Here in Riverside, you know we champion all things local. It’s what we do! This not only means promoting local businesses but also working with local artists and providing opportunities to share their art and stories.
If you’ve been to this part of the East End before, you’ve probably noticed a mural or two (or 30+!) around the neighbourhood done by brilliant Toronto artists we’ve worked with over the years. Over the past few months, we’ve gotten some new additions to this open air gallery.
In case you missed it, check out the newest street art in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood:
Riverside Love, Underneath The Moon by Jasmine Vanstone
Location: 3 Munro St
This mural by artist Jasmine Vanstone (pictured above) (@articulately_jasmine) is a love letter to community life, interconnection, and the small wonders that root us. Inspired by the story of Joel Weeks and the revitalization of the local park in his name, this work transforms memory into a vibrant ecosystem where joy, growth and care thrive. Through bold colour and lyrical imagery, the mural invites viewers to imagine what’s possible when we tend to one another in public space. More about “Riverside Love, Underneath the Moon” HERE. Thanks goes to the City of Toronto Outdoor Mural and Street Art program for funding for this mural, and to Oma Chiropractic and Wellness for providing space for public art. Sincere gratitude to the artists Sagal (@sagal.duale), Morgan Velasquez (@pioquez), and Amirah Star who assisted the installation of this mural.
Waters That Wander by birdO
Location: 4 Boulton Ave
This mural by Jerry Rugg (@jerryrugg) a.k.a. birdO celebrates the Don River’s winding past through the lens of one of its quiet architects: the muskrat. A symbol of adaptability and balance, it is shown amid local plants and food sources that sustain river life. The imagery is bold and imaginative, inviting children and families to pause, wonder, and reconnect with the stories of nature woven into Toronto’s landscape. We thank the City of Toronto Outside Mural and Street Art Program for supporting this mural in 2025. You can read more about “Waters That Wander” HERE. Thanks goes to the City of Toronto Outdoor Mural and Street Art program for funding for this mural, and to Amber Kitchen & Coffee for providing space for public art.
Public Art by Gust of Wind Studio
Location: 791 Queen St E and 785 Queen St E
The mural by Gust of Wind Studio (@gust_of_wind_studio) 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. 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.
The Riverside Common Art Project
Location: Riverside Common Park, 657 Queen St E
For the Riverside Common Art Project, the BIA collaborated with Nipissings First Nation born, multi-disciplinary artist Quentin “Que Rock” Commanda (@que_rock_ | @miangunclan) to do mural art on several pieces in the space, which include benches, tables, posts and an electrical box. For the Riverside Common wall (pictured above), we collaborated with Pop Marquee (@pop_marquee) to include this wayfinding word art which is visible from Queen Street. Que Rock’s art is inspired from the Anishinaabe creation story of The original 6 nations peace treaty and more about it can be found in his narrated video. This project was in collaboration of the Riverside BIA and with permission of City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation). The project was made possible thanks to the City of Toronto’s Transit Construction Mitigation Grant.
Head over to Riverside and check out all this new neighbourhood art! If you post on social, don’t forget to tag us @riverside_bia — we love seeing your photos! In the meantime, follow us on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog as we publish new stories every week on what’s hip and happening in Riverside!