We’ve seen the pandemic take opportunities from the hands of local restaurateurs, artists, entrepreneurs and students alike. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the negative impacts of the lockdowns but Collective 131 has finally been given the chance to shine despite the darker days of 2020. From June 19 to August 31, they will be leveraging unused retail space in Yorkville with their pop-up gallery. Collective 131 represents seven local artists who are eager to recover and share their art to Torontonians.
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Collective 131
Prior to the pandemic, presenting art in Toronto’s esteemed Yorkville neighbourhood was inaccessible to grassroot, local talent.
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“The pandemic has had such a negative impact for so many artists who were unable to mount exhibits and shows. We were fortunate to be able to access this incredible space that has been an integral part of the Yorkville community. ”
Morgan Jones, artist and a member of Collective 131
The exhibit’s theme is “Intimate and Accessible” and is a direct response to the year that sent traditional art shows down the drain and brought forth virtual events! Works of art in diverse media will be displayed in over 3 300 square feet of vacant retail space thanks to the generous support from The Colonnade.
Intimate and Accessible
Following all safety protocols, art lovers will be able to interact directly with the artists, pop in to ask questions about what goes into transforming an idea into a masterpiece. “Intimate and Accessible” will be open 11:00 AM Saturday June 19th at 131 Bloor Street West, in the heart of Yorkville.
The Artists
Morgan Jones
Jones a former director of sales turned full-time artist left his corporate life several years ago. A self-taught mixed media artist Jones is now represented by a half dozen galleries and his works are collected internationally| www.morganjonesart.com
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Todd Monk
Todd is a modern figurative painter, introducing a completely unique style called ‘Pixelism’ (he made that up), which is where Impressionism, Realism, and Digital converge| www.toddmonkart.com
Mark Gleberzon
An Honours graduate of the Ontario College of Art, Mark Jeremy Gleberzon works in painting, photography and mixed-media collage-assemblages. He is based in Toronto, Canada| www.markgleberzon.com
Vanessa Drew
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Canadian artist, Vanessa Rachel Drew creates vibrant oil paintings of fresh flowers. After receiving her BFA from Queens University, she began a successful career, selling her work in galleries throughout North America for over 20 years| www.vanessaracheldrew.com
Adrienne Jackson
A writer from 9-5, Adrienne’s favorite place to tell stories is on canvas with paint. Self-taught in her practice, painting began as an experiment that has evolved into a full-blown passion project. Her paintings are a colorful, whimsical journal meant to evoke happiness, energy and fearlessness|www.crushworks.ca
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J & J Photo
The collective artchild of Jane Pike and Jeff Turner, this couple combine their respective backgrounds in graphic design and photography to create bold colour statements with places and objects. Their work is available in several galleries in Toronto, and has made its way into homes as far reaching as Germany and Trinidad| www.jeffturnerphoto.com
Huy Lam
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Multi-disciplinary artist, Huy draws inspiration from his curious and experimental mindset to create sculptural balance between organic and industrial material, with an emphasis on materiality and process. His work is clean and sophisticated, with an elemental connection that brings warmth and harmony| www.huylam.net