Carrianne Leung’s book The Wondrous Woo shortlisted for Toronto Book Award

Carrianne Leung’s book The Wondrous Woo
Sunday, August 24, 2014 - 2:15pm

Writing and Learning Services Coordinator and Sessional Instructor Carrianne Leung’s book, The Wondrous Woo, has been shortlisted among 5 finalists for the 40th edition of the Toronto Book Awards.

The Wondrous Woo tells the story of Miramar Woo who is the quintessential Chinese girl: nice, quiet, and reserved. The eldest of the three Woo children, Miramar is ever the obedient sister and daughter ... on the outside. On the inside, she’s a kick-ass kung fu heroine with rock star flash, sassy attitude, and an insatiable appetite for adventure.

Leung is being recognized alongside impressive company. The other four finalists are:

  • Anthony De Sa for Kicking the Sky, published by Doubleday Canada;
  • Charlotte Gray for The Massey Murder: A Maid, Her Master and the Trial that Shocked a Country, published by HarperCollins Canada;
  • Nick Saul and Andrea Curtis for The Stop: How the Fight for Good Food Transformed a Community and Inspired a Movement, published by Random House Canada; and
  • Shyam Selvadurai for The Hungry Ghosts, published by Doubleday Canada.

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the awards, each shortlisted book has also been paired with a Toronto champion who will promote the book and provide an introduction at the awards ceremony. Champions include television personality Elaine Lui (The Wondrous Woo), Maureen Jennings of Murdoch Mysteries fame (The Massey Murders), food policy analyst Wayne Roberts (The Stop), filmmaker John Greyson (The Hungry Ghosts), and the Toronto Star’s Chris Hume (Kicking The Sky).

Each finalist receives $1,000, with the winning author receiving a grand prize of $10,000. The winner will be announced on October 16 at the Bram and Bluma Appel Salon at the Toronto Reference Library.

OCAD student designs transform desolate public space at 52 Division

Monday, March 15, 2010 - 4:00am

(Toronto — March 15, 2010) In an exhibition opening at Toronto City Hall next week, Ontario College of Art & Design (OCAD) students present their visions to revitalize one of the city’s major pedestrian thoroughfares, the plaza in front of Toronto Police Service 52 Division, on Dundas Street between St. Patrick and Simcoe Streets.

Reassembly Required is the result of OCAD’s annual Design Competition, where students were given approximately 97 hours — from the Thursday afternoon until the Monday evening (January 21 to 25, 2010) — to research, conceptualize and construct their solutions to a given challenge.

“Many students tell us that this experience was one of the highlights of their time at OCAD,” explains this year’s competition organizer Stuart Reid, Professor in the Faculty of Design. “The exhibition proves emerging OCAD designers have the tools to transform lacklustre urban space into accessible, functional and engaging space.”

In this year’s competition, Faculty of Design organizers carefully chose the site, a wide-open, cemented “plaza” in front of the 52 Division TPS building. With just the sidewalk, the street and the police station to use as boundaries, the challenge was immense: how might student design teams turn this forgotten city plaza into a functional, creative space that facilitates social experience?

The teams, each consisting of four to six students from both art and design faculties, were not left without inspiration. Will Alsop, British architect of OCAD’s famed Sharp Centre for Design, returned to the university for the competition’s pre-launch public lecture. Toronto City Councillor Adam Vaughan spoke to students as well, providing local perspective and context. Faculty of Design professors and guest volunteer critics provided mentoring and advice over the course of the weekend.

OCAD students flourish, even when under immense time constraints. The resulting concepts are extraordinarily thoughtful, making use of materials like laminated glass to respond to differing lighting conditions, and techniques like recessing the walkway to help combat the strong wind tunnel created in the area. Other designs incorporate roof panels that change orientation with weather conditions. The designs offer Toronto residents a glimpse into the imaginative minds of the designers of tomorrow. Immersed as they are in the city’s downtown core, OCAD students are uniquely positioned to apply their creative problem-solving skills to its infrastructure.

Reassembly Required: Selections from OCAD’s 2010 Annual Design Competition will run in the first floor Rotunda at Toronto City Hall from March 15 to 19. An opening reception will be held Tuesday, March 16 at 6 p.m. (remarks at 6:30) with comments from Councillor Adam Vaughan (Ward 20 — Trinity–Spadina) and OCAD President Sara Diamond. All are welcome to attend.

Reassembly Required:
Selections from OCAD’s 2010 Annual Design Competition

March 15 to 19, 2010

Opening: Tuesday, March 16, 6 p.m. (remarks at 6:30)
Councillor Adam Vaughan (Ward 20 — Trinity–Spadina)
OCAD President Sara Diamond

All are welcome to attend.

Toronto City Hall
Rotunda, First Floor
100 Queen Street West
Exhibition hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily.
Information: 416-977-6000 | www.ocad.ca

About the Ontario College of Art & Design (OCAD)
The Ontario College of Art & Design (www.ocad.ca) is Canada’s “university of the imagination.” OCAD is dedicated to art and design education, practice and research and to knowledge and invention across a wide range of disciplines. The university is building on its traditional, studio-based strengths, adding new approaches to learning that champion cross-disciplinarity, collaboration and the integration of emerging technologies. In the Age of Imagination, OCAD community members will be uniquely qualified to act as catalysts for the next advances in culture, technology and quality of life for all Canadians.
 

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For more information and images please contact:

Sarah Mulholland, Media & Communications Officer, OCAD
416.977.6000 Ext. 327 (mobile Ext. 1327)

OCAD student design to memorialize fallen Constable Michael Sweet

OCAD student design to memorialize fallen Constable Michael Sweet
Monday, April 5, 2010 - 4:00am

(Toronto—April 5, 2010) An artwork dedicated to the memory of Police Constable Michael Sweet, who lost his life in the line of duty 30 years ago in March, will be installed this summer on Michael Sweet Avenue, in downtown Toronto. The design, by Ontario College of Art & Design (OCAD) fourth-year Industrial Design student Joshua Sin, was chosen from more than a dozen submissions by OCAD students in a competition held this spring. The selection of a winning concept is part one of a multi-stage process.

The competition asked students to design a memorial for the brick wall that runs along the north side of Michael Sweet Avenue, which runs east/west between St. Patrick Street and Simcoe Street, south of Dundas Street. Property owners First Urban, Toronto Police Service 52 Division and OCAD collaborated on the project.

The concept features the words “I remember” laser cut into rectangular sheet of Corten steel, a weathering metal alloy that will change colour as it ages, representing the adaptability and change present in all life. The panel, to be mounted offset from the brick wall to allow sunlight to penetrate the letters and create a solemn shadow beneath, is designed to be easily installed and easily moved, a requirement set out in the competition, to accommodate development plans for the site in future years. Engraved into the steel is the message, “This memorial is dedicated to Constable Michael Sweet, a fallen officer who lost his life in the line of duty. To serve and protect, always.”

“We began discussions with 52 Division about three years ago to see how we could improve the streetscape. We then approached OCAD for their participation which led to the competition," said Ron Thomson, President of First Urban. “We’re very pleased with the results of the competition and look forward to further development and installation of the winning design.”

Sin’s concept earned him a $5,000 prize, a small part of which is to be used towards further development and refinement of his design. Working with representatives of Toronto Police Service 52 Division, First Urban and OCAD faculty advisors, Sin’s final design will be installed over the course of the summer. An unveiling ceremony will be held at a date yet to be determined.

“My design is a reflection on the fragility of life,” explained Sin. “It sends a message evoking memories, feelings and past experiences. By allowing pedestrians to reflect and recollect about their own histories, the installation encourages them to ponder life. Not only is this piece about Constable Michael Sweet’s life, it is a reflection of your own. More importantly, it is about change and hope for the future — to remember and learn from the past, and to live in the “now.” It is a universal message for everyone, something that everyone can relate to. It is a story waiting to be shared.”

“Our students, faculty and staff are engaged members of the neighbourhood in which Constable Sweet lost his life,” said Associate Dean Cheryl Giraudy, of OCAD’s Faculty of Design, who coordinated the competition. “We are honoured to have been approached by Toronto Police Service and First Urban to collaborate with our students in memorializing his sacrifice. Not only is it a solemn moment of our collective past that should not be forgotten, it is an opportunity for our students to create public works in tribute of important historical events, a long-standing tradition for professional artists and designers.”

“The Toronto Police Service is grateful for the partnership we share with OCAD, First Urban and other community members with respect to the Michael Sweet Memorial project,” said Detective Sergeant John Whitworth. “Constable Michael Sweet gave his life in the line of duty, a short distance away from where the university stands, while serving the citizens of Toronto. After thirty years, this undertaking by students, the faculty, local businesses, citizens and police officers is truly a testament to the sacrifice Michael Sweet made for this community. It was an absolute honour to represent the Toronto Police Service on the jury panel and to see just how much consideration, effort and skill the students put into their research and designs.”

Backgrounder:

Winning Concepts for the Michael Sweet Memorial Competition:

First Place: $5,000:
“I remember” by fourth-year Industrial Design student Joshua Sin
In Joshua Sin’s design, the words “I remember” is laser cut into a half-inch thick rectangle of Corten steel, a weathering metal alloy. A short message is engraved, dedicating the memorial to Constable Michael Sweet. The installation will obtain a rust-like appearance when exposed to weather for several years, changing colour as it ages, representing adaptability and change in life. The work is mounted off-set from the existing brick wall by a foot, allowing sunlight to create a solemn shadow beneath the steel. After its wall life, the piece can be used as a freestanding installation.

Second Place: $500:
“Trapezius” by fourth-year Environmental Design student Jimmy Hyunjin Cho
Jimmy Hyunjin Cho’s design is premised on human anatomy, specifically the back and shoulder, as a jumping off point. Referencing the trapezius muscle, the large shoulder muscle that extends longitudinally from the occipital bone to the lower thoracic vertebrae and laterally to the spine of the shoulder blades, Cho’s design connotes the burden of hard work, with the shoulder representing protection and strength. The design features an architectural framework mounted over the wall, providing a sense of motion and imbuing the physicality of the body. Constable Sweet’s name appears on the wall behind the structure, inviting viewers in to read and know his name.

Third Place: $500:
“Missing Piece” by fourth-year Environmental Design student Marek Rudzinski
Rudzinski’s design is an expression of loss and memory of an individual from a family, from a police force and from a community. The memorial is made up of interlocking, unique pieces that remains impossible to complete: one piece is missing. The surface of the memorial is mirrored, a powerful reminder for viewers of their own relationship to the puzzle, and the missing piece.

Honourable Mention: $75:
“Northern Lights” by fourth-year Environmental Design student Amy Doerner
Doerner’s design is inspired by the Northern Lights, and aims to create a place of reflection and remembrance, honour, change, and to reflect communal richness. The installation features vertically mounted wooden elements, coloured in tones of blue and green, reminiscent of a cityscape.

Honourable Mention: $75:
“Day Shift” by fourth-year Industrial Design student Adam Kereliuk
Kereliuk’s concept calls for mounting steel structures high on the wall that are laser cut with words and images. Sunlight casts ‘text shadows’ on the wall, revealing the message of the memorial.

Michael Sweet Memorial Competition Jury:
Councillor Adam Vaughan (Ward 20 — Trinity–Spadina)
Detective Sergeant John Whitworth, Toronto Police Service
Ron Thomson, First Urban
Peter Caldwell, Vice-President, Finance & Administration, OCAD
Professor Eldon Garnet, Faculty of Art, OCAD
Thomas Payne, Founding Partner, KPMB Architects

About First Urban
First Urban is a land development company with vast experience in Canada and abroad. First Urban team members have extensive backgrounds in property development that include community planning, engineering, marketing, financing, project management, and construction. To learn more, visit www.firsturban.ca.

About the Ontario College of Art & Design (OCAD)
The Ontario College of Art & Design (www.ocad.ca) is Canada’s “university of the imagination.” OCAD is dedicated to art and design education, practice and research and to knowledge and invention across a wide range of disciplines. The university is building on its traditional, studio-based strengths, adding new approaches to learning that champion cross-disciplinarity, collaboration and the integration of emerging technologies. In the Age of Imagination, OCAD community members will be uniquely qualified to act as catalysts for the next advances in culture, technology and quality of life for all Canadians.
 

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For more information and images please contact:

Sarah Mulholland, Media & Communications Officer, OCAD
416.977.6000 Ext. 327 (mobile Ext. 1327)

Leslieville Gallery Crawl

Leslieville Gallery Crawl
Sunday, October 20, 2013 - 5:00pm

All are welcome!

OCAD U Gallery Club will be going to the Leslieville Gallery Crawl.

Meet in front of Aboveground Art Supplies at 12:30 p.m. OGC will be taking a street car over so bring your transit pass or fare. See you there!

ABOUT OCAD U GALLERY CLUB (OGC):
The OGC is a group for students to explore the Toronto Art World. Together, the group will visit multiple sites including galleries, museums and studios. The group will engage in discussion post-visit in order to further connect our students with the GTA’s art and design community.

Find out about this and other OCAD U student-run clubs: www.ocadu.ca/students/campus_life/student_groups.htm

 

projectgallerytoronto.wordpress.com/news/

 

ocadugc@gmail.com

Venue & Address: 
Between Carlaw and Leslie Queen St. East Toronto, Ontario

OCAD U GALLERY CLUB DOES “ART TORONTO”

OCAD U GALLERY CLUB DOES “ART TORONTO”
Saturday, October 26, 2013 - 6:00pm

CHECK OUT WORKS AND GALLERIES FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND AROUND THE WORLD!!

OCAD U GALLERY CLUB WILL BE MEETING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 (2:00 PM) AT THE
METRO TORONTO CONVENTION CENTRE

ADMISSION: $14 for a student ticket

FOR INFO OR TO RSVP
E-mail: ocadugc@gmail.com
Telephone: 647-376-5379
Find us on facebook: “OCADU gallery crawl club”

ABOUT OCAD U GALLERY CLUB:
The OCAD U Gallery Club is a group for students to explore the Toronto
art world. Together, the group will visit multiple sites including galleries, museums and studios. The group will engage in discussion post-visit in order to further connect our students with the GTA’s art and design community.

 

www.tiafair.com

 

Venue & Address: 
Metro Toronto Convention Centre 255 Front St. West Toronto, Ontario

Art Toronto 2013: Toronto International Art Fair

Art Toronto 2013: Toronto International Art Fair
Thursday, October 24, 2013 - 10:30pm to Tuesday, October 29, 2013 - 12:00am

Visit OCAD University’s first-ever booth (#1404) at Art Toronto, Canada’s premier modern and contemporary fine art fair. The booth will feature the work of talented alumni Nicholas Crombach, Marc De Pape, Barr Gilmore, Alexandra Haagaard, Erin Loree, and

Opening Night Preview on October 24, Public Hours October 25-28

CANADA’S INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR
Explore over 110 galleries and the work of more than 1000 artists. Discover modern and contemporary art from Canada, Japan, the United States and 10 other countries. Learn about collecting from internationally recognized collectors, curators and critics. Purchase work by emerging and established artists. Engage with onsite projects, installations, discussions and take in free tours.

EXPLORE THE GALLERIES
Take this unique opportunity to explore thousands of works of art and discover something you love. Learn from dealers about the artwork they exhibit and be inspired to start or grow your own collection of art. Don’t know where to start? Join one of Art Toronto’s informative art tours and learn about the galleries and artists exhibiting on-site. Tours cover everything from photography and video work, painting, sculpture and historical art.

PLATFORM: TALKS + PRESENTATIONS
Hear from leading art professionals about modern and contemporary art. Learn from some of Canada’s top collectors about what they buy and how they got started. Discover what’s happening on the international scene from artists, writers and curators. Get inspired to build or start your own collection of original art.

ALL THE ARTISTS ARE HERE
Curated by artist Thom Sokoloski, ALL THE ARTISTS ARE HERE celebrates the artists being exhibited and represented by the participating galleries at the fair. An interactive suspended wall installation of over a thousand photographs of the artists will welcome visitors as they enter, and to interact, they need only load a QR-Code Reader on their smartphone!

TICKETS + DETAILS
ARTTORONTO.CA

 

1.800.663.4173

 

www.arttoronto.ca/tickets/?a_aid=000098&a_cid=49fd6dcd

info@arttoronto.ca

Venue & Address: 
Metro Convention Centre, 255 Front Street West, Toronto, Ontario

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