Art Talks & Tours
Our Art Talks & Tours provide a welcoming platform for thought-provoking conversations about current topics in contemporary art. These programs are led by seasoned industry professionals, leaders in the arts community, and TOAF62 artists, and are open for all art lovers to enjoy.
Art Talks – Participate in our enthusiastic open dialogues about contemporary art. We collaborate with programming partners to create dynamic art talks that offer insights into artists’ works, art collecting, and fresh contemporary art topics.
Art Tours – Join us on a free guided tour led by curators, critics, and art professionals. Tour leaders offer insight into diverse topics and artistic media while facilitating meaningful one-on-one interactions between visitors and artists.
Studio Tours – Get to know our participating artists by taking an exclusive look into their studios and workspaces. Learn about their practice and artistic process, and what inspires them to create.
2023
Art Tours
Dyana Ouvrard: Flânerie
In a world that moves too fast, slowing down and rediscovering a natural space and time with artists is the most natural of movements: putting one foot in front of the other. Dyana led a slow, light and deep walk for all those with an itch for exploration and discussion.
Danna Heitner: Emerging Artists to Watch
Every year, Toronto Outdoor Art Fair is a launching pad for numerous emerging artists. In 2023, there were over 100 emerging artists at the Fair. Danna Heitner, a Toronto-based art advisor with over 20 years of experience in the international art market, shared her ‘top picks’ of emerging artists at TOAF.
Anjli Patel: New Horizons
TOAF features more than 400 artists each year. How does one know where to start looking? Anjli Patel has been collecting art (collaboratively with her husband) for more than a decade. She led participants on an eye-opening tour featuring a broad range of artists working in diverse media and methods.
Lee Petrie: Top Award Recipients
This tour visited this year’s top award recipients to take a deep look into their artworks and the qualities that made their work stand out to judges.
Farnoosh Talaee: Breakout Artists
TOAF has included many nationally and internationally acclaimed Canadian artists during the early stage of their careers, including Barbara Astman, David Blackwood, Edward Burtynsky, Joanne Tod, and more. During this tour, gallerist and art collector Farnoosh Talee took you on a journey to meet an exciting bunch of rising stars.
StreetARToronto Walking Mural Tour
Join Chef Johl Whiteduck Ringuette, co-founder of Red Urban Nation (RUN) artists collective, in exploring a series of Indigenous murals that tell stories of ‘Plants as Medicine’.
Art Tips with Tiffany
Tiffany Pratt joined us on Instagram Live for an exclusive chat about all things art collecting to launch the 62nd Toronto Outdoor Art Fair! Watch the recording for Tiffany’s tips on building a beautiful art collection that speaks to you.
Art Talks
Collectors in Conversation: Geoff Plant-Richmond with Josh Heuman
Collecting art can begin with daunting decisions. We may ask ourselves: Where do I start? What should I buy? What can I afford? This conversation grappled with all the big questions as we tapped into the perspectives of collector Geoff Plant-Richmond, with valuable learnings to share from his 10+ years of consistent collecting of Canadian art. In conversation with fine art curator and consultant Josh Heuman, they focused on a few key artworks in Geoff’s collection to further explore his collecting direction.
Collectors in Conversation: Anjli Patel and Parambir Keila with Josh Heuman
Collecting art is a personal endeavour involving many personal preferences and decisions. What subjects, styles and media are appealing? How do I display the artwork? In this candid conversation, Heuman probes the minds of ‘collector couple’ Patel and Keila about what motivates them in pursuit of art for their home, learn about specific artworks, and asks about the growth and evolution of their collection.
Artist Chats
Exclusively Online artists took over our Instagram Live for casual 15-minute conversations. Discover the diverse stories to be told by each artist and gain insight on their artistic journeys.
Artist Chats with Martine Dupuis & Jérôme Guilleaume
Artist Chat with Marjan Kaviani-Arani & Raoul Olou
Artist Chat with Laura Kay Keeling & Carolyn Cheng
Studio Tours
Studio Tour with Jinsuk Paik
Studio Tour with Marilyn B. Armand
2022
Art Tours
Art Collectors in Conversation with Hirbod Human
Join Hirbod Human, experienced Art Dealer and Collector, on a tour of collectable artworks and gain access to insight about the world of art collecting.
Behind Art Nest with Asad Raza
Join Asad Raza on a tour of the sculptures and installations presented in the TOAF61 edition of Art Nest.
Emerging Artists to Watch at TOAF with Jacqueline Kok
Engage with the next generation of artists on a tour led by Jacqueline Kok. These artists demonstrate exceptional talent while pushing the boundaries of their mediums and forms, and we are watching their budding careers closely!
Fair Top Awards – with anahita azrahimi, Executive & Creative Director of TOAF
TOAF’s cherished Executive & Creative Director, anahita azrahimi, leads an intimate look at what makes this year’s TOAF award recipients exceptional. Listen in to hear more about the artists and the incredible art that they brought to the Fair.
Francophone Artists at TOAF with Dyana Ouvrard, Director of Le Labo, a French-language tour
Dyana Ouvrard, Director of Le Labo, takes us on our first french language tour of outstanding francophone artists at TOAF61.
‘I Covet This’ with Danielle Suppa
Join Danielle Suppa as they shine the spotlight on exceptional Craft & Design artists at TOAF61. Discover new artists and covet these works!
Peter Owusu-Ansah’s Tour, an American Sign Language Tour
Join award-winning artist Peter Owusu-Ansah on our first art tour in American Sign Language, as he shares his favourite artworks at TOAF61.
StreetARToronto Laneway Project Mural Walk with Sadie Marshall
Join Sadie Marshall, an artist with StreetARToronto, at the El Mocambo Laneway to explore a series of new murals and graffiti art that considers the theme of “grit.”
Story Walk with Que Rock
Follow along with the engaging storytelling of Que Rock, TOAF61 juror, on a tour of stand-out artists identified in the jury process.
Artist Chats
Artist Chats with Karim Machado-Aman & Esther Slevinsky
Artist Chat with Carolina Reis & Émilie Coquil
Artist Chats with Kat Hernden & Steph Cloutier
Artist Chat with Ren Lonechild & Yasaman Mehrsa
Artist Chats with Suzanne Aulds & Selina Yung
Artist Chat with Danielle Hyde & Lindsay Debassige
Artist Chats with Michael Parsons & Melika Saeeda
Studio Tours
Studio Tour with Melody Juthamongkol
Studio Tour with Jérôme Guilleaume
Studio Tour with Sarah Fuller
2021
Art Talks
Emerging Artists to Watch – Watch the Recording on Instagram
Get to know the next generation of TOAF artists who are demonstrating exceptional talent in pushing the boundaries of their art forms.
Meet the Artists: Caroline Bacher, Brandon Baghaee, Tanya Besedina, Christy Chor, Mesoma Onyeagba
Moderator: Glodeane Brown, Culture Fancier
Art Collectors in Conversation with Hirbod Human & Farnoosh Talaee – Watch the Recording on Youtube
Co-presented by The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
Collecting precious objects is a human urge dating back to the ancients in Babylonia, Egypt, China, India, Mesoamerica, Greece and Rome. But what compels people to collect art? How do they decide what to collect? And once they possess it, what do they do with it?
Speakers: Hirbod Human & Farnoosh Talaee
Moderator: Joshua Heuman, Curator of Education & Public Programs, The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
6Q’s with StART – Watch the Recording on Instagram
Co-presented by StARToronto (StART)
Join StreetARToronto Artists Jessey Pacho from Toronto’s East end, and Elicer Elliott from downtown, for a lively discussion on the evolution of graffiti, its role in movements for social justice. They’ll also discuss the art of the aerosol can and Toronto street art styles from East to West.
Meet the Artists: Jessey Pacho and Elicser Elliott
Art Collectors in Conversation with Aaron Milrad – Watch the Recording on Youtube
Co-presented by The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
Get to know Aaron Milrad, prolific art collector and philanthropist who has been supporting the arts and artists of Toronto Outdoor Art Fair for over forty years. Tune in to this illuminating conversation to learn more about how he fosters these connections and his passion for collecting ceramics.
Speakers: Aaron Milrad
Moderator: Joshua Heuman, Curator of Education & Public Programs, The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
Aaron M. Milrad is counsel to Dentons Canada LLP, a global law firm, headquartered in Toronto. At Dentons he provides specialized legal and business advice to clients nationally and internationally who are involved in the arts, media and copyright industries. Mr. Milrad has written and lectured widely on copyright law, art law, publishing and media law.
He was Chair of the Board of the Museum Trustee Association of North America until 2010, a continuing member of the Board of Trustees of The International Foundation for Art Research in New York, the International Board of the Tel Aviv Museum, a member of the Canadian Friends of the Israel Museum, former Chair and Vice Chair of the Board of The George R. Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art and its American Foundation and a founding director of the Tate Canadian Foundation, former trustee of the Art Gallery of Ontario, Chair of the Acquisition Committee and was a member of the Photography Committee of the Art Gallery of Ontario (“AGO”) former chair of the Koffler Centre for the Arts in Toronto, former VP of the Board of the McMurtry Gardens of Justice Inc. in Toronto and a board member of AXA Art Americas Insurance Corporation for the past many years.
Craft Talks: Meet the Makers – Watch the Recording on Instagram
Co-presented by Craft Ontario
Meet your local makers! Join us for a conversation with Craft Ontario members Thomas Aitken, Kate Hyde, Stephanie Singh and Yaw Tony. Find out more about their studio practices – don’t miss the chance to peek behind the scenes, and ask questions about your favourite work!
Meet the Artists: Thomas Aitken, Kate Hyde, Stephanie Singh, Yaw Tony
Glimpsing the Future, Vol. 3 – Watch the Recording on Youtube
Co-presented by The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
Going on its third year, this program will introduce you to some of Toronto’s diverse, innovative and emerging artists. This fast-paced format allows each artist only 14-18 images and 30 seconds per image to describe their studio practice, process, and artworks.
Meet the Artists: Mitchell F. Chan, Basil Alzeri, and Nico Taylor and Queen Kikoyi of Black Speculative Arts Movement (BSAM) Canada
Moderator: Joséphine Denis
Art Collectors in Conversation with Rudy Adler – Watch the Recording on Youtube
Co-presented by The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
Join Rudy Adler, top NFT collector, Co-founder of Wealthsimple, as he speaks with Joshua Heuman about his passion for supporting artists through various and cutting-edge ways of collecting.
Speaker: Rudy Adler, Co-founder of Wealthsimple
Moderator: Joshua Heuman, Curator of Education & Public Programs, The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
Artist Chats
Artist Chat with Sidia Atabales-Schnitzler & Kyungmin Kate Lee
Artist Chat with Shevon Lewis and Gizem Candan
Craft Talks – Meet the Makersm, co-presented by Craft Ontario, with Artists Thomas Aitken, Kate Hyde, Stephanie Singh, Yaw Tony
Artist Chat with StreetARToronto Artists Al “RUNT” Currie and Wenting Li
Artist Chat with StreetARToronto Artists Cedar Eve and Nishina Shapwaykeesic-Loft
Artist Chat with Deloris Chen & Jinming Li
Studio Tours
Studio Tour with Julia Agnes Barnett
Studio Tour with Stanley Wany
Studio Tour with Tracey Lee Green
2020
From live talks on Zoom with seasoned art experts to Instagram TV conversations and curated picks, to pre-recorded webinars with some of TOAF’s own artists, our first-ever online Fair had something for everyone to enjoy.
Art Talks
What is Toronto’s Year of Public Art, 2021? – Watch the Recording on Youtube
As announced by Toronto Mayor John Tory in November 2019, Toronto’s Year of Public Art 2021 will celebrate and encourage the exploration of art in public places throughout the year. Recognizing the work that culture plays in boosting the economy, this program demonstrates a continued commitment to public art and now is also playing an important role in the City’s COVID-19 recovery efforts. Launching the City’s new 10-year Public Art Strategy, the Year of Public Art will put this strategy into action with a dynamic program creating opportunities for artists, cultural institutions and private sector partners alike while reaching across the City’s diverse population and neighbourhoods. Members of the Mayor’s External Advisory Committee for the Year of Public Art 2021 will discuss their perspectives on this important City initiative and why they are lending their energy and individual expertise to ensure its success.
Panelists: Joe Sellors, Manager, Year of Public Art at City of Toronto; Corrie Jackson, Curator; Bonnie Devine, Artist, Curator and Associate Professor, OCAD; Michèle Pearson Clarke, Photographer, Lecturer at Ryerson University and Photo Laureate for City of Toronto; John Samuels, Co-owner, Blank Canvas Gallery
Moderator: Rui Pimenta, Artist, Co-founder, Art Spin
How Art Collecting Works – Watch the Recording on Youtube
Presented by The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, Supported by Designlines
Collecting precious objects is a human urge dating back to the ancients in Babylonia, Egypt, China, India, Mesoamerica, Greece and Rome. But what compels people to collect art? How do they decide what to collect, and once they have it, what do they do with it? Hear from two strong voices in the Canadian art world: one, a former gallerist with a significant personal collection; the other, a museum professional with responsibility for building and maintaining a public collection.
Panelists: Neil Brochu, Supervisor, Collections & Outreach for City of Toronto, Museums & Heritage Services, David Mirvish, Producer, Mirvish Productions
Moderator: Joshua Heuman, Curator of Education & Public Programs, The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
Emerging Artists to Watch by Tatum Dooley – Watch the Recording on Youtube
Get to know the next generation of TOAF artists who are demonstrating exceptional talent in pushing the boundaries of their art forms.
Meet the Artists: Christian Applegate, Raoul Olou, Stephanie Singh, Nami Ueno, and Isabella Varrasso
Moderator: Tatum Dooley, Curator, Canadian Art Forecast
From Concrete to Canvas, Making Art in the Public Realm – Watch the Recording on Youtube
Presented by StreetARToronto
Street, mural and graffiti artists discuss their trajectory from small-scale ‘canvasses’ like utility boxes, concrete barriers and gallery exhibits right up to small walls, 20 storey buildings and international street-art commissions. Join the panelists and learn what it takes to scale up your practice and make a living while making art in the public realm.
Artists: Leyland Adams, Alexander Bacon, Jeff Blackburn, Marg Cresswell, Jieun June Kim, Karen Roberts, Que Rock, and Melika Saeeda.
Glimpsing the Future Vol. 2 – Watch the Recording on Youtube
Presented by The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
Organized by The Power Plant for Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, this program will introduce you to some of Toronto’s diverse, innovative and emerging artists under age 35. After introductions, this fast-paced format allows each artist just 20 images and 20 seconds per image to describe their studio practice, process, and artworks. All artists will then be available for questions. Meet some of Toronto’s diverse, innovative and emerging artists under 35. A fast-paced, dynamic and fun presentation.
Panelists: Valentin Brown, Claire Browne, Bruce Horak, Karina Iskandarsjah, Alejandro Rizzo Nervo, Yaw Tony
Moderator: Laura Demers, TD Curator of Education & Public Programs, The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
Juror’s Picks 2020 – Watch the Recording on Youtube
Meet the Artists: Micah Adams, Keith Eager, Kal Mansur, Charlize Nhung Nguyen
Read more about the Jurors’ Picks on the TOAF Blog.
Moderator: Lee Petrie, 2020 TOAF Jurors & Exhibitions Director, The Gladstone Hotel
2019
Art Talks
I LOVE ART with Tiffany Pratt, TOAF ArtLove Envoy
Visitors were swept away by Tiffany Pratt’s contagious energy and her passion for art. Her warmth and sparkle convinced listeners of the power of art to re-imagine everyday life.
Home Birth – Artist Talk with Chason Yeboah
Chason spoke passionately of how she used crochet art in her installation Home Birth and welcomed us to engage in challenging conversations about body positivity, acceptance and social awareness around gender norms.
Glimpsing the Future: Focus on Emerging Artists
Toronto’s diverse emerging artists under 35 presented a fast-paced, dynamic and fun PechaKucha style talk, moderated by Joshua Heuman, Curator of Education & Public Programs, The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery.
Wag the Doug: Doug Ford vs The Arts
A TOAF first! TOAF hosted a live podcast taping of Wag the Doug, presented by Canadaland. A discussion on the impact of Doug Ford’s policies on the arts and culture in Ontario had an outstanding turnout (the most well-attended Art Talk yet), despite the downpour of rain.
Art: Unwalled
Robin Mckenna, Director and Producer of The Gift, David Ward, artist and founder of the New Regionalism Project, Adrian Hayles, muralist and co-director of Hashtag Gallery. How art can act as a mouthpiece, peace-maker, and social change in a world spiked with barriers. This panel was moderated by Jenn Goodwin, dance artist and producer at Nuit Blanche.
‘I Want It!’ – Art Talk for Kids with Taiga Lipson
An exclusive chat for kids 14 and under! Taiga shares secrets from the memories of her art-filled early years. Let’s talk about how it feels to look at art. It can be as exciting as seeing a toy you really want for your birthday or making a new friend. Art can make you excited, or sad, curious, or confused, and how important all of those feelings are to think about every day.
Art Tours
Who, What, Wear-able Art – with Robert Mitchell, OCAD U Assistant Professor of Material Art & Design
Emerging Artists to Watch at TOAF – with Flavio Belli, Curator and Art Consultant
Juror’s Picks – Robyn Wilcox, Head of Programming, DesignTO
Fair Top Awards – with anahita azrahimi, Executive & Creative Director of TOAF
2018
Art Talks
Building the Creative City
With anahita azrahimi, Executive & Creative Director of TOAF, Tammy Yiu of Partial Gallery, and Artist Lauren Pirie
Art Before Dishes
With her trademark style and energetic presence, Tiffany Pratt has been invigorating dull spaces all across North America. The interior designer, maker, and author talks about her journey from opening an art studio in 2008 to becoming one of Toronto’s most recognizable design figures.
Warp, Weft and Resin
With Robert Mitchell, OCAD U Assistant Professor of Material Art & Design.
In this conversation, visitors had the chance to explore a deeper understanding of the world of material art through the lens of the artist. How does their chosen medium connect with their work, and what is the significance of their medium in their message? You’ll be in expert hands as we chat with TOAF artists and gain insights on the craft behind textile art and sculpture.
The Collector’s Panel
With Artist Alex McLeod, Artist Justin Broadbent, Regina Sheung, Labour of Love. Moderated by Tammy Yiu of Partial Gallery.
Buying art can be exciting, liberating, and satisfying – but it can also be a bit intimidating. We’ve gathered a panel of notable Toronto creatives from a range of backgrounds who break the traditional mould of what it means to be an art collector. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or already an avid collector, this conversation shined a light on when they started investing in art, how they chose some of their favourite pieces, how to cultivate your own personal curatorial style, and why collecting is just plain fun.
Art Tours
Fair Top Awards with Art Consultant Marci Kroft
Emerging Artists to Watch at TOAF with Taiga Lipson of Olga Korper Gallery
Juror’s Picks Tour with Artist Gary Taxali
2017
Art Talks
Social Commentary Through Art
Join the artists and world travellers of Eyes of Society for a talk about how art in the postmodern era speaks to the public. This talk begins overlooking the square, and then ventures through the Exhibition as you discuss the importance of art as a tool of social commentary and which of today’s artists are addressing social awareness in their works.
Beyond Gallery Walls: From Beer Bottles to Tech Startups
With Tammy Yiu of Partial Gallery and special guests Steve Himel, General Manager, Henderson Brewing and Russna Kaur, Artist.
Art is flourishing in new and unexpected spaces around us. Creative thinkers are finding meaningful ways to share art: both online and in our communities. With our gaze shifting to screens, a tech startup is looking to disrupt the art world by making art accessible with rental models. And through collaboration, a local craft brewery has woven art into its mission by bringing art on to its own bottles. How has this made fine art more accessible for all? Join us over a pint as we explore art’s modern-day Renaissance!
Art Tours
Fair Top Awards with Art Consultant Marci Kroft
Juror’s Picks with Taiga Lipson of Olga Korper Gallery
Emerging Artists to watch with Genevieve Wallen of Xspace
2016
Art Talks
Not a Millionaire, Not a Problem: A Frugal Guide to Buying Art
With William Huffman, Marketing Manager at Dorset Fine Arts
Art for Interiors: The Practical Guide to Living Artfully
With Sara Levine Petroff, Director of Petroff Design & Kelly Dickinson, Events Manager
