Artist Testimonials
TOAF is proud to have launched the careers of thousands of artists since 1961. Read more about their experiences and how they have found TOAF to be a successful, professional, well-organized, engaged, and impressively well-attended event.
“I love this show! It is extremely well run with excellent communication with the artists; lots of help prior to the show as well as onsite and great marketing. I appreciate the focus on community and inclusivity. I also love the location as it is accessible and free to all. During the fair I feel as though I am living the diversity of our city which is quite wonderful, all of us brought together by the love of art.”
Susan Friedman, Artist
“As an artist, TOAF has always been my favourite show in Toronto to visit each year, and as a first time exhibitor, I can say it is now my favourite show to exhibit at too! I had fun from beginning to end and my work went home with special new collectors.”
Gillian Lahav, Artist
“TOAF is an incredible opportunity to share your work with thousands of engaged art lovers who are there to discover and purchase art. The show is well-organized, accessible, and truly supportive of artists at all stages. I can’t recommend it enough!”
Emily Carriere, Artist
“Having the opportunity to engage with TOAF as a student was immense. The impact it has had cannot be understated, from new contacts, interest in my work, growth in social media followers, and income. I feel incredibly lucky to have been selected and will (hopefully!) be feeling the ripples from this event into the far future.”
Maja Rudnicki, Artist
“I did the TOAF directly upon graduating from OCA (now called OCAD University). There was a small group of us from the art college that all decided to do this together for moral support… I did sell a few pieces at the show and occasionally have run into people all these years later who remind me that they bought a piece there for a very reasonable price and how happy the work has made them over the years. I was happy that they took a chance on me, a young unknown artist… I think all young artists should do this show and learn what there is to be learned from the whole experience!”
Barbara Astman, Photographer
“I spent a few summers in the early 80’s at the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair with my work. It was a great experience meeting fellow Torontonians and tourists and having a chance to tell my story. I even sold a few prints which made the experience that much better!”
Edward Burtynsky, Canadian photographer and artist
“I really loved being included in one of the art talk tours and being able to answer questions and discuss my process with a group of interested art lovers. I had many photographers come to my booth over the course of the weekend just to see my work because I was an award winner! It felt great to connect with my community that way… Thank you again for the experience! It was a memorable and very worthwhile weekend.”
Amanda Arcuri, Fine Art Photographer
“Art Nest helped me grow as an artist in a professional and public setting. I was able to take risks, play, experiment with techniques in order to realize my project and provided the space to show it in a new exciting context. had such a wonderful time creating this site specific work and being able to connect with so many people and artists about it.”
– Jes Young, Art Nest Artist
“I have been displaying at TOAF for almost 10 years now, and it is one of the highlights of my year. It pushes me to produce work that is honest, cohesive, and helps me engage with the public in a unique setting. The organizers are topnotch professionals who make the show worthwhile and pleasant. Not to mention the amount of people that experience your work is unprecedented and incomparable to a gallery setting. It truly is a must-do show for any emerging or professional artist.”
Daniel St-Amant, Artist
“TOAF was a great opportunity to showcase my work for the first time. I was lucky enough to have been accepted a few years in a row. The experience was incredible and it was nice to connect with other creatives in the city. This is a great fair to get exposure.”
Kathryn Macnaughton, Artist (Bau-Xi Gallery)
“You must apply, especially young artists, recent gradates and students! TOAF is an excellent platform to garner critique from total strangers. Don’t be disheartened if your sales targets are not met. That’s how you grow as an artist. Encourage people to critique your work. The act of creating is a means of defining who you are. We are all in the act of searching.”
Jogi Makhani, Artist
