Friday, November 13, 2009

CALL FOR ENTRY



PUBLIC ART OPPORTUNITY: Winnipeg. Seeks submissions from professional Canadian artists to create a permanent, contemporary artwork for United Way’s new building currently under development at 580 Main Street, Winnipeg. Budget: $130,000. For info & application: http://www.winnipegarts.ca/index.php?/wac-pages/calls-to-artists; Carol Phillips, Winnipeg Arts Council, (204) 943-7668; carol@winnipegarts.ca. Deadline: January 8.

THE BANFF CENTRE: Thematic Residencies: A range of 2 to 3 week visual art related residencies, spring through fall, 2010. For info: arts_info@banffcentre.ca; 1.800.565.9989; www.banffcentre.ca.
Deadlines begin: January 11.

EMERGING ARTIST COMPETITION: The Artist Project Toronto (March 4-7, 2010) invites submissions from emerging artists for the “Untapped Emerging Artist Competition”, a juried competition in which 16 artists are awarded a free space in the 2010 show. For current students & recent grads (practicing less than 3 years). For info Kim Selman, (416) 960-4527; kim@mmpicanada.com; www.theartistprojecttoronto.com. Deadline: January 15.

SANG NEUF // YOUNG BLOOD: February 27, as part of Montreal Highlights Festival (Nuit Blanche, all night). Seeks short video submissions (3 min max) from artists under 35. For info: info@lesterritoires.org. Deadline: January 15.

TORONTO SCULPTURE GARDEN: Seeks site-specific submissions for 2011 & beyond. Proposals require drawing(s) showing dimensions & materials & the location of the work on the site; brief statement of Theme; Budget showing materials, installation/removal, transportation, & critical costs; Two dimensional images of relevant work (send photographs or colour copies; no CD, DVD or video); C.V. For info: www.torontosculpturegarden.com. Deadline: January 15.

NEW TORONTO WORKS:
Pleasure Dome is seeking short experimental film/video works, expanded cinema performances & media art installations produced within the last year by Toronto-based artists for the annual New Toronto Works Show, March 2010. For info: www.pdome.org/wordpress.
Deadline: January 15

BUCKHORN FINE ART FESTIVAL: For all those wildlife & nature artists. North of Peterborough. Juried. Four day festival in August. For info: www.buckhornfineart.com.
Deadline: February 1.

CFC WORLDWIDE SHORT FILM FESTIVAL: Toronto. June, 2010. Over $60,000 in cash & prizes. Pays artists fees. For info: www.withoutabox.com; http://www.worldwideshortfilmfest.com/festival_info/to_enter.html; cfccreates.com; www.worldwideshortfilmfest.com. 416-445-1446. Deadline February 5.

40TH ANNUAL ART AUCTION: Dundas Valley School of Art will be accepting art submissions for its auction. April 10, 2010. For info: (905) 628-6357; heatherv@cogeco.ca; www.dvsa.ca. Deadline: March 13

MUSE:
Seeking video work for a Toronto project curated by Suzanne Carte Blanchenot & Su-Ying Lee taking place in May/June 2010. An experiment between curators, artists & audience. Your DVD will be loaned to anyone who wishes to borrow it from our "video rental store". For info: leesuying@hotmail.com.-
Deadline April 30.





YOUR FIRST SHOW!: The CCC has 2 galleries that put students first. This is the first step to the rest of your career. Contact:
David McClyment; (416) 289-5000 x 8500; dmcclyment@centennialcollege.ca

OFFICE OF MPP ROSARIO MARCHESE: Seeks work by for artists residing in Trinity-Spadina riding in Toronto. Works will be exhibited for a limited amount of time in the constituency office on Dundas West in Little Portugal. For info: (416) 603-9664, hramos@ndp.on.ca; www.rosariomarchese.ca. Ongoing.

EXHIBITION SPACES FOR RENT: Neilson Park Creative Centre, Etobicoke has 2 galleries with hanging rails at 6-10 ft. All media, including fibre, ceramics, sculpture. For info: (416) 622-5294; www.neilsonparkcreativecentre.com. Ongoing

GALLERY HITTITE: Yorkville, Toronto. Seeks exhibition proposals from emerging & establishing artists. For info: (416) 924-4450; galleryhittite@torontomail.com; www.galleryhittite.com. Ongoing

JOHN B. AIRD GALLERY: downtown Toronto. Seeks proposals for solo & group exhibitions. For info: (416) 928-6772; www.airdgallery.org. Ongoing

LAUNCH PROJECTS: associated with the Toronto School of Art. Seeks proprosal for solo & group exhibitions for 2010 schedule. All media. 2 week exhibitions. Rental fee $850. Send: 6-10 images max. Artists receive full commission. For info & application: www.launchprojects.ca;
submissions@launchprojects.ca. Ongoing

LIVING ARTS CENTRE:
Mississauga. Accepting proposals for group exhibitions for 2010-2011 schedule. For info: Cole Swanson, Exhibition Curator, exhibitions@livingarts.on.ca. www.livingartscentre.ca. Ongoing

PROPELLER: Artist co-operative on Queen West. Accepting show proposals & applications for memberships. For info: (416) 504-7142; gallery@propellerctr.com; www.propellerctr.com. Ongoing

STUDIO VOGUE GALLERY: Represents mid-career & emerging artists from Canada & around the world. Seeking artists for 2010 schedule & artists who wish to exhibit, promote their work & facilitate their careers within one of Toronto’s most established art districts. Runs solo/group shows. More info - info@studiovoguegallery.com / www.studiovoguegallery.com. Ongoing

TAG ART GALLERY:
St. Catharines. Invites established & emerging artists to the gallery. Any media. Send images, bio & image description list. For info: Tom Goldspink (905)682-5072; tom.goldspink@tagartgallery.ca; . Ongoing

ARTS ETOBICOKE ART RENTAL & SALES PROGRAM: Arts Etobicoke Gallery. Seeks submissions emerging & established artists. The rental program provides businesses & corporations with works of art in a variety of media. For info: Patrice Stanley:(416) 422-3699; patrice@artsetobicoke.com; www.artsetobicoke.com. Ongoing

CONTEST



Ok so here is the scoop. The FASSIE crew is holding a contest to you see what you think FASSIE should stand for. Basically you have to come up with a creative, unique, meaningful and totally AWESOME acronym for FASSIE. The person who does gets the first prize which is a $50 gift certificate to Deserres. And come, us students need some money so this would be very helpful. Second prize is 8 FREE Wednesday night open drawing sessions for Winter 2010. The deadline End of Term, Dec 2009.

RESIDENCIES

SPARK BOX STUDIO RESIDENCY AWARD: Picton, Prince Edward County, Ontario. Free residencies to fine art students & emerging artists (between 19 & 29 years of age). The selected applicants will be able to work in the studio using Spark Box Studio’s equipment & resources, & have access to career guidance from local community members. For info: www.sparkboxstudio.com; (613) 476-0337; info@sparkboxstudio.com. Deadline: November 16.

EST-NORD-EST: ARTIST RESIDENCY: a centre in Quebec for the production & diffusion of contemporary art. Encourages interactions between artists & disciplines. Up to six artists are brought together during a residency. Spring, summer, & fall. Private studio & have access to a range of technical & logistical services. For info: www.estnordest.org; (418)-598-6363; residence.estnordest@videotron.ca. Next deadline for spring 2010, November 20.

JOBS

EMILY CARR UNIVERSITY: full-time tenure track faculty position. Assistant Professor in Design. Starting August 2010. Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in at least two of the following areas: typography, graphic design, systems design, interaction &/or information design, motion design, &/or exhibition design, but who can work effectively in interdisciplinary design teams on theme-based curriculum focusing on design for inclusion (cultural, socio/political, & sustainability issues). Competition #F010–2009. For info: www.ecuad.ca/jobs; Nikki Komene; (604) 844-3824; hr@ecuad.ca. Deadline: November 20.

UBC: Associate or Assistant Professor in Visual Art: Start date: July 1, 2010. The Department seeks an individual who pursues studio practice against a strong background of contemporary, art historical & theoretical concerns. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active program of research, exhibition, graduate supervision, teaching & service. Demonstrating excellence in innovative pedagogical approaches is essential. An ability to form interdisciplinary collaborations (with other departments & institutions) is also an asset. For info: www.ahva.ubc.ca. Deadline: December 1.

Friday, November 6, 2009

EXPOSED!!



Piece done by Fine Artist and Children's Book Illustrator Brian Deines



Piece done by Derek Lea

Sunday, November 1, 2009

CALL FOR ENTRY

ART IN VOGUE - CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS: collectible global art book. Seeks 100 artists. Juried. Editorial / production fee. For info & application process: www.mastersoftoday.com/apply_x/ApplicationART-IN-VOGUE.pdf. ASAP

ART MUR: Montreal, accepting exhibition proposals for its rental spaces. Exhibitions are 3 weeks. Submit proposal (max 500 words), jpg images (min 10) & CV. For info:
http://artmur.com/english/gallery/espace.htm.; (514) 933-0711; admin@artmur.com ;www.artmur.com. ASAP

ART WORKS ART GALLERY: Toronto. Annual submission for solo shows for March 16, 2010. Submission fee $40. For info: info@artworksartschool.com. www.artworksartschool.com. ASAP

BED HEAD PROJECT: Artist looking for people to participate in photographic project. It's all about bed head. Needs a photo of your best bed head. Send to: seriousrabbit@gmail.com, include first name. Also check blog: http://thebedheadproject.blogspot.com. ASAP

CALL FOR STORIES: “Urban Story”. Art & archive project assembling the history of places through the collection & dissemination of site-specific stories. Whether at home, in a park, in a street or a store, a moment of ecstasy in a restaurant, a misunderstanding in a hotel, a coincidence in an elevator, discomfort at school or work. Collecting stories connected to a precise place. The stories you share can be simple but significant to you. Send a recording of your mot telling tales in .wav, mp3, aiff, or other audio format. Length should not exceed 5 minutes. While you don't need to identify yourself, it is very important to specify the location of the event (an actual address is ideal), the city & the year. Be as precise as you can. Info: memoireurbaine@gmail.com. ASAP

GALLERY 1313, RENTAL BOOKINGS: Queen West gallery looking for rental bookings for this fall. Nov. 18; 29 & Dec. 2-13. Two spaces, no commissions. Also accepting submissions for membership. For info: Gallery Director , Phil Anderson, director@g1313.org, 416-536-6778, www.g1313.org. ASAP

LADYFEST TORONTO: Film & video submissions celebrating Feminist Art & Community for annual Supplement Film Night, January 2010. For info: lftoarts@gmail.com; http://ladyfestto.blogspot.com. ASAP

NAIL CLIPPINGS: Artist Darcy Logan is desperately looking for finger & toe nail parings for his current body of work called Know/Gnaw/Naglfar, based on the Norse myth of the Naglfar-ship. Will mail you back an original work of art. For info: www.darcylogan.blogspot.com; darcy@artslethbridge.org. ASAP

NEW GALLERY: artist-run co-operative on Queen West that showcases a broad range of contemporary visual arts. Seeks new members. Submit: letter of interest, CV, artist statement, jpg images & SASE. For info & fee structure:: www.new-gallery.ca: (416) 588-1200. Also, seeking photography submissions for Contact (Toronto’s photography festival, May 2010). ASAP

TORONTO ART EXPO: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, March 11- 14 2010. Seeks solo artists & gallery exhibitors. Over 300 artists & 20,000 visitors. Exhibition fee. For info: www.torontoartexpo.com, info@torontoartexpo.com; (416) 265-6988 / toll free-1-866-228-4238. ASAP

UBC: Open Call For Artist Submissions: Sights/Sites of Spectacle 29th Annual UBC, Department of Art History, Visual Art & Theory Graduate Symposium & Exhibition. Invites local, national & international artists to present projects for exhibition. UBC in Vancouver, B.C. January 29 - February 11. 2010. For info http://www.ahva.ubc.ca/infoDisplay.cfm?Keyword=Graduate%20Symposium. ASAP



PUBLIC ART PROJECT, TORONTO: Call to Artists for Richmond-Adelaide Overpass at River Street, Ref: RFP #2009-57. Waterfront Toronto is in the process of transforming the former industrial lands along the city's waterfront into a series of sustainable urban communities. As part of the public realm design for the new West Don Lands community, a comprehensive public art strategy was developed that identified a diverse range of art opportunities that will enrich the new neighbourhood. The art strategy anticipates artworks installed in the public realm as a way of creating a sense of cohesiveness & identity for the West Don Lands by drawing attention to Waterfront Toronto's investment in environmental sustainability as well as reflecting the past, present & future transformation of the area. The vicinity under the Richmond Adelaide Overpass has been recognized as a high priority public art opportunity & will be the first independent artist selection process to be run by Waterfront Toronto. The selected artist will work with the multidisciplinary public realm design team to ensure the integration of their work within the design of the underpass park that is currently underway. The budget for the art contribution to this project is $525,000 CAN, plus GST. Waterfront Toronto is seeking to commission an Artist or Artist Team to become part of & to work collaboratively with the Public Realm Design Team on the development of the Richmond Adelaide Underpass Project. For info & request for proposal (RFP): www.waterfrontoronto.ca/procurement..
Deadline for submission: November 5. Shortlisted artists will be interviewed week of Nov 23.
MISTLETOE MAGIC 2009: Annual silent auction & fundraiser. November 26.: John B. Aird Gallery, Toronto. All media. Two works max per artist. Must be priced under $300. Artists may chose charitable receipt or % of selling price. For info & entry forms: www.airdgallery.org; (416) 928-6772.
Deadline: November 13.

GALLERY LAMBTON VIDEO ART SCREENING SERIES:
“The Medium is the Message”, Screening Date: December 4. 15 minutes max. Trinity Lounge, Sarnia, ON. For info: Cameron Starr, Cameron.starr@county-lambton.on.ca Deadline: November 13.

HOMESSENCE:
An exploration of home through art. A Juried Exhibition. Winter 2009/10. Presented by the Koffler Centre of the Arts (Bathurst & Sheppard) as a part of kofflerkultura. A dialogue exploring the theme of “home” through contemporary visual art. What is home to you? Is it a concrete space or an abstract longing? What is its essence? Is your home your community? After relocating to a new country, what do you call home. For info & application form: www.kofflerarts.org; Neta Golshtein:
ngolshtein@kofflerarts.org; (416) 638-1881
Deadline: November 15.

PUBLIC ART PROJECT, KITCHENER: The City of Kitchener invites proposals for a one-stage competition to provide art work for its new McLennan Park. A former landfill site, the 39-hectare park has been transformed into a premier urban recreation space with sports facilities, playground, winter sports activities & trails in natural areas. Maximum commission fee for the selected artist is $50,000. The deadline for proposals is Thursday, November 19, 2009. For project details & submission requirements, see the terms of reference at www.kitchener.ca/pdf/proposals_call_mclennan_park.pdf. For more info: Cheryl York, (519) 741-3400 x 3381; Cheryl.york@kitchener.ca.
Deadline: November 19.

HI-TECH, LO-TECH, NO-TECH?: The Regroupement des arts interdisciplinaires du Québec (RAIQ) http://raiq.ca; is currently seeking proposals for its upcoming interdisciplinary conference: Arts interdisciplinaires: Hi-Tech, Lo-Tech, No-Tech? to be held in Montreal in May 2010. Intentionally wide-ranging – with a goal of bringing together & showcasing this intersection of technologies & widely varied practices & forms of research being carried out today. It also encourages a focused reflection on the utilization, rejection, or appropriation of technology towards artistic ends. Pays artists’ fees. For info: info@popstart.ca.
Deadline: November 16

MONITOR 6: SAVAC (South Asian Visual Arts Centre), Toronto, invites submissions for its sixth annual experimental short film & video screening program. March 2010. Experimental short films & videos by &/or about South Asians from Canada & around the world. Must be under 30 minutes, produced 2007 & later. For info: info@savac.net. Deadline: November 16.

PUBLIC REALM: Propeller Centre for the Visual Arts, artist co-operative on Queen West. An exhibition curated by Christopher Hume (writer for the Toronto Star). January 2010. People are quitting the saturated suburbs & moving back to the city. This has necessitated a rethinking of myriad areas of urban life, from buildings & open spaces to street furniture. How would you animate the public realm? How would you exploit & use the public realm? Any media. (416)504-7142;
gallery@propellerctr.com; www.propellerctr.com Deadline: November 27.

GUEST CURATOR: LOOP Gallery, an artist-run commercial co-operative at Dundas West & Dovercourt has a new Guest Curator Program. Looking for curatorial concepts for an exhibition that will take place in December 2010-January 2011. For info on LOOP & its mandate: www.loopgallery.ca. For info on Guest Curator Program & application process: 416 516-2581 / loopgallery@primus.ca.
Deadline: November 30.



TTC / CONTACT, ART FOR COMMUTERS: exhibits slideshows on the network of over 270 Onestop LCD screens on TTC subway platforms to an audience of over 1 million daily commuters. Part of Contact (Toronto’s photography festival), May 2010. Site-specific work that explores the thematic focus of the 2010 festival “Pervasive Influence”. Work that examines connections between mass media, advertising, art & photography. This includes images that utilize the codes of advertising, the language of consumerism, the stylization of marketing campaigns or the force of propaganda to reflect the emotional & political impact of photographic images & their effect on society & culture. Slideshows 30 or 60 seconds in durations will screen once every 10 minutes all day. Submit: 5 – 10 sample images; image description list; Bio / CV; artist statement that addresses Pervasive Influence. For info: Sharon Switzer: contact@art4commuters.com; www.contactingtoronto.ca www.contactphoto.com. December 1.

CONVERGENCE 2010: The Tom Thomson Art Gallery (Public gallery in Owen Sound) invites submissions for its 47th Annual Juried Art Exhibition. Open to all artists residing in Ontario working in any medium. Artists must have a current membership to The Tom Thomson Art Gallery. A broad range of media is represented including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking & craft. For info: Michelle Le Chien-Assistant Curator/Registrar (519) 376-1932 ext. 230; mlechien@e-owensound.com; www.tomthomson.org Deadline: December 1.

TRAP\DOOR ARTIST RUN CENTRE. Lethbridge, Gushul Studio & Collaboration Project 2010. This project will combine the skills, knowledge, histories & varied approaches of two emerging visual artists. At least one artist will be picked from within Alberta & both artists will be chosen based on the strength & merit of their ongoing production as well as their collaborative abilities. Artists can apply individually & be paired with another artist or apply as a team. The two will do a residency together at the University of Lethbridge's Gushul Studio. For info: www.trapdoorarc.com; info@trapdoorarc.com. Deadline: December 15.

ARTISTS’ CHOICE WINTER EXHIBITION: Neilson Park Creative Centre, Etobicoke. Open to emerging & established artists, any media. Includes calligraphic art, fibre art, drawing, painting, mixed media art, photography, print, sculpture & more. For info: (416) 622-5294; info@neilsonparkcreativecentre.com; www.neilsonparkcreativecentre.com
Deadline: December 17.



THE BANFF CENTRE: Thematic Residencies: A range of 2 to 3 week visual art related residencies, spring through fall, 2010. For info: arts_info@banffcentre.ca; 1.800.565.9989; www.banffcentre.ca.
Deadlines begin: January 11.

NEW TORONTO WORKS: Pleasure Dome is seeking short experimental film/video works, expanded cinema performances & media art installations produced within the last year by Toronto-based artists for the annual New Toronto Works Show, March 2010. For info: www.pdome.org/wordpress.
Deadline: January 15

BUCKHORN FINE ART FESTIVAL: For all those wildlife & nature artists. North of Peterborough. Juried. Four day festival in August. For info: www.buckhornfineart.com.
Deadline: February 1.

40TH ANNUAL ART AUCTION:
Dundas Valley School of Art will be accepting art submissions for its auction. April 10, 2010. For info: (905) 628-6357; heatherv@cogeco.ca; www.dvsa.ca. Deadline: March 13

MUSE: Seeking video work for a Toronto project curated by Suzanne Carte Blanchenot & Su-Ying Lee taking place in May/June 2010. An experiment between curators, artists & audience. Your DVD will be loaned to anyone who wishes to borrow it from our "video rental store". For info: leesuying@hotmail.com.-
Deadline April 30.



YOUR FIRST SHOW!: The CCC has 2 galleries that put students first. This is the first step to the rest of your career. Contact:
David McClyment; (416) 289-5000 x 8500; dmcclyment@centennialcollege.ca

OFFICE OF MPP ROSARIO MARCHESE:
Seeks work by for artists residing in Trinity-Spadina riding in Toronto. Works will be exhibited for a limited amount of time in the constituency office on Dundas West in Little Portugal. For info: (416) 603-9664, hramos@ndp.on.ca; www.rosariomarchese.ca. Ongoing.

EXHIBITION SPACES FOR RENT: Neilson Park Creative Centre, Etobicoke has 2 galleries with hanging rails at 6-10 ft. All media, including fibre, ceramics, sculpture. For info: (416) 622-5294; www.neilsonparkcreativecentre.com. Ongoing

GALLERY HITTITE: Yorkville, Toronto. Seeks exhibition proposals from emerging & establishing artists. For info: (416) 924-4450; galleryhittite@torontomail.com; www.galleryhittite.com. Ongoing

JOHN B. AIRD GALLERY: downtown Toronto. Seeks proposals for solo & group exhibitions. For info: (416) 928-6772; www.airdgallery.org. Ongoing

LAUNCH PROJECTS: associated with the Toronto School of Art. Seeks proprosal for solo & group exhibitions for 2010 schedule. All media. 2 week exhibitions. Rental fee $850. Send: 6-10 images max. Artists receive full commission. For info & application: www.launchprojects.ca;
submissions@launchprojects.ca. Ongoing

LIVING ARTS CENTRE: Mississauga. Accepting proposals for group exhibitions for 2010-2011 schedule. For info: Cole Swanson, Exhibition Curator, exhibitions@livingarts.on.ca. www.livingartscentre.ca. Ongoing

PROPELLER: Artist co-operative on Queen West. Accepting show proposals & applications for memberships. For info: (416) 504-7142; gallery@propellerctr.com; www.propellerctr.com. Ongoing

STUDIO VOGUE GALLERY:
Represents mid-career & emerging artists from Canada & around the world. Seeking artists for 2010 schedule & artists who wish to exhibit, promote their work & facilitate their careers within one of Toronto’s most established art districts. Runs solo/group shows. More info - info@studiovoguegallery.com / www.studiovoguegallery.com. Ongoing

TAG ART GALLERY: St. Catharines. Invites established & emerging artists to the gallery. Any media. Send images, bio & image description list. For info: Tom Goldspink (905)http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif 682-5072; tom.goldspink@tagartgallery.ca; . Ongoing

ARTS ETOBICOKE ART RENTAL & SALES PROGRAM: Arts Etobicoke Gallery. Seeks submissions emerging & established artists. The rental program provides businesses & corporations with works of art in a variety of media. For info: Patrice Stanley:(416) 422-3699; patrice@artsetobicoke.com; www.artsetobicoke.com. Ongoing

EXPOSED!






"Oh, La, La!" (2006)
By Jenni Glen

This triptych was done at a time in my life where I was exploring myself and looking for answers to some confusing questions.
Hesitation and intrigue are the themes in this piece.
Medium: Nail polish, blush, jewels, eyeliner and acrylic paint
Contact: scars_for_freedom@hotmail.com



"It's Like Looking Down at Infrastructure" (2009)
By Sarah Shields

This painting shows the abstract relationship between land and it's physical environment.
Medium: Oils on canvas
Contact: sarashields7@hotmail.com



"Mila"
By Rebecca Collins

Sketched pencil drawing of actress Mila Yovovich
Contact: collective_poet@hotmail.com



"Self Portrait"
By Rebecca Collins

Contour drawing with pen and pencil crayon
Contact: collective_poet@hotmail.com

COMMENTARY

Nuit Blanche 2009
By Ayan Melikli

Paris. Rome. Lima. Leeds. Montreal. Toronto. What do they all have in common? The White Night; Nuit Blanche. Toronto’s 2009 Scotiabank Nuit Blanche was our 4th annual celebration. From 6 PM to 6 AM, visitors could see contemporary art, indulge in street eats and enjoy the all- night party atmosphere. With three Zones, 12 hours almost doesn’t seem like enough to see everything. Well- it’s really not, but if you plan on handing over your night in the name of Art, you should probably know just what it is you’re signing up for.

Unless you use the new handy-dandy event planner at scotiabanknuitblanche.ca, you’re probably bound for a bout of aimless wandering. I ended up in Zone C- Queen West. In recent years, West Queen West has been sliding into the realm of overpriced-everything-in-the-name-of-trendy-art, but with more than a handful of first-rate galleries it seemed to be the destination for a night of Art-ing. Yes, the aforementioned galleries were indeed open all night, including the Lens Factory, New Gallery and the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art, however, this didn’t seem to make up for the lack of “hands-on”, engaging projects Nuit Blanche was initially meant to be about.

MOCCA’s own exhibit was, to say the least, disappointing. Hockey: Canadian? Yes. Interesting? Debatable. With yet another in a string of silent video installations MOCCA failed to do anything groundbreaking. Giant hockey masks inspired a 3rd grader’s perspective on Jason, minus the blood and chainsaw- possibly the only way the paintings could have been interesting. ARENA: Road Game is here from the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. It’s not that there weren’t amusing pieces (a picture of a skeleton in a Leafs jersey sitting on a lawn chair with a sign that says "Leafs fan waiting for the Cup” was probably the most accurate and fun in the collection) but it fails to capture anything of significance. As far as a theme; it was there, it was waiting fully developed for someone to interpret it, but ARENA didn’t do this Canadian obsession justice. Perhaps the concepts weren’t but the finished products seemed half-baked. Sadly the Edward Day Gallery-a well known commercial gallery adjacent to MOCCA- seemed closed for the night.

Perennially familiar faces like that-free-standing-stone-sculpture-guy and that-guy-with-the-tiny-paint-splattered-canvases, as well as teenagers with wings could be sþeen all night long. But amidst the chaos and underwhelming line-up of mute video-projections, a few favourites stood out: Coupe Bizzare and TSA’s drawing sessions (one of several night-long life drawing sessions throughout Toronto) and the Post Secret fence at Church and Alexander managed to get into the spirit of the night by providing a way for passers by to get hands-on involvement. Alita Gonzalez’s Nite-Lite also attracted a considerable crowd to bring out their inner child by playing with an oversized Lite-Brite made of coloured Plastic Bottles. I only wish someone created a picture.

My favourite was Thom Hamilton’s Last 100 Days “exhibit”. Set up like the Parisian Artists Walk in a tiny alley way in the heart of West Queen West, Hamilton chronicled his last 100 days living in Toronto before returning home to Vancouver. From the eyes of a Vancouverite, Toronto’s oft overlooked architecture took on new life. The photographs made me take a second glance back at this summer- from the seemingly unforgettable garbage strike to joggers, everything looks different in hindsight. Hamilton has a way with perspective. Aesthetically, his bridges were magnificent and he managed to make even the monster that is UofT’s Robarts Library look striking. Quite a feat and a welcome break from some of the headache inducing giant plastic buttons labelled “art” just around the corner.

Let’s be honest, for many people, Nuit Blanche is nothing more than an excuse for an all night booze-and-cruise, and with plenty of non-arts related parties, they weren’t disappointed. For the drifters, there was an abundance of live music (including in the window of Lens Factory) some inspiring participation, and numerous bars extended last call until 4 am. Food was available all over; Bay Street specifically was dedicated to various food stalls.

For those still reading, here are a few tips for next year: Bring plenty of money and friends, dress warm and wear your most comfortable walking shoes. Buy a TTC pass. And for GOD’S SAKE - don’t wear a miniskirt!

One last note: Cake is meant for eating, not dancing on. At 6 am, this is just plain insulting.

Ayan Melikli is a 1st year student in Centennial’s Fine Arts Studio Program. She is also an active participant in Toronto arts community. Ayan is currently curating her first exhibition for the Corridor Gallery. For info: melikli.a@gmail.com

The FASSIE welcomes written reviews, opinions and commentary on activities in the visual arts community. Please contact the editor at val.severino@gmail.com.

AROUND & ABOUT

823 DESIGNS: web solutions & graphic designs, including web sites, templates, business cards, logos, & more. For info: Francis Lee; (647) 456-7785; francis@823designs.com; www.823designs.com.

BRIAN DEINES PRESENTATION: has been rescheduled for Wednesday, November 4, from 11:30 to 12:30 in room 292 (second floor hallway to the art studios). An amazing opportunity to meet with a critically acclaimed painter & children’s book illustrator. Free. Bring your lunch. Limited space, first come first serve.
For info: David McClyment
416 289-5000 x 8500;
dmcclyment@centennialcollege.ca.

JOBS & VOLUNTEERS

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Miriam Shiell Fine Art, Yorkville Toronto. Seeks an Assistant Director to work closely with & report directly to the gallery owner. The Assistant Director is responsible for the administrative operations of the gallery; answering telephone calls & a high volume of emails; the movement of all artworks; maintaining inventory records to museum standards; sales support; coordinating press & print materials; & any other tasks that relate to the day to day operations of the gallery. Must have had experience in a gallery. Must have knowledge of 20th Century Modern & Contemporary Art. French & other languages considered an asset. This is a full time salaried position with a Tuesday to Saturday work week. Salary commensurate with experience. Submit a cover letter & c.v. to fineart@miriamshiell.com. ASAP

STORY OF OZ: One of Toronto’s most ambitious amateur productions will begin this winter. A re-telling of the Wizard of OZ, modernized, mixed & re-told in comedic form. Pre-productions will commence early 2010. Seeking highly skilled team of volunteers artists, designers & craftsmen ranging in various fields. Serious applicants only, must 19 yrs of age or over. Provide resume, reel, portfolio or any other art asset. For info: storyofoz@rogers.com; www.storyofoz.com. ASAP

ARTISTS AS INSTRUCTORS:
Neilson Park Creative Centre, Etobicoke. currently looking for new instructors. Accepting proposals for 1-2 day workshops. Format of workshops is 3 hrs on Sat/Sun. Open to any art topic. The Centre has 2 gallery spaces & 4 art studios. Community-based, not for profit. Offers classes 7 days & several evenings/week. For info: Sandy Green: (416) 622-5294; info@neilsonparkcreativecentre.com; www.neilsonparkcreativecentre.com. Email your proposal to. ASAP