LUCIDMEDIA

The Artist Project Hits Toronto

Written by Catherine Kustanczy Friday, 06 March 2009 14:03

Stewart is the Vice-President of The Artist Project and The One Of A Kind Craft Show, the popular biannual affair that showcases independent crafters. Put on by Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. (MMPI) Canada, a worldwide producer of trade and consumer shows, Stewart says The Artist Project stands out because of the company’s commitment to producing “a high-quality event.” All the works in the show are juried, and a selection committee is appointed to look at all the thousands of applicants; from there, they choose artists they feel are the best. “People will know they’ll find quality here. As well as being juried, it’s in a beautiful atmosphere.”

Indeed, the elegant surroundings of the Liberty Grand add to the formal art atmosphere, and the venue has gone to great lengths to transform into a proper exhibiting space, all while retaining its old-world charm. Stewart calls it “a gorgeous historic building, and a perfect setting for an art show.  We have built beautiful white gallery walls for every single artist, so it’s a proper setting –there are no curtains and racks.”

The sheer range and diversity of works on offer would seem to demand a setting that fits with the artistic aesthetic, but that doesn’t mean the nature of the work is entirely solemn. Toronto-born illustrator Ilyana Martinez’s work mixes Dzama-esque whimsy and cartoon-like colour, while Giampietro Fillippetti’s detailed mosaic artworks, made of glass, have echoes of Joan Miro’s playful spirit. Oil painter Judy Sherman uses pop culture figures like Gumby and Pez (yes, the retro gum dispenser) as inspiration, and mixed media artist J. Fournier takes the world of fashion as a jumping-off point for her Fashion Flirt series.

“We have artists from right across North America,” notes Stewart, “and we’re pleased to have one from Israel too, an amazing sculptor (Yael Erlichman), but for the most part, a large majority of them are from Ontario. If they don’t do the gallery route, there are not a lot of opportunities for them to sell face-to-face to the visitor.”

What with a variety of artistic disciplines represented –painting, photography, mixed media, encaustics, textiles, printmaking and more –visitors to The Artist Project are sure to find “something that suits you or your personality,” notes Stewart. “It’s always interesting to see something you’ve never seen before. Even if it’s not your style and you would never purchase it, it’s great to see this kind of work you wouldn’t get to see anywhere else.”

She explains that two factors separate The Artist Project from other indoor art fairs.
“First of all, the type of artist here (is unique). They’re all independent artists, and the public is dealing directly with the artist themselves. There’s no middle man, and that makes a difference.”

The second factor is tied to the recessionary times, and the fact that the public may not be looking to, or indeed be able to, spend money on artwork right now. “We’ve really paid a lot of attention to tie diversity and the price point, so there’s really a wide range of price point, and there’s something for everyone, especially for people who are just buying their first piece of original art.”

When it comes to approaching art purchasing as a secure investment, Stewart agrees that it’s a good idea, but “first and foremost, somebody should buy it because they love it, because it means something to them and they will enjoy it. That’s the most important thing.”

Information: The Artist Project runs March 5th through 8th at the Liberty Grand.