Thousands of art lovers will be making their annual pilgrimage to south Riverdale this weekend for the 11th annual Riverdale Art Walk (RAW).
The popular juried fine art show presented by the Artists' Network will feature 100 artists exhibiting their work at Jimmie Simpson Park, which is located near Queen Street East and Logan Avenue.
At least 50 additional artists will be displaying their pieces in retail spaces, studios and galleries throughout south Riverdale.
The free-of-charge Riverdale Art Walk will also include a Steam Whistle beer tent as well as live music throughout the entire event in Jimmie Simpson Park. There will also be face painting and canvas painting for kids.
Rachel Conduit, the event's coordinator, said attendees can expect a great celebration of community and art all in one at the Riverdale Art Walk.
"It's going to be awesome. This year there's a lot more community involvement," she said, adding that the excitement and support of the emerging neighbourhood is starting to have a big impact on the event.
"Almost every business in the area is hosting an artist or displaying art work in their front windows. All the way from the DVP to Carlaw (Avenue) there will be art," she beamed.
Conduit said that many artists along Carlaw Avenue also open up the doors of their studios for the weekend, giving visitors a rare glimpse into the community's diverse and dynamic art scene.
This year's RAW kicked off with a presentation of the film Amelie this past Wednesday evening at Queen Street East's Fox Theatre.
The event's grand opening celebration took place last night at Hang Man Gallery, 756 Queen St. E. The party also served to launch the Artists' Network's members' show called "doubles". That art expo will run from June 2 to 21.
The Riverdale Art Walk takes place within an area bounded by Queen Street East to the south, Broadview Avenue to the west, Carlaw Avenue to the east and Dundas Street East to the north.
The event is easily accessible by the TTC, driving or by bike.
The Riverdale Art Walk runs Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Visit www.riverdaleartwalk.com for more details.