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 2 of 2):
Ella Mazur
Ella (EC) Mazur is a multidisciplinary artist exploring the beauty of nature and the power of the human imagination through visual art, poetry, murals and performance. In addition to creating and exhibiting her personal work, she has collaborated with Inkbox, Artscape, Pizza Libretto, Spadina Museum, Campbell House Museum, the City of Toronto and the AGO. She also regularly performs her poetry across Toronto and has recently published her first collection, “Seeking the Sun”.
You’ll find Ella Mazur’s art at these businesses:
- Eastbound Brewing Company (700 Queen St E)
- Common Sort (760 Queen St E)
- Thyme Studio (779 Queen St E)
- Black Rooster Decor (1075 Queen St E #1)
Fernanda Bocanegra Cantuarias
Fernanda, the person behind Lynenick Art, is a Peruvian artist based in Toronto, whose illustrations focus on animals and botanical motives. Attracted to both the mysterious and more whimsical aspects of nature, her art plays in between these components to bring comfort, humour and a little magic into our personal spaces.
You’ll find Fernanda Bocanegra Cantuarias’s art at these businesses:
- Korman & Company (721 Queen St E)
- Maral Salon (936 Queen St E)
Victoria Day
Victoria Day (she/her) is an interdisciplinary artist who takes inspiration from traditional Korean patterns. She celebrates her heritage and explores the nuances of mixed-race identity through prints, drawings, ceramics and murals. Victoria often works with technically demanding analog processes and is drawn to repetition, symmetry and order in her imagery.
You’ll find Victoria Day’s art at these businesses:
- Oma Chiropractic & Wellness (1 Munro St)
- Real Greek Gyros (731 Queen St E)
- UNTITLED by Flaunt Boutique (792 Queen St E)
- Tim Hortons (800 Queen St E)
Marg Cresswell
Marg is an award-winning muralist who spent her final year of study in Florence, Italy and graduated from the OCA. She has painted over four dozen public art murals throughout Toronto, where she lives. Marg continues to expand her public art presence through her murals.
You’ll find Marg Cresswell’s art at these businesses:
- Ran’s Closet (747 Queen St E)
- Leslieville Pumps General Store & Kitchen (913 Queen St E)
- Ollie Quinn (918 Queen St E)
- Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming (1151 Queen St E)
Daria Domnikova
Daria Domnikova is a Toronto-based multidisciplinary illustrator, muralist, artist and designer. Since earning her BDes in Illustration from OCAD University, Daria has collaborated with a wide range of local Toronto businesses, Canadian and international editorial publications, and non-profits. Daria’s work is deeply informed by her surroundings: the buzz of our vibrant city, community and nature. As a people-oriented creative, Daria makes human connection the axis of her work and aims to visually represent diverse communities and the joy of togetherness.
You’ll find Daria Domnikova’s art at these businesses:
- Dent Leslieville (875 Queen St E)
- The Source Bulk Foods (901 Queen St E)
- Leslieville Chiropractic & Wellness (989 Queen St E)
- Jules Bistro (1290 Queen St E)
Talie Shalmon
Talie is an artist, facilitator and graphic designer from Toronto. She works with a variety of media, including murals, painting, digital art and ceramics. Talie is inspired by nature and is passionate about public art. Her murals can be seen in public spaces across the GTA.
You’ll find Talie Shalmon’s art at these businesses:
- Purple Penguin Cafe (889 Queen St E)
- Blitz Facial Bar (1133 Queen St E)
- Love Me Do Baby (1142 Queen St E)
- Raise The Root Organic Market (1164 Queen St E)
Catch the Queen East Winter Windows Showcase until Dec. 31, 2024! Go on an art walk at your own pace with our online map or by grabbing a physical copy at participating businesses.
Don’t forget to scan the QR code on the windows to join the Queen East Winter Windows Contest. You have until Dec. 13 to vote for your favourite windows and enter our raffle, but can enjoy the window art until Dec 31!
Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram for updates!
Photos by Riverside BIA
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.