The 54th annual Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition returns to Nathan Phillips Square, showcasing over 300 exhibitors from a variety of mediums. The TOAE is a non-profit charitable organization, with a goal to cut down the velvet ropes in traditional galleries or art fairs. By removing the barriers, the TOAE hopes to allow artists to directly interact with their audience, and allow the audience to fully grasp and understand the art pieces.
“We feel there are a lot of people who are either intimidated or uninterested in the traditional, formal gallery,” says Rachelle Sabourin, TOAE’s exhibitor relations manager and a recent graduate from York’s art history program.
[su_pullquote]“Our show literally breaks down these barriers by placing the work in a free, public, outdoor space. We have no admission price, we take no percentage of sales from our exhibitors.”[/su_pullquote]
Sabourin has been involved in Toronto’s art scene for several years, and worked with TOAE during her last year at York.
As the relations manager, Sabourin helps artists apply for the TOAE, arranges a jury panel to cut down 1,000 applicants to just over 300, and becomes the main contact for all exhibitors once they are selected.
“Artists are a rare breed, their needs and expectations can’t be lumped into an average. It gets tough trying to accommodate 300 perspectives, but it keeps me personally invested in their experience at the show and as artists,” she adds.
As part of TOAE’s mission, the exhibition is informal and casual. Although the majority of participants are professionals who make exhibitions their careers, the exhibition is not separated by category or status. Instead, all rows are intermixed with variety of mediums and artistry, including jewelry, sculptures, paintings, photography, and more.
On her experience at York, Sabourin says that she wasn’t worried about making the transition between students and adults, and admits that although it was hard to manage, internships, volunteering, and freelancing during her school years helped build the connections that would propel her to a promising career. Her advice for students?
“All I can say is keep going, and be indispensable. Following the rules never advanced a great artist in the past, and it won’t now either. “
The TOAE opens September 18 to 20, at Nathan Phillips Square. To learn more, visit.torontooutdoorart.org.
Victoria Goldberg, Arts Editor
Illustration courtesy of Hanna Stalmach.
