Site: Intersection of Crawford Street and College Street, Toronto
Time: 2:30 pm-5:00 pm
Photos
It was a slow Sunday in Little Italy when we set the stage for "We Paint" this afternoon. Passersby were consistently streaming past the corner of Crawford and College, making for perfect "We Paint" conditions!
Our first participant volunteered immediately when asked the question "do you have 90 seconds to share?", setting a positive tone for the rest of the afternoon. After him there were those who wouldn't look our way as they passed, others who pleaded that they truly did not have the time to spare, and those who set aside 90 seconds and picked up a brush.
A variety of artists worked on this painting from experienced painters to first-timers. Across the board it seemed that people were able to work most effectively when they considered themselves as the owner of the canvas during their 90 second artistic opportunity.
A five year old boy stopped to make a scene while his father acted as the painter's assistant. A woman who had not painted before stopped, and a woman who told us that she dreamed of having her own easel and canvas had the chance to live out a bit of her fantasy.
One gentleman who was hesitant to stop at first, lingered long enough that it seemed silly not to participate. When he finished his work he remarked emphatically, "I am glad I stopped (to paint)...it's inspiring". I hope he went on to do things to inspire himself and others later in the day. I hope we all did.
Today's beautiful collaboration is just more proof that it only takes a little bit of work from those willing to spare a moment, to make a significant difference.
Special thanks to Maita and Naoko for great work in documenting today's event.
