know some folks have already started Christmas shopping!).

We are very excited to let you know one reader will win a 13 x 19 photo on a 16 x 20 matte!! This would be a beautiful addition to your home or a fantastic gift to a love one.

Giveaway

As we mentioned we are very excited to not only share McSweeney Photography with our readers but also host a giveaway where one of you will win a 13 x 19 photo on a 16 x 20 matte - this is just awesome, I'm so excited, this is truly something I'd like to win myself! :-)

Mandatory Entry - one mandatory entry per person
Visit McSweeney Photography's website, comment on a photo you love and then let us know about it in the comment section here. You can comment on as many photos as you like on McSweeney Photography but please only add one mandatory entry comment here.

Optional Entries - 1 comment per each optional entry
- Like McSweeney Photography on Facebook
- Follow Did you know Canada on GFC
- Follow @diduknowcanada on Twitter
- Like Did you know Canada on Facebook
- Tweet this giveaway (link to your tweet in comment, can be done 2x a day during giveaway)
Example Tweet..

#Canada enter to win a 13x19 photo from McSweeneyPhotography-beautiful piece for home or gift!Ends09/22 @diduknowcanada http://bit.ly/nFNAHB

Giveaway open to our Canadian readers, closing September 22th at 9:00pm EST. You must leave an email address so I have a way to contact you in the event that you win. Winners must respond within 72 hours or another winner will be chosen in their place.

Disclosure: We were sent 2 photos, already purchasing another photo on my own today - my opinions are my own.

Giveaway! Burnish & Brush Art Studio

Winner:  Congratulations to our winner - Jennifer!  Can't wait to see the finished product :-)


Update: The giveaway is now closed, that you for commenting! The winner is being contacted now.

Did you know Canada.. I've been very lucky to meet a fantastic Canadian - Alison, the woman behind Burnish & Brush Art Studio. Burnish & Brush designs original art and decor to add a bold and whimsical focal point to your little ones nursery, or an older child’s room.

We were lucky enough to receive 2 pieces of art from Alison for my boys room. Before even opening the package I was SO impressed with the beautiful wrappings the art was sent in and the obvious care it was sent with. THIS is exactly why I appreciate small Canadian businesses so much, they put love and care into everything they do.

Then the art, oh my gosh, my boys are just over the moon! We are starting hockey this October, which my boys are so excited for and these pieces are just perfect. So sorry my picture doesn't do them justice.

Burnish & Brush has a fantastic selection of art to choose from, including a new personalized section like this beautiful work in progress piece for a Jessica. This 6x6 on wood piece is collaged in Pinks and Purples (her favourites), and contains her date of birth, favourite things...playing, chocolate and some British Icons. I just love it!!

I think it's fantastic that each collage is handmade, so there might be a small difference between each piece. The paper patterns may be slightly different, but the color scheme for each collection remain the same. Making every piece unique and special for your child. These would make great gifts, ones that can be kept and cherished for a long time.

Giveaway

One lucky reader will win a 6x6 collage on wood, personalised with their child's name.

Mandatory Entry - one mandatory entry per person
Visit Burnish & Brush Art Studio's product page and let us know your favourite piece!

Optional Entries - 1 comment per each optional entry
- Follow Did you know Canada on GFC
- Follow @diduknowcanada on Twitter
- Like Did you know Canada on Facebook
- Tweet this giveaway (link to your tweet in comment, can be done 2x a day during giveaway)
Example Tweet..

#Canada - enter to win a personalized piece of art for your child from Burnish & Brush Art Studio! Ends 09/05 http://bit.ly/qWQVRP #CanWin

Giveaway open to our Canadian readers, closing September 5th at 9:00pm EST. You must leave an email address so I have a way to contact you in the event that you win. Winners must respond within 72 hours or another winner will be chosen in their place.

Disclosure: We were given art pieces to review and enjoy, I'm sure we will be ordering more for gifts soon - my opinions are my own.

Luminato

Did you know Canada.. coming in June is Luminato - Toronto Festival of Arts and Creativity.

A 10 day event that occurs every June since it's launch in 2007. It features local, national, and international artists from a variety of genres. Some past performers and presenters include: author Neil Gaiman, R & B singer/songwriter Jully Black, rock singer Sass Jordan, founding member of Guess Who Randy Bachman and more.

Luminato embraces three key programming principles: collaboration, accessibility, and diversity.

Some performances to look forward to this year include k.d. lang, They Might Be Giants Family, the Kronos Quartet, The Joel Plaskett Emergency and more. These are FREE concerts in Metro Square during Luminato.

Let us know if you plan to go!

Source: Luminato.com, jam.canoe.ca