Category Archives: Heritage & history

Canadian Black Music Archives launches “B’Lack Then” exhibition of music icons & pioneers.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Canadian Black Music Archives launch event last Thursday for their B’Lack Then exhibition of memorabilia, instruments and costumes from Canadian music icons and pioneers. The show runs until February 2026 in the Archives of Ontario housed in York University in Toronto (details at end of story).I was thrilled when I was contacted a few months ago by curator, Shadio Hussein, to secure items from Claudja Barry who continues to enjoy a successful career first in disco music, then on to R&B as well as appearing in films, world tours and making her own documentaries. Claudja submitted a gorgeous beaded gown worn on stage and in videos, her “boogie woogie dancin’ shoes”, several magazines from the 70s and 80s with multi-page photo spreads and interviews, press clippings and all manner of mementoes from her exciting career. (pictured below – Shadio poses with Claudja’s beaded gown and some of Claudja’s photos and magazine articles)
Spread across eight glass showcases, the exhibit illuminates the lives of 23 artists across 10 music genres through photographs, albums, newspaper clippings, film screenings, discussions and more. Visitors are invited to explore significant albums, singles and compilations by artists such as Portia White, Salome Bey, Jackie Shane, Jackie Mittoo, Leroy Sibbles, Nana McLean, Adrian Miller, Motion, Rochester aka Juice and Gene King. Rare sheet music by the Ball Family, Shelton Brooks and Nathaniel Dett is also featured, along with original performance costumes worn by King Cosmos, Claudja Barry and Rochester aka Juice.

King Cosmos poses with his own costume & Claudja’s gown

The celebratory evening presented a number of performances by artists featured in the exhibition or their descendants (Tuku, daughter of Salome Bey / Robert Ball, a descendant of the Ball Family Jubilee Singers / Brooke Blackburn of the Blackburn Brothers & son of Bobby Dean Blackburn), speeches from VIPs and congratulations – bravo to Executive Director Phil Vassell (pictured below) and Managing Director Donna McCurvin and to the archivists and curators who worked so hard to amass a collection of artists from so many different genres. Ontario head archivist Jacqueline Spencer (pictured below Phil) spoke eloquently of her colleagues who dug deep to learn about and locate so many of the musical legends.

The exhibition will run through February 2026 to coincide with Canada’s Black History Month.
Located at 134 Ian Macdonald Blvd at York University (opposite the York U subway entrance).
Details: https://www.archives.gov.on.ca/en/events/Canada_Black_Music_Archives.aspx
Open Mon-Fri 8:30am to 5pm FREE ADMISSION!
Follow @the.cbma on IG for up-to-date news.

Celebrating Int’l Women’s Day 2025

Big shout-out to all my sisters around the world…the women who lead, the woman who create, the women who inspire. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to meet so many fabulous talented women who have brought joy to my life as well as helped educate and inform me. I reached out to a number of women who have left a tangible imprint on my current life so I asked them to offer up their thoughts, their own inspirations and how they live their lives in such a positive and engaging fashion….here is what they said.So many women throughout history across multiple disciplines spring to mind but it is anthropologist Margaret Mead whose words remain embedded in my consciousness, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” We all do what we can to make the world a better place and my films are built on frameworks that speak to truth, understanding, forgiveness, love and reconciliation…with a bit of action, adventure and fun thrown in. Art is where thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. And the beauty is we can all do it. ~ Victoria Wharfe-McIntyre, Australian film director, writer and producer (below)Throughout my life, I have been inspired by the amazing women around me – their resilience, spirit, and strength in facing and overcoming changes while caring for others. The sister bond of support and encouragement, working together, sharing our stories – there are too many to mention. I remember my mother teaching me stories through singing our Anmatyerr song lines for as long as I can remember. Mum would sing songs about our family dreamtime stories and told stories by drawing symbols in the sand. This deep connection to my culture and heritage is reflected in my song ‘Heading Home’ where I sing: ‘Lying in my mother’s arms feeling safe and sound. She sang of Tjukurpa and her Homeland as she drew in the sand.’ These experiences have profoundly shaped who I am as an artist and a woman, carrying forward the ancestral storytelling traditions that continue to inspire my work. ~ Rhubee Neale, Indigenous Australian artist (below)When I think about the women artists who’ve influenced me, my practice and my work the most, I’m seeing that they influenced me by being welcoming and supportive in addition to being talented artists with their established practices. Though I was a newbie, Irina Schestakowich immediately treated me as a fellow artist, sharing opportunities, materials and introducing me to her contacts. Being part of a community provided a foundation to anchor my practice. Though I met Janet F. Potter through painting, she’s shown me that following the muse to the craft side is another way of expressing our vision. Paper, textiles, rocks, sticks are as important as paint to her work. Learning from Janet I’ve incorporated textiles and whimsy into my work. I learned to trust and follow my muse. I hope my work inspires artists to trust their instincts, find the community that will support them. They should create what they’re inspired to create and trust that the audience will find them and value them. In other words, do the work you’re inspired to do and trust that the world needs it and wants it. ~ Nancy Bennett, Canadian artist at Labatt Studio, Toronto (below)To start with, I’d like to share one of my favourite quotes….I believe in kindness. Also in mischief. Also in singing, especially when singing is not necessarily prescribed.” ~ Mary Oliver, US poet. As a musician and composer, I appreciate her philosophy which continues to inspire me on a daily basis. She is known for her poignant observations of the natural world. Her work has a romanticism that refuses to acknowledge the boundaries between nature and the observing self. I think the natural world is the essence of creativity in its purest form. ~ Petra Salsjö, Australian film & tv composer (below)I owe who I am today to my mother, Rasheda Islam—an amazingly strong and resilient woman, a trailblazer far ahead of her time in a traditional and conservative society. In the 1960s, she raised me to think for myself, ask questions, and speak my mind without fear of judgment. She also taught me never to let traditional norms define me as a girl/woman. Her wisdom and guidance taught me to stay grounded in my values and navigate challenges with patience, calmness and prudence. She was always poised, proper and well spoken, respected by everyone around her. After pausing her education to care for a young family, my mother returned to university to complete her Master’s in Literature followed by a degree in Education. She started her teaching career after becoming a grandmother—showing me that it’s never too late to follow your passion. Although she is no longer physically present, she remains my greatest source of inspiration, empowering me to embrace new beginnings, pursue my artistic passion, and dedicate myself to healing and sharing my teachings with others. She was, is, and always will be, my true mentor and guiding angel. – Tanzina Amin, artist, teacher & gallerist (below) Women possess the power of the universe but it’s up to women to understand how it works. Successful women use that power. ~ Adonay, recording artist, songwriter & business woman (below)

So all these wonderful women have contributed to my personal happiness by sharing their talents and own personal joys. Thank you, ladies. But who was my earliest inspiration growing up as a little girl in the West Australian bush? Hmmm….well, I spent hours in the local library learning about history (yes, I was a bit of a geek even back then) and was always intrigued by a warrior woman who changed history – Boudica, Queen of the Iceni, who took on the occupying Romans who had slaughtered her tribe, killed her husband and raped her daughters in 61 AD. She took up arms, rallied her tribe and lead a revolt against the occupying Roman troops, raising towns and settlements as she headed towards Londinium (London). She set the most western outpost of the Roman Empire ablaze! Sadly, she was killed and the Iceni were conquered and absorbed into the main population of the British Isles. All this took place near where I was born and where both sides of my family originated (there’s even a town called Fordham in Essex county). So here’s to all the Boudicas out there continuing the fight against oppression, cruelty, misogyny and the path of destruction and bullshit created mostly by men. HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!

BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN CANADA

I reached out to a number of friends for comments on Black History Month and what it means to them. Like all artists, many are a bit slow to respond with quotes but here are messages from four friends who have had an impact on my life and I have huge respect for their ethics and opinions.

First up, Michael Williams who many will know from the early days of MuchMusic (1980s) when he was the first face of colour appearing regularly on our TVs. He’s now producing and working with artists while keeping in front of cameras and hosting live events across the country.I live 24-7/365 days a year – Black History Month is an opportunity to learn more about yourself and teach those around you so that your history, our history, is no mystery. But I understand that black history is truly Canadian history now and is being taught in the schools (at least in Ontario) and hopefully coast to coast, that’s what I love about Canada the most.
Michael Williams
CEO, Greydread Productions Inc. and celebrated original veejay of MuchMusic

I’m thrilled to welcome a few words from Kenny Robinson, one of the comedy greats who started back in the 80s when Canadian comedians ruled!! Kenny has had several comedy TV specials over the years and is the founder of the Nubian Disciples of Prior, a collective of black comedy artists that frequently presents special showcases, one of which is coming up soon…With President Trump trying to erase Black History Month in the States, I’ll say EVERY DAY is Black History for me. Political, business, sports and entertainment: the internet has made is possible to discover something new every day.
Kenny Robinson, renowned stand-up comedian and founder of the Nubian Disciples of Pryor

And I’m honoured to include the following quote by well-respected poet and health & wellness entrepreneur Wakefield Brewster. Wakefield’s poetry and spoken word performances have engaged, enraged and entertained audiences across the country.The two easiest camps to identify with during Black History Month are: “Yes! Black Pride, Black Power, Black History Month!” …and “Damn! We still NEED this?!” I’m in both camps, and here is where I pitch my tent: in the last 5 years of world-changing events: President Obama, #45, COVID-19, the murder of George Floyd, the re-energized presence of BLM. Those five events if you will, gave me the opportunities to change my life. In the midst of global interruption, in the wake of economic upset, I was able to establish a new rhythm and financial moderation. I was not the only one, Black or otherwise, to thread the needle of the worldly chaos. These events allowed “smaller people” to do “bigger things”. There was now more room where very little, to none at all, once existed. I’ve been Living My Lyrical Life as a Poet of The People for a quarter-century, now. Only since 2020, have I become Poetically and personally seen, heard, felt, and embraced (especially by Calgary), like never before. Black History Month brings focus and attention to Our People, and all that we are; more than slavery, heralds of History, presently thriving, and living our legacy. Happiest Black History Month, every single day.
Wakefield Brewster
YYC Poet Laureate Emeritus, Professional Poet & Spoken Word Artist
Page2StageProductions Inc.
Professional Health & Wellness Practitioner
WakeFull Wellness Registered Massage Therapy & Healing Space
www.wakefieldbrewster.com

And here is the indomitable recording star Claudja Barry who has had so many “firsts” as a black artist in Canada I’m gonna let her tell you all about it. She has had hits in every decade since the 70s and is set to release new music later this year. Bravo, Claudja! https://www.theclaudjabarry.com/

Thank you so much to all for sharing your thoughts on BHM…am hoping to share more comments from other artists on the subject before the end of the month.

CityTV Premieres New Series About Forgotten Black Canadian History

A new five-part docu-series called Black Community Mixtapes produced by OYA Media Group will premiere on CityTV Toronto (and across the country) on Sunday Sept. 24 at 7pm EST. The television series breathes new life into the personal archives gathered by individual Canadians to shine a light on life-changing moments in Black Canadian history. Created and directed by the award-winning Canadian filmmaking team of Alison Duke and Ngardy Conteh George (pictured below), the show explores the cultural riches of Black Canadian history that are often stored and forgotten in crates, file folders and photo albums that have never been documented or recognized by national institutions. Says Duke (pictured below)….“We are not just filmmakers. We are first and second generation Canadians who actively try to better understand Canadian history. Producing films within the Black community for over 20 years gave us incredible access to personal archives which have helped to fill in the gaps. I hope that people see this series as a stepping stone to learning more about Black history here in Canada and that it sparks curiosity in all us to dive deeper into our own family’s archives.”The series follows KhaRå Martin, a young Toronto filmmaker, musician and actor, who embarks on a quest to rediscover Canada’s Black history and as host of the show, she speaks to Black Canadian archivists, musicians, artists and cultural change makers as they walk us through the rich world of Black Canadian culture. Here’s a sneak peak…

Some of the most notable people featured include former Much Music VJ’s Michael Williams and Master T as well as radio deejays DJX and Ron Nelson. Other cultural icons from the Black community include nine time carnival queen Joella Chrighton, screenwriter and playwright Motion, artist Natalie Wood, photographer Michael Chambers, writer George Elliot Clark, cultural centre owner Itah Sadu and Vintage Black Canada archivist Aaron Francis.

Congratulations to OYA Media and the team….I can’t wait to watch and learn!
Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackcommunitymixtapes

MY AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE, PT. XVII – A VISIT TO THE MUSEUM/ART GALLERY IN PERTH

Wherever I travel, I always make a point of visiting the museums and art galleries to get a better understanding of time, place, culture, history…and back home in Perth was no exception. I grew up and was educated there in the 60s under the old colonial school system that had been so white-washed as to obscure any references to the first Australians, the aboriginal guardians of the land, sea and sky. This was a civilization that was over 50,000 years old and when Capt. Cook and the first fleet sailed into what is now Sydney harbour on August 22nd 1770, that culture immediately became endangered – the original Australians were vulnerable to European diseases as well as being easy prey for slavers and target practice. It was a history that had been wiped from the pages of our school history books…but thankfully, no longer are white Australians ignorant to the facts of conquest, settlement and stolen lives and land. I’d learnt a lot over the past 5 years, all the way over here in Canada – another land conquered by Europeans. When my sister Jenny and traveling companion, Suzi, visited the museum, we saw an amazing collection of indigenous art and stories from more current times that illuminated the culture, life and legends …the spectacular canvas and bark paintings caused one to stop, stand and stare for a long time, taking in all the colours, textures and lines.
We checked out several of the other galleries and floors and of course, we had to play with the dinosaurs (Jenny, below) and the giant blue whale skeleton that I actually remember from the early 80s when visiting the family for Christmas. ….and what’s an Aussie museum without a great white?Another display that caught my eye featured stories and ephemera from the post-WWII immigration push that my family was part of…yes, we were “ten pound poms” – British families who emmigrated to Australia under a programme that required payment of 10 pounds per person (I got to go for free) and you got practically free passage Down Under, with basic accommodations upon arrival which were nasty, cold nissen huts on mud floors with wooden slat flooring, and communal baths, laundry and dining – awful things that we fortunately only had to stay in for a month or so before getting a nice little house in Melbourne. We sailed from England in 1959 on the Fair Sky, one of two Sitmar line ships that had previously been used as troop ships in the early 40s. The Gibb family (i.e. the BeeGees) came out about the same time on sister ship the Fair Star. Lots of posters, recruitment info and other bits and bobs from that time were on display and they brought back memories from my early childhood. Wow, what an adventure I had at age 5! The museum also had a thylacene (Tasmanian tiger) in a glass case. They had been killed off back in the 20s and 30s and although there have been many recent “sightings” (just like Big Foot) there is no proof that the poor wee beasties still exist. I felt so sad looking into those glass eyes….There were also meteorites I could touch as well as displays of rock formations, precious gems and night skies…what an amazing visit I had! If you ever find yourself heading Down Under, do visit Perth’s museums and art galleries…you’ll see things you’ve never witnessed before.

https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/

MY AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE, Pt. XVI – PERTH’S RAAFA AVIATION HERITAGE MUSEUM

Some of you may know that I am a history junkie…my father was in the RAF just at the close of WWII – he worked on engine maintenance and was stationed in the middle east incl. Palestine and Cyprus. As a little girl he used to show me his book on enemy aircraft recognition (silhouettes of planes) as well as British and Allied planes; I learnt to tell the difference between a Spitfire and a Junker at an early age. This past September, my sister Jenny took me to Perth’s amazing aviation museum where I geeked out on all the aircraft displayed in the huge hangars, as well as all the exhibitions on the history of Australia’s air force, outback transportation and flying doctor service. I was in my element, as was my young nephew Maclean, who has already started flying lessons at 16yrs old.

I remember learning about aviation hero Charles Kingsford Smith, above, for whom Sydney airport is named and it was cool to see/touch his belongings. If I remember correctly, I wrote an essay on him in primary school that scored me an A. I stood in front of the Spitfire and read all the details for quite some time before I was drawn over to the spectacular Lancaster bomber, one of the planes that flew the legendary dam buster raids over Germany in WWII. Maclean joined me in front of the giant plane (below) and one of the knowledgeable guides kindly explained the mechanics of the “bouncing bombs”. I was thrilled to be invited to climb up into the belly of the beast…the guide was kind enough to explain what it was like inside for the crew (bloody scary and very uncomfortable)…
Earlier that same day, I received a “butt dialed” call from back in Toronto from my friend, Christopher, whose stepdad, famed Hollywood director, Michael Anderson, had directed the award-winning “The Dam Busters” movie (1955)…what synchronicity, eh? So I made a video for Christopher which I’ll share here so you can see just how huge the plane was.

I was amazed to see how many women were involved with the RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) during the war…and pleased to see they got the recognition they earned.
So many incredible artifacts are on show and Maclean loved his experience in a virtual reality simulated bomber flight, courtesy of Aunty Glenda! I encourage you to explore the museum’s website for lots more info as well as visiting hours & directions – this is a not to be missed tourist attraction when visiting my home town of Perth, WA. https://aviationmuseumwa.org.au/

VISITING MY ANCIENT RELATIVES AT THE ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM

It’s been a while since I took a spin around the galleries at Toronto’s ROM and as I’d been given a “golden ticket” to view the Treasures of a Desert Kingdom: The Royal Arts of Jodhpur, India (selected photos at end of blog) exhibition, I decided to capitalize on the all-access pass and take in some of my favourite displays, in particular the Etruscans (from whom I believe I am descended), the ancient Romans & Greeks, followed by the European 15th – 20th centuries for good measure. There were some exquisite jewellery displays of Etruscan baubles I’d never previously viewed – now I know from where I get my passion for carnelians & garnets… Moving thru the various centuries of ancient civilization, so many great photo opps presented themselves…. The Athena Parthenos (above) is recreated here with a model worshiper (bottom right) to show the original scale of this magnificent Greek goddess statue. And I loved the Cypriot busts (below) – the laurel crowned fellow on the right looks like he’s just been told an off-colour joke!Through a set of doors and around a corner, I spied the “In the Age of Rembrandt” exhibition so I flashed my VIP pass and in I went…Such beauty and elegance…several Dutch masters painting during the same era as Rembrandt are featured and as you pass thru the exit of this gallery, you’re bade farewell by a pair of Rembrandt’s stunning portraits… I then proceeded into more recent centuries and viewed the room-scapes set up so visitors can get a taste of furnishings and lifestyles from the Tudors to the mid-20th century. Don’t you just love these mid-century modern chairs (above)? And haven’t we all had our bums in some of these seats, too?

Now back to the Indian exhibit – it closes Sept. 2nd and it’s well worth the museum entry fee just to see it. Stunning artworks, furnishings, royal jewellery & costumes…so much to admire and wonder at. Check out the Royal Ontario Museum’s website for hours & directions: www.rom.on.ca/en

A SALUTE TO QUEEN VICTORIA

Happy Victoria Day weekend! How many of us really understand the relevance of this national holiday other than marking the time to open the cottage, stock up on beer and gather the family for a giant BBQ? Thanks to Reader’s Digest and OCanada.com, here are a few facts about Her Maj and why we celebrate her.

Despite being dead since 1901, Britain’s second-longest-reigning monarch is more popular than ever with a hit TV series (Victoria) and a recent major film about her life (Victoria & Abdul). The woman who became queen at 18 years of age, and ruled for 63 years, has never really been forgotten. In the 118 years since her death, she has cropped up as a central character in dozens of films and as a minor character in everything from episodes of Monty Python to Dr. Who. The seemingly endless fascination with Victoria may even have planted the seeds for today’s worldwide obsession with the Royal Family.Canadians are particularly well acquainted with Victoria. We’ve been celebrating her birthday since 1845. The Victoria Day holiday – called everything from May Two-Four Weekend to Firecracker Day – is the unofficial kick-off to summer in Canada. It’s a federal holiday in this country, and a provincial one in six provinces and all three territories. Despite her enduring fame, Victoria’s birthday is not a holiday in Britain. Except for a small part of Scotland, where Victoria Day is often combined with another holiday, Canada is the only country that marks the event on a grand scale.Schools, parks, counties, roads, everywhere you look in our country, you’ll find variations of her name or royal title. Not one, but two provincial capitals, Regina and Victoria (pictured below), can thank the Queen for their names, and there are hundreds of Queen Streets dotted all around the country. Even her family got in on the name game: the province of Alberta is named after the Queen’s daughter Princess Louise Alberta, and Prince Edward Island was a tribute to Victoria’s late father. Queen Victoria may have been one of the longest reigning monarchs, but she was also one of the luckiest. On at least eight occasions, most of them while riding in her open carriage, would-be assassins tried to kill her. She also had a stalker. A man by the name of Edward Jones broke into the royal residence at Buckingham Palace several times, and was eventually caught—but not before he sat on her throne and stole her underwear!So get out there, enjoy whatever sunshine you can find and thank Her Majesty Queen Victoria for the welcome time off…and hang on to your knickers!!

EXPRESSIONS OF CHINA exhibition marks 48th Anniversary of Canada-China diplomatic relations

Today, October 13th, marks the 48th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Canada and China. Yesterday, I was honoured to attend the opening of a one-week cultural exhibition of contemporary paintings illustrating the famed 300 poems from the Tang Dynasty at the Robarts Library, Uni. of Toronto, thanks to the kind invitation from Justin Poy (The Justin Poy Agency), one of organizers along with the Inst. of Traditional Chinese Painting Creation & Research. ABOVE LtoR: Jack Leong, Andre Schmid, Consul Jingjing Sai, Larry Alford, Justin Poy, Jerry Shi, Binghuang Shi

Justin, along with local dignitaries and visiting Chinese representatives, introduced the special celebratory installation of stunning traditional watercolour and ink illustrations created by 130 of China’s leading contemporary artists including Xiang Li, Hong Biao Liu, Hui Zhong Ren and Dong Fang Wang. The poems of romance, longing & passion were written in an ancient language and are extremely difficult to translate into English, something Justin, along with his Chinese collaborators, is trying to remedy with an upcoming book, perhaps in time for the 49th anniversary next year. The beauty of the scrolls is undeniable and regardless of my lack of understanding of the language, the subjects exuded the thoughts and feelings behind each poem. This delicate painting (below) in the softest of pastels and pinks caught my eye and I returned to it over and over again. I would love to know the meaning of the poem it illustrates as it obviously resonated with me on a subliminal level.So many beautiful scrolls decorated the Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library on the 8th Floor so I hope you can visit over the next week and see for yourself. EXPRESSIONS OF CHINA runs Oct. 12-19 at the Robarts Library (U of Toronto), 130 St George Street. Supported by the Art Committee of Chinese Artists Association. For more information contact: 647-821-7050.

MEET HANNA KOSTANSKI, URBAN GALLERY’S ARTIST OF THE MONTH!

Last night, Toronto’s coolest indie art venue, URBAN GALLERY, hosted the opening reception for HANNA KOSTANSKI, whose work is inspired by vintage photographs of our city from years gone by, found in the City of Toronto Archives. With permission from the Archives, Hanna has recreated well-known intersections and streetscapes from the early 1900’s through to the 1980’s, adding colour and movement to the imagery, bringing the scenes to life. Her show, 20^th Century Toronto: Intersections & Interactions, runs until August 26th at Urban Gallery (400 Queen St East, Toronto) and I strongly recommend you visit in person to see if you recognize each of the locations she’s painted. Betcha you’ll be amazed to see how our city has changed!

About the artist: Hanna was born in Szczecin, Poland, and grew up in Hamilton, Ontario. She obtained her BFA from OCAD University in 2007 and currently resides in Hamilton and works in Toronto. Her work can be found in dozens of private and public collections in both cities.(Above) Yonge and Dundas, 1978 Acrylic on Wood 30″ x 60″ by Hanna Kostanski
From City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1526, File 92, Item 49 • Original Photograph by Harvey R. Naylor

Artist Statement: For nearly a decade my work has been focused on the visible passage of time, experienced through the exploration and documentation of abandoned and decaying buildings in cities like Hamilton and Detroit. I have always been fascinated with historical architecture, specifically how we interact with our buildings and structures, and what happens when that interaction ceases to exist.

My current body of work continues to explore the connection between people and their environment, but with a focus on historical representations of that relationship. To that end, I have been working on a series of paintings based on photographs found at the City of Toronto Public Archives. These images span several decades and are nostalgic of the city as it used to be. They celebrate the many past incarnations of Toronto, the vibrant intersections of the city and the interactions of its people. Hanna Kostanski (2017)

The gallery was quickly crowded with fans of Hanna’s work which has recently garnered some exciting media attention – even Toronto Mayor John Tory has weighed in on Twitter about Hanna’s ability to capture a sense of time and place with her large format paintings.Two of Hanna’s BFF’s came to support her and found a familiar sight in this painting (below) of Yonge Street between Queen & Dundas! I think this fellow (above) must work on Bay Street – he appears to be looking for the location where his office now sits and explaining the old geography to his lovely companion. Hanna welcome many of her friends and fans (above), all of whom seemed eager to see her newest paintings.

Fellow artist Nancy Bennett (below) looks like she’s calling a cab from the intersection of Yonge & Dundas…LOLAmidst the hub-bub of the busy gallery, I managed to grab Hanna for a quick chat about her work…

Hanna is also offering fine prints for those who don’t have the space for the original BIG paintings…here’s a happy art-lovin’ family who purchased 2 prints of their favourite paintings….Here’s Wayne Abell of Urban Source Catering (they always present the most deelish treats for gallery openings!!) with KJ Mullins, publisher of NEWZ4U.ca, a Toronto-centric e-newspaper who really liked Hanna’s work.If you would like to come and play “spot the street” with Hanna’s work, please visit www.urbangallery.ca for gallery hours and directions. You can also follow Hanna on social media via her own website: www.hannakostanski.com

Thank you for supporting Canadian artists!