If you’ve been in the neighbourhood lately, you’ve probably noticed storefronts looking extra festive. That only means one thing: Riverside Window Wonderland is ON!
The Riverside BIA has collaborated again with local artists and local businesses and organizations to usher in the spirit of the holidays with a showcase of festive window art.
Get to know the talented artists who animated the windows of 25+ businesses in Riverside for Riverside Window Wonderland (part 1 of 2):
Sasha
Sasha is a freelance illustrator and graphic designer. She is a traditional illustrator at heart, with a secret love for murals. Art has always been a part of her, and she loves exploring new ways to bring ideas to life. She gets inspiration from fantasy, nature and all things quirky.
You’ll find Sasha’s art at these businesses:
- Riverside Burgers
- Eastbound Brewing Company
- Common Sort
Monica Wickeler (aka monicaonthemoon)
Monica is a LGBTQ2S+ Luxembourg/Canadian public artist. Also known as monicaonthemoon, she originally trained in the craft of hand-painted outdoor advertising but has moved Monica’s practice toward community-based public art installations in Toronto and across Canada.
You’ll find Monica Wickeler’s art at these businesses:
- Riverside Dental
- St. John’s Eco Market
- Queen Garden Centre
- Fontbonne Ministries
Mia Carnevale
Mia Carnevale is an artist and illustrator from Toronto, Canada. She has illustrated for publications such as The Walrus, Hodder & Stoughton UK and designs movie posters for local Toronto cinemas. In her practice, she is interested in exploring motifs from folktales, antiquities and romance.
You’ll find Mia Carnevale’s art at these businesses:
- The Broadview Hotel
- UNTITLED by Flaunt Boutique
- Tabule Middle Eastern Cuisine
Valentina Lozano Leon (aka La Pupila)
Valentina, a.k.a. La Pupila, is a Colombian artist based in Toronto. Her art focuses on exploring feminine energy, often with an aura of melancholy. Through symbols, distorted forms and evocative faces, she hopes to illustrate the complexities of the female experience — her fears, her hopes and her vision for a better world. While her work is deeply personal, she approaches these themes with a poetic and gentle visual language, creating space for introspection and connection. It is an exploration of memory, emotions and the transformative power of symbols.
You’ll find La Pupila’s at these businesses:
- Korman & Company
- Bonjour Brioche
Cesar Alonso Rodriguez
Cesar is a public artist based in Toronto best known for his mural painting and large-scale public art installations. Holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Painting and Drawing, he creates work that blends elements of his Latin American heritage with contemporary artistic practices. The result is vibrant, thought-provoking pieces that engage both local and global audiences.His practice spans a variety of mediums, with a focus on expansive murals and UV-reactive 3D installations that transform public spaces and foster community connection. He seeks to push boundaries and explore themes of identity, culture and social issues.
You’ll find Cesar Alonso Rodriguez’s art at these businesses:
- Amavi Atelier
- Album Hair Salon
- Naz Treasures
Catch Riverside Window Wonderland until Dec. 31, 2025! Go on an art walk at your own pace with our online map or by grabbing a physical copy at any of the participating businesses.
Speaking of art walk…
The Riverside Window Wonderland Art Walk, in conjunction with the 2025 Riverside Holiday Market, is happening this Sunday, November 23rd. Sign up HERE.
Visit. Vote. Enter.
Don’t forget to scan the QR code on the windows to join the Riverside Window Wonderland contest. You have until Dec. 7th to vote for your favourite windows and enter our raffle and winners will be announced on Dec. 10th, but the window art will be up for you to enjoy Dec. 31st!
Check @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog for updates on Riverside Window Wonderland. Stay tuned for PART TWO of the artists’ features coming next week!
We acknowledge and thank the City of Toronto, Government of Canada and FedDev Ontario for support of this campaign as part of the ‘Riverside Ramps it Up’ project through the Transit Expansion Construction Mitigation Fund 2025.