Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition 2011

Every July over a weekend, thousands of people gather around Nathan Philips Square to check out some of Toronto's finest established and emerging artists showcasing their contemporary fine art and craft. Now in it's 50th year, the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition is Canada's largest juried outdoor art exhibit. The TOAE also awards memorable participants with cash prizes and or awards.

Hundreds of tents and booths were manned by artists displaying their hand crafted work. From paintings, sculptures, textiles to mixed media pieces, it was definately worth enduring the hot summer heat to peruse the al fresco exhibits. You just had to make sure you kept yourself hydrated! The ice cream trucks were only a few steps away for a tasty soft serve treat. What we like best about the TOAE concept is that the show plays host to hundreds of exhibitors who can display their work beyond standard gallery limitations.

What made me stop in my tracks was a unique sculpture created by Gregor Herman & Robert Emery of Crucible Studio. Titled Suggestion Box, the artists used a combination of glass and metal at an architectural scale, keeping in mind the effect the sunlight has on the sculpture. It really was a great piece to see up close and in person. For more information visit www.torontooutdoorart.org and www.cruciblestudio.ca~ Juleigh N