The Market Gallery 2009 Exhibits & Events

November 14, 2009 to March 13, 2010
THE ST. LAWRENCE WARD
A Pictorial View of Toronto's Oldest Neighbourhood

In celebration of Toronto's 175th anniversary, the Market Gallery presents a special exhibition focusing on the history of its original neighbourhood. Maps, photographs and art will provide a pictorial essay illustrating the architecture, economic development and political life of this area.

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The history of this neighbourhood dates back to 1793 when land purchased from Aboriginals was settled by the British and named the Town of York. From the original ten blocks including today's Front Street East, King Street East, Jarvis Street, The Esplanade and George Street, the St. Lawrence neighbourhood is today known for its thriving market, cultural attractions and nineteenth century architectural landmarks such as St. Lawrence Hall. Wharfs, railway tracks and muddy streets once claimed this area which later developed into a major industrial area of warehouses by the early twentieth century.

Showcased in this exhibit are early views such as Fish Market, Toronto (1840-42) by William Bartlett, Goad's insurance atlases from the late 1800s documenting buildings, and photographs of King Street East in the 1870s when it was Toronto's main shopping street.

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June 20 to November 7, 2009
Toronto Island Narratives, Past and Present

Toronto Island has undergone many changes over the years, but the homes that still exist, housing about 700 people, are now clustered toward the eastern end of the Island. The Ward's and Algonquin commu­nities are home to artists of all ages working in every kind of medium imaginable. Once described as the "spiritual centre" of Toronto, the Island retains the ability to spark creativity in those who live and work there.
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Contemporary art works by Island artists will be featured alongside art and artifacts from the Toronto Island Archives. Resident artists, inclu­ding Jerry Englar, Mitchell Fenton and Gaye Jackson, have been asked to make works inspired by historical items from the collection of Toronto Island archivist, Albert Fulton (1938-2008). This exhibition is organized by Delwyn Higgins, freelance curator and Toronto Island resident for fifteen years. This multi-media exhibit will underline the enduring connections that exist between the past and present in the creative imagi­nations of the local artistic community.

The exhibit poster is available here (PDF).

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March 7 — June 13, 2009
Lit City: Toronto Through the Eyes of Authors and Artists

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Kensington Market, Roy Greenaway (1891-1972) Oil on canvas, 30.5 x 38.1 cm. City of Toronto Art Collection, Cultural Services

The works of Toronto artists Aba Bayefsky, Sybil Goldstein, Brian Kipping, Gerald Lazare, Doris McCarthy, Louis de Niverville and others will embrace the words of Toronto authors Margaret Atwood, George Elliott Clarke, Cory Doctorow, Ramibai Espinet, Joe Kertes, Antanas Sileika, Russell Smith and others in Lit City: Toronto Through the Eyes of Authors and Artists.

A presentation of Toronto Cultural Services through its Market Gallery program, Lit City runs from March 7 to June 13, 2009 as a feature presentation in celebration of Toronto's 175th birthday. The exhibition pairs passages from historic and contemporary literary works about Toronto with pieces from the City's extensive art collection. Citing poetry, novels, science fiction and mysteries, the exhibit explores diverse interpretations of Toronto and its landmarks.

Various quotations from writings dating back to the 19th century such as The City Tree by Isabella Valancy Crawford (1850-1885) to more contemporary works, such as Glenn Downie's Loyalty Management which won the 2008 Toronto Book Award, will be presented in conjunc­tion with comparable works of art from the City's collection to illustrate a scene from the book. Readings and panel discussions with well-known Toronto literary figures will also be presented during the run of the exhibit.

Lit City kicks off months of special programming that will culminate in the 10th anniversary of Doors Open, May 23 and 24, 2009 that will focus on Literary Toronto.

Download the poster here. (PDF)

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Saturday, March 28, 2009, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
FABLED CITY: Toronto: 175 years
One Great Story with Jazz

Over one hundred and seventy-five years ago, the town of York became incorporated as the city of Toronto. Join Storyteller JIM BLAKE as he spins a compelling story of Toronto inspired by these works of visual artists and writers and accompanied by a jazz soundscape created and performed by LINA ALLEMANO (Trumpet), ROB CLUTTON (Bass) and TIM POSGATE (Guitar and Banjo).

storyfestival.gif - 4455 Bytes Download the flyer (PDF) here.

Free Admission — please RSVP as seating is limited.
For more information, and to RSVP: 416-392-7604 or marketgallery@toronto.ca

All Toronto: Fabled City events
Full listing of Toronto Festival of Storytelling

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Thursday, April 23, 2009, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Authors Reading at The Market Gallery

In conjunction with our current exhibit, Lit City: Toronto Through the Eyes of Authors and Artists, meet three authors whose stories are inspired by their personal lives. Adapting to a new homeland is an experience explored in the literary works of David Chariandy (Soucouyant), Farzana Doctor (Stealing Nasreen) and Antanas Sileika (Buying on Time).

Join us for this lively evening of readings and a discussion of the unique, yet shared experiences that inform their works, hosted by exhibit co-curator Ulana Baluk.

Free Admission. Please RSVP as seating is limited. For more information and to RSVP: 416-392-7604 or marketgallery@toronto.ca