At a time when the world needs a reason to smile more than ever, Toronto’s new contemporary art gallery, The Local Gallery, is making it rain this spring. They’re serving up basketball-themed pop art that is sure to turn that frown upside down. For free.
Located in the heart of Toronto’s Little Italy at 621 College St, The Local Gallery is in the business of supporting local artists. Pepe Bratanov, partner and curator, believes local artists “are the creative and cultural heartbeat of our city.”
The event, called IN THE PAINT, will feature works that pay homage to the ever-growing love for basketball in Toronto. The works will range from paintings, limited-edition prints, and sculptures, to custom painted sneakers and interactive kinetic art.
“The paint is one of the most exciting areas on the court. It’s where the dunks, blocks, lay-ups and alley-oops happen. The paint has also become a canvas for creative expression. And so has this show,” says Pepe.
The pieces come from an all-star lineup. Dropping dimes are the likes of local artists Mallory Tolcher (@methenorth), Briony Douglas (@briony), Chris Solcz (@solczy), Kira Made This (@kiramadethis), Mark Serrano (@markserrano), The Give & Grow (@thegiveandgrow), Jimmy Chiale (@jimmychiale), JBV Creative (@jbvcreative), Craig White (@97draftpick), Hieram (@hieram), Peppy Colours (@peppy_colours), Nashid Chroma (@nashid.chroma) and Mahyar Amiri (@itsmahyar).
The artists are still working on their pieces for the exhibit, but here is a sneak peek of what you can find there.
The IN THE PAINT exhibit runs April 13 to 30. The Local Gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday 12 a.m to 6 p.m. Entry is free and the artwork can be purchased afterwards. Worth traveling for.
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