“Italia & Canada: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” - Exhibition Opening | Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Columbus Centre
Arts
In celebration of Italian Heritage Month, this exhibition presents a portrait of Italy and Canada through the lens of Italian Canadian artists whose diverse backgrounds - spanning generations, techniques, and lived experiences - trace the evolving intersections of the two countries. By engaging with themes such as climate change, immigration, and urban development, the artists reflect not only on personal narratives but also broader social and cultural dialogues. In a time of increasing polarization, “Italia & Canada: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” seeks to foster dialogue and common ground, emphasizing shared values of beauty, progress, and human rights. Without shying away from the complexities of our era including war, crises, and environmental challenges, the exhibition offers a space that is both reflective and welcoming. On display at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery in the Italian community’s Columbus Centre, the exhibition is deeply rooted in the city’s rich immigrant history. Toronto, a city shaped by generations of newcomers, serves as a fitting backdrop for this exploration of identity, memory, and belonging. BIOS Nick Biagini Nick Biagini was born in Gioiosa Marea, Sicily. His family came to Canada , namely, Toronto in 1967. His beloved Gioiosa has never left his heart, and he has painted it so many times. Nick has been an elementary school Principal as well as Artistic Director of Biaginis Colours Art School. Francesco Gallé Francesco Gallé is an established painter and illustrator in Canada and his native Italy. Born in the southern region of Calabria, he emigrated with his family at the age of six and grew up in Toronto’s Little Italy, where he still lives today. Salvatore Gallo A native of Rogliano, Cosenza (the Calabria region of Italy), Salvatore came to Toronto in 1951 where he studied art for four years at Central Technical School and later at the Ontario College of Art. His most treasured pieces are scenes he painted of farmlands in Northern Toronto and the Holland Marsh area, landmarks which have now been profoundly changed. Sam Paonessa Sam Paonessa is professional artist who has enjoyed a creative career spanning over 35 years. He graduated from the Ontario College of Art in Toronto and was awarded the Canadian Studio Scholarship Award. Sam has worked in in a variety of fields, from illustration to managerial roles in the world of art. Mario Pariselli Mario Pariselliwas born in Italy in 1951 and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1953. He aws fascinated with nature at an early age, including water, dragon flies, and anything that moved.Pariselli expressed his curiosity through sketches, sculptures and watercolours. As a young man, he studied in Toronto under Doris McCarthy, and was profoundly influenced by Tom Thomson, the French impressionist movement, and John Singer Sargent. Frances Patella Frances Patella, born in Italy, resides in Toronto. Her photo-based work explores transformation in the landscapes of prescribed burns. Frances’ work has been exhibited in solo, juried, group exhibitions and art fairs, including Art Toronto. Frances has taught visual arts and analog photography, conducted Visual Arts and Alternative Cyanotype workshops in numerous school boards throughout Southern Ontario, the Photo Educators Forum in Toronto and the National Gallery of Photography in Ottawa. Marina Randazzo Marina Randazzo was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario. She studied at Concordia University in Montreal, OCAD in Toronto, and independently in Florence, Italy. She is endlessly inspired by her city surroundings and interprets them tenaciously in her home studio. Her work is shown in many events and locations around the city. Danilo Ursini Born and raised in Domodossola, in the Italian Alps, Danilo moved to Canada following his heart and chose the city of Toronto to settle down. He is a professional artist, spanning from comics to paintings. What flows from his hand is highly imaginative, dreamlike and flirts with the subconscious, resulting in works that are curious, dark, and whimsical.
Information Source: Villa Charities | eventbrite