ICONIC CANADIAN ARTIST, CHARLES PACHTER, SOLD ORIGINAL WORK ANONYMOUSLY AT TORONTO OUTDOOR ART FAIR
The work of iconic Canadian artist Charles Pachter is a hot commodity, but he forwent his typical six-figure prices to sell his art at the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair this Friday—all anonymously— to raise awareness for emerging artists. Pachter’s historic works were displayed in an anonymous booth with a volunteer sales team so that unsuspecting art lovers could have the chance to purchase one of his signature artworks for a fraction of its current value.
Pachter is an Officer of the Order of Canada, and a recipient of the Order of Ontario for his artistic contributions which include solo exhibitions in China, England, France, Germany, Japan, and India. Notably, Pachter’s famous mural in Toronto’s College Street subway station celebrates Hockey Knights in Canada and his paintings of Canadian flags hang in the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa. He is renowned for his familiar images of the Queen riding a Moose and the maple leaf flag rippling in the wind that conveys an elegant image of Canada to Canadians and to the world. All of this taken into consideration, it makes sense that his work fetches six-figure amounts.
Visitors to TOAF63 on Friday were unaware that Pachter’s artwork was available for purchase. Eleven lucky buyers were able to get their hands on some of his most famous works including ‘Side by Side”, a bold print of the Canadian and American flags dancing from the same pole on a sky blue ground. This political work speaks to continued friendly relations between neighbouring countries. Similar works hang in the Canadian Embassy in Washington, as well as in Canada House in London.
On Friday, the TOAF team set up a white tent at the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, where 11 original artworks were priced from $50-$250, a fraction of their current value, with proceeds going to a new emerging artist award. The Charles Pachter Entrepreneurship Award will be given today at 11:00 AM to an artist who exemplifies entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen in pursuit of their artistic vision. Pachter believes that an entrepreneurial spirit is essential for artists to succeed. He also hopes to raise awareness for the quality of art that is presented at this fair. After all, many nationally and internationally acclaimed Canadian artists such as Barbara Astman, David Blackwood, Edward Burtynsky, Ken Danby, Rob Gonsalves, Joanne Tod and many others have shown at TOAF during the early years of their careers.
Pachter is no stranger to the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair. He was on the Board of Directors in its early years and has been a strong supporter of emerging artists throughout his career.
TOAF press images of the Charles Pachter anonymous booth can be found here.
The 63rd edition of the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair runs until Sunday, July 14 at 5:00pm. More information can be found at www.TOAF.ca.
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About Toronto Outdoor Art Fair Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF) is Canada’s leading outdoor and online art fair. Established in 1961 to connect Canadian artists directly to the public, TOAF showcases 350+ emerging and established visual artists, including painters, photographers, sculptors and artists working in ceramics, textiles, jewellery and more. The event brings together 150,000 art lovers and enthusiasts who spend over 2 million dollars on art during the Fair. This free public event takes place every July – rain or shine – at Nathan Phillips Square in the heart of downtown Toronto. The Fair offers something for everyone: talks, tours, digital studio visits, curated collections, kids workshops, live painting, dance, music, art installations and food and drink experiences. Since 2020, TOAF’s online. Since 2020, TOAF’s online fair has become Canada’s in-demand e-commerce and discovery hub for artists across Canada.
