GradEx 107 at OCAD University Recap
Crowds of Art Lovers at GradEx 107
I was honoured to be mentioned in "The Toronto Sun" for GradEx 107 in the news article
"OCAD University annual art and design show back in person," Toronto Sun (May 12, 2022). During OCAD University's GradEx 107 graduate show, I had a blast chatting with old friends and meeting new people. The conversations we had about art, motherhood, painting technique, and parenting were so encouraging and fun! Even though the art show just closed last Sunday and my classes ended only a few weeks ago, I’m already feeling nostalgic for art school. Mostly I'm missing the random discussions and camaraderie with OCAD students and faculty, and the beautiful light in the Department of Painting and Drawing studios at 100 McCaul Street, Toronto. GradEx107 was the first in person graduate show at OCAD University in 3 years. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the GradEx shows in 2020 and 2021 were only online. OCAD University graduates of 2022 were fortunate to have GradEx both online and in person. Below you can watch a quick video of my recent abstract paintings, some of which were displayed at GradEx 107 from May 11th to May 15th, 2022. The photographs on this page show visitors at the art exhibition viewing my abstract paintings.
After many, many years of art classes and being in and out of art schools, I'm graduating with a BFA (Bachelor's in Fine Arts) from OCAD University in Toronto, Ontario. Canada. Over the years I've taken art classes at the New York Studio School, NYU (New York University) in Venice, Italy (they used to run a Master's in Studio Art program), the Washington Studio School and the Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington, DC. I've also been on painting and drawing trips in Provence, France and Orvieto, Italy with favourite art professors from the New York Studio School and the Washington Studio School. Now I have a BFA and am so happy to have had the GradEx show experience at OCAD University. My art eduction also included various continuing education classes in sculpture, printmaking, paper-making, and more. At the New York Studio School and the Washington Studio School, the focus was on traditional observational painting and drawing. Time spent sculpting, painting and drawing from life was the concentration at these U.S. art schools. At OCAD University, I enjoyed learning how to incorporate digital tools in my art practice. Courses like Pixel Pusher were excellent in exposing painters like me to new media. Even though I dabbled in other art techniques and tools, I always come back to drawing and painting.
Watch a Quick Video of My Abstract Paintings Shown at GradEx 107
More visitors to GradEx 107 viewing my artwork in Room 488, 100 McCaul Street, Toronto, Ontario...
What's next for me? This summer I have another show at OCAD University in June (June 2nd to 14th, 2022) with Ontario Archives and Ontario Society of Artists 150th Anniversary Art Exhibition. The art show will be in the Ada Slaight Gallery on the 2nd floor in 100 McCaul Street at OCAD and is titled "The Archive of Merit: from the OSA to OCAD." I am also participating in the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair in July. I'll be in Booth A-24 from July 15th to 17th, 2022 in Nathan Phillips Square. Both of these upcoming art exhibitions will have online and in person components to them. I hope to see you at one of the Toronto art shows this summer 2022.
Video of my Abstract Paintings Shown in Room 488 in 100 McCaul Street
Wishing the talented OCAD class of 2022 successful post-OCAD careers!
I can't wait to see what the OCAD University Class of 2022 is up to next...
Want news first of my new art shows, artwork and occasional sales?
Find me around the web and on social media as @RachaelGradArt on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Get news first of updates, art sales, events and more by signing up for my VIP Art List (click here to learn more).