Going to Artist Project this weekend? Add these 5 things to your agenda

This year's edition of Artist Project opens Thursday night, running through Sunday at Toronto's Better Living Centre. More than 200 artists from across the country will be there this weekend to sell and showcase their work, and with that many exhibitors to discover, ticket-buyers can expect to get an eyeful and then some. 

Thousands of artworks will be on view, including a dozen large-scale installations by Canadian artists including Mallory Tolcher and Carrie Perreault. Beyond the booths, there's plenty more to experience: runway shows (from Fashion Art Toronto), free painting and print-making workshops and even a daily collage party, hosted by Toronto's Issues Magazine Shop. But the real twist — the thing that makes Artist Project a one-of-a-kind event on the cultural calendar, especially as far as art fairs go — is the fact the artists will be present. 

At this fair, the booths aren't run by galleries, they're presented by the same people whose work is on display. "It's an unusual model, but it really creates an intimate and personal experience for attendees and also for the artists," says show manager, Emma Fried. 

According to Fried, there's a similarly interactive vibe to the entire program, and she singled out a few of the must-see highlights. Don't leave Artist Project until you've had a chance to check them out.

See an exclusive performance

For eager collectors, an opening-night ticket offers an exclusive first look at fair, but if you're just there to take in the scene, you're in for a treat Thursday evening. Starting at 6:30 p.m., artists Pixel Heller and Xica Dieffenthaller-Lee Poy will be performing Moko Jumbie in the Main Aisle of the Better Living Centre — a dance inspired by the carnival traditions of Trinidad and Tobago. "It will be a one-night-only performance," says Fried, "and the kicker of the whole thing is it happens on stilts."

Discover 'Untapped' talent

If you miss the performance, you can still see more from Heller. A multidisciplinary artist from Winnipeg, she's currently a student at Toronto's OCAD University, and as part of the fair's Untapped Emerging Artists program, she'll be presenting a selection of her paintings in Booth U15.

Untapped is Artist Project's special section for students, new grads and self-taught artists — and it's a competition, too. Visitors can vote for their favourite booth, and the winner will receive automatic placement at next year's fair plus $1,000 toward their exhibition fees.
 

Jonah Strub was a competition finalist in 2023, and this year, his booth (Booth 316) is one of Fried's absolute must-sees. "I personally just love his work," she says.

"He's a ceramic artist that pulls inspiration from camp, kitsch. I think there's some musical theatre references in there, and lots of Yiddish humour — which is a really tongue-in-cheek way of commenting on his own history. The pieces are super playful and thoughtful, but also hilarious. I'm excited to see him take on a bigger space."

Be a fashion muse

"A lot of people get really dressed up for the fair," says Fried, and if you're lucky, the outfit you've been planning on Pinterest all month could inspire an original work of art that's created before your eyes. 

Who's the artist? Toronto-based fashion illustrator, Nessa Lilly. She'll be at Artist Project from Friday through Sunday, where she'll be sketching visitors' #OOTDs at Booth 521. 

Some important info for prospective models: Lilly will be drawing for one hour each night (see the schedule for more details), and participants can take their illustrations home for free. 

"It is a really fun way for people to collect a memento of not only the fair, but their personal experience of it," says Fried. Word of the wise to fashion plates: the activation is first come, first served, so you'll want to find Lilly's booth at your earliest convenience.

Wear a work of art

Here's another free — and unique — way to collect art at the fair. If you're a Hatecopy fan (the acclaimed local pop artist otherwise known as Maria Qamar), swing by Booth 114. For Artist Project, Hatecopy is presenting a special collaborative project with Rimsha Henna Art, and Thursday through Saturday, visitors can sign up for a mehndi session at their stall. (See the fair schedule for details.) 

"The body becomes a work of art," says Fried, who's itching to see this project in action. "I'm excited to see how [Hatecopy's work] translates into henna."

Explore the entire fair with an artworld insider

If you're still not sure how to make the most of your visit, consider joining a tour. There are plenty offered throughout the weekend, letting you see the fair through the eyes of artists — such as Nathan Eugene Carson and Jason Baerg — curators and other experts. (See the schedule.) ASL interpretation is available for all tours upon request, provided by the Deaf Culture Centre. 

Artist Project. April 11-14. Better Living Centre, Toronto. www.theartistproject.com