Dear Friend of TOAF,
Laura Wagner, Jenny Santos and Emily Au breathe life into clay in distinct and captivating ways, crafting expressive sculptures and objects.
Laura Wagner’s story of leaping into many firsts is one we cherish at TOAF. It is hard to believe Laura ventured into ceramics just two years ago. Her work displays remarkable depth, sophistication and maturity, earning her the Best of Ceramics Award — a cash and purchase prize totalling over $2,000. This award was presented by renowned collector and art lawyer Aaron Milrad, a devoted supporter of our artists for over forty years. We were thrilled to have him return to judge this award.
Jenny Santos’ evocative porcelain objects earned the Ceramics Excellence from Tucker’s Pottery Supplies.
Emily Au’s playful and unexpected meaty vessels were awarded the Ceramics Excellence from The Pottery Supply House.
We hope you enjoy learning more about these exceptional artists.
anahita & TOAF Team
P.S. Here’s a throwback to conversation and interview with Aaron Milrad — inspiring us with his passion for artists, collecting, and the ceramic medium.
Join us for the following:
- From Studio to Collections — How Artworks are Acquired – Wednesday, February 12, 2025
- Call for Artists FAQ Instagram Live – Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 12:00 PM EST
Laura Wagner
After working in Commercial Banking for many years, Laura Wagner began an exploration of Ceramics in January 2023. Needing more than one night a week to develop her ideas, she began a studio practice in September of 2023. Her current practice centres on finding her voice and using sculpture to explore shapes and movement. She takes a step back, allowing her subconscious, her hands, and the clay to have a conversation in the vacuum of the studio.

Hear from Judge
“In my view, ceramics extend into abstract original sculpture worthy of art museum exhibitions and even collections. With that in mind I have collected original contemporary ceramics along with paintings and sculptures, but ceramics are my first love, Many years ago I sponsored and continue to sponsor this award in the hope it will encourage more in the arts to take up this medium, The Artist Laura Wagner, shows originality in a clay medium which equals the best of recent abstract sculpture in her use of shape and colour. Her works are one of a kind, unique artworks and not created in editions. In speaking with Laura, she said the following: “”I took my first ceramics class in January 2023 and fell in love with playing with mud.”” I love the freedom I feel in the studio and have so much fun creating. I personally felt so strongly about these works by Laura that I bought one at full price, no senior’s discount.”
— Aaron Milrad, Art Collector & President of Surreal Holding Inc.

How was your first TOAF?
This was my first time sharing my art with people who aren’t friends and family and it was an invaluable experience. I made a lot of new connections with gallery owners, collectors, experienced artists who freely offered advice and wisdom, and finally other emerging artists sharing the same experience as me that weekend. The award was fantastic recognition and showed me that I was on the right track.

Emily Au
Emily Au is a Canadian emerging artist with a BFA and a Minor in Women and Gender Studies from Brock University. Recently, Au has linked clay with meat, creating sculptures that exist between life and death. Unlike real meat, ceramics do not decay, making her pieces imperishable and abject. By removing the rotting capacity of meat, her work defies death and asserts unnatural permanence.

Hear from Judge
“Emily Au’a work is whimsical, playful and cheeky, Au explores the discomfort and tension in being a vegetarian while exploring a fascination with meat as subject matter, Au plays with her theme sculpturally, design and texture to create a series of vessels that are surprising and delightful.”
— Liz Aston, Artist & Educator

What is your ultimate dream as an artist?
I envision a future where I am a full-time artist, with the opportunity to work in a dedicated, expansive studio space separate from my home, where I can focus on large-scale projects and continue to evolve both as an artist and as a professional. My goal is to continually push the boundaries of my creative practice, producing work that gains increasing international recognition.

Jenny Santos
Jenny is a second generation Filipino-Canadian artist from Windsor, Ontario. She completed her BFA (Drawing and Painting) at OCAD University in Toronto and her MFA (Fine Arts) at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Jenny’s ceramic-based practice navigates the intersection of functionality and the natural world. Drawing inspiration from organic growth processes, she intuitively shapes clay into forms with subtle curves and textures that echo the rhythms of nature. Her work bridges the outdoors and interior spaces, transforming everyday objects into reflections of the natural environment and inviting a tactile connection to the world around us.

Hear from Judge
“Jenny Santos was selected for a ceramics excellence award for her exciting range of work and experimentation from porcelain vessels to sculptural pieces, and prototypical installations. Santos’ way of thinking and making is generative, exploratory and full of potential.”
— Liz Aston, Artist & Educator

What have you been reading lately?
A dear friend gifted me with the book The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. It has been a great source of reflection and often motivates me to find my way to the studio.

Curated Collection
Textures of Time
Curated by Christine Kim


Call for Artists FAQ Instagram Live
February 5th at 12:00 PM EST
Thinking of applying to TOAF from anywhere in Canada or internationally? Have questions about the in-person Fair or the Exclusively Online Fair? Can’t attend our in-person application session? Join us for an Instagram Live Q&A with the TOAF team, where we’ll answer all your questions and guide you through the application process. Don’t miss out—tune in and get the info you need to apply!

February 12, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
In-person – Unit 262, 401 Richmond Street West
How does your art go from the studio to private, corporate and public collections? What do collectors look for, and how can you position your work to attract acquisitions? Art advisors and public art consultants often facilitate these opportunities, offering a deeper connection between the artist’s work and influential buyers. Join us for an engaging conversation with experienced collectors and advisors to gain insight on what to expect in the acquisition process, how to build relationships in the art world, and how to prepare when an opportunity knocks at the door.
In partnership with the Art Dealers Association of Canada.