July 5, 2005
Media Release
Opening Reception:
Thursday, July 7th
7-10 p.m. at Gallery 1313
For artist profiles click here [1].
Lakeside: Art Looks at Toronto's Beaches
Environmentalists and artists celebrate these unique urban spaces
(Toronto, July 6th) - Today a new art exhibit, a collaboration between environmentalists and artists, opens at Gallery 1313. Lakeside: Art Looks at Toronto's Beaches reminds us of a cherished past, contemplates the ecological and social values of our beaches and provokes debate on what needs to happen to reclaim these natural gems. Plagued by pollution for decades a generation in Toronto has grown up with closed beaches and little connection to the lakeshore.
At the exhibit opening on July 7th, artist Ilona Staples bridges the gap between young and old, past and present as she teaches gallery goers 'The Balmy' in honour of the 100th anniversary of Toronto's Balmy Beach Club.
"The artists' passion for Toronto's beaches is expressed through a collection of photography, paintings, installation, video and sound art," says Elaine Whittiker, visual artists and co-curator of Lakeside.
Lakeside opens with new hope for Toronto's beaches as the city raises Blue Flags at its cleanest beaches, adopts a tree protection bylaw, accelerates its downspout disconnection program and considers prohibiting front yard parking. The exhibit is also a call to action as shores and beaches along Scarborough, West Toronto and Etobicoke remain polluted and largely abandoned.
"In a city that is 70% urbanized, essentially concrete and pavement, our lakeshore's reputation as polluted leads us to overlook these natural places," says Shelley Petrie, Executive Director of the Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA). "A mix of art and activism, Lakeside hopes to awaken optimism and inspire action."
Greener city spaces will create a natural drainage system and divert pollution from our rivers and beaches.
Lakeside: Art Looks at Toronto's Beaches runs from July 6 to July 24, 2005 at Gallery 1313 is located at 1313 Queen W. A series of public talks accompanies the exhibit (www.torontoenvironment.org/water).
For more information:
Shelley Petrie/Elaine Whittaker, Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA) at 416-596-0660
Phil Anderson, Gallery 1313: 416-536-6778