If you’ve been to Riverside or Leslieville in the past week or so, you’ve probably noticed storefronts looking extra festive. Yes that’s right, it’s Winter Windows season!
The Queen East Winter Windows Showcase is here. Riverside BIA and Leslieville BIA have partnered with 12 local creatives to help usher in the spirit of the holidays in the neighbourhood, thanks to funding from the City’s Transit Construction Mitigation Grant Program.
Get to know the talented artists who animated the windows of 45+ businesses in Riverside and Leslieville for Queen East Winter Windows Showcase 2024 (part 1 of 2):
Photo credit: Riverside BIA
SQUARE
SQUARE is an artist, illustrator and all-round designer based in Toronto, Canada, who’s worked on tons of creative projects (large and small), including murals, print and product design, logo design, and so much more! SQUARE is always eager to take on fun and playful design projects – especially work with a strong focus on illustration, bold and graphic colours, texture, and quirky hand-drawn elements.
You’ll find SQUARE’s art at these businesses:
- Blackbird Baking Co. (635 Queen St E)
- Riverside Burgers (688 Queen St E)
- Dresden Vision (733 Queen St E)
- Dirty Pawz Dog Wash (804 Queen St E)
Photo credit: Riverside BIA
Asli Alin
Asli Alin is a dynamic visual artist whose practice spans painting, sculpture and installation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture, which brings a unique perspective to her approach to materials and forms. Her work has been exhibited in major art events across Ontario, and she is regularly commissioned by municipalities and corporations to create murals in both digital and traditional formats.
You’ll find Asli Alin’s art at these businesses:
- Album Hair (639 Queen St E)
- Irish Design House (756 Queen St E)
- Tabule Middle Eastern Cuisine (810 Queen St E)
- Garden’s Path Floral Design (983 Queen St E)
Photo credit: Riverside BIA
Wandy Cheng
Wandy Cheng is an artist from Hong Kong whose work is expressed through illustration, ceramics, paper-cut and public art. She finds inspiration through memories of lived experiences & eclectic environments, expressive lineworks & bold patterns. Her illustrations can be seen on the streets of Toronto and within pages of international publications.
You’ll find Wandy Cheng’s art at these businesses:
- Aura (686 Queen St E)
- Duke’s Refresher + Bar (709 Queen St E)
- Slayer Burger (739 Queen E)
- Lemon Lily (747 Queen St E)
Photo credit: Riverside BIA
Erin McCluskey
Erin McCluskey is an early career artist based in Toronto, Canada. She is a graduate of OCAD University’s Illustration program. With a background in Illustration and Theatre, she creates images that exist on paper, walls, objects, spaces and stages.
You’ll find Erin McCluskey’s art at these businesses:
- Riverside Dental (690B Queen St E)
- ēst Restaurant (729 Queen St E)
- The Opera House Grill (737 Queen St E)
- Scout (1140 Queen St E)
Photo credit: Christine “Chris” Kilfoil
Christine “Chris” Kilfoil
Chris is a concept artist, illustrator and professor based in Tkaronto, ON. She is also a member of Fuelled By Coffee Co., an artist collective that specializes in public art installations. As a multidisciplinary artist, Chris is passionate about creating work in a variety of formats, including games, crafts and of course, murals!
You’ll find Christine “Chris” Kilfoil’s art at these businesses:
- Glass Monocle Eyecare (909 Queen St E)
- Culture Athletics (972 Queen St E)
- Eye Studio (1137 Queen St E)
- Philistine (1179 Queen St E)
Photo credit: Riverside BIA
César Alonso Rodriguez
César Alonso Rodriguez is a Colombian-born visual artist known for his dynamic murals, illustrations and public art installations. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Visual Arts, Cesar’s work blends elements of his Latin American heritage with contemporary artistic practices, resulting in vibrant, thought-provoking pieces that engage both local and global audiences. His artistic practice spans across a variety of mediums, with a focus on large-scale murals that transform public spaces and foster community connection. Based in Toronto, Cesar has become an influential figure in the city’s mural scene, consistently pushing boundaries and exploring themes of identity, culture and social issues through his art.
You’ll find César’s art at these businesses:
- The Flamingo (991 Queen St E)
- Toronto Scuba Centre (1175 Queen St E)
- Leslieville Cheese Market Inc. (891 Queen St E)
- Hooked Inc. (888 Queen St E)
The Queen East Winter Windows Showcase will run until Dec. 31, 2024, with our friendly contest to vote for your fave designs and enter our local raffle on until Dec 13th (click below!). You can scan the QR code on any of the participating locations. View all the locations on our online map or by grabbing a physical copy at participating businesses.
Follow @riverside_bia and @leslievillebia on Instagram for updates on our holiday programming!
The Queen East Winter Windows Showcase is a joint program of the Riverside BIA and Leslieville BIA, thanks to funding support from the City’s Transit Construction Mitigation Grant Program.