This spring I showed my work at Riverdale Artwalk, my first time exhibiting in Toronto, and one of the most rewarding festival experiences I've had.
Riverdale Artwalk – Toronto Outdoor Art Festival Experience
This was my first time exhibiting at a Toronto outdoor art festival.
The Riverdale Artwalk was incredibly well organized from beginning to end. There was a strong sense of care for participating artists throughout the entire process. Prior to the event, we had a Zoom meeting, detailed PDF guides, and clear communication around setup, schedules, and logistics, which made preparation feel very supported.
Once on site, that structure continued. There was an information booth, volunteers throughout the festival, and a level of organization that made the weekend feel smooth and intentional. Small but important details like volunteers checking in with artists, offering water, and helping with short breaks made a noticeable difference during long exhibition days.
There were also thoughtful touches for visitors. A VIP station offered complimentary wrapping courtesy of Dimensions Gallery, which added a sense of care for collectors and made the experience of acquiring artwork feel more considered. A Riverdale ArtWalk Showcase, sponsored by Leslie Grove Gallery, also featured selected works both on site and online. The event extended beyond the physical space through this digital presence, and the Riverdale ArtWalk artist gallery remains online for a year, which allows the work and participating artists to continue being accessible well beyond the weekend.
One of the practical advantages of this outdoor art festival was the setup process. Artists were able to install tents the day before without artwork, which significantly reduced pressure on opening day. Load-in times were scheduled, maps were provided, and communication was clear and structured throughout.
My booth setup is based on a system designed by artist Crystal Beshara, which I continue to use for outdoor art fairs. It’s a highly effective way of presenting work clearly in outdoor environments, allowing the focus to remain on the artwork itself. Having a strong, established display system is essential for showing work at outdoor festivals where conditions can vary.
The festival runs over two days, with generous hours that allow for steady engagement with visitors. I also appreciated how active the organizers were online, with ongoing promotion of participating artists and collaboration on social media content. The event extended beyond the physical space through this digital presence.
The atmosphere in Toronto was warm and engaging. Visitors to my booth were curious, open, and genuinely interested in the work. There were many meaningful conversations throughout the weekend, which is one of the most valuable parts of participating in an art festival.
I also want to acknowledge Morgan Booth, the Artwalk Director, whose coordination and presence were clearly reflected in the overall organization and flow of the event.
The most significant part of the experience was the opportunity to connect with a new audience in Toronto and share my work in person.
Reflection on Exhibiting at Riverdale Artwalk
What stays with me most are the conversations, the small, fleeting exchanges with visitors who pause, look closely, and connect with the work. Those moments remain one of the most meaningful parts of participating in an outdoor art festival. My rose paintings drew particular attention from women visitors, sparking some of the most intimate and meaningful conversations of the weekend. It is a deeply personal series, carrying a quiet conversation about beauty that goes more than skin deep. 🌹
I also want to acknowledge the family and friends who showed up to support me throughout the weekend, that kind of presence makes a real difference.
And one moment I’ll carry with me: “Marking Time,” my painting of a crow, found its forever home at a cottage on the shores of Lake Erie. Something so fitting about that one going somewhere wild and free.
Each experience continues to shape how I think about where and how my work lives in the world.