Our Biggest
Awards Year Yet
Thanks to You

Dear Friend of TOAF,

We set an ambitious goal for our Awards Program: $65,000 for 65 years. We were blown away by how all our supporters stepped up— no hesitation, because our donors know it all goes straight to artists.

This milestone year has been contagious in the best way. It’s also inspired new supporters to step forward with brand-new awards: the Best of Textiles Award from renowned artists and makers Chung-Im Kim and Steven Heinemann, the Akin Space Award, the Akrylic Award for Narrative Imagination, and even an Award for Distinguished Achievement in the Advancement of Joy & Whimsy by Gallery 1065. How amazing is that?

One new award, though, carries something extra. In 1961, at our very first Fair, a 21-year-old painter named Ken Danby won Best of Exhibition — $1,000 then, about $10,000 now. That prize helped launch one of Canada’s finest realist painters.

Sixty-five years later, the story comes full circle. Thanks to Flavio Belli, Danby’s longtime friend, and Chris Bratty and The Rudolph P. Bratty Family Foundation — avid collectors of Danby’s work — we’re celebrating the Ken Danby Award for Excellence in Realism, $6,500 honouring the tradition Danby mastered. Watch our interview between Chris Bratty and Noah Danby — it’s a special one.

On Saturday, July 11 at 11:00 am, we’ll award $68,700 in cash and in-kind prizes at the 65th Toronto Outdoor Art Fair. The ceremony will be hosted by Jayme Poisson, host of CBC’s daily news podcast, Front Burner.

We are simply grateful.

anahita & TOAF Team

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Chris Bratty and Noah Danby on a special Ken Danby Award

Thanks to the Lindy Green Family Foundation for their support of this video series.

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