16th Annual Smart Start Student Art Show

at Sherway Gardens April 21-28, 2012

Discover the artists of tomorrow at the 16th Annual Smart Start Student Art Show, presented by Arts Etobicoke and sponsored by Sherway Gardens and featuring works of art from students from various high schools across Metro Toronto. The exhibit runs from Saturday, April 21 through Saturday, April 28 in Sherway Square with a special Symposium on Wednesday, April 25 at 6:00pm. 

Over 100 high school students from schools across the Greater Toronto Area participate in the annual Smart Start Student Art Show which showcases their drawings, mixed media, paintings, printmaking, sculpture and photography. Arts Etobicoke organizes the show with the support of the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board.  The annual show is open to students from across Metro Toronto, giving students from grades 9 to 12 the opportunity to participate in a non-juried public exhibition.

The arts play a vital role in helping young people reach their full potential. The Arts Symposium Event on Wednesday, April 25 at 6:00pm gives students and teachers a chance to participate in a mini conference with critiques/workshops led by professional artists and discussion groups led by teen and professional artists. Following the conference, attendees and their parents are invited to a reception hosted by Arts Etobicoke.

During the show, visit the Smart Start Learning Centre area and observe and engage with art in new and different ways while learning about the creative process with the quick tips printed guide and participate in interactive activities including the People’s Choice Awards, a fun art appreciation exercise designed to give students positive feedback about their artwork. Open to students, teachers and the public.

New to the Learning Centre is a FREE Creativity Workshop for Seniors on Tuesday, April 24, 10am-11:30am in Sherway Square.  Led by professional arts educator Angel Beyde, participants will engage directly with the students' art work to revamp their creative spark by drawing on paper, writing or reciting a short piece.  No previous art experience is necessary.


2012 SMART START Student Art Show Participating Schools
Bishop Allen Academy – Etobicoke
Central Etobicoke High School – Etobicoke
Central Technical School – Toronto
Earl Haig Secondary School – North York
Eastdale Collegiate Institute – Toronto
Emery Collegiate Institute – North York
Etobicoke School of the Arts – Etobicoke
Lakeshore Collegiate Institute - Etobicoke
Leaside High School – Toronto
Martingrove Collegiate Institute – Etobicoke
Northview Heights Secondary School – North York
Notre Dame High School – North York
Parkdale Collegiate Institute – Parkdale
Rosedale Heights School of the Arts - Rosedale
Runnymede Collegiate Institute – York
St. Patrick's Secondary School – Toronto
Silverthorn Collegiate Institute – Etobicoke
Western Technical and Commercial School - Toronto
Weston Collegiate Institute – Toronto 

For more information, call 416-621-1070 or visit www.sherwaygardens.ca or www.artsetobicoke.com.

Photo Credit from Top to Bottom:
The West Wind - Chewing Gum on Masonite Panel ( 40" x 28") by Claire Almajose, Alexys Ballem, Pauline Diva, Sydney Ferneyhough, Hannah McGroarty, Terry Nillo and Guinevere Wickham – Grade 9, St. Patrick's Secondary School

Mount Lefroy - Chewing Gum on Masonite Panel (22" x 26.5") by Jefferson Lafuente and Thomas Malichen-Snyder – Grade 9, St. Patrick's Secondary School

Abbey Road - by Junard Padilla – Grade 12, St. Patrick's Secondary School

Mixed media - Collage & Acrylic Paint by Nirali Patel – Grade 12, Lakeshore Collegiate

Portrait - by Alexys Ballem – Grade 9, St. Patrick's Secondary School

Gallery in the Garden: Window Shopping

at Sherway Gardens until April 28, 2012

Taking its title from one of the works by Margaret O’Flanagan Byerley, Sherway Gardens’ current Gallery in the Garden exhibit entitled Window Shopping is expressive in colour, imagery and brushwork. All of the paintings by June Hoffland, Sharon Jorgens, Jean Mull, Margaret O'Flanagan Byerley, Sandra Ramsden, Donna Saull, Mara Schiavetto, Catherine Shane, Patricia Lund Steel and Elizabeth Strathdee push at the boundaries of definition and cross genres and styles. The exhibit is on display until Saturday, April 28 in the corridor at door 3.

The works of Mississauga’s June Hoffland look at the world with new eyes, each piece expresses this new vision.  The process of creating this vision is one of continuous learning, and of growing in appreciation of everything surrounding us.  In her two abstractions inspired by photos of an ancient observatory, June uses a limited palette and structural patterning for her subject matter.    

Jean Mull currently lives in King City and paints to temporarily escape the everyday cares and enter a magic domain where she uses her brush to abstract the true emotions from the realistic world.

Toronto artist Sharon Jorgens captures the human pulse and sensuality of nature in each work of art.  Her interpretations in acrylic range from the complexity of life size realism to the simplicity of colour and form.

Mississauga’s Margaret O’Flanagan Byerley began her artistic life as a watercolourist. When she was introduced to acrylics, she felt like a child who is given keys to the candy store and wants to try everything, hence her work with figurative art, abstracts, collage, semi-abstracts and whatever else she feels like.

Before Toronto’s Sandra Ramsden started painting, she had an intense love of fabrics and collected fabrics from many countries in the world.  She has always wanted to incorporate fabrics into her painting but it was only this year that she worked with the challenge. Her first fabric is denim, with which we all can identify.

Oakville’s Donna Suall never would have thought that when she planted an orange begonia, she would be able to watch it grow, photograph it, draw it and then paint it.  In all ways it is with her forever. She loves vivid colours and often turns to nature for inspiration.

Oakville artist Mara Schiavetto’s current series of abstracted florals results from a spontaneous burst of energy that needed to be expressed brightly, directly and without hesitation. The vivid colours, textures and vigorous mark-making are in contrast to her previous series of non objective abstractions.

Oakville’s Catherine Shane left the corporate world in 2009 and began to pursue her artistic passion, embarking on her “Make Your Walls Laugh” series of imaginative, whimsical and abstract acrylic paintings, consisting of vibrant palettes and occasional humour in paintings that often tell a story.

 After receiving 'The Paper Garden', a book about an 18th century woman who created paper collages of flora from her friends' gardens, as a gift, Toronto’s Patricia Lund Steel was inspired to look at the world of flowers in a different way.  The frosted series captures the essence of her flower drawings and hints at the flowers' endurance even as they age. This is an insight she hopes to take into her own aging process.

Toronto artist Elizabeth Anne Strathdee has been influenced by the spontaneity seen in the work of young children. She has a love of patterns in nature and its changing moods. For Elizabeth, painting is an adventure much like riding must be on a magic carpet…the destination is unknown and is always a challenging surprise.

For more information call 416-621-1070 or visit www.sherwaygardens.ca.

Revive magazine dropped by the National Home Show and visited the Dream Home R-House

(revivemagazine.ca)

Cruise Toronto’s Waterfront this Easter

Mariposa’s Easter Brunch Cruise
Sunday, April 8

For a family treat this Easter, enjoy a fabulous two hour Easter Brunch Cruise with Mariposa Cruises aboard the Northern Spirit on Sunday April 8. 

Boarding begins at 11:30am, followed by the Brunch cruise from 12:00-2:00pm. Adults: $48.95 and children aged 4-12: $24.95 each + tax & hsc, tickets available online at mariposacruises.com or by calling 416-203-0178.

Celebrate Easter in style with family and friends while cruising the Toronto harbour and feasting on a fabulous buffet brunch created with care by Mariposa’s professional Chefs.  

The Easter Brunch menu includes:

•    Continental Bakery Basket

•    Seasonal Fresh Fruit and Berries

•    Mixed Garden Greens

•    Wheat Berry Salad

•    White Bean Pesto Salad

•    Waffle Station

•    Scrambled Eggs

•    Hickory Smoked Bacon

•    Organic Pork Breakfast Sausage

•    Deli Assortment

•    Yukon Gold Home Fries

•    Penne Pasta Primavera

•    Freshly Brewed Coffee & Decaffeinated Coffee

•    Orange Pekoe & Assorted Herbal Teas

Take pictures of Toronto from the water and let the official Mariposa photographer capture this special moment with a framed photo for $14.95 plus taxes.

LAST WEEK TO VISIT THE
FULLY SUSTAINABLE
DREAM HOME R-HOUSE
AT THE NATIONAL HOME SHOW!

The Dream Home R-House sustainable (green) vocabulary elucidates 5 sustainable principles: wise land use, a judicious approach to the earth’s resources, high indoor air quality, attunement to the sun, and high-performance energy efficiency. The Dream Home R-House is designed to generate its own energy from renewable sources, harvest rain water and manage its own waste. 

The Dream Home R-House is recyclable due to its modular nature. After being on display at the 2012 National Home Show it will be re-purposed on a rural site where it will be developed ecologically. Pre-engineered and factory built pieces have been delivered to the site for erection thereby reducing construction waste.

The green design philosophy is ‘net-zero’, meaning its aim is to produce as much energy as it uses. The project deploys both passive and active green design strategies and green materials in creative and energy efficient ways in pursuit of a rigorous LEED gold certification.

The Dream Home R-House is oriented with air circulation, views, and solar gain in mind. In the middle of its planning logic, the central indoor-outdoor courtyard acts to induce natural air ventilation though stack effect.

Our sustainable landscape principles stand at the core of the sustainable landscaping proposed: using Local Resources and Local Talent, protecting Healthy Soil, selecting Responsible Plants, and Smart Watering. (Ground Creations, Sunflower Gardens and Sheridan Nurseries)

A living wall and indoor water feature in the courtyard acts as an indoor source of fresh-air, natural cooling, and a means to remove indoor air contaminants. (Tropics North)

 

An innovative new 100% emission-free green energy heating and cooling source will provided for the radiant floor systems and ducted air. (HeatWave and CoolWave by Dyna Current Technologies)

Visit r-house.ca for more details.

NOW OPEN:
FISKER AUTOMOTIVE DRIVES A
RESPONSIBLE& STYLISH ALTERNATIVE
LIFESTYLE INTO SHOPS AT DON MILLS

Fisker Automotive is redefining luxury and providing Torontonians with an exciting alternative in socially responsible, yet stylish transportation with Fisker of Toronto, a new showroom now open at the prestigious Shops at Don Mills (45 Karl Fraser Road - off Lawrence Avenue across from McEwan Foods).


Fisker Automotive recently added Canada to the list of countries in which the Fisker Karma, the world’s first true Electric Vehicle with extended range (EVer™), is available and has established a partnership with Dilawri Group, Canada’s largest auto dealer group, to place the unique Fisker of Toronto retail location at Shops at Don Mills.

The Fisker Karma combines the efficiency of electric drive with the range and freedom of petrol-powered cars, while offering the comfort and performance expected of a high-end sedan. Despite its size, performance, and visual appeal, the Karma is one of the most efficient, low-emission vehicles available today. It can travel from 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds yet was recently given an astonishing emissions rating of just 51g/km CO2 by the TUV and a 112mpg equivalency rating.

Canadian heartthrob Justin Bieber was presented with the 2012 Fisker Karma on his 18th birthday during The Ellen DeGeneres Show on March 1. The 2012 Fisker Karma is priced from $102,000 and will be available at Fisker of Toronto in the coming weeks, visit fiskeroftoronto.ca for availability.

Visit shopsatdonmills.ca for more information.

Secret’s Spring
Fashion Collection

Spring is in the air and with it comes some of the year’s prettiest trends. But who wants to pair lovely looks with drab pantyhose?

Inspired by three types of women who love to get a leg up on fashion, Secret’s Spring Fashion Hosiery Collection is showcasing three styles of beautiful, textured hosiery that let you express your fashion sense with personality and panache.




Trend Topper
Heads turn when she walks down the street. Her avant-garde, edgy style is the perfect, effortless embodiment of this moment’s hottest looks. The bold pattern of Secret’s Diamond Lace-up pantyhose keeps in step with her fashion choices, helping to create an eye-catching, trendy look that is all her own. Available in Black and Slate.








Isn’t She Romantic?
From gauzy A-line skirts to pastel dresses with thigh-high hemlines, it’s only natural to fall head over heels for a woman who embraces a romantic style of dressing. Secret’s Floral Faux pantyhose adds a touch of understated texture to her look, creating a match that was made in style heaven. Available in Black, Antique White and Sandstone. The Floral Faux pattern is also available in an ultra-feminine thigh-high style and comes in Black and Antique White.


A True Classic
From the top of her chignon to the tip of her patent pump, she is a true classic. But don’t think her timeless style merits a yawn. Secret’s Medium Dot pantyhose bring a retro twist to an outfit, transforming it into a modern, exciting look. Available in Black and Antique White.

Enjoy one style or enjoy them all, this season Secret’s Spring Fashion Hosiery Collection is letting you express yourself with flair!

Availability
The Spring Fashion Hosiery Collection retails for under $10 and is available at major retailers nation-wide. www.secretlegwear.com

TUNE IN TO BREAKFAST TELEVISION ON
WEDNESDAY MARCH 14 FOR A
SNEAK PEEK OF THE
DREAM HOME R-HOUSE!

Breakfast Television will be on site at the National Home Show before it opens for an exclusive sneak peak of the Dream Home R-House on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 from 6am-9am!

DREAM HOME R-HOUSE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION – CRAIG CRANE, ROBERT MITCHELL AND MICHAEL UPSHALL

Composed of three distinct areas: the main house, the guest house and the courtyard, the Dream Home R-House incorporates modular and panelized systems to be factory-built and shipped to the site for assembly. The precision of this process means less construction waste and a tighter, stronger, and more cost effective building.

Constructing the modules and panels in a climate-controlled facility helps to prevent warping, mould, and other damage caused by weather. The panels also take less time to raise, reducing on-site construction time and cost. There are currently 10 prototypical, adaptable, and fully customizable buildings in development. These prototypes will be developed from the design and sustainable elements of the Dream Home R-House.

One of the key elements of the design is its heavy timber structure. Normerica Authentic Timber Frame has designed and fabricated the glulam (glued laminated timber) posts and beams as well as the exterior wall panels for the Dream Home R-House and will be assisting PROBUILT by Michael Upshall in the construction of the base building. Structurlam is supplying the glulam post and beams along with cross laminated panels that will be used as interior partition walls. These panels will be finished and used as design elements, minimizing material use and adhering to the design philosophy of ‘structure as design’.

Prodema sustainable composite wood veneer and OKO skin slat-sized cement siding provided by Sound Solutions will be used for the exterior cladding and will be installed using rain-screen methodology. Folding glass walls, lift-and-slide doors, and parallel opening windows will be supplied and installed by Monarch Moveable Glass Walls.

The Dream Home R-House is currently being built on site inside the Direct Energy Centre. For additional information on the Dream Home R-House, please visit www.nationalhomeshow.com or www.probuilt.ca.

SHOPS AT DON MILLS IS THE PRIMARY
SHOPPING DESTINATION FOR CHEFS
FOR TOP CHEF CANADA II!

Gourmet market McEwan at the prestigious Shops at Don Mills is the primary shopping destination for Chefs competing on Top Chef Canada II, which premieres on Food Network Canada on March 12, 2012 at 10pm ET/PT.

Shops at Don Mills breathes fresh air into the typical shopping experience as a common ground where fashion, dining and entertainment come together, so it’s only natural that the partnership with Top Chef Canada II compliments the Shops at Don Mills living, dining, fashion and entertainment lifestyle.
As competitors draw upon their culinary skills to complete show challenges, inspiration and the foundation of their creations will be collected during shopping outings exclusively at Shops at Don Mills throughout the episodes.

Top Chef Canada II will challenge 16 competitors’ culinary skills to see who can cut it as Canada’s Top Chef, taking home the Sponge Towel sponsored grand prize of $100,000 and a GE Monogram kitchen worth $30,000. Hosted by celebrated actress and self-confessed foodie Lisa Ray, the competition features Head Judge, Chef and restaurateur, Mark McEwan, as well as Resident Judge and LA restaurateur, Shereen Arazm.

For additional information, please visit www.shopsatdonmills.ca or call 416-447-0618.

Get Fergie’s Hair Colour!
Rock Your Look with Advance Techniques
Professional Hair Colour from Avon

The Advance Techniques Professional Hair Colour line from Avon is a three-step system that primes, colours and treats hair to deliver rich, radiant healthy-looking colour that lasts and provides 100% grey coverage.

“I want colour with conviction, Advance Techniques performs brilliantly with lasting colour and amazing shine. And now, IT’S MINE” - Fergie

The Inspiration: Radiant hair colour starts with healthy hair. That’s why Avon developed Advance Techniques Professional Hair Colour, a complete hair color system that equalizes porous damaged hair prior to coloring for even, true application and lasting, rich results.

“I love being a blonde,” says Fergie. “Advance Techniques Professional Hair Colour helped me get the perfect color. With the help of Advance Techniques, my hair colour looks fresh and feels smooth and shiny.”

The Technology: Formulated with Lock-In Technology, Advance Techniques Professional Hair Colour performs brilliantly:

• Primes and Protects: The pre-treatment mends damaged, porous areas of hair so that colour absorbs evenly from root to tip and hair is protected while colouring.

• Perfects: The non-drip formula delivers rich, radiant, healthy-looking colour that stays true until the next application and provides complete grey coverage.

• Treats: Formulated with Shea Butter and Lock-In Technology, the post-treatment helps restore hair to a silky, healthy-looking state while sealing in first-day vibrancy and shine.

The Results: The complete system seals in colour and protects against fading to preserve radiant results from application to application for colour that lasts. With use of Advance Techniques Professional Hair Colour, 96% of women saw rich color, reflective shine and healthier looking hair (based on those that expressed an opinion).

Advance Techniques Professional Hair Colour comes in ten shades of blonde, nine shades of brunette, four shades of red, and two shades of black and will be available in April 2012 for SRP $10.99 through Avon Independent Sales Representatives, 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca.

DISCOVER SUSTAINABLE LUXURY IN
THE DREAM HOME R-HOUSE
2012 NATIONAL HOME SHOW
MARCH 16 TO 25

Be inspired by this year’s Dream Home R-House designed and built by PROBUILT by Michael Upshall and presented by the Toronto Star at the 60th anniversary of the National Home Show (March 16 to 25, Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place). Discover sustainable luxury, experience revolutionary home building technology and see the latest décor ideas in this ultra-modern 3600 square foot energy efficient home.


Everyone embraces green living, but not everyone loves the modern, sterile vibe that goes with it. As a result, Michael Upshall and his design team: architecture by Craig Crane and Robert Mitchell, project co-ordinator Sonia Lolic, interior design by Craig Crane and Michelle Mawby , interior decorator Jacqueline Glass and Associates (guest building), with help from James Loppie, Emmanuel Belliveau, Jackie Morra, Patti Baxter, Joan Ezsky, Terri Chabot, Ron Perruzza, Keith Vanderkley, Bruce Rowntree, Nancy Bowslaugh and design students from Humber College School of Applied Technology; have designed and built a space that is not only eco-friendly and uses sustainable products but pays keen attention to comfort, warmth and above all, style through the use of texture and colour.


Major suppliers for the Dream Home R-House include Monarch Moveable Glass Walls, Perola Kitchens, Normerica Authentic Timber Frame, Structurlam, Sound Solutions Architectural Products, Watermarks Kitchen and Bath Boutique, Eurolite, Dixie Marble and Granite and Torlys.


National Home Show: March 16 - 25, 2012
Weekdays & Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 18: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 25: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Tickets: Adults: $20.00 at the door / $17.00 online
Senior (65+): $17.00 at the door / $14.00 online
Children 13-17: $16.00 at the door / $13.00 online

For additional information on the Dream Home R-House, please visit www.nationalhomeshow.com or www.probuilt.ca.