Roaming in the sun

We've had glorious weather lately and I'm really hoping that it's not all a trick and that Spring really is coming. I have spent many hours roaming around, happily running errands and hanging with friends and fam over the past week of super sunshiney days. I cannot get enough sun!The other day, Aunt L. and I checked out a couple galleries and had a nice afternoon in general. We saw the Doris McCarthy show at Wynick Tuck Gallery at 401 Richmond. Aunt L. is a big McCarthy fan.
We also checked out a couple places in Yorkville, including Mira Godard Gallery where we saw the Alex Colville Show as well as some amazing wood block prints by Mary Pratt (see two prints above), Chuck Close and Takao Tanabe. Aunt L. picked up a Tanabe for her collection.

In the evening I went to the opening at Riders. I didn't manage to get too many good photos there, but I really like this one of their cool old cash register.

Saw Gran on Sunday and then watched the Oscars, which in hindsight I could have skipped. Yesterday, I caught up with A. and S. in Kensington and sat on a patio basking in the warm sun. Then, I decided to be responsible and chose to get back to work instead of moving on to the next patio. As soon as I came home, I was hit with a cold. Bugger... ran myself ragged. I found myself soldering bracelets at 2 a.m. last night!? Must change my habits!

Boston - Day 4

Friday my hosts were at work, so I took the day to go on a big walking tour. I checked out the financial district, then walked over to the ICA to see the Shepard Fairey show and to see the small permanent collection. On my way there I walked around the South Boston Waterfront.

Strolled by the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse.

Here is a shot of the Boston waterfront.

My Friend is enjoying a stroll at the water's edge.

Took my time to view the Shepard Fairey/Obey Giant Show at the ICA. Actually, on my walk to the gallery, I observed at least 3 of his Obey Giants around town. The area around the ICA seems to be going through a revitalization and the ICA is a big asset to the area. There was so much construction nearby.

I enjoyed the whimsical nature of the fine art wall in the ICA lobby. The installation is by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. Love all the colours!

Then I trekked over to Beacon Hill to admire some of the giant homes. I didn't get any pictures, but they were lovely!

My Friend is enjoying a break in the Commons.

A pretty Beacon Hill drain (?) cover.
Then I dragged my exhausted self to the waterfront. People were sunning themselves, biking, blading and paddling along the lagoon.

Later, in the evening, I got to experience a typical Boston activity. We dropped by some of the W.'s friends' place in the neighbourhood and spent some time "stooping it" with good music and nice drinks. Ended the day gorging ourselves on a good meal at nearby foodery, Union Bar and Grille.

Weekend plans

The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition is on this weekend at City Hall! The show is going on despite the CUPE strike and despite the forecast for rain tomorrow. I always enjoy taking a tour of this show. It's nice to check out what people are working on, see some emerging artists and to visit with some exhibitors that I might know from other shows. Hope to swing by this evening or Sunday. To view the TOAE website, go here.

Images from CoCo and TDK show at the Gladstone Hotel

Six fantastic pieces of art by CoCo, a.k.a COrey Christopher COmely.

A few of Todd de Koker's works on exhibit.

It was a good evening! Lots of people turned out on Thursday night to support the two talented artists and the work looked really great in the space. Go by the Art Bar at the Gladstone Hotel to check them out for yourselves! The show will be up until June 30th.

For more on CoCo, visit his site HERE.

For deets on the Gladstone, go HERE.

Now, here are some more random shots. I looked up today to see the sky looking extra expansive, so I took a few pictures.

That's all for now. Have a fab weekend!

Art show

Here is the invitation to an art show featuring my friend CoCo and his contemporary Todd de Koker. Click the image to enlarge to read the smaller print. The dates have been corrected since this was published. It actually starts on Thursday the 18th with an opening, and runs through to the end of the month at the Art Bar at the Gladstone Hotel. For more on CoCo's work, visit his site HERE.

Inspirations Studio Mother's Day Sale

If you are in the Queen and Bathurst area here in Toronto this weekend, pop by the Inspirations Studio Mother's Day Sale at 761 Queen St. W. in suite 201. 

Inspirations Studio is an art based micro-business incubator program for low income women who have experienced homelessness. I have been happy to serve on their advisory board/committee since 2005. Check out the sale if you can.  It runs this Friday to Sunday from 12-5pm each day. The women produce amazing fine art, ceramics, jewellery and other creative work. For more info on Inspirations, visit www.inspirationsstudio.ca.