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My recent installation titled "Queens and Kings - ReConnected STC" displayed as part of this years Nuit Blanche art exhibition displayed at the Scarborough Town Centre (STC), has received so much positive feedback that discussions and consideration on potentially making this exhibit a permanent feature within STC, has been circulating.
This blog has been created to showcase the wonderful comments I have received thus far, as well as, allow those of you who have seen the exhibit, to share your overall experience at the Nuit Blanche event as well share your comments and thoughts on having my art exhibit a permanent fixture within STC.
All of the positive comments supporting this initiative will be provided to those capable of making this happen so please leave a comment and share this post with others who may have seen the exhibit and shared their experience with you.
Below are a few of the comments that have been received thus far:
Scarborough Town Centre was delighted to host Mark Stoddart’s ‘ReConnectedSTC’ installation as a contributor to the 2019 Nuit Blanche exhibit and beyond. The diversity, accomplishment and societal contribution that Mark presents in his work evokes a sense of pride and inclusivity and we were privileged to participate in shining a light on the multicultural mosaic that Scarborough represents. - Lisa Resnic Marketing Manager
Gorgeous representations of the people who make up Scarborough today, and told the town center they should become permanent. Freeman added he was “gobsmacked by Stoddart’s beautiful, well-researched vision that celebrates Scarborough heroes,” which also incorporates Scarborough Mirror articles into the artwork on the pedestrian bridge between the town center and the Scarborough Centre Rapid Transit station. - Barry Freeman, chair of the University of Toronto Scarborough’s department of arts, culture, and media.
There were stories and photos our reporters and photographers brought to light, focusing on the issues affecting our community and the people who call it home. I'll admit this brought tears to my eyes; tears of joy, and gratitude, that our work was acknowledged with such thoughtful and creative expression. - Georgia Balogiannis is Editor-in-Chief for Metroland Media Toronto.
Magical moments are what make special memories. Having seen this exhibit with my photo alongside so many great community contributors was an everlasting memory that my family and I proudly shared. I thank Mark for recognizing the efforts of so many individuals in Scarborough and praise him for his great artistic work !!!! Mark, you rock. - Sam Moncada (SBA Scarborough Basketball )
I am so honoured and grateful to @mstoddart68 for featuring me in this dope exhibit paying homage to Scarborough royalty- his artwork is a major and anticipated part of this years #Reconnected #nuitblanche. During my undergrad at UTSC (UofT Scarborough) I gave 5 years to the Scarborough community - mainly through using arts and political education to community build and create a radical activist culture before I co-founded a Black Liberation movement in Toronto. Seeing my face in the entrance of STC is not only surreal but a full circle from all of the work that has been done over the years! Allah bless, thank you to everyone who has showed love and continue to hold me up! More movements to come inshallah. Thank you Mark for seeing me, honouring my heart work and giving me the platform to tell my story amidst the weaponized attacks of white supremacy and misogynoir that attempted to silence and discredit my voice and our truth! Seeing my face honoured in public this way when it was used against me when I shut it down for Black ppl truly is a documentation I honour and hold high and close to me🙏🏾this archive of memory is so powerful thank you 🙏🏾 - Yusra Khogali
Attending the RECONNECTED STC exhibit during Nuit Blanche was a full circle moment for me. As a proud “Scarborough Girl” I’ve traveled over that bridge from the TTC to the mall many times in my life. Some of the fondest memories from my adolescence were spent in that mall. I used to work there, hangout with friends after school, and too many “½ price Tuesday” movie nights to count!!
To see our local heroes (many of whom I know personally), exalted in this way was nothing short of inspiring! There were no doors opened for us. We had to build the structure, and then open our own doors. Now the stories are being told and showcased for the world to see. Congratulations to all of the amazing individuals that were featured…it truly takes a village, and congratulations to Mark Stoddart for having the vision, the work ethic and being blessed with his many talents to have his work featured in this way.
To have this exhibit stay up as a permanent reminder of not only what this city has to offer, but also what is possible if you put our mind to it, would be an inspiration for the entire community.
Mark is truly talented; with a distinguished, and meaningful brand. It’s an inspiration to see him evolve, and accomplish his goals…
Cheers to more dreams coming to fruition!😉😁
Bless 🙏🏽
I’ve already congratulated Mark Stoddart on his amazing art installation at Scarborough Town Centre, and for the way he creatively displayed some very talented people of Scarborough. However, I should’ve also praised him for giving his city and his community a voice, a face, and managing to make the city seem as if it too, were one of those talented people also on display. So, Mark congratulations, and hello Scarborough.
By the way, this brilliant and creative installation needs to remain or return as a part of the fabric of this community.
This mural is ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. Walking past it into the mall was not only an aesthetic eye catcher, but taking the time to read each connected piece and seeing the many talented faces within their own genres of work was extraordinary. I never even knew some of these people were Canadian! In my own humble opinion this art piece at Scarborough Town Centre needs to remain a staple amongst the community. It is a representation of many cultures and their stories depicted on the windows. We as individuals are deeply connected to others in more ways than we could ever imagine. Our triumphs, struggles, joys and hurts faced in this life are collectively identical in the emotions we all feel. As a child growing up I wanted to feel relevant in this world, and validated for all the unique qualities I loved about myself instead of someone judging what made me different. At my core it was wanting to be loved for everything that made me, me. When you can look at the accomplishments of all these amazing people on this artistic element, it reignites hope not only within myself but I’m sure old and young alike that you can be so much more than you ever thought you could be. Coming from a mixed background, it was seeing faces similar to my own that just made me feel proud. Speaking as someone who is a parent to a teenager, I can’t tell you enough how important it is to provide positive words and encouragement every single day to your children. Mark’s work does just that for our community. Its message is powerful as it leaves the viewer feeling a sense of pride that they belong to a city that has housed phenomenal individuals, that have proven anything is possible as we strive to bring out our own inner greatness. There is already enough negativity in this world. If something can provide just a moment of inspiration in someone’s day as they walk by it, it should stay and continue to make people smile. Mark’s artistic expression has done just that. Much love out there to everyone.
Mark has throughout his Artistic career continued to out do the expected everytime. His passion for the subjects he conveys shines through in his end product. This latest exhibit showcasing outstanding contributors to our local Scarborough identity, gives the shadow that is usually seen of its Black Beauties A Light!
Congratulation on outdoing self and for how far you’ve come on your journey…no where near your end.
Undying Love and Unwavering Support.
Sherifa