THE UNEXPECTED AT UNDERPASS PARK

Beyond Tradition | Erika Serodio

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As the second wave case numbers climb all around me, I’m feeling more anxious about the upcoming winter that will largely be spent at home. I am not ready to be kept inside. Finding destinations and things to do where we feel both safe and excited is going to get harder. It’s a relief to see that Toronto museums have so far remained open, but it feels like we are all holding our breath. 

Farmers Market at Underpass Park | Source

Last night, the final farmers market of the season took place at Underpass Park, another sign of the end of the outdoor season. However, this unexpected outdoor art space will remain open. I have biked through Underpass Park once before, but I have not yet stopped to take it all in. I’ve been saving it, placed a bookmark on its page, for a day when I’m in need of inspiration and my indoor worlds have closed. I recommend you do the same.

Underpass Park by Rick Harris | Source

Underpass Park officially opened in Toronto in 2012. Before then, it was simply the space below the Eastern Ave, Richmond, and Adelaide Street overpasses. The 2.5 acre park was designed by Phillips Farevaag Smallenberg with the Planning Partnership as a project of Waterfront Toronto. The main intention of the project was to transform a derelict space into an active community hub. Since its inception, Underpass Park has hosted performances, skateboarding events, music videos, and dance routines. In 2016, the American Society of Landscape Architects recognized the achievements of the Underpass Park project with their Award of Excellence.

Mirage by Paul Raff | Source

In their design, the existing structure of the underpass was reimagined with specific lighting and artworks integrated throughout the site. The addition of programmed LED lights brightens the space in artistic ways while also providing a safer night time experience in the park. A notable artwork in the park is that of Toronto artist and architect, Paul Raff. His piece, titled Mirage, is made of 57 mirror-like panels suspended from the underside of the overpass. The public can interact with the piece by playing with their own hovering reflections. The ceilings created by the overpasses are unexpected places for art, but they also act as weather protection for the entire site. Graffiti is encouraged on the pillars throughout the park, but this is just one of the many ways that the site invites users to participate in the creation of public space. 

HONEST ED'S FAREWELL, DUMPLINGS & ART

WHAT'S HAPPENING WEDNESDAYS

BY: EMILY WELSH

Happy Reading Week everyone! Read on to learn about four current and upcoming events!

Source.

1. An Honest Farewell

Schedule for the four day festival honoring Honest Ed's. Source.

From February 23rd - February 26th, the Centre for Social Innovation Toronto is hosting a four day festival to honour Honest Ed's and to launch Toronto for Everyone, an initiative looking to co-create an inclusive city and carry on Ed's legacy. The festival includes free and ticketed events including:

-Amazement - an immersive maze of art installations (including photography, theatre, dance, & murals) inviting visitors to "come get lost one last time."

-Town Hall for All: Community Hub - a variety of organizations and individuals will be present to offer free community programming. Attendees are invited to register online and can sign up for a maximum of three sessions. Check out the schedule here.

-Goodbyes & Good Buys: Market City - Farmer's markets, flea markets, maker markets and more!

Learn more: 

http://torontoforeveryone.com/events-ticketing/ 

https://www.facebook.com/events/578290052369608

 

2. The Dumplings of Toronto

 

Example of a Kibbeh. Source.

 

Every month the Mackenzie House Museum invites visitors to explore the diversity and similarities of Toronto's communities through the dumpling. On February 25th, visitors can experience cooking demonstrations on the museum's 1860s wood burning stove and explore the Kibbeh (Kubbeh, Kubbah), a dumpling from the Middle East.

Learn more: http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=7899606b4d301410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD

https://www.facebook.com/events/272589236488459/

  
3. Winter Stations at the Beaches

Eight art installations are set up at the Beaches. Source.

Winners of the 2017 Winter Stations Design Competition are on display at the Beaches from February 20th - March 27, 2017. Eight art installations are located along the beachfront with this year's theme of "Catalyst : Converting one form or substance into another." The competition organizers saw the theme as representing several notions of change and being especially fitting for the 2017 social, political and cultural climate. Competitors were asked to design installations that would embody change by stimulating reconsideration of Toronto's waterfront and by being more ecologically friendly.  

Learn more about the competition and this year's theme: http://winterstations.com/competition.php

4. Ice Breakers Exhibition

Five art installations are set up along the Toronto Harbourfront. Source.

Five art installations are currently on display around the Toronto waterfront, along Queens Quay from the Toronto Music Garden to the Harbourfront Centre. The installations, on display until February 26th, result from a collaboration between Winter Stations and the Waterfront Business Improvement Area. Explorers can also download the TO Ice Breakers app on Apple and Android to not only help them locate the art displays but also add to their experience by accessing more information about the art & artists and voting on their favourite installations.

Learn more: http://www.waterfrontbia.com/event/ice-breakers/ 


Additionally, from February 20th - 26th, Ontario is celebrating Heritage Week! If you know of any events celebrating Heritage Week or other upcoming events please leave a comment below! Happy reading!