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Above: An excerpt of the art@suite500 invitation, designed by Scott Waters, a 2nd-year York MFA student
A collaborative project of York's Graduate Program in Visual Arts and the Schulich School of Business, art@suite500, opens Saturday, Feb. 28, at Schulich's downtown Toronto campus, the Miles S. Nadal Management Centre, 222 Bay St., 5th Floor, Ernst & Young Tower. Now in its eighth year, art@suite500 is an annual juried exhibition featuring recent works by students and alumni of the Graduate Program in Visual Arts at York.
In a toast to creativity, the public is invited to see the show and meet the artists at the opening reception on Feb. 28 from 2 to 5pm. Admission is free. The show will continue for one year and members of the public may view the exhibition by appointment by calling 416-360-8850.
Left: Award-winning acrylic and collage on canvas, Coffee and Sub-Combo (2002) by Scott Waters
The current show comprises 15 works of art in a variety of media. It spotlights pieces by alumni Randall Koroluk and J.J. Lee, as well as emerging artists Laura Calvi, Lori Clermont, Niall Donaghy, Denniston Ewan, Adrian Fish, Justina Gardiner, Farheen Haq, Francis Henne, Maria Hupfield, Craig Rodmore, Doris Sung, Tamara Toledo and Scott Waters.
The entries were judged by Yvonne Singer, director of York’s Graduate Program in Visual Arts; visual arts Professor David Armstrong; Professor James McKellar, director of Schulich's Real Property Development Program; art consultant Judy Schulich; and Mary Sue Rankin, director of Toronto's Edward Day Gallery.
Waters' acrylic and collage on canvas, Coffee and Sub-Combo, and Lee's oil painting on silk brocade, Figs, were selected for Schulich's annual Purchase Prize and inclusion in its permanent collection. The exhibition and prize both support and validate the work of artists in the early phase of their careers; they also recognize the achievement of those, such as J.J. Lee, who are already on the national stage.
Right: One of J.J. Lee's art works, dragonfruit (Oil on silk brocade, 2002) from his 2003 exhibition, Succulent, at the Angell Gallery in Toronto
Celebrating the talent and passion of a new generation of artists, art@suite500 also reflects an important cultural convergence – a place where corporate culture embraces art. The Schulich School of Business' collection represents a significant investment in and contribution to the Canadian art scene. While enhancing the workplace, it pays tribute to the artistic talent nurtured at York University and provides a link to the larger arts and business community.