I have finally sat down to share some news and thoughts about the special connections we have made around our mutual appreciation of art.
Firstly, I want to thank those who came out to visit me at Toronto Artist Project last month. I can not tell you how much I appreciate (after spending days on end, working away in the studio) how great it is to experience your interpretations of my work and learn about your personal related stories. I don't always get the opportunity to meet those who have questions about my work nor hear how it resonates with them. Meeting you made me realize how making art is really about sharing visual narratives and igniting something meaningful within. That is my ultimate goal as an artist.
Also, I'm sending a belated 'thank you' to everyone who visited my studio during the NOTL Rotary Club's Holiday House Tour, which took place way back in December. It was such an honour to have my studio as part of this event and get the opportunity to share my work, process and ongoings with guests while being able to contribute to the Club's initiative in their incredible national and international programs.
Open Studio Invitation
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Along with this, I want to extend a special invitation to visit my Open Studio this summer when I will have some of my new works and work-in-progress on exhibit.
Click on a select date to RSVP.
*with artist reception and talk on Sat., June 8th at 7 PM
and
*with artist reception and talk on Sat., Aug. 10th, at 7 PM
If you wish to visit outside of these times, please message me by replying to this email to schedule your visit.
Upcoming Thesis Exhibit TBA
As some of you may know I have completed the halfway mark of my Master of Fine Art -Painting at Savannah College of Art and I can now safely say that I have passed my candidacy review and I am currently working towards my graduate thesis and solo exhibit. It will likely be held within the Greater Toronto Area in late Fall and I will be sure to follow up with more information on this once the dates and location are arranged. If you wish to sign up to be invited to the opening please see my exhibits page here. I hope you will be able to join!
South Florida Exhibit: ANIMALS
As part of my MFA requirements, I had the opportunity to spend the most enriching time working as Assistant Curator in South Florida at the Hollywood Arts and Culture Center where I worked on three separate exhibits: "The South Florida Cultural Consortium," "Environmental Futures III" showcasing international women photographers, and "Somewhere I Belong." an immersive digital exhibit by artist AdrienneRose Gionta.
I am also excited to be one of the artists in their upcoming group exhibit entitled ANIMALS which runs Sat., May 18 - Sun., Aug. 18, 2024. If you happen to be in the Broward County/Miami/Ft.Lauderdale area you must visit this thriving cultural center and gallery.
Other upcoming exhibits include the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce annual Artistry by the Lake outdoor show where I will show some small works in oil, mixed media, and works on paper over Canada Day weekend June 29 - July 1, 2024.
Follow me on Instagram
I know we all love to hate social media! However, I am trying to use Instagram more efficiently-- to quickly share finished work, work-in-progress, and upcoming events on a current and more regular basis. My link is @iafrate.art and I invite you to follow me and peek into my day-to-day ongoings. My goal is to be 'real,' with me and my dog, art critic Danté (Alighieri,) so I will not be wearing beautiful garb, or showing fake mock-up designer installations. It's just us, making a mess and figuring out what I need to say on canvas. Hope to see you there.
For Artists
Due to a schedule conflict with my upcoming thesis show, I sadly had to postpone my Sicily retreat initially scheduled for this Fall. In place of this, I've added two separate one-day workshops to be held in Niagara-on-the-Lake: one on Aug. 3rd for beginner and intermediate artists and one to be held on August 4th for advanced working artists. If this interests you, please visit my workshop page for more information and registration or see the links below.
Finally, as promised, I will not add to your inbox too often, but I will follow up in the Fall so I do want to ensure I've added your contacts correctly here. If you are receiving my emails in error or need to unsubscribe or update your information, please do so at the end of my email.
Lastly, if you know someone who is an art enthusiast like yourself, please feel free to pass this email along to them!
For now, Happy Spring All🌷