Some words from Joanne Tod, Edward Burtynsky, and recent award winner Cheryl Rock

In the spirit of celebrating our artists past, present, and future, here are stories and testimonials about what Toronto Outdoor Art Fair has meant to them.

We love being a part of the legacy of Toronto Outdoor Art Fair. We have hosted many incredible Canadian art stars under our beautiful white tents; artists like Alex McLeod, Ken Danby, Harlan House, Jennifer Stead and Joanne Tod have all claimed their place on Nathan Phillips Square at one point in their art careers.

Today, we are honoured to share the stories from three noteworthy Canadian artists, Joanne Tod, Edward Burtynsky, and recent award winner Cheryl Rock.

In the words of the artists

Joanne Tod, renowned Canadian painter

Joanne Tod, Catherine Bratty Award for Best of Fair winner Noelle Hamlyn, and TOAF's anahita azrahimi (2019)

“I exhibited my work at the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair in 1974, just after graduating from Ontario College of Art… There were no booths; we artists simply mounted our work on easels and plinths and hoped the weather would cooperate! I continued to visit regularly. It has been very gratifying to see its evolution to the important Toronto exhibition event that it’s become.”

Joanne Tod is one of Canada’s most important contemporary painters. She has exhibited her work nationally and internationally for the past thirty-five years. Her work is held in many collections including the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa; the Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto; the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Musée d’art contemporain, Montréal.
– from Nicholas Metivier Gallery

Ed Burtynsky, renowned Canadian 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 is regarded as one of the world's most accomplished contemporary photographers. His remarkable photographic depictions of global industrial landscapes are included in the collections of over sixty major museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim Museum in New York, the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid, and the Tate Modern in London. His most recent exhibition was Anthropocene at the Art Gallery of Ontario and the National Gallery of Canada.
– from edwardburtynsky.com

Cheryl Rock, 2019 award winner

Cheryl Rock and award judge Sarah Massie of Nicholas Metivier Gallery (2019)

“I have always wanted to participate in the prestigious Toronto Outdoor Art Fair. TOAF 2019 was my first juried experience of this kind! Three impactful days continue to be an amazing way to expand my network, skill set and build my brand. I have deep gratitude for the TOAF team, who annually provide this opportunity for artists and art lovers alike."

Cheryl Rock completed her BFA at University of Windsor in 1999. Passionate about the power of diverse stories, she has a focus on reconnecting to oral tradition through her imagery. Her current work is with hand-cut, archival paper and mixed media. Central to her artistic practice, Cheryl is inspired by the desire to create dialogue with a diverse audience through commonalities in human experiences. She won the Best of 2D Works award at Toronto Outdoor Art Fair 2019. Stay tuned for our upcoming newsletter feature on the Best of 2D Works award.

In the words of the artists

Joanne Tod, renowned Canadian painter

Ed Burtynsky, renowned Canadian photographer

Cheryl Rock, 2019 award winner

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