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The PATCH Project installs permanent and temporary art in underused spaces, like construction sites or empty storefronts, that strengthen community ties, and beautify the streetscape while building the capacity of emerging artists to exhibit in the public realm. They work to improve the urban experience for local residents and visitors alike, while using the proceeds to fund community arts programming for youth in some of the city’s most underserved communities through their host agency – The STEPS Initiative.

Through a collaboration with PATCH, the Riverside BIA is excited to animate a few of our empty and transitioning storefronts, beginning with the Riverside’s ArtFEST. The lead PATCH Artist for this project is Melissa Luk, an east-ender who completed a Riverside mural in 2013, also supported by the BIA. Accompanying Melissa is artist Emanuel Ciobanica.  Melissa’s style is whimsical and poignant often creating understated references to the location of her work – an ideal match for Riverside’s historical and community-oriented neighbourhood.

We invite you to come and watch the creation process of this new work, during a live art painting to take place during ArtsFEST, between Boulton and Grant street on the north side of the Queen Street East.

There has been a lot of action in Riverside this past week as the TTC and City prepare for the Queen/Broadview Intersection Closure from June 30 – July 25, 2014.

On Wednesday, Councillor Fletcher and a team of about 20 TTC, City, BIA and other people were on hand for a walk-around – and to understand exactly what was going to take place.

The result was a Q & A  Document which answers the following questions:
Q: What work is taking place at Queen and Broadview?
A: The streetcar tracks are being replaced, which includes repaving road affected areas within the
work limits and sidewalk work at the north side corners of the intersection with provision for
reinstating the existing artwork. Minor sidewalk repairs on the south east corner of the intersection.
The existing artwork will be sustained.

Q: How long will the work take?
A: Work starts on June 30 and should be completed by July 25, 2014. You can expect night and
overnight work by the TTC.

Q: How will the work happen?
A: The work is phased. Phase1 will take place from June 30 to July 11 and will include breaking
concrete and removing the old tracks. Work will begin on the east end of the work zone on Queen
and work its way west. When work reaches the Broadview intersection, another team will
simultaneously begin working north on Broadview. A concrete base is poured for track installation
and new tracks will be installed in the same progression – starting on the east side, working towards
the west end of the work limit. New tracks will then be installed north on Broadview to the work limit.
Phase 2 will start by July 14 and will involve the sidewalk repairs. Access to businesses will be
maintained, when required, fencing openings will be provided as well as board-coverings at
business entrances.

Q: What are the road closure limits?
A: Complete closure points with fence barricade at work limits
Broadview (North end) – at Thompson / Broadview (South end) – north of Eastern Avenue
Queen (West end) – at Hamilton / Queen (East end) – at Lewis
Primary closure points with local access allowed to work limits
Broadview (North end) – at Dundas / Broadview (South end) – at Eastern
Queen (West end) – at River / Queen (East end) – at Degrassi Street

Q: Where will the fence barricade be located?
A: Fencing will surround the work limits (Complete closure points). The fence will also line the
sidewalk around the site at the curb during phase 1. The fence will then move in phase 2 to allow
safe pedestrian access on the road while sidewalk work takes place.

Q: How can I access the area?
A: Vehicles will be allowed local access to the work limits.

Pedestrian sidewalk access will be maintained but diverted by fencing around the intersection.
Pedestrian access to businesses will be maintained.
Q: What work is taking place at Queen and Broadview?
A: The streetcar tracks are being replaced, which includes repaving road affected areas within the
work limits and sidewalk work at the north side corners of the intersection with provision for
reinstating the existing artwork. Minor sidewalk repairs on the south east corner of the intersection.
The existing artwork will be sustained.

Q: How long will the work take?
A: Work starts on June 30 and should be completed by July 25, 2014. You can expect night and
overnight work by the TTC.

Q: How will the work happen?
A: The work is phased. Phase1 will take place from June 30 to July 11 and will include breaking
concrete and removing the old tracks. Work will begin on the east end of the work zone on Queen
and work its way west. When work reaches the Broadview intersection, another team will
simultaneously begin working north on Broadview. A concrete base is poured for track installation
and new tracks will be installed in the same progression – starting on the east side, working towards
the west end of the work limit. New tracks will then be installed north on Broadview to the work limit.
Phase 2 will start by July 14 and will involve the sidewalk repairs. Access to businesses will be
maintained, when required, fencing openings will be provided as well as board-coverings at
business entrances.

Q: What are the road closure limits?
A: Complete closure points with fence barricade at work limits
Broadview (North end) – at Thompson / Broadview (South end) – north of Eastern Avenue
Queen (West end) – at Hamilton / Queen (East end) – at Lewis
Primary closure points with local access allowed to work limits
Broadview (North end) – at Dundas / Broadview (South end) – at Eastern
Queen (West end) – at River / Queen (East end) – at Degrassi Street

Q: Where will the fence barricade be located?
A: Fencing will surround the work limits (Complete closure points). The fence will also line the
sidewalk around the site at the curb during phase 1. The fence will then move in phase 2 to allow
safe pedestrian access on the road while sidewalk work takes place.

Q: How can I access the area?
A: Vehicles will be allowed local access to the work limits.

Pedestrian sidewalk access will be maintained but diverted by fencing around the intersection.
Pedestrian access to businesses will be maintained.

-To view the City document  please  click here

Earlier in the week, the BIA also shared the following TTC explainer video:

And Finally – the Riverside BIA had requested and received some funding from the City of Toronto to promote Riverside during this Construction – the result is the Riverside Summer Promotion Passport – which includes a consumer loyalty program, 4 events (1 each week); and over 30  Riverside businesses have rallied to support the hood with a July Promotion.

Visit Here for Details

Riverside ArtFEST – July 13^th 1-6pm

Although well known for the Riverdale Art Walk in June, on July 13^th, from 1-6pm Riverside is showcasing large scale outdoor art installations along with other arts activities.

Mural Painting: At Queen East and Munro Streets (OMA Chiropractic) Artist Monika Wickeler will be painting the Riverside heritage themed athletics mural. With Switchback Cyclery will be doing a bike workshop.

Patch It-Up!: On Queen East Sidewalk between Boulton & Grant The PATCH Project will be doing a PATCH it-UP live painting of panels that will be going in empty storefronts. Melissa Luk will be the lead artist with Emanuel Ciobanica supporting her.

Origami Installations: On Queen & Saulter, by the Target Parking Fence, Samantha Dizon will be doing a Koi Pond inspired Origami installation. This installation features various origami pond inhabitants and lotus flowers surrounded by hand-cut lily pads.

Customer Appreciation Soirée: At 732 Queen East Dimensions Custom Framing will be inviting local residents to come in for light refreshments and drinks.

Kid’s Double Bubble Paper Prints: In front of 755 Queen East, macFAB & the Artists’ Network’s Janet Potter will be leading a kid’s workshop on  Double Bubble multicoloured paper prints Bike Workshop

Children’s Sidewalk Chalking:  Put your mark on Riverside with sidewalk chalk – happening by the PATCH and Mural installations

Plus lots of Riverside promotions in our businesses 

Sam’s beautiful installation of Origami portrays various butterflies connected through several nets. Interpretation of the unique work is left up to the audience.

Having created origami in shadow boxes for several years, Sam felt it was time to bring origami outside to an audience that wouldn’t expect to see it on their way to work or while out on a stroll. In doing so, she hopes to convince those who see the butterflies that origami can indeed be art and not just a hobby craft.

Sam has been folding origami since the age of eight. She teaches origami classes and does commissions. Some of her work has recently been used on HITRECORD on TV season 1 and her origami love (album) has inspired a collaboration on hitrecord.org.

The One Fire Movement is coming back to its roots in Toronto to play at Eats&Beats 2014!

The movement is a collection of artists devoted to their goal of making the world a more positive and loving place. Their main message is that “We Are One”.  Riverside’s small town in the big city feel fits this message.

One Fire works with a number of organizations including Amnesty International and Riverside’s own Nellie’s. The originally grass roots movement has grown into a global wave of optimism. The One Fire Movement has now moved into Australia, Peru, India, and Brazil. Even more incredible is that the movement only began in 2009!

The group is made up of artists including musicians, songwriters, photographers, film directors, designers, music producers, poets, painters, and dancers. These passionate artists want to inspire the world through the power of their art. Come see these talented people and hear their message during the Eats&Beats festival this Saturday!

LET US KNOW YOU’RE COMING and sign up HERE 

Thanks to our prime sponsors Nell & Natasha Homeward Realty  and Streetcar Developments