The annual festival highlights Toronto’s diverse art scene with local artists, musicians and vendors

By Kayla Solway

Trinity Bellwoods Park came to life on September 21 and 22 as the Queen West Art Crawl marked its 21st festival, highlighting Toronto’s dynamic art scene. Over two days, dozens of community members explored the art stalls and various food sellers. The festival features vendors ranging from artisans, jewelry designers, painters, a kid’s zone and music on the main stage. 

The goal of the event is to support the community. 50 per cent of onstage performers were members of the BIPOC community, according to their website. The festival also partnered with groups such as the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Workman Arts and the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, providing them the space and opportunity to grow their reach. 

Jonathan Brett is the artistic director of the Queen West Art Crawl and has watched the festival grow over the years. 

“We are supporting all communities,” said Brett in an interview. “We are putting all faces on stage, all faces in performance, and we want to grow it even more. It takes time, but we are getting there, and we do want to go bigger.”

Reflecting on this year’s event, Brett happily shared that it had one of the smoothest runs in the festival’s history. 

“We’re one of the only festivals in this area that does what we do, and it’s a wonderful support for the community.”

Artists from all over Ontario travel to showcase their products at the weekend festival. Among them is Susie Kim, the owner and creator of SKIM Ceramics. Established during the pandemic, she creates functional pottery designed for everyday life. Some of her pieces include home decor, dishes, drinkware and vases.

Based in Niagara, Ont. Kim is excited to attend the festival for the first time.

“It’s been a really great community,” said Kim. We aren’t just here for a market; we’re here for an entire community, and the art and music have been wonderful.”

Jonathan Brett is the artistic director of the Queen West Art Crawl and has watched the festival grow over the years. 

“We are supporting all communities,” said Brett. “We are putting all faces on stage, all faces in performance, and we want to grow it even more. It takes time, but we are getting there, and we do want to go bigger.”

Reflecting on this year’s event, Brett happily shared that it had one of the smoothest runs in the festival’s history. 

“We’re one of the only festivals in this area that does what we do, and it’s a wonderful support for the community.”

Artists from all over Ontario travel to showcase their products at the weekend festival. Among them is Susie Kim, the owner and creator of SKIM Ceramics. Established during the pandemic, she creates functional pottery designed for everyday life. Some of her pieces include home decor, dishes, drinkware and vases.

Based in Niagara, Ont. Kim is excited to attend the festival for the first time.

“It’s been a really great community,” said Kim. We aren’t just here for a market; we’re here for an entire community, and the art and music have been wonderful.”

Melinda Luna is an artist based in Toronto attending the festival for a second year.

“I’m excited to be back,” said Luna. “The reason I like this festival is because of the neighbourhood is receptive to my artwork. Different areas are more conservative, and sometimes I’m not accepted into shows because of the nudity I portray.”

Apoorva Mittal is a watercolour artist who finds inspiration from the world around her. Her booth is filled with prints and postcards of scenes from nature, her travels and the everyday moments in life. In Toronto, she draws inspiration from the parks, green spaces and towering trees that fill pockets of the city.

It’s her third year, and she’s sharing her creations with the community and attending the art crawl. 

“As an artist, you have to remember what your goal is. Not every show has a lot of sales, but you can make connections that turn into new kinds of opportunities.” 

Over the course of the weekend, artists and community members came together to celebrate art in all forms. For local vendors, the event was more than just a space to sell work. It was an opportunity to connect with others, be inspired by the park and engage with the community in a safe and welcoming environment.
Celebrating 21 years, the Queen West Art Crawl will continue to be a staple in the community that celebrates art, music, and multiculturalism.