Heading to the Artist Project this weekend? Add these 5 things to your routine

This year's edition Artist project Opens Thursday night, runs through Sunday at Toronto's Better Living Center. More than 200 artists from around the country will be there this weekend to sell and display their work, and with many exhibitors opening up, ticket buyers will be paying attention and then some.

Thousands of works of art will be on display, including dozens of large-scale installations by Canadian artists. Mallory Tolcher and Carrie Perrault. Beyond the booths, there's more to experience: runway shows (from Fashion Art Toronto), free painting and printmaking workshops, and even a daily collage party hosted by Toronto's Issues Magazine Shop. But the real twist is that what makes the Artist Project a unique event in the cultural calendar, especially when it comes to art fairs, is the presence of artists.

At this fair, booths are not run by galleries, they are presented by the same people whose work is on display. “It's an unusual model, but it creates a real and personal experience for both the participants and the performers,” says show manager Emma Fried.

According to Fried, the entire program has a similar interactive vibe, and he highlighted a few highlights that are must-sees. Don't exit the Artist project until you've had a chance to check them out.

Watch the exclusive performance

For avid collectors, an opening night ticket offers an exclusive first look at the fair, but if you're just there to take the stage, you'll enjoy Thursday night. Starts at 18:30, artists Pixel Heller and Sika Dieffenthaler-Lee Poi will perform Moko Jambi In the main hallway of the Good Living Center is a dance inspired by the carnival traditions of Trinidad and Tobago. “It's going to be a one-night-only show,” Fried says, “and the main reason it's going to be on the stands.”

Discover “untapped” talent

If you missed the performance, you can see more from Heller. A multidisciplinary artist from Winnipeg who is currently a student at OCAD University in Toronto and as part of the fair Untapped emerging artists program, he presents a selection of his paintings at the U15 Booth.

Untapped is a special section of the Artist Project for students, recent graduates, and self-taught artists—it's also a contest. Visitors can vote for their favorite booth and the winner will automatically be placed at next year's fair and receive $1,000 in exhibitor fees.

Jonah Strub In 2023, he was a finalist in the competition, and this year his booth (booth 316) is one of Fried's must-sees. “I love his work,” she says.

“He's a campy, kitsch-inspired ceramic artist. I think there are references to musical theater and a lot of Yiddish humor. It's a really tongue-in-cheek way of commenting on his story. It's playful and thoughtful, but also fun. I love his big space. I'm glad to see you have it.”

Be a fashion muse

“A lot of people come to the fair really dressed up,” says Fried, and if you're lucky, an outfit you spent months planning on Pinterest can inspire an original piece of art right before your eyes.

Who is the artist? Toronto-based fashion illustrator, Nessa Lilly. He'll be at the Artist Project from Friday to Sunday, where he'll sketch visitors' #OOTDs at booth 521.

Important information for future models: Lilly paints for an hour every nightsee the table for more details) and participants can take home their illustrations for free.

“It's a really fun way for people to collect memories not only of the fair, but of their personal experience,” says Fried. Word to the wise fashion boards: activation is first come, first served, so you'll want to find a Lilly booth at your convenience.

Wear the artwork

Here's another free and unique way to collect art at a fair. If you're a fan of Hatecopy (the famous local pop artist, otherwise known as Maria Qamar), stop by booth 114. For Artist Project, Hatecopy presents a special joint project with Rimsha Henna Art and visitors can sign up from Thursday to Saturday. for a mehndi session at their stall. (See the fair schedule for details.)

“The body becomes a work of art,” says Fried, who wants to see the project come to fruition. “I'm excited to see how (Hatecopy's work) translates to henna.”

Explore the entire fair with an art world insider

If you still don't know how to make the most of your trip, join a tour. During the weekend, there are many offers that allow you to see the fair through the eyes of the artists Nathan Eugene Carson and Jason Berg — curators and other experts. (See the table.) ASL interpretation is available for all tours upon request provided by the Deaf Cultural Center.

Artist project. April 11-14. Center for Good Living, Toronto. www.theartistproject.com