The annual flamboyant gala, now in its 21st year, will turn the contemporary art gallery into an illicit speakeasy, inviting guests to celebrate the city’s most notorious art world characters, artists, and fans of the forbidden with a massive indoor-outdoor affair.

Guests can expect a dramatic evening of grit, glitz, and glamour with unique art installations, performances, creative culinary creations, flowing cocktails, and no shortage of personal and professional networking. As always, the common theme of Power Ball is a sense of discovery, as the well-heeled guests make their way through the shadowy space, encountering ample visual stimulation, talking points, photo ops, and Toronto’s notable change-makers along the way.

“In its 21st edition, Power Ball continues to set the standard as one of the most influential and innovative art galas in Toronto,” says Gaëtane Verna, Director of The Power Plant. “With the continuous and generous support from our partners, supporters and presenting artists, the gallery’s largest annual fundraiser continues to provide vital funds for exhibitions and public programs to continue at The Power Plant.”

The pre-party reception begins at 7 p.m. in the Royal Lepage Gallery, where artist and restauranteur Sarah Keenlyside will transport guests into a space where the dance of service forms the centerpiece of an epic meal – an ode to storied speakeasies and a Busby Berkeleyesque celebration of the craft of service. This culinary performance and installation is complete with food by La Banane, Man Ray à vin, and CXBO Chocolates and drinks from FIOL Prosecco. In addition to the savouring and sipping (if you plan on attending, you may want to take tomorrow morning off), guests can expect an immersive performance that blurs the lines between reality and historicity.

At 9 p.m., the doors will open for the party portion of the evening. In between mixing, mingling and mowing down on a carefully curated menu from Chase Hospitality Group with desserts by Ricarda’s and Krispy Kreme and sip libations from Spirit of York, Ace Hill, Pommies, and Château des Charmes, guests will take in the creative brilliance of artists Max Streicher, Bruno Billio, and a performance space programmed by Tobaron Waxman, Artistic Director of The Intergenerational LGBT Artist Residency.

Over-the-top (and completely photo-worthy) art includes display of inflatable, kinetic sculptures by Streicher and fluorescent masking tape installations by Billio. Under an art installation by artist Michel Dumont, Tobaron Waxman has invited some of Toronto’s best drag performers will take the energy up a notch with a vibrant showcase of Toronto’s rich LGBTQ2+ community from East to West.

There are still a handful of tickers left for the event, which can be purchased here.

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Stereo Vision: Two Seeing Eyes

Power Ball party-goers get double the fun with Stereo Vision! The huge gallery space is perfect for exploring alternate realities and surreal perspectives.

One of the artistic highlights of the evening included a three-channel hypnotic landscape projection by artist Kelly Richardson that had people throwing shapes to capture on Instagram. Another artist using visual projection was Daniel Barrow. Fantastical flickering images captivated the Power Ball crowd using old school overhead projectors.

Another gallery room held giant photographs suspended in space like sublime tapestries by artist Torrance Hall, the 2017 Max Mara Young Visionary Award winner.

Fashion Forward Power People

The Power Ball attracts Toronto’s most fashion forward crowd. The event is known for its guests dressing to reflect the ball’s theme. Overall this year’s dress code seemed more casual and less fancy dress. This event is pure people watching fun! Jumpsuits dominated the night for the ladies; clearly a key fashion trend for this summer. Many of the men powered up their look with a smart tuxedo jacket. As well more than a few bow ties were spotted.

If you weren’t able to attend the event, search the #PowerBallTO hashtag on social media for party and art pics! To learn more about the annual event, artists and installations visit powerball.thepowerplant.org.

Located downtown at the Toronto Harbourfront, The Power Plant is Canada’s leading public gallery devoted exclusively to contemporary visual art. The gallery pursues its activities though exhibitions, publications and public programming that incorporates other areas of culture when they intersect with visual art.

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Staycations are increasing in popularity and when done right, can help you feel relaxed and rejuvenated. I’ve done this a few times in our city and to fully get into vacation mode I have a checklist on my mind, and yes, you can feel relaxed in even 24 hours if you allow yourself to leave your daily routine!

Recently, I had the chance to stay at the Shangri-La Toronto downtown on University Avenue. The hotel’s location is just removed enough from the busier areas in the core yet within walking distance to many areas I love including theatres, sports venues, restaurants, nightclubs and shopping.

I desperately needed a break after the cold winter but didn’t want to commit to a full trip elsewhere. I figured, hey, what I would save on airfare certainly could be used towards a really good staycation. On this mini getaway, I had decided to not plan too much. My goal was to unwind and unplug. With two books in hand, sketch pad, and swimsuit I was prepared to fully immerse myself in nothing more than maybe kickstarting my creative flow. Hey, if you’re going to splurge, it better be worth it, right? What I soon realized was that there were many appealing factors at this hotel that made for the ideal getaway.

For the Art Lover:

I soon discovered that after wandering through the hallways I wanted to learn more about the artwork scattered throughout the hotel. Museum pieces are located on each floor running along the corridors. Rooms have asian accents in ceramics and wall art. Most intriguing are the specialty suites like the ‘Zhang Huan’ that featured his artwork throughout. Even the bathroom includes one of his contemporary works above the extra large soaker bathtub – a  bird in flight that is an extension of the powerful sculpture found at the foundation of the hotel.

Inside the suite were a few books about the artist t0 satisfy my curiosity. So much for bringing my own books! But that’s okay! Zhang Huan is considered one of the most provocative contemporary chinese artists of today and as an art lover I didn’t even need to leave the building to find inspiring artwork. His work has international recognition and he’s exhibited in Milan, Paris, Chicago, New York, and here in Toronto where he had a solo show at the Art Gallery of Ontario. When the Shangri-la first unveiled his sculpture ‘Rising’ in front of the glass windows, there was much press about his elaborate work including several writes ups in the Globe and Mail. The 22-tonne stainless steel work is quite a powerful fixture and the theme can be found in some of the most discreet places throughout the hotel. Looking out of stunning Owner’s Suite you will find a couple of red birds overlooking the city line ready to take flight.

For the Foodie:

Seeking out good food hits high on my list of priorities when travelling and I’ll often research the heck out of where to eat wherever I travel. I get excited about the hottest restaurants but also great local hang outs and street food offerings. Food has to be worth the visit and Bosk Restaurant is truly a gem in our city. Tucked discreetly behind the bar, is a dining room modern classic in feel. Executive Chef Damon Campbell leads the hotel’s signature restaurant with notable credentials that spans well over 18 years globally. He’s worked in four different countries in leading kitchens including The French Laundry, Diva at The Met and Lafite. He’s also completed states at Alain Ducasse, wd-50 and McCrady’s restaurant. In addition to his travels, Campbell was selected as team captain for Culinary Team Canada and competed in Switzerland and Luxembourg bringing home 4 gold medals. During my stay I had a taste Chef Campbell’s new spring menu that featured what was in season and local. Something Chef Campbell loves to bring to the table with a global approach.

For Inspiring the Soul:

If you’re looking to truly unwind, the pool and spa areas are the perfect places to retreat. Privacy cabanas are fitted with comforts for a truly relaxing time. A television set is there for you should you just want to laze around and draw the curtains, maybe even have a nap! Adults only time ensures that little guests are not splashing around you. A gym and studio is located on the floor for work outs at your leisure. Specialty classes like yoga are also available for drop in but if you’re a little to shy, you can always do yoga in your own room. A yoga mat is there as are pre-loaded yoga sessions on the iPads in the rooms! If you’re looking for a beautiful spa experience, the Miraj Hamman Spa by Caudalie is here. This time of year, you may want to go for the Hammam treatment where you’re tired winter skin gets polished just in time for warmer weather.

For the Music Lover:

Sipping on afternoon tea is a treat with over 75 tea selections and a tea sommelier to help you. Night time cocktails here already are a treat and the live music performances daily in the Lobby Bar that is definitely worth the lingering time. It’s like being in an intimate concert. Or you may want to visit the Champagne Wall for a something more celebratory. When I had visited, the sommelier mentioned there were 47 types of champagne housed right here. Bottles range here from $125 to $5000 each. When it comes to trying to decide on what to have? She suggested something like the always loved brands including Tattinger but also try something not as well known. She’s also very much in favour of organics lately.

What else to do if you’re in the area?

The best way to reconnect with your city by foot and there are many great places to explore. Many places are within walking distance including the theatre district where you can almost always catch rush tickets for the hottest shows with Mirvish Productions, Toronto Symphony Orchestra at Roy Thomson Hall, National Ballet, and Second City. If you love art, take a leisurely walk down to Harbourfront Centre to visit the Power Plant Contemporary Gallery (admission is free year round) or visit the World Stage for contemporary dance performances. Poke into the Craft & Design Studios to discover local works of art in ceramics, glass, and metal. Head north a few streets and visit the Art Gallery of Ontario, 401 Richmond Art Studios and the shops along Queen Street West. As the warmer weather approaches you’ll also find the endless festival schedule that offers even more to see and do in the area including Luminato, Contact Photography Festival, TD Toronto Jazz Festival, HotDocs Film Festival, TIFF,the upcoming Brain Project where over 100 brain sculptures will be dotting our cityscape, and so much more.

Need a staycation? Time to play in our own backyard!

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One of two control rooms inside a long abandoned coal power plant.

See much more of this mammoth abandonment on my website.

www.freaktography.ca/abandoned-power-plant

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Call to Artists for the 2014 Glenfiddich Artists in Residence Prize

Deep in the Scottish Highlands, the Glenfiddich Distillery creates the world’s most awarded single malt scotch whiskey. Now, they are looking to present the world’s most talented visual artists with an experience like no other.

The 127-year-old company is issuing a call for artists to apply for the 2014 Glenfiddich Artists in Residence Prize. One lucky Canadian will be chosen by an expert jury to live and work in Dufftown, Scotland at the historic Glenfiddich Distillery for three months. The Canadian participant will be one of eight artists chosen from around the globe to live in traditional Scottish crofts and produce art in the beautiful Glenfiddich Valley.

The award is in its 12^th year and is currently valued at $20,000 with the costs of travel, living expenses, and materials being fully covered throughout the residency. The three-month stay will allow artists to cultivate their craft in a fresh, yet aged, setting, collaborate their interdisciplinary ideas with the other winners, and start a global conversation in the arts.

Montreal-based artist, Daniel Barrow was last year’s Canadian recipient and has just recently completed his residency. Using various technologies, he is known for creating stills and moving narratives on the practices of drawing and collecting. “At the Glenfiddich Distillery, I will create a new performance in which projected silhouettes, drawings and photographs combine to tell a story inspired by the landscape, the community, or perhaps the distillery itself,” reads Barrow’s statement. He is one of over 90 international visual artists that the Glenfiddich Artists in Residence Prize has sponsored to this day.

This year, the Prize’s jury includes Dr. Sara Diamond, president of OCAD University, Dave Dyment, 2008 Canadian Glenfiddich Artists in Residence Prize recipient, Kitty Scott, curator of modern and contemporary art at the AGO, Julian Sleath, programming manager of special events, economic development and culture at the City of Toronto, and Gaetane Verna, director of The Power Plant gallery.  With over 150 expected submissions, the jury will narrow it down to eight finalists before announcing the final winner.

The submission deadline is Friday, January 31^st 2015 at midnight. To apply, please visit www.glenfiddich.com/ca/artistsinresidence.

For more information, or to read more about past winners, check out the Glenfiddich website at www.glenfiddich.com.

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