For the third year, Design Hope Toronto will hold its annual fine art action to benefit the Parkdale Activity Recreation Center (PARC).
Inspired by the theme of 'shelter,' more than 20 artists and designers have created pieces from different mediums such as textile design, photography, sculpture and painting. The one-of-a-kind art will be auctioned live to benefit PARC.Over the last two years, Design Hope Toronto's annual event has raised $34,000 to contribute toward the development of PARC's new affordable and supportive housing unit, Edmond Place.Edmond Place is a renewed heritage property with 29 units of permanent, affordable, self-contained apartments for people who have suffered with mental health barriers, struggled with addiction and survived long periods of homelessness. PARC still needs additional funding to meet its capital equity campaign goal of $500,000.This year's event, on Friday, April 8 from 7 to 10 p.m. at St. John's Parish Hall, 186 Cowan Ave., hopes to exceed last year's success of more than $19,000 raised.Participating artists include: Jason Adams, Asli Alin, Kerri Andreas, Brian Barrer, Michael Brown, Katherine Johana Cordero, Roger Cullman, Aurora Darwin, Cindy Dron, Laura Fyles, Phyllis Gordon, Anna Koot, Sooyeong Lee, Joanne MacPhail, Heidi McKenzie, Janet Murie, Francis Muscat, Lhakpa Negi, Tina Louise Ouellette, Anne Smart, Tyde, Kate Taylor, Caroline Versteeg, Steven Wilson.Admission is by donation and the event will also include food, music and door prizes. Bill Kime of Waddington's will return as auctioneer.The Design Hope movement recognizes the role artists and designers play in articulating the human and political issues that affect our communities. This is their sixth annual art auction. Since 2005, Design Hope Toronto has raised more than $68,000 for various homeless initiatives.