Artist Testimonials
TOAF is proud to have launched the careers of thousands of artists since 1961. Read more about their experiences and how they have found TOAF to be a successful, professional, well-organized, engaged, and impressively well-attended event.
“The Toronto Outdoor Art fair combines all the acessability of a free outdoor fair with the intention and curation of a gallery experience. Well worth it for artists, visitors, and collectors alike.”
Eli Moser, Artist
“Participating in the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair gave me an invaluable opportunity to share my work with a broad and engaged audience, connect with fellow artists, and build meaningful relationships with collectors. The encouragement and support I received, including from those who purchased my work, strengthened my confidence as an emerging artist and motivated me to continue developing my practice.”
MinSeo W, Artist
“It was my first time having a booth at a fine arts fair and I was delighted at the experience to be a part of the Art Encounters program so I could attend without worries, financially and also support wise! This experience was very kind hearted to me. It gave me valuable insights into how others not only react to my work in a fine arts space, but has given me the confidence to do it again, and take my first step into such a world! I’m very grateful!”
Vincy Lim, Artist
“TOAF was a beautiful experience that led me to making multiple connections with both collectors and curators that will vastly improve my career. The programming is so community and artist forward and I left the fair feeling very full spiritually and creatively.”
Shannon Sandwell, Artist and Recipient of Best of Painting Award
“I did the TOAF directly upon graduating from OCA (now called OCAD University). There was a small group of us from the art college that all decided to do this together for moral support… I did sell a few pieces at the show and occasionally have run into people all these years later who remind me that they bought a piece there for a very reasonable price and how happy the work has made them over the years. I was happy that they took a chance on me, a young unknown artist… I think all young artists should do this show and learn what there is to be learned from the whole experience!”
Barbara Astman, Photographer
“I spent a few summers in the early 80’s at the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair with my work. It was a great experience meeting fellow Torontonians and tourists and having a chance to tell my story. I even sold a few prints which made the experience that much better!”
Edward Burtynsky, Canadian photographer and artist
“I really loved being included in one of the art talk tours and being able to answer questions and discuss my process with a group of interested art lovers. I had many photographers come to my booth over the course of the weekend just to see my work because I was an award winner! It felt great to connect with my community that way… Thank you again for the experience! It was a memorable and very worthwhile weekend.”
Amanda Arcuri, Fine Art Photographer
“Art Nest helped me grow as an artist in a professional and public setting. I was able to take risks, play, experiment with techniques in order to realize my project and provided the space to show it in a new exciting context. had such a wonderful time creating this site specific work and being able to connect with so many people and artists about it.”
– Jes Young, Art Nest Artist
“I have been displaying at TOAF for almost 10 years now, and it is one of the highlights of my year. It pushes me to produce work that is honest, cohesive, and helps me engage with the public in a unique setting. The organizers are topnotch professionals who make the show worthwhile and pleasant. Not to mention the amount of people that experience your work is unprecedented and incomparable to a gallery setting. It truly is a must-do show for any emerging or professional artist.”
Daniel St-Amant, Artist
“TOAF was a great opportunity to showcase my work for the first time. I was lucky enough to have been accepted a few years in a row. The experience was incredible and it was nice to connect with other creatives in the city. This is a great fair to get exposure.”
Kathryn Macnaughton, Artist (Bau-Xi Gallery)
“You must apply, especially young artists, recent gradates and students! TOAF is an excellent platform to garner critique from total strangers. Don’t be disheartened if your sales targets are not met. That’s how you grow as an artist. Encourage people to critique your work. The act of creating is a means of defining who you are. We are all in the act of searching.”
Jogi Makhani, Artist
