TOAF’s Student Zone has its own legacy—packed with hidden gems and cherished by many. This year, three student artists were celebrated for their unique ways of translating everyday moments, urban life, and human nature into captivating paintings and illustrations.
Best of Student Award recipient Mark Krzepis combines mediums and styles with a steady hand, creating dynamic narratives that express his fascination with the absurd.
Aimee Ruoff, recipient of the Student Purchase Award, captures fleeting beauty with delicate, quick brushstrokes that turn everyday scenes into precious, intimate mementos.
And then we have the exuberant Nile Ibrahim, who has been at it since the age of 12, capturing the cityscape and bustling city life in paintings that pulse with passion and energy. Nile is the deserving recipient of the surprise Charles Pachter Entrepreneurship Award—we hope you remember his story and Charles’s involvement at the Fair this summer.
Enjoy,
anahita and TOAF Team
P.S. lots of exciting things happening this fall at TOAF:
- Don’t miss next week’s rare conversation with DM Public: From Studio to Headlines: How Artists Can Leverage PR.
- TOAF artists at the 401 Richmond Holiday Open House — November 28th!
- 2025 Call for Artists opens December 1st!
Best of Students Award
Mark Krzepis
Mark Krzepis is a Toronto illustrator whose work impairs the distinction between high and low subject matter. Inspired by literature, music, art history, and the absurd, he draws upon themes of human nature relevant in both fine art and lowbrow illustration. He has illustrated cover art for Toronto artists such as BADBADNOTGOOD and Charlotte Day Wilson and exhibited in art galleries in both Canada and the United States. Mark recently earned his Bachelor of Design from OCAD University.
Hear from the Judge
“Mark Krzepis’ artwork demonstrates strong design and resolution of imagery that cover a range of artistic output—from paintings, drawings and printmaking. His paintings incorporate elements of collage, cubism, and abstraction. Krzepis’ works speak with a singular voice of artistic expression, built on strong technicality, originality, and innovation.”
— Marc Colangelo, Professor/Program Coordinator, Humber College, Art Foundation & Visual and Digital Arts
Share some behind-the-scenes notes about your process.
- I let my brushes fray in weeks-old paint water.
- My paintings collect scratches when they bang together in IKEA bags from show to show.
- I never buy any colours other than lemon yellow, violet, ultramarine, cadmium orange, and scarlet red because I am colourblind and don’t know how to mix anything else.
The Best of Student Award consists of a cash prize of $1000 supported by the Marie Collins Memorial Award & ArtHubs Toronto Inc. opportunity award that includes a residency at Gibraltar Point Center for the Arts and a solo exhibition at Youngplace with a of Value $2,500.
Entrepreneurship Award
Nile Ibrahim
Nile Ibrahim is a multidisciplinary artist who has been painting since 2018. Nile began his artistic career at the age of twelve by selling his work on the streets of Toronto, beginning with acrylic painting and on to oil painting. Nile’s art explores the human experience of living in metropolitan environments. Nile’s work is inspired by artists active between the 1860s and the 1930s. His art is created with broad brushstrokes and intentional colors. Nile is currently pursuing material art and design studies at OCAD University. Nile has an upcoming group exhibition at Artscape and is currently beginning work on a collection of works depicting life at Berczy Park.
What are you dreaming of now?
Some of my recent career aspirations are to get into a couple of exhibitions as well as being able to dive more deeply into working with ceramics and textiles. I also intend to save and purchase a minibus and convert it into a moving artist’s studio where I’ll be able to capture and paint my experiences throughout the journey.
Student Purchase Award
Aimee Ruoff
Aimee Ruoff (b. 1997) is a Canadian artist who makes paintings, drawings, and hand-painted animations from her home studio in Vancouver, BC. She recently completed her Masters in Art Therapy at Adler University and works as an art therapist with folks in recovery from addictions.
Aimee makes art from life, continually seeking the painting every day. Working in oil on panels or pastels on paper, Aimee uses quick, fluid marks to capture sunlight and shadow. As she considers the passage of time through painting, images of the mundane transform into memento mori—reminders of the temporality of life and her small place within eternity.
What type of work do you collect?
I have a growing collection, much of which has come from artist friends! I am drawn to pieces that have a sense of narrative in them, especially those that look to me like a dream. I also love when I can see an artist’s sense of humour in their work.
Curated Collection
Falling Into the Mood
Demystifying the Art World Series
From Studio to Headlines: How Artists Can Leverage PR
In-person – Unit 262, 401 Richmond Street West
Discover how PR can elevate your artistic career with insights from DMPUBLIC, Canada’s leading arts and culture PR firm. This talk gives you a rare chance to learn firsthand how to craft compelling stories that captivate media attention, build a strong PR strategy, and understand the dos and don’ts of working with the press. Don’t miss this dynamic session—you’ll be equipped with new tools to share your art with the world!
More sessions to come. Stay tuned.
Save the date! The Call for Artists opens on December 1st, 2024.
Artists can choose to participate:
- 3 Days at Nathan Phillips Square & the Online Fair, or
- Toronto Online Art Fair
Early Bird Deadline: February 28, 2025 (11:59 PM)
Final Deadline: March 7, 2025 (11:59 PM)
In-Person Call for Artists Application Information Session
January 14th, 2025, 7PM
Learn how to prepare a winning application, from great photos, booth/installation image, to curating your portfolio for success. Submit a draft of your application for the chance to get feedback from our mock jury and get a first-hand peek at what our jurors are looking for.
