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I had never before taken the opportunity to visit a large art fair. Lots of reasons why not, but mostly just excuses - the list would be endless, and not very interesting.  What is surprising,  is that now that I have attended my first Art Fair, I wouldn't hesitate to make plans to attend another. It's well worth the time, travel, money, effort, etc.  Certainly, from either a visitor or exhibitor point of view, Art Fairs can be either joyous events, or a complete waste, or an event which lands somewhere in between.  There will be diverse opinions. From the perspective of this novice visitor, the Toronto International Art Fair was definately on the high end of the spectrum. 

Here's what made my day at the TIAF :

- smooth and quick entry with friendly greeters sending visitors toward the artwork

- a huge venue was able to accommodate huge crowds - the artwork was easily accessible

- The Gamelatron, first fully robotic gamelan orchestra installation (Asian focus for this show) that soothed one's way throughout the viewing of the artwork

- spacious booths that represented galleries from across Canada and from around the world, displaying artwork tastefully, but in an atmosphere that was inviting for viewers

- gallery owners and staff excited to chat about the artwork, and artists who they represent, whether I was a potential purchaser or not

- and did I happen to mention the ARTWORK ?  I have visited many galleries and museums during various travels to see beautiful art. At TIAF, I was able to see exceptional artwork by renown artists whose work I had only seen in print, along with pieces by artists I had never encountered previously. Was I awestruck? Absolutely!

From what I witnessed, the art world in Toronto seems to be alive and well, and exciting, but not annoyingly 'in-your-face'.  Sadly, I had time to see only about 2/3 of the total show.  Next year, I will make it a two-day event.  The photos are of some of my favourite artworks by:  Marika Vicari, Jernej Forbici, Pablo Compagnucci, Goodridge Roberts, Alison Lambert, Helen Frankenthaler, Joan Miro, Robert Markle, Doris McCarthy, Greg Curnoe, Stephen Appleby-Barr, Phil Richards, Joe Fafard, Robert Motherwell, Alex Colville, Picasso, Jean Paul Lemieux, William Kurelek, and so many others.

The TIAF continues through to October 29, 2012, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.  www.arttoronto.ca

More images to follow....next post.