On the lookout for art that looks out on the street. Article and images contributed be Ed Drass. Trapped between cabin fever and depressing distractions? Then tuck this paper into your vest and bolt out the front door. Go anywhere. Or, if you require a bit of a mission in order to get beyond your usual routes, embark on this gentle treasure hunt to find art that is intentionally being pointed outward onto our main streets.
Not only is the Cabbagetown BIA helping bring artwork to underused windowfronts – that effort goes by the name A New Beginning — but nearby galleries are shifting colour and creation from their indoor exhibit spaces to face where people can see them better. First landmark on our hunt is Akasha Art Projects along Carlton Street at Ontario Street, with its wide window overlooking the TTC stop. A framing shop during the day, the space becomes an all-hours gallery to uplift passersby or to comfort those awaiting the 506 streetcar after dark.
Depending on when you read this, the work hanging could be from a series of photographs of the architecture of Angkor Wat by co-owner Kelly Kyle – gentle yet compelling images that you may wish could fit in the window all at once.
This is one of the aches of our time; being unable to enter spaces as freely as we once did. Myself, I am beyond fortunate to be able to do the rounds in the museum where I work; Gallery Arcturus on Gerrard Street near Church Street. There are seven exhibit spaces ready with artwork in place, well past waiting for the word to open up. Until we can, walk by to see what is beaming out over the sidewalk. There are two benches to permit sitting across from a friend; to allow you to bring your bubble outside and enjoy the sun with a sculpture or painting looking out on you.
https://akashaart.com/ https://arcturus.ca/
