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Arts And More Arts

Shop Local

T’is the season for shopping locally and there are any number of ways to do it as you will see below.  Don’t forget to share your local shopping tips with the rest of us and check out what others have already posted – here.

Madame Gateaux – is a new shop at 2034 Danforth, just west of Woodbine. Owner, Noel Yim, is a George Brown -trained pastry chef who has worked at the Windsor Arms Hotel and as Head Pastry Chef at Humber college.  The shop sells a large selection of baking utensils and ingredients and is offering a range of classes for both hobbyists and professionals.  There are a number of Christmas-themed classes coming up including gingerbread houses and cookies, yule logs, sticky toffee, fruit cake and tarts and cookies.

Cozy Cafe and Bakery – on the southwest corner of Danforth and Woodbine , is starting extended holiday hours as of Monday, November 29th.  Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sat-Sun 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Don’t forget their homemade frozen food section!

Fine Silver Girl


Heather Bell Denison (a.k.a Fine Silver Girl) was one of the volunteers on the organizing committee and also one of the vendors at the Danforth East Arts Fair.  She’s hosting a studio show and sale on Saturday, Dec. 11th from 3 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. at her studio at 48 Woodington Ave (near Coxwell and Danforth). She also offers a number of classes.  Information about all of this and more is on her website at www.finesilvergirl.com

Tyke Threads

Tykethreads.com is a local online shop for hip boys clothes.  But, owner, Grace Sanchez MacCall is hosting a ‘pop-up’ store sale Dec. 10-12th at 1390 Danforth (east of Greenwood) from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.  Cash only.

Art Needed!

Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon would like some children’s seasonal artwork for holiday (electronic) cards and to hang in the office.  If you have a kid in your house who can help, send your approx. 5″x7″  drawings to 100 Queen St. W. M5H 2N2 by Dec. 15th.

Music Festival

From the brains and the brawn who brought you the Art of the Danforth, there is another project afoot – an Ethiopian/African music festival in 2011.  Working with some of the business owners along the Danforth, Cindy Rozeboom and her band of merry art-makers are planning on musical community workshops leading up to a day- and night-long bridge-building event.  If you are interested in helping with the organization of this project, contact Cindy at info(at)artsimperative.ca

 

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T’is The Season – Danforth Gems

I know you are trying to pretend that it’s not Christmas yet.  And you’re right.  But it’s not too early to be thinking about shopping.  This year, why not shop local?  As you do, let us know about it (if you can do it without spilling the beans).  Post your favourite local gift ideas right here on the blog.  Share your brilliant ideas with the rest of us who are scrambling to figure out what to get our parents, in-laws, neighbours, teachers, co-workers, kids, nieces, nephews, partners, sisters, brothers, dogs, cats, gerbils and ourselves of course.

(Note: If you always get DECA Diaries by e-mail, you might not know that if you click on the headline – in this case ‘T’is The Season’ you will arrive at the DECA Diaries Blog.  Once you’re there, you too can post things that other people can then read.  It’s like a big old electronic bulletin board where we can swap tips.  Or if that’s too complicated, just send your tips to me and I’ll post them.)

Where to begin?  Danforth Gem – Ciraco Custom Framers

You might want to start by getting them something they will really treasure.  I notice there is a new photography studio at Danforth and Glebemount called Model Photography. Then you could walk yourself over to Ciraco and get a custom frame.

Ciraco is offering 15% off all custom framing and all it’s 3D art until Dec. 23rd.  (If the only 3D art you’ve seen was in 1993, you should walk in and check it out.  It’s very cool).

Owner, Fernand Ciraco (as well as being involved in the Danforth East Arts Fair) has been doing custom framing for 30 years.  The first 18 years were primarily corporate clients, but 12 years ago he opened a retail shop.  Ciraco has become a respected player in the commercial business preparing work for a Saudi palace and new home builders such as Mattamy, Remington, Wycliffe and Daniels.

Fernand continues to be innovative and creative with framing ideas.  A while back he started producing 3D renderings of homes and logos for builders and developers and has now taken that and developed it into a fine art that can be appreciated at home.  They’ve been recognized at a number of shows including the One Of A Kind show, Cottage Life and Home shows.  This 3D art is on display at the shop.

All work is done on the premises and they are there to help with suggestions or advice on how to frame  art, photography, mirrors, baby booties, doggie collars or whatever your beloved will cherish.  Gift certificates are available.

Ciraco Custom Frames’, 1946 Danforth across from East Lynn Park, 416-421-2036

H: Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 10-5, Closed Sundays.  Book by appointment for private consultation.

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Let Us Eat Cake!

Pat Chartier is the Kermit T. Frog of DECA Diaries.  She’s out on the street getting the scoop on what’s coming and what’s going on the Danforth.  Here’s her latest post from the field:

There’s a neat new business coming to the Danforth, immediately west of Celena’s Bakery near Woodbine and Danforth:  Madame Gateaux Patisserie!  OMG ANOTHER bakery, you’re thinking. But no. The owner, Noel Yim, is a trained pastry chef, and she is going to offer cake baking and decorating classes, and also sell baking utensils/cookware. Fred and I peeked in and the place looks great. She hopes to open next Saturday or early the following week. Her sign should be going up a.s.a.p.

Cake decorating is hugely popular these days–look at all the TV  reality shows with that focus–so Madame Gateaux could potentially draw customers from outside our immediate area, and that would be good for all our wonderful neighbourhood retailers. I know I certainly would love to take a decorating class or two. Here’s wishing her well!

Butter Tart Boys

Check out their sweeeeet jazz sound this Friday night at True Brew Cafe.  This is a great event for families because it happens from 7 – 9:30 p.m. and there are yummy treats!  True Brew is at 2116 Danforth, just east of Woodbine.

Little Footprint Toys

This local web business sells ‘planet friendly fun and gear’ including toys and games for all ages.  Owner, Barbara, is holding three ‘pop up’ sales this holiday season at the Cool East Market (1390 Danforth Ave near Greenwood Stn).  The sales are Nov. 19-21, Dec. 3-5 and Dec. 17-18.  Each weekend will include a special promotion so check out the website (here) to learn more.

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A Cluster Of Danforth Gems

Plank Road Market

Many of you will know that the inaugural project of DECA’s Business Revitalization Team was to help what was ‘Michael’s Meats’ re-invent itself as Plank Road Market.  Now Roger and Julie have bought a building (instead of renting) just west of the old location at 1716 Danforth (across from McDonalds) and have opened a new and beautifully- improved Plank Road Market.  You’ll think you’re shopping in Yorkville it’s so pretty.  They are having a grand opening this Sunday, October 31st around noon for a BBQ and live entertainment.

From our favourite local shopper , Pat, a visit to Jenny’s Floral Boutique and WAG on the Danforth.

I stopped in at Jenny’s,  the new florist shop (1898 Danforth).  She made me a beautiful bouquet–terrific presentation–for $15 plus HST. Jenny is originally from Hungary and had a floral shop there. This is her first Canadian venture and I certainly wish her well. The shop is bright and clean and very nicely decorated.

Also, a shout-out to WAG on the Danforth. In addition to offering an outstanding selection of well-chosen pet supplies, Ruth is a fount of information on all things cat and dog-related. Very reasonable prices too. Makes shopping locally a treat and a bargain.

Looks Matter

I’ve noticed a few long-time businesses who have recently put up new signs, Seb’s Cappuccino (1928 Danforth) and Everybody’s Hair (2144 Danforth).  One thing we’ve learned through the Business Revitalization Team is that signage is darn expensive.  But, it is so incredibly important both for drawing in customers and for improving our streetscape.  So thanks guys, for the new signs.

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What’s scarier – politicians or pumpkins?

Ward 32 Debate – Tuesday

The hottest ticket in town is brought to you by your friends at DECA.  Tuesday night at 7 p.m. be at the Kimbourne Park United Church at 200 Wolverleigh Blvd. (East of Coxwell, two blocks north of Danforth) for the last Ward 32  debate.  See all the jibs, jabs and jellyfish  – and see the debate too.  Hosted by the Globe and Mail’s Jeff Gray, it promises to be fun for all ages.  Pay attention to the parking signs o.k.?  O.k.

Halloween – Boo!

Carlos Osorio/Toronto Star

 

I hope you’ve started your planning for your Jack-O-Extravaganza because this year, there is more at stake than just kids passing by your pumpkin looking for candy.  This year, you’ve got to get your carved pumpkin over to East Lynn Park on November 1st for the DECA Pumpkin Parade.  We’re going to line the path with pumpkins, light them up and bask in the spoooooky glow.  The fabulous Heather Bean is putting the whole thing together and she could use a few extra hands that night.  Can you help?  Let me know.

It’s My Party – Halloween Store

It’s My Party – the party store further west on the Danforth has opened a temporary Halloween clearance shop at 2206 Danforth near the Honda dealership.  They’ve got costumes and decorations and sales galore.  Also, I’m guessing, lots of gore.