Riverside is on a roll with new public art in the neighbourhood! Aside from the temporary sidewalk murals for Queen East Eats, we’ve got a couple of permanent additions too — starting off with Cesar Alonso’s “Where the Sunlight Meets the River”!
Rooted in Riverside’s rich history, this mural by Cesar Alonso in the parking lot at 643/5 Queen St E weaves together memory, landscape, and community.
The blue jay serves as a witness across generations, watching over the forests, waterways, and evolving streets that have shaped this place. Sunlight carries echoes of memory through the mural, while baseball symbolizes connection and shared experience, honoring the people who have gathered, played, and built community here over time.
Flowing between natural and urban landscapes, the composition reflects Riverside’s ongoing story, where ecology, recreation, and everyday life intersect. This mural invites viewers to pause and look closely, recognizing how traces of the past remain present in the places we inhabit, and how the character of a neighborhood continues to be shaped by both memory and change.
Cesar Alonso is a Colombian-born, Canadian-based public artist known for his dynamic murals, illustrations, and public art installations. His work has helped transform Toronto’s streetscape through vibrant, community-inspired artworks. Cesar combines elements of his Latin American heritage with his experiences in Canada to create visually compelling and thought-provoking works.
Check out @cesar_alonso_art on Instagram and his official website to see more of his work!
Special thanks to the City of Toronto Outside Mural & Street Art Program for the financial support to make this public art project possible; the Riverside BIA for project coordination, financial support and community liaison support; Downtown Automotive Group for helping facilitate mural production; and Dream for providing the wall space for public art.
Head over to Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood and check out Cesar Alonso’s new piece! In the meantime, follow us on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog for regular updates on public art in Riverside!
BLOG: Queen East Eats Sidewalk Mural Project – Nick Sweetman & Catherine Cachia