Author Archives: Parkdale Village BIA

Parkdale Profiles: Michelle Germain of Shopgirls Boutique!

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Over the coming weeks, the Parkdale BIA will be posing questions to some of our fabulous business owners for our “Parkdale Profiles” section.

Our first profile is Michelle Germain, owner and curator of Shopgirls Gallery Boutique, a 1800 square foot retail and studio space at 1342 Queen West, featuring 80 Canadian artists and designers.  Michelle’s dedication to promoting the arts combined with her business acumen and industry knowledge recently earned her the title of Aboriginal Business Woman of the Year. I recently talked to her about Shopgirls:

PVBIA: Hi Michelle, can you tell me about the beginning of Shopgirls?

MG: I first started Shopgirls with a friend of mine. We used to do what today we refer to as “pop up shops” where we would feature artists and designers that we loved (most of which were friends of ours). Having worked in fashion and marketing for several years, I came across a lot of talented folks and when I asked “You made that? Where can I buy that?” more often than not, these little treasures were not sold anywhere, hence the beginnings of Shopgirls!

Red Knob Ring by Ashley Winnington Ball

Fold Over Fringe Tote by Miss Mak

PVBIA: It seems like Shopgirls has exploded online, on sites like Shopify and Pinterest.  How have online sales and marketing changed the way you do business?

MG: By exploring the online potential we are now reaching customers internationally! We get most of our online orders from the U.S but have also shipped to Switzerland, the U.K. and even Australia. Obviously we are now able to promote Canadian artists and designers to the world. What a great feeling!

Visit Shopgirls online store here, “Pin it to Win it” at Pinterest, or follow them on Twitter, or like them on Facebook!

 

PVBIA: Something that I love about Shopgirls is that you cater to all types of women’s bodies.  Why was that important to you?

MG: I am not, nor have I ever been a “off the rack” kind of gal. I’ve struggled my whole life with finding clothes that suit and fit my body and quite frankly, I quickly realized, I was not alone. My approach to buying the right styles is not looking at a woman’s size but rather her shape. (Shop by body shape here). This approach provides women of all shapes and ages to look for certain cues on what might suit them best. My knowledgeable staff is trained to help women feel good about themselves by finding pieces that fit their particular shape as opposed to their size.

Good look for a circle shape

and an "inverted triangle" shape

the "hourglass" look

style for the rectangular body shape

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the 'standard' shape

and the triangle!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PVBIA: Can you tell us about a new piece or designer that you’re excited about?

MG: This question is like asking me which of my daughters I love the most!  One thing I can say is that the selection in the shop is better than it’s ever been.  I’d rather hear what our customers are most excited about – it’s just too difficult for me to choose! 

(Editor’s Note: I really love this beautiful Galina dress! I want it!)

 

PVBIA: Finally, what is your favourite thing about Parkdale?

MG: Everything!  The good, the bad, the ugly! The vibe, the residents, the cool indie businesses, the support, the community, and the location!

Thanks Michelle!

Parkdale Village Community Open House

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On Saturday, June 2nd, there will be a “Parkdale Village Community Open House” at the new Parkdale Amphitheatre on the corner of Queen St W. and Dufferin, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Come rain or shine!

The Open House offers the chance to meet many Parkdale community organizations in one place. A wide variety of groups will be on hand to provide information and answer questions.

The list of participating organizations below will be added to as more organizations confirm their attendance.

Vendors from the Sorauren Farmer’s Market will offer food. Local musicians and other performers will entertain. People will be invited to visit the soon-to-be-opened West End Food Co-op across the street.

The event will be preceded by a “Parkdale Village Historical Walk,” focusing on Queen Street and the surrounding neighbourhood. The walk, led by historian Roger Riendeau, will leave the Amphitheatre at 11 a.m. and return there by noon, in time for the Open House.

The Open House is sponsored by the Parkdale Residents Association, the Parkdale Village BIA, the West End Food Co-op, the Parkdale Community Development Group, and the Parkdale News.

Please drop in on June 2nd. Please tell your friends and neighbours about the Parkdale Village Community Open House.

Participating Organizations: Arrabon House, Councillor Gord Perks, 11 Division of Toronto Police Service, 14 Division of Toronto Police Service, Gallery 1313, Greenest City, Imperial Movement, Library Settlement Partnership, Parkdale Activity-Recreation Centre (PARC), Parkdale Branch of the Toronto Public Library, Parkdale Community Development Group (PCDG), Parkdale Community Information Centre (PCIC), Parkdale Community Legal Services (PCLS), Parkdale Residents Association (PRA), Parkdale Focus, Parkdale Intercultural Association (PIA), Parkdale Village BIA, St. Francis Table, The Parkdale News, West End Food Co-op

Parkdale, Who Knew? Signs of Parkdale

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One of the enchanting things about Parkdale is what can be discovered right before your eyes if you give yourself the chance to look.

So often I walk down Queen West with my head down and headphones on, blocking out the sights and sounds around me.  When I have a camera with me it forces me to slow down and look at Parkdale in a different light: as a neighbourhood overflowing with art, charms, history, surprises – and above all – life.

Today I want to appreciate one of the charms of Parkdale – our signs.  From the handmade to the corporate, from the old to the new, from the hidden to the in-your face, Parkdale is filled with signs: signs of our history, signs of our change – and they are all so charming.

Camille Unisex Beauty Lounge, at Queen West and Dowling.

Shangrila, Canadian Caribbean, Coca-Cola.

Cattlemen’s Meat Market, family-owned in Parkdale since 1972.

Fullworth, an old fashioned community grocery store at Queen and Westlodge, where the woman at the cash calls you “dear”.

Get a load of this wonderful old sign for “Acme Deluxe Ice Cream Bricks”!  Wish they still sold ’em.

Sigh! Gorgeous entrance to the Lake View Apartments.

Lee’s Variety!  Going all red and white is one way to stand out!

Monty’s Credit Jewellers.  One of the oldest businesses in Parkdale!  Wonder if the clock still works.

“Sunset Tower” on Jameson and Queen.  The name and lettering is so film noir.

Gold, glass and wood on Jameson by Queen.

Simple guide to good branding: tell it like it is and put it up in lights!

Parkdale artist Rcade is behind much of the beautiful newer signage in Parkdale, including Chantecler (above),

Community 54,

and The Mascot.

I hope you enjoyed this installment of Parkdale, Who Knew?  Please tell us what your favourite sign in Parkdale is!

Dufferin Underpass Public Art Installation – ‘Spirits of the Grotto’

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“Three years in the making, Jacob’s Spirits of the Grotto consists of 34 large metal panels, each bearing a pair of mosaic tile discs representing eyes. Arranged within the underpass like heroes in a Hall of Fame, Spirits of the Grotto turns an otherwise dull transport corridor into a vibrant passageway.”

Dufferin Underpass Public Art Installation

Luis Jacob – Spirits of the Grotto

City of Toronto Dedication Event

Date: Friday, May 18

Time: 5:00 – 5:30 pm

Place: Dufferin Amphitheatre (parkette), 1266 Queen Street West

“City of Toronto Councillors Ana Bailão (Ward 18) and Gord Perks (Ward 14) join internationally renowned Toronto artist Luis Jacob for a dedication of his new Dufferin Underpass public art project, Spirits of the Grotto. The public is also invited to this event.

Part of Toronto’s Public Art program, the work consists of 34 perforated-metal panels bearing colourful mosaic designs in the shape of eyes gazing down on passing cars, cyclists and pedestrians. For more information on this project please visit:

http://www.livewithculture.ca/art/dufferin-underpass-becomes-a-grotto/

Project financing came from the City’s Transportation, Structures and Expressways area, City Planning Urban Design, and Transportation’s Public Realm Unit.”

Excerpted from Councillor Gord Perks’ wonderful blog.

 

Parkdale, Who Knew? – CONTACT Photography Festival

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As part of Scotiabank’s CONTACT Photography Festival, the Parkdale Village BIA presents “Parkdale, Who Knew?”.   Jonathan Groeneweg, artist and teacher, mentored the students of Parkdale Institute Collegiate to create a four-venue exhibition that explores the secrets and beauty of the Parkdale neighbourhood through their photography.

Please join us at our opening night reception on Thursday, May 3rd from 7-10 at Boreal Gelato Company at 1312 Queen Street West.  Visit Boreal Gelato, Brown Sugar Bakery (1374 Queen West), Poor John’s Cafe (1610 Queen West) and eco-boutique Chartreuse Style (1692 Queen West) to view the exhibits throughout the month of May.

Parkdale Prana Room’s Two Year Anniversary Party

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Come celebrate at Parkdale Prana Room’s Two Year Anniversary Party, this Saturday May 5 from 8pm.  The party is going down at 1273A Queen St W. (at Elm Grove) and it is open to the public!

Parkdale Prana Room is home to a variety of holistically based bodymind therapies. Come have some piña colada punch (alcoholic and non-alcoholic served) and samosas. Whether you’ve been curious about our activities and space or if you are just stopping in to say hi and join the party all are welcome. Our in house Holistic and Thai Yoga Massage Therapist, Jennifer Gilmour will be djaying. BYOB.

The other Parkdale Prana Room practitioners are: Simone Moir, Director: Gestalt Psychotherapy, Yoga and Meditation. Paul Lara of QiBelly: QiGong, Tai Chi and Reiki, Catherine Cameron: Cranial Sacral Therapy, Reiki for Families and Birthing Support Programs, Karen McWilliam: Post Natal Yoga and Mother’s Support Group.

THE PARKDALE VILLAGE BIA PRESENTS “PARKDALE, WHO KNEW?” AS PART OF THE SCOTIABANK CONTACT PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL

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The students of Parkdale Collegiate Institute present the photographic results of their exploration of Parkdale and mentorship with Jonathan Groeneweg, Artist, throughout various locations in Parkdale in the month of May

 

Students at Parkdale Collegiate Institute have been working under the mentorship of artist Jonathan Groeneweg, a master’s student in documentary media, to create photo-documentary works in response to the theme “Parkdale, Who Knew?” for the Parkdale Village BIA. Their results will be explored and presented in four locations throughout the Parkdale neighbourhood – at eco-boutique Chartreuse Style (1692 Queen West), Poor John’s Cafe (1610 Queen West), Brown Sugar Bakery (1374 Queen West) and The Boreal Gelato Company (1312 Queen West) as part of the city-wide Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival.

“Parkdale, Who Knew?” will be a foray into the hidden treasures of Parkdale Village before it was annexed by the City of Toronto in 1889. Take a journey with the students as they discover the Parkdale of yesteryear and reflections of what it is today.

In addition to the PVBIA-presented “Parkdale, Who Knew?” there will be several CONTACT exhibitions throughout Parkdale, including “Acts of Exposure” at Gallery 1313 (1313 Queen West) throughout May.

Join us on Thursday, May 3rd, for the Opening Reception of “Parkdale, Who Knew?” from 7 – 10 pm at Boreal Gelato (1312 Queen West) to kick off the exhibit, celebrate the student’s achievements and enjoy some wine and snacks.

Participate in Jane’s Walk!

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The 6th Jane’s Walk is taking place on May 5 & 6, 2012 in Toronto and many other cities over the world.


Through the simple act of walking together and discussing what makes a neighbourhood, Jane’s Walk helps knit people together into strong and resourceful communities. Created in 2007 in Toronto by friends of the urban thinker Jane Jacobs, the annual series of free, volunteer-led urban walks has grown from 27 to over 500 walks around the world. While we are looking for volunteers for these walks, people are also encouraged to consider leading a walk themselves, or as part of a group. This provides a chance to share a part of the city or a specific topic which they interested in sharing with a wider audience.
Leading a Walk: There are only two rules to these walks: all walks are freely given and freely attended, and are meant to be walking dialogues. To post a walk, you just need to fill in the online form on our website, which you’ll find here: http://janeswalk.net/pages/new_tours You’ll find lots of tips and resources on our website under the “Walk Leaders” section: http://janeswalk.net/lead.

Event Volunteers Event Volunteers’ roles include assisting Walk Leaders with managing large groups, circulating the newsletter sign-up sheet, taking pictures and answering general queries about Jane’s Walk. This year, we’d also like to use social media during and after the walks to connect people even more, and we’d like to collect feedback in the form of vox-pop videos after each walk. There will be orientation sessions for new and returning volunteers, with specific training on social media and video making. If you’re not on Twitter and don’t have a camera phone, don’t worry! There are plenty of other ways to participate. I

If you want to be part of the Jane’s Walk Event Volunteer Team, please send an email to volunteer@janeswalk.net We hope that you will join us in celebrating our city and the people and stories that build it every day

Fireside Culture Week 2012 – A Retrospective

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Fireside Culture Week 2012 was a huge success!  Thank you so much to everyone who participated.  For those of you who missed out, or who just want to re-live the magic, The Parkdale BIA presents: Fireside 2012 – A Retrospective.

Fireside Culture Week was kicked off with our Opening Night Launch Party at Goodfellas Gallery.  It was sponsored by Beau’s Brewery, Cobs Bakery and HomEquity Bank.  Parkdale’s Coriander Girl and Le Tibet provided floral arrangements and delicious food.

Gord Perks came out to support the festival, and chatted to performer Jeff Quick.

Shuggie and The Bandits.

The fabulous Esther Kim organized the launch party.

The next night was the Fireside Comedy night “Funny For Money” at The Sister.  Some of my fave Toronto comedians participated, including Chris Locke, Sarah Hennessy, Kathleen Phillips, Ladystache, Adam Christie and so many more!  The audience voted on their fave solo and group comedians.

Kathleen Phillips won for best solo comedian.  Her character piece about “Paris, France” and mustard was well-crafted, brilliantly performed and hilarious.

She won the trophy for “Funniest in Parkdale”.  The evening was hosted by Fireside Festival Director Marcus McLean!

Hilarious sketch duo Ladystache won for funniest group. They earned that “Irish Princess” tiara!

Wednesday evening was Fireside’s Theatre Night at Big Guy’s Coffee Shop!  I didn’t make it to this event, but I heard rumors that there was a specially crafted “Fireside Ale” – I would have loved to try it.

On Friday night our queer event “Queer Parking” took place at The Cadillac Lounge! It was fabulous, and packed with wonderful people.

Parkdalian Phillip Cairns read his poetry.

Featuring the performance and hosting talents of Miss Fluffy Souffle, Queen of Parkdale!

an incredible show by Regina the Gentlelady of Light Fires!

AND a fabulous duet of The Boy Is Mine featuring Kelly McMicheals!

And dance jams late until the night by DJ Max Mohenu.

Saturday was the main performance day for Fireside, featuring performances in the Dufferin Amphitheatre and in businesses throughout Parkdale all day long.   I wish I could have gotten to all the events.

Beatface played the Amphitheatre to a happy audience of music lovers.

Thunderfunk at the amphitheatre.

Zuviri at the amphitheatre.

Yeah, You’re Right at Big Guy’s Coffee Shop.  Thanks to Esther for the picture!

Sage Tyrtle told her captivating stories at The River Trading Company.

People packed into Not My Dog for our hip hop event

featuring, among many, Shocka!  Thanks to Shaun C for the beautiful pictures.

Looks like an incredible performance.

It was an incredible week filled with culture and creativity and fun that made me so proud of our community and the Parkdale BIA.  See you next year!

Fireside Opening Night Launch Party Tonight!

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TONIGHT is the launch party for Fireside Culture Week 2012 presented to you by Parkdale Village Business Improvement Area. On Monday March 12, 2012, we will be celebrating Fireside Culture Week at Goodfellas Gallery, located at 1266 Queen St W from 7pm – 11pm.

For additional information on the week of events for Fireside Culture Week, please stay tuned to this website!

Questions?  director@parkdalevillagebia.com or call 416-536-6918.