There’s a special treat in store for local art connoisseurs: the fall edition of the Bayview Art Tour and Sale on Sat. and Sun., Sept. 21 and 22, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. As the website states, the popular event aims to “shine a light on the works of local artists” and provides an opportunity for emerging and veteran artists “to develop new audiences through affordable exhibitions.”
On display will be a wide variety of art works and styles including oil and acrylic paintings, mixed media, ceramics, glass art and photography. One or more artists show their work at several different venues in the area bounded by Yonge, Laird, Broadway and East Moore Park.
The Bayview Art Tour launched in 2000 when artist Francis Craig invited several of her artist neighbours to her living room at her home on Millwood Rd. to propose they take part in a street art exhibition and sale. Over time, the informal shows in people’s homes evolved to become a well-organized community arts event originally held in the fall. Director Susan L. Brown explains that “through word of mouth and contact with local arts groups in the area, more artists were invited to participate, opening their homes and studios” to visitors from the immediate neighbourhood and beyond.
Since Covid, the art tour has become an outdoor event in both spring and fall with displays in gardens, yards, driveways and porches. The show’s online presence has also grown through social media, attracting more participants and visitors. “Marketing online has become the norm, using the artists’ own platforms, the group’s website and Facebook listings,” says Susan. In fact, they’ll be launching their own app in the near future. The tour, which is sponsored by local groups like Manor Road United Church, Inhabit Books and realtor Patrick Rocca, welcomes new sponsors as well.
Preparing for the two events is a year-long undertaking. Organizers meet in January to start work on the May show and in July for the fall show. Tasks include putting out a call to artists, updating the website and entry forms, preparing marketing materials and finding sponsors and venues for guest artists. As Susan says, it is a “multi-faceted process,” which requires a team of artists and volunteers.
The individual artists also require a great deal of planning and work to set up their exhibits. But as Joan McGivney, secretary of the committee, explains, the effort is worth it as she loves to display her oil paintings and discuss them with visitors. “Selling one’s work to a happy patron is a great joy.”
Christine Cho, a mixed media artist who joined the group in 2022, echoes these sentiments. The shows have been very successful for her as “the community is very supportive of local art” and “it is a thrill to see an art piece go to its forever home.”
Susan points out that the sales are a great way to meet new artists and art enthusiasts and the gatherings serve as a “social event” for the community. The tour also reminds local politicians of the importance of the arts and offers unique opportunities for outreach and marketing.
It’s an excellent showcase for artists, who are grateful for the support and inspiration the tour provides. Plus, the organizers have plans to attract a wider audience and broader spectrum of artists in the future. “The more, the merrier, is our philosophy of inclusion and expansion,” says Susan. For more information, visit: www.bayviewarttour.art.
