W Toronto Opens With An Emphasis On The City’s Art Scene - Forbes | Canada News Media
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W Toronto Opens With An Emphasis On The City’s Art Scene – Forbes

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W Hotels Worldwide, part of the Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio, has opened its latest property in Toronto’s Yorkville neighborhood.

Making its debut on July 21, 2022, the W Toronto was incorporated with aesthetics that reflect different aspects of Yorkville, along with the overall diversity found within Toronto.

In a media announcement, Benoit Racle, vice president, brand management for W Hotels Worldwide, stated that Toronto was a natural fit for the brand because of its musical legacy and street art scene, in particular with Graffiti Alley.

“Our unassuming, playful interpretation of luxury is poised to make W Toronto a regular stop for those living and working in Toronto as well as the perfect place for an out-of-town guest to revel in the city like a local,” said Racle.

Standing at 11 stories, W Toronto’s design has both the Welcome Desk and W Hotels’ brand lounge, Living Room, on its sixth floor. It is detailed with jewel tones of ruby, amethyst and topaz. As a nod to Toronto’s sixties and seventies counterculture movement, the 5,000-square-foot space is adorned curved lines and velvet furniture. It also holds a communal “fire” pit and a circular destination bar.

Additionally, the hotel’s sixth floor leads to The Yard, an outdoor terrace surrounded by a three-story atrium of guestroom windows.

Amid its 254 guestrooms, W Toronto has 30 suites with two of them being Presidential style suites known as Extreme Wow suites. Their layout reflects Toronto’s theater district, with their beds being flanked by stage-inspired pendant lights and situated in front of a sapphire velvet curtain that can be automatically drawn open or shut.

Design touches include curved banquettes, dressing room-style vanity mirrors, “record”-like tables in honor of Toronto’s musical legacy and nods to nature like the abstract floral wallpaper and mushroom-shaped accent lights.

Double Queen Rooms are graced with wall art that reads “Not everything has to mean something. Some things just are.” by Canadian writer and musician, Charles de Lint.

W Toronto also boasts Canada’s first W Sound Suite, the brand’s signature recording studio experience. Situated off 0f the Living Room, this suite is outfitted with professional equipment where accomplished and novice musicians, podcasters and other creatives can draw inspiration.

Executive Chef Keith Pears is in charge of W Toronto’s three distinct beverage and food venues.

PUBLIC SCHOOL, the hotel’s ground floor coffee house, kitchen and bar, balances barista culture by day and then new school tonics, elixirs and low or no alcohol beverages by night. The plant-forward menu is served across two sweeping levels, accentuated by late sixties/early seventies-style seating. The decor includes “Toronto Gush,” an original mural by Costa Rican-born artist Alan Ganev that was inspired by Toronto’s Graffiti Alley.

The Living Room pays homage to Toronto’s multiculturalism with “Toronto Tapas.” These light, shareable bites represent the city’s diverse neighborhoods. Selections consist for Barbacoa Tacos (as a nod to Kensington Market); Jerk Chicken Skewers (for Little Jamaica); and Fogo Island Cod Cheeks (for Little India).

“Sparkling” is the theme of the Living Room’s beverage program, with champagne, rare bottles and a Perlini corking system along with sparkling cocktails such as the Celery Sour and the Green Goddess Bloody Mary.

SKYLIGHT, the hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant, serves alluring curated cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The indoor-outdoor boho oasis overlooks Toronto’s iconic Bloor Street, celebrating the provocative and artistic spirit of the 60s Yorkville hippie revolution.

Along with a bazaar-inspired main room, with a nightly DJ booth and performance stage, SKYLIGHT features The Loft (for semi-private events); The Den (an intimate seating nook); and The Terrace (with birdcage-style seating). Patrons can order familial-style mezze, salatas and maneesh served with tagines as well as an over-the-top Seafood Tower. SKYLIGHT’s cocktail program is Vermouth and Amaro-centric with a selection of upscale curated drinks, seasonal spritzes and adult slushies.

In addition to its 3,300-square-foot FIT gym, W Toronto has five event spaces. At 1,980 square feet, W. Industry can be divided into three intimate spaces. Studios 1 and 2, off the Living Room, as well as Strategy 1 and 2, offer more casual working session settings.

W Toronto honors the city’s multidisciplinary art heritage through the W Monument, designed by Sid Lee, on Toronto’s Bloor Street; and three murals, by Dutch-born artist Mikael B, placed throughout the hotel property.

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone  BBC.com



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Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”

On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”

The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.

Blaze in the West Wing

The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.

About Somerset House

Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.

Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.

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Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone

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Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.

The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.

Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”

With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.

The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.

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