September 16, 2016
StreetARToronto (StART), a City of Toronto initiative, in partnership with the Toronto Parking Authority (TPA) and VIBE Arts, will host a celebration to officially unveil a mural called "A Stroll by Garrison Creek," in Toronto's Little Italy district at the Green P Parking lot, 157 Beatrice St., on Monday, September 19 at 5 p.m.
This project captures the history of the neighbourhood, specifically the two streets named Grace and Beatrice that run parallel off College Street. The Bickford sisters, Grace and Beatrice, namesakes of these streets, are featured in the mural as young children with their mother, Emily Bickford, amidst Garrison Creek’s indigenous flora and fauna.
“This mural is a beautiful tribute to our neighbourhood’s rich cultural and natural history,” said Councillor Mike Layton (Ward 19 Trinity-Spadina). “I am very proud of our local artists and their ability to tell this community’s story and I am proud of the incredible and lasting work of StreetARToronto in beautifying the city through street art.”
“Green P is delighted to have the opportunity to work with and support VIBE Arts and the City of Toronto’s StreetARToronto initiative,” said Lorne Persiko, TPA President. “The beautiful painted murals not only showcase the talents of local artists, but enrich the cultural experience of all community members who can enjoy the art.”
VIBE Arts coordinated the painting of this mural, providing many opportunities for youth in skill development, collaboration and learning art techniques such as aerosol painting and mural composition. The project engaged both professional and emerging artists working together to enhance and promote Toronto’s vibrant neighbourhoods through street art.
Emerging youth artists Moises Frank (a.k.a. Luvsumone) and Jasmine Wemingwans mentored volunteer youth from the Native Youth Resource Centre, with guidance from professional graffiti artists Pascal Paquette and Spud1. The mural also features work by widely recognized Toronto graffiti artist Art Child.
StART is a program of the City's Transportation Services Division, Public Realm Section. It is an innovative, public-private partnership designed to develop, support, promote and increase awareness of street art and its ability to beautify the city's visual landscape.
The TPA exists to provide safe, attractive, self-sustaining, conveniently located and competitively priced off-street and on-street public parking as an integral component of Toronto's transportation system. To learn more, please visit
http://parking.greenp.com/
VIBE Arts is an award-winning charitable organization that is committed to engaging young people living in neighbourhood improvement areas with high-quality, accessible arts education programs that are meaningful, relevant and collaboratively developed with community and education partners. VIBE Arts positions arts programs in schools and neighbourhood venues as a means of building community, and empowering children and youth to reach their full potential as artists and social contributors. To learn more, please visit
http://vibearts.ca
Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit
http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.
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Media contacts:
Steve Johnston, Strategic Communications, 416-392-4391, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Rita Mezzanotte, TPA Communications, 416-271-0667, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Deneille Balkissoon, Marketing and Public Relations Manager, VIBE Arts, 416-929-9314 ext. 114
