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Riverside Window Wonderland: Meet The Artists (Part 1 of 2)

If you’ve been in the neighbourhood lately, you’ve probably noticed storefronts looking extra festive. That only means one thing: Riverside Window Wonderland is ON! 

The Riverside BIA has collaborated again with local artists and local businesses and organizations to usher in the spirit of the holidays with a showcase of festive window art.

Get to know the talented artists who animated the windows of 25+ businesses in Riverside for Riverside Window Wonderland (part 1 of 2):

Sasha

Website | Instagram

Sasha is a freelance illustrator and graphic designer. She is a traditional illustrator at heart, with a secret love for murals. Art has always been a part of her, and she loves exploring new ways to bring ideas to life. She gets inspiration from fantasy, nature and all things quirky.

You’ll find Sasha’s art at these businesses:

  • Riverside Burgers
  • Eastbound Brewing Company
  • Common Sort

Monica Wickeler (aka monicaonthemoon)

Website | Instagram

Monica is a LGBTQ2S+ Luxembourg/Canadian public artist. Also known as monicaonthemoon, she originally trained in the craft of hand-painted outdoor advertising but has moved Monica’s practice toward community-based public art installations in Toronto and across Canada.

You’ll find Monica Wickeler’s art at these businesses:

  • Riverside Dental
  • St. John’s Eco Market
  • Queen Garden Centre
  • Fontbonne Ministries

Mia Carnevale

Website

Mia Carnevale is an artist and illustrator from Toronto, Canada. She has illustrated for publications such as The Walrus, Hodder & Stoughton UK and designs movie posters for local Toronto cinemas. In her practice, she is interested in exploring motifs from folktales, antiquities and romance.

You’ll find Mia Carnevale’s art at these businesses:

  • The Broadview Hotel
  • UNTITLED by Flaunt Boutique
  • Tabule Middle Eastern Cuisine

Valentina Lozano Leon (aka La Pupila)

Instagram

Valentina, a.k.a. La Pupila, is a Colombian artist based in Toronto. Her art focuses on exploring feminine energy, often with an aura of melancholy. Through symbols, distorted forms and evocative faces, she hopes to illustrate the complexities of the female experience — her fears, her hopes and her vision for a better world. While her work is deeply personal, she approaches these themes with a poetic and gentle visual language, creating space for introspection and connection. It is an exploration of memory, emotions and the transformative power of symbols.

You’ll find La Pupila’s at these businesses:

  • Korman & Company
  • Bonjour Brioche

Cesar Alonso Rodriguez

Website | Instagram

Cesar is a public artist based in Toronto best known for his mural painting and large-scale public art installations. Holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Painting and Drawing, he creates work that blends elements of his Latin American heritage with contemporary artistic practices. The result is vibrant, thought-provoking pieces that engage both local and global audiences.His practice spans a variety of mediums, with a focus on expansive murals and UV-reactive 3D installations that transform public spaces and foster community connection. He seeks to push boundaries and explore themes of identity, culture and social issues.

You’ll find Cesar Alonso Rodriguez’s art at these businesses:

  • Amavi Atelier
  • Album Hair Salon
  • Naz Treasures

Catch Riverside Window Wonderland until Dec. 31, 2025! Go on an art walk at your own pace with our online map or by grabbing a physical copy at any of the participating businesses.

Speaking of art walk…

The Riverside Window Wonderland Art Walk, in conjunction with the 2025 Riverside Holiday Market, is happening this Sunday, November 23rd. Sign up HERE.

Visit. Vote. Enter.

Don’t forget to scan the QR code on the windows to join the Riverside Window Wonderland contest. You have until Dec. 7th to vote for your favourite windows and enter our raffle and winners will be announced on Dec. 10th, but the window art will be up for you to enjoy Dec. 31st!

Check @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog for updates on Riverside Window Wonderland. Stay tuned for PART TWO of the artists’ features coming next week!

We acknowledge and thank the City of Toronto, Government of Canada and FedDev Ontario for support of this campaign as part of the ‘Riverside Ramps it Up’ project through the Transit Expansion Construction Mitigation Fund 2025.

“Pass It On” Murals

“Pass It On” Murals by Gust of Wind Studio

In 2025, the Riverside BIA collaborated with Fontbonne Minsitries, Mustard Seed location and Gust of Wind Studio to envision a community-focused mural comprised of several parts using the elements in the public realm around Fontbonne’s Mustard Seed Courtyard at 791 Queen E and in collaboration with the adjacent Re/Max Hallmark Realty location at 785 Queen E. The result is a vibrant mural that also invites community members and visitors of all walks of life to enjoy the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere at this location in Riverside. Learn more below and check out the art:

About the Art

The mural design is inspired by the idea of “pass it on,” reflecting the area’s spirit and ongoing care for the community. The design weaves together universal symbols of compassion, renewal and belonging into a vibrant and hopeful composition. These elements are unified on a geometric grid referencing the Riverside BIA’s visual identity. The grid also brings rhythm, balance and a sense of connection — showing how individual parts come together to create a greater whole, and celebrating the spirit of continuity, care, and passing it forward.

About the Artist

Mateusz Napieralski is a Polish-Canadian illustrator, designer, and animator based in Toronto. Working under his creative practice, Gust of Wind Studio, he blends graphic and motion design with illustration to create bold, geometric compositions. His work spans advertising, editorial, digital, packaging, and murals. Passionate about purpose-driven collaboration, Mateusz focuses on projects that celebrate LGBTQ+ communities, support creative education, encourage community building, and promote mental well-being. More at (IG gust_of_wind_studio)

Kudos to our partners in art!

Thanks to the many artists who assisted with this project. This project was in collaboration of the Riverside BIA and Fontbonne Ministries Mustard Seed location (791 Queen E), with space also provided by Re/Max Hallmark Realty Ltd. (785 Queen E). The project was made possible thanks to the City of Toronto’s Transit Construction Mitigation Grant.

 

Pass It On Murals at Fontbonne 791 Queen St East by Gust of Wind Studio a project of Riverside BIA Pass It On Murals at Fontbonne 791 Queen St East by Gust of Wind Studio a project of Riverside BIA Pass It On Murals at Fontbonne 791 Queen St East by Gust of Wind Studio a project of Riverside BIA

Riverside Window Wonderland is ON! Visit. Vote. Enter.

Riverside Window Wonderland invites local artists to partner with local businesses to turn their storefront windows into a canvas for festive holiday art.

The Riverside BIA invites you to visit 25+ holiday windows on storefronts along Queen St E from Davies to De Grassi St.

You’re invited to VISIT them all. VOTE for your faves, and ENTER our local prize raffle!

Check out our online map HERE. 

Here are some of the activities you can enjoy as part of the campaign:

ART WALK

Join us on Saturday, Nov 23rd for a *FREE* Art Walk to explore and delve deeper into Riverside Window Wonderland with us. 

Led by artist Ella Mazur, the tour kicks off at the Riverside Holiday Market (765 Queen St E) and ends with a complimentary snack and refreshment at Queen Garden Cafe (771 Queen E).

RSVP to the Riverside Window Wonderland Art Walk HERE!

RAFFLE CONTEST

If you’re in the neighbourhood checking out the amazing art, you’ll notice the Riverside Window Wonderland poster on the windows of the participating businesses.

To enter the raffle, simply scan the QR code any of the windows, vote for your top three (3) favourite window art designs, and leave your contact info to enter the raffle. You can vote and enter once, anytime between Nov 17th and Dec 7th. The contest closes Dec 7th at noon and winners will be announced on Wednesday, Dec 10th!

Full mechanics and raffle submission link can be found HERE. Although the contest ends on Dec 10th, the window art will be up for you to enjoy until Dec 31st!

Be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly for updates on Riverside Window Wonderland!

We acknowledge and thank the City of Toronto, Government of Canada and FedDev Ontario for support of this campaign as part of the ‘Riverside Ramps it Up’ project through the Transit Expansion Construction Mitigation Fund 2025.

It’s a wrap on Riverside Flavours – Fall Edition!

Over the past four weeks, seven amazing businesses in Riverside have been serving up special menu items for Riverside Flavours – Fall Edition to usher in the new season.

In case you missed it, Riverside Flavours – Fall Edition was a new campaign by the Riverside BIA that put the spotlight on local venues offering a unique dish or drink inspired by classic fall warming spices: cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and nutmeg.

As the campaign comes to a close, let’s recap some of the highlights from Riverside Flavours – Fall Edition — plus, special awards! 

JUDGES’ FEEDBACK

The Riverside BIA also invited an esteemed panel of food/drink experts to check out some of our featured businesses and the special menu items they created for the campaign. Here’s what they had to say about Riverside Flavours – Fall Edition:

“I thought that the concept of the campaign was great! It’s a fun way to highlight businesses and their offerings. I enjoyed the experience of chatting and hearing the story behind the different dishes and the chefs/mixologist that created them.” – Maya Strasser, Delicious Discoveries Tours

“I think the Fall Flavours campaign was a great initiative. It’s nice to see a collection of the neighbourhood’s businesses come together with a view to driving business in the area. Cooperation and collaboration are what turns a street into a community, and I hope the spirit of collaboration endures beyond the bounds of this campaign.” – Dave McGuckin, Restaurant Manager

“I just love the community spirit of Riverside and the work that the BIA has been doing. I think Riverside Flavours was another way of showcasing the strength, diversity and deliciousness of Riverside. You could taste the ‘heart’ of Riverside in the dishes and the warm flavours.” – Grace Cameron, JamaicanEats Magazine

WORDS FROM OUR WINNERS

“I noticed the Riverside Flavours – Fall Edition card on the table. I like to support local businesses and I happened to try the Best West Mac & Cheese from The West Cork so I joined the contest. There’s a good variety of food and drinks featured in the campaign.” – Cynthia, Week 1 winner

“I tried three dishes from Riverside Flavours – Fall Edition. The Cornmeal Porridge from BlessedLove has got to be one of my favourites. This dish is comforting, warm and festive. The Baharat Sour from Tabule is up there for me as well.” – Russell, Week 2 winner

“Riverside Flavours – Fall Edition is awesome. I came to Tabule for dinner and it was delicious. This place is amazing. The Baharat Sour is so good and unique. It’s a bit spicy and refreshing at the same time. It was my first time here at Tabule and I definitely see myself coming back here.” – Aaron

“Riverside Flavours – Fall Edition is a great campaign because it highlights different businesses in the area. It drives people to try out what these establishments have to offer. I love The West Cork and I frequent this place so I’m really glad to be a raffle winner.” – Bill

“I loved BlessedLove’s Cornmeal Porridge. I’ve always supported local so I’ve been telling people about the Riverside Flavours – Fall Edition campaign. I’ve come here almost every day for the porridge. What I appreciate most about BlessedLove aside from the food is the people here.” – Negus, Grand Prize Winner

(Disclaimer: These statements have been edited for length and clarity.)

SPECIAL AWARDS

The public has spoken! We have three special awards to give to chosen Riverside Flavours dishes, voted by YOU, our amazing supporters.

#1 ‘SPICE WITH A TWIST’ – Most creative or unexpected use of fall spices 

Baharat Sour by Tabule (@tabulemiddleeasterncuisine)

#2 ‘MOST FALL-TASTIC FLAVOUR’ – Best captures cozy fall vibes

Best West Mac & Cheese by The West Cork (@thewestcork)

#3 ‘FAN FAVOURITE’ – The item you love most-overall – for whatever reason!

Cornmeal Porridge by BlessedLove (@shopblessedlove)

Before we officially close this chapter, the Riverside BIA would like to thank the amazing businesses who participated in Riverside Flavours – Fall Edition, our panel of judges and most especially, all of you who helped make this campaign a success!

Would you like to see us continue Riverside Flavours — a winter, spring and summer edition, perhaps? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Check @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog to stay updated on exciting programming in the neighbourhood like Riverside Flavours –  Fall Edition!

We acknowledge and thank the City of Toronto, Government of Canada and FedDev Ontario for support of this campaign as part of the ‘Riverside Ramps it Up’ project through the Transit Expansion Construction Mitigation Fund 2025.

Meet The Vendors of Riverside Holiday Market 2025

In case you missed our big announcement last week, the annual Riverside Holiday Market is back and this year, it’s happening INDOORS! 

Join us on Sunday, November 23rd at 11am-4pm inside Ralph Thornton Community Centre (765 Queen St E) for an afternoon of festive shopping and yuletide fun.

Here’s a sneak peek into some of the small businesses and vendors who will be bringing their amazing products to the Riverside Holiday Market on November 23rd!

Photo credit: Dryanke

Dryanke (@dryanke_fashions)

Handmade baskets from Senegal as well as jewelry bags, fans and cloths

Photo credit: Catherine & Co.

Catherine & Co. (@catherineandcompany)

Candles, vegan soaps, bath soaks, unscented body lotion and greeting cards for gifts

Photo credit: Linkhaus Sausages

Link Haus Sausages (@link_haus)

Gourmet sausages, frozen and vacuum-sealed as well as hot off the grill

Photo credit: The Midnight Baker

The Midnight Baker (@themidnightbaker_official)

Handcrafted heritage baked goods, mini cheesecakes and desserts

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

JamaicanEats Magazine (@jamaicaneatsmagazine)

Magazines and cookbooks about Jamaican food and culture

Photo credit: Winsome by TAH

Winsome by TAH (@winsomebytah)

High quality lip products, including lipsticks, lip glosses and lip oils, designed to deliver rich colour, smooth application and long-lasting wear

Photo credit: The Abibiman Project

The Abibiman Project (@theabibimanproject)

Social enterprise focused on spotlighting flavours of the African diaspora with a line of pantry products including spice blends, sauces, beverages and sweets

Photo credit: Softly SHEA

Softly SHEA (@softly.shea.shop)

Organic whipped shea body butter and organic paw protector for pets (also made with organic shea butter)

Photo credit: Casa Lovina

Casa Lovina (@casalovina)

Ethical crafted jewelry and accessories from Indonesia and Toronto

Photo credit: Nira Earth Inc.

Nira Earth Inc. (@niraearth)

Pottery kits and copper bottles

There will be 30+ vendors at this year’s Riverside Holiday Market + FREE activities for the whole family. We look forward to seeing you there!

Let us know you’re coming and RSVP through the button below. Check out @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog for updates!

We acknowledge and thank the City of Toronto, Government of Canada and FedDev Ontario for support of this campaign as part of the ‘Riverside Ramps it Up’ project through the Transit Expansion Construction Mitigation Fund 2025.