The ninth annual Liberty Village Art Crawl, presented by the Toronto Art Crawl, was recently as more than 90 artists took over The Bentway under the Gardiner Expressway for a day of art, design, live music, interactive demos and delicious food.
The event featured food vendors and DJ Kid Artik, the stage name of Geoff Gohm.
“It was an exciting event and I loved seeing people dancing on the beat while shopping and eating,” Artik said.
Pandora Skyes, an author of the Bleed in Pages, launched her book at the event. It tells of her life growing up, raised by her abuser and her journey to finding freedom and healing.
Author Pandora Skyes expressed her emotions with her girlfriend at the event. Photo credit: Shreya Jain
“The book is written as one narrative,” Skyes said. “The short stories flow into one another so it’s organizing chapters and it takes you through my journey from my childhood until now.
“Liberty Village Art Crawl gave me a platform to showcase my talent,” Skyes said.
Andrew Parker, the founder of Koze Kandles, narrated his story of how he stepped into candle making.
Andrew selling candles and car diffusers at the event. Photo credit: Shreya Jain
“Googling the potential health effects of candle chemicals, I came to know that society needs the purest form of candles,” Parker said.
Koze Kandles Company is all about refreshing your mood, he said.
“Every candle we make is hand-poured and highly scented,” Parker said.
Visitors were roaming around going through different stalls, taking selfies, waiting in queue for food and dancing on the street.
People standing in queue for food at the venue. Photo credit: Shreya Jain
“I absolutely loved it,” said Cristina Nang, a visitor who felt overwhelmed by the service at the bag and wallet stall. “I bought beautiful pouches to gift, made of material from upcycled fabrics in various colours and styles.
“I am waiting for more exciting events like this where I can explore all the unique stuff in one place,” Nang said.
People bought customized frames, candles, and dream catchers and celebrated Pride Month.
A vendor applied rainbow-coloured nail polish and promoted pride month. Photo credit: Shreya Jain
“I ordered various colours of dreamcatchers which will be delivered within two days at my place,” said Nidhi Gupta, another visitor to the event.
Shar-J, whose real name is Suzette Jeffers-Smith, is an artist who was one of the vendors at the event that makes customised jackets, coats and wallets and has a different perspective to share with society.
Suzette Jeffers-Smith, also known as Shar-J, is seen here selling unique wallets at The Bentway. Photo credit: Shreya Jain
“I didn’t want to be held back in designing one particular type of thing so I painted on jackets and wallets,” Shar-J said. “I’m so excited to see where I evolve and I have looked at 2022 as a growing experience and I’m taking every opportunity and building my brand.”
Toronto Art Crawl is coming up with the Sixth Annual Urban Exhibit on Sept. 10.