10 holiday gift ideas for art lovers in Toronto
It's not always easy buying gifts for Toronto art lovers because you know they have unparalleled taste. Thankfully, this city is brimming with possibilities that'll help you surprise your artsy friend and/or loved one with a present that fires their creative impulses and inspires them this holiday season.
Here are my picks for the top holiday gifts for Toronto art lovers.
The Thing Quarterly - Issue 28
For this issue, artists Jason Fulford and Tamara Shopsin have created 1,000 hand-numbered ceramic lottery balls. One contains a real diamond inside; the other 999 hold a cubic zirconia. Try your luck with this magazine of things; you might just get lucky.
Andy Warhol merch
Andy Warhol was all over Toronto this year. So, why not celebrate 2015 with Warholian gifts like a banana-covered pullover ($80), a simple striped t-shirt ($35) or pop-art-inspired stationary ($10 to $20). You can grab all of these items at the TIFF Shop.
MOCCA's moccamigos membership
The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art may not have a permanent home right now, but that doesn't mean it's ceasing all of its programming until it moves into the Tower Automotive Building. Moccamigos is dedicated to serving those 40 and under and gives Toronto art lovers access to private studio tours and other exclusive events. A membership costs $150 per year.
OCADU Tote Bag
An OCADU venture called Working It has set up shop at the Union Station Holiday Market to sell a variety of student-made items including, buttons, prints and totes. While there's plenty to choose from, check out the Magritte-inspired "This Is Not A Tote Bag" bag.
Artless Hub Membership
Artless Hub hosts a bevy of workshops as well as BYOB and Cards Against Humanity-themed paint nights. Gift a $95 membership and your special someone will get 50 per cent off drop-in classes and events as well as 25 per cent off multi-day classes and crafting workshops.
Lovebot Toy
Mindzai and Lovebot's creator Matthew Del Degan ran a successful Kickstarter and crowd-funded more than $30,000 to bring a Lovebot toy to fruition. Now, you can get your very own piece of Toronto street art for $45 because the Lovebot toy should be available for pick up at Mindzai next week. If you want to grab a gift immediately, consider the $15 DIY Lovebot paper craft toy.
Art Prints from Elephant In the Attic
Elephant In The Attic's Cluster Creation Gift Experiences let that art-loving person on your Christmas list pick their own present. Much like a gift card, you purchase a pre-paid package ($60 to $320) and your loved one gets a guided walk through Elephant In The Attic as well as help choosing their perfect print.
Colouring Books
Adult colouring books provide a nostalgic way to unwind - the Gladstone even hosts communal colouring and drinking events. If you want give the gift of artistic relaxation, consider locally made books such as Steve McDonald's Fantastic Cities of the World, Colour Her, United Colours of Kensington Market and All the Libraries Toronto.
Prints from Worker Bee
These are not the lame inspirational poster you remember from grade school. Rather, Worker Bee sells unique, silk-screened-by-hand inspirational posters created by local Toronto artists. There are currently six prints to choose from and each one goes for $40.
JR: Can Art Change the World?
Artist JR curated his very own zone at Nuit Blanche this year, bringing his Inside Out project to Toronto for the very first time. Now, you can give someone an even closer look at his work and his unique process. Copies are available at Swipe, which is located inside 401 Richmond.
What did I miss? Add your artsy gift suggestions to the comments.
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