Window Wonderland is ON in Oakwood Village BIA!
Local artists have designed festive Window Wonderland-themed artwork in businesses’ storefront windows within the Oakwood Village BIA.
This is the Oakwood Village BIA’s first Window Wonderland programme – thanks to funding provided by the City of Toronto’s Transit Expansion Construction Mitigation Grant Program and the Oakwood Village BIA, this holiday season we will celebrate the creativity of diverse Toronto artists and invite everyone to support local businesses through this initiative.
Here’s how to take part in the fun:
❅Click on the businesses below (or scroll down this page) to check out all the window designs and get to know the artists
❅Come on down to check them all out whilst supporting local this holiday season (and until January 14th!)
❅Click here to VOTE & ENTER OUR LOCAL GIFT CARD RAFFLE
- Alves Driving School
- Brazilian Hair Studio
- DAM Sandwiches
- Earla’s Kitchen
- Edmundo Snack Bar
- Exquisite Travel Inc
- Gary’s Barbershop
- GoodyGut CoLabs
- JR’s Hair Studio
- Moradha Immigration Solutions
- Moses Fresh Juice and Smoothie
- New Casa Abril
- The Oakwood Hardware Food and Drink
- Oakwood Village Dental
- Reset
- Sage & Thistle Handmade Goods
- Skin Tones Beauty
- Tana Printing Enterprises
- TerraCycle Canada
- Tony’s Driving School
- Wild Blue Bakery
- Vegwood
ALVES DRIVING SCHOOL ❆ 344 Oakwood Ave
ABOUT THE ART
Using the circular shape of the Alves window logo, I created a Christmas wreath filled with swirling holiday sparkles and twisting wintery botanicals. Larger than life pine cones fill the
window with holiday magic. Enjoy this window as you drive by but also keep your eyes on the road!
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Monica (she/her) is an LGBTQ2S+ /Luxembourg/Canadian artist with a passion for public art. Also known as monicaonthemoon, Monica was originally trained in the craft of hand-painted outdoor advertising in the ’90s and has moved her practice towards community-based public art installations, in Toronto, and across Canada. When Monica isn’t found on the boom-lift reaching the far top corner of a mural, she can be found in the studio planning her next creative placemaking adventure.
IG: @monicaonthemoon Website: www.monicawickeler.com/
Brazilian Hair Studio ❆ 374 Oakwood Ave
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Yen Linh Thai (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist, illustrator and muralist based in Mississauga. Her work explores the whimsical and is largely inspired by stories and storytelling. She strives to make art that exists between two and three dimensions. In recent years, Linh has expanded her practice to public art projects, creating artworks inspired by the communities they live in. Her artwork often celebrates her heritage, and her love for food, animals and adventure.
IG: @yenlinh.thai
Website: https://www.yenlinhthai.com/
DAM Sandwiches ❆ 363A Oakwood Ave
ABOUT THE ART
“Santa has been busy in Oakwood Village, preparing for the holiday season. However he has one super special delivery to complete just for YOU. The biggest, most delicious sandwich ever from the cool dudes at DAM Sandwiches. Can you smell it?”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Julia Prajza is a Muralist, Lettering Artist and Designer in Toronto with a goal of bringing more joy and colour to our everyday lives. As an OCAD University alumna, she’s currently passionate about public and community-engaged art to beautify spaces, uplift our spirits and inspire us. Julia’s signature style is vibrant and playful with folk inspired details and a whimsical feel, often focusing on nature and text-based imagery. Blending organic shapes with a graphic, bold approach, her “modern-meets-traditional” aesthetic reflects the unique charm of the past seen through fresh eyes.
IG @juliaprajza , FB @JuliaPrajzaCreates , Website: https://www.juliaprajza.com/
EARLA’S KITCHEN ❆ 477 Oakwood ave
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Yen Linh Thai (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist, illustrator and muralist based in Mississauga. Her work explores the whimsical and is largely inspired by stories and storytelling. She strives to make art that exists between two and three dimensions. In recent years, Linh has expanded her practice to public art projects, creating artworks inspired by the communities they live in. Her artwork often celebrates her heritage, and her love for food, animals and adventure.
IG: @yenlinh.thai
Website: https://www.yenlinhthai.com/
EDMUNDO SNACK BAR ❆ 367 Oakwood ave
ABOUT THE ART
Santa’s Elves at Break Time
“After a busy day at the toy factory, Santa’s elves enjoy a well-deserved break at Edmundo Snack Bar! The elves help decorate the place, play pool and eat Santa’s favourite cookies and milk. They even brought a gift for their friends Mokia and Muffin, the snack bar dogs.”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Yen Linh Thai (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist, illustrator and muralist based in Mississauga. Her work explores the whimsical and is largely inspired by stories and storytelling. She strives to make art that exists between two and three dimensions. In recent years, Linh has expanded her practice to public art projects, creating artworks inspired by the communities they live in. Her artwork often celebrates her heritage, and her love for food, animals and adventure.
IG: @yenlinh.thai
Website: https://www.yenlinhthai.com/
EXQUISITE TRAVEL INC ❆ 420 Oakwood ave
ABOUT THE ART
Christmas is holiday travel time so this window depicts the joy of the traditional Christmas season with the pleasures of visiting tropical getaways. Using pure white painted lines I combined these images in a way that let us appreciate both reasons to celebrate. Enjoy your holidays!
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Monica (she/her) is an LGBTQ2S+ /Luxembourg/Canadian artist with a passion for public art. Also known as monicaonthemoon, Monica was originally trained in the craft of hand-painted outdoor advertising in the ’90s and has moved her practice towards community-based public art installations, in Toronto, and across Canada. When Monica isn’t found on the boom-lift reaching the far top corner of a mural, she can be found in the studio planning her next creative placemaking adventure.
IG: @monicaonthemoon Website: www.monicawickeler.com/
GARY’S BARBERSHOP ❆ 479 oakwood ave
ABOUT THE ART
“To work around Gary’s sign, I created spot images of Santa, Mrs. Claus, and his elves, with a spin that complements Gary’s business. “
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Born in Toronto, Ontario, Joseph has always been fascinated with visual arts. He drew inspiration from comic books and animated shows he watched growing up. This fascination led him to enroll in Sheridan College’s Art Fundamentals program and Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology’s Digital Media Arts and 3D Animation program. Joseph has lent his talents to companies such as CBC, CIBC (The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce), TD Canada Trust, ArtXperiential, and The City Of Toronto.
Joseph is also the co-founder of Heroes of the World, a comic-inspired brand he created with his long-time friend Mark Williams. The brand features heroes and villains representing different countries around the world. Additionally, Joseph illustrated the children’s book Race With Me, written by famous Canadian Olympic sprinter Andre DeGrasse and Robert Budd.
IG: @jayoh83
Website: https://www.joeoseibonsu.com/
GOODYGUT COLABS ❆ 336 oakwood ave
ABOUT THE ART
Nature emerges for some wintertime fun with images of bunnies and singing birds. The use of pure white painted lines helped to create a world of frosty scenes full of joyful botanicals and playful little creatures. All things that are healthy and good for you flow through this imagery.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Monica (she/her) is an LGBTQ2S+ /Luxembourg/Canadian artist with a passion for public art. Also known as monicaonthemoon, Monica was originally trained in the craft of hand-painted outdoor advertising in the ’90s and has moved her practice towards community-based public art installations, in Toronto, and across Canada. When Monica isn’t found on the boom-lift reaching the far top corner of a mural, she can be found in the studio planning her next creative placemaking adventure.
IG: @monicaonthemoon Website: www.monicawickeler.com/
JR’S HAIR STUDIO ❆ 15 Rogers Rd
ABOUT THE ART
Oakwood Festive
“This artwork speaks to the changing of the seasons and bringing in the winter with festive joy and abundance. The Oak, acorns, and berries symbolize prosperity and the holly represents resilience, as an evergreen it has to be tough to withstand the cold. May this year and the next bring joy and hope to this neighbourhood.”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Toronto Artist Leyland Adams is a creative person of colour who has always pushed boundaries, including the boundaries of accessible art. Working with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Adams is making murals accessible for people with visual impairment, while beautifying his community through meaningful art.
Adams is a community-based public artist who partners with organization of all sizes to ensure impactful and meaningful public art that engages community.
IG: @leylandadams
Website: www.leylandadams.com
MORADHA IMMIGRATION sOLUTIONS ❆ 11 rogers rd
ABOUT THE ART
“In my window mural for Moradha Immigration Solutions, the Latino Christmas theme comes alive with a vibrant display of festive ornaments and cherished items. The design reflects the cultural richness of the holiday season, incorporating traditional elements like piñatas, Christmas Cactus, Mexican Paper Lanterns, lama, festive lights, etc. The mural serves as a visual tapestry, weaving together symbols of Latino heritage to create a joyous and visually captivating celebration.”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Yasaman Mehrsa is an Iranian-Canadian visual artist with a focus on public art. Born and raised in Tehran, she was exposed to art from a young age. She completed her studies with a Bachelor of Visual Communication in Iran and later achieved a Bachelor with honours in Visual Arts from Brock University in St. Catharines/Canada. She works on a wide variety of projects including painting, illustration, murals, and community art. She uses both digital and traditional mediums. Yasaman’s work is illustrative in style with a focus on storytelling and exploring human-nature relationships. Inspired by nature, she creates whimsical and vibrant art and expresses different emotions to inspire her audiences to discover their imagination, feelings, and interaction with the natural environment.
IG: @YasamanMehrsa
Website: www.yasamanmehrsa.com
Moses Fresh Juice and Smoothie ❆ 356 Oakwood ave
ABOUT THE ART
Berry Christmas!
“It’s gifting season and little fruit friends have gathered at Moses Fresh Juice and Smoothie to prepare a sweet surprise for you. Shhhhh! You’ll never guess what’s under all that wrapping paper ;)”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Yen Linh Thai (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist, illustrator and muralist based in Mississauga. Her work explores the whimsical and is largely inspired by stories and storytelling. She strives to make art that exists between two and three dimensions. In recent years, Linh has expanded her practice to public art projects, creating artworks inspired by the communities they live in. Her artwork often celebrates her heritage, and her love for food, animals and adventure.
IG: @yenlinh.thai
Website: https://www.yenlinhthai.com/
New Casa Abril ❆ 475 oakwood ave
ABOUT THE ART
“The design features a majestic rooster, standing proudly amidst a winter wonderland adorned with festive Christmas trees. This amalgamation of Portuguese heritage and holiday spirit aims to not only capture the essence of the season but also pay homage to the diverse cultural tapestry of Oakwood Village.The choice of the rooster, a symbol deeply rooted in Portuguese folklore, serves as a nod to the restaurant’s heritage and adds a touch of whimsy to the festive scene. As the rooster takes center stage, its bold colors and intricate details tell a story of resilience, pride, and the warmth of community.”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Jieun Kim (AKA. June) is Toronto based, Korean born painter, tattooer, and activist public muralist. She has exhibited her paintings around the world since 2010 at notable galleries and events, exploring the idea of “home” as an immigrant. Jieun’s painting practice is founded on her connection to the spaces around her; her love of the natural and urban environments and folk arts in Korea; the homeland where she was born and raised.
IG @junekima.rt
RESET ❆ 634 vaughan rd
ABOUT THE ART
“Snowbird” brings RESET’s playfulness, rest, and good vibes in view with a cozy winter cabin and a toasty tropical hammock. Snowbird season of vacationing comes during the winter cold and, wherever you are, rest, relaxation, and harnessing warm energy is at the heart of the holidays.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Jasmine Vanstone is a Jamaican-Canadian multidisciplinary artist, facilitator and administrator with a passion to inspire, impact, and amplify marginalized voices through community engagement and arts education. Through her artistic practice, she experiments in various mediums -primarily collage, murals, and paper crafts- to share visual reflections of identity, wellness, and the natural environment.
Sage & Thistle Handmade Goods ❆ 2a rogers rd
ABOUT THE ART
“Inspired by the warmth and uniqueness of Sage & Thistle, I envisioned a scene that would seamlessly blend with the inviting atmosphere of the store. The design features a winter village, where houses and buildings nestle amidst softly falling snow, creating a tranquil and enchanting landscape.The choice of a winter village not only complements the seasonal festivities but also harmonizes with the inherent coziness that Sage & Thistle radiates. Each brushstroke was carefully crafted to evoke a sense of comfort and familiarity, inviting passersby to step into a world where handmade goods and the magic of winter coalesce.”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Jieun Kim (AKA. June) is Toronto based, Korean born painter, tattooer, and activist public muralist. She has exhibited her paintings around the world since 2010 at notable galleries and events, exploring the idea of “home” as an immigrant. Jieun’s painting practice is founded on her connection to the spaces around her; her love of the natural and urban environments and folk arts in Korea; the homeland where she was born and raised.
SKIN TONES BEAUTY ❆ 371 oakwood ave
ABOUT THE ART
“Let Your Light Shine” is a celebration of self-care and inner beauty that highlights St. Skin Tones Beauty’s services of pampering. Let the season be a merry celebration of indulgence, where cozy moments and self-love are embraced through treating yourself to nurturing the skin you’re in!”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Jasmine Vanstone is a Jamaican-Canadian multidisciplinary artist, facilitator and administrator with a passion to inspire, impact, and amplify marginalized voices through community engagement and arts education. Through her artistic practice, she experiments in various mediums -primarily collage, murals, and paper crafts- to share visual reflections of identity, wellness, and the natural environment.
TANA PRINTING ENTERPRISES ❆ 633 vaughan rd
ABOUT THE ART
“Get into the festive spirit with these playful holiday ornaments at Tana Printing!”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Julia Prajza is a Muralist, Lettering Artist and Designer in Toronto with a goal of bringing more joy and colour to our everyday lives. As an OCAD University alumna, she’s currently passionate about public and community-engaged art to beautify spaces, uplift our spirits and inspire us. Julia’s signature style is vibrant and playful with folk inspired details and a whimsical feel, often focusing on nature and text-based imagery. Blending organic shapes with a graphic, bold approach, her “modern-meets-traditional” aesthetic reflects the unique charm of the past seen through fresh eyes.
IG @juliaprajza , FB @JuliaPrajzaCreates , Website: https://www.juliaprajza.com/
TERRACYCLE CANADA ❆ 504 oakwood ave
ABOUT THE ART
To Earth, Luv Humans
“This design is a festive TerraCycle community with snowcapped houses among Zero Waste Boxes and gifts under the Christmas trees and ribbons echoing TerraCycle’s infinity loop logo. Among the gift tags are the labels “To Earth,” and “Luv Humans.”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Yen Linh Thai (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist, illustrator and muralist based in Mississauga. Her work explores the whimsical and is largely inspired by stories and storytelling. She strives to make art that exists between two and three dimensions. In recent years, Linh has expanded her practice to public art projects, creating artworks inspired by the communities they live in. Her artwork often celebrates her heritage, and her love for food, animals and adventure.
IG: @yenlinh.thai
Website: https://www.yenlinhthai.com/
THE OAKWOOD HARDWARE FOOD AND DRINK ❆ 337 oakwood ave
ABOUT THE ART
The whimsical imagery you find on this storefront window tells a story of holidays past with a Euro-vintage vibe that gives you all those warm and cozy feelings. The pure white painted lines flow across the scene to invite you in and enjoy some Christmas time cheer.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Monica (she/her) is an LGBTQ2S+ /Luxembourg/Canadian artist with a passion for public art. Also known as monicaonthemoon, Monica was originally trained in the craft of hand-painted outdoor advertising in the ’90s and has moved her practice towards community-based public art installations, in Toronto, and across Canada. When Monica isn’t found on the boom-lift reaching the far top corner of a mural, she can be found in the studio planning her next creative placemaking adventure.
IG: @monicaonthemoon Website: www.monicawickeler.com/
OAKWOOD VILLAGE DENTAL ❆ 505 oakwood ave
ABOUT THE ART
“The design unfolds as a serene winter village, where quaint buildings and trees stand in harmony beneath a gentle blanket of snow. Every stroke of the brush was carefully chosen to evoke a sense of warmth and tranquility, creating a scene that resonates with the comforting ambiance that Oakwood Village Dental exudes. By bringing this winter tableau to life, I sought to offer a visual retreat for patients and passersby alike—a momentary escape into a snug, inviting world. The familiar charm of the village, combined with the soft glow of imagined lamplights, aspires to wrap Oakwood Village Dental in an artistic embrace, fostering a sense of calm and reassurance.”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Jieun Kim (AKA. June) is Toronto based, Korean born painter, tattooer, and activist public muralist. She has exhibited her paintings around the world since 2010 at notable galleries and events, exploring the idea of “home” as an immigrant. Jieun’s painting practice is founded on her connection to the spaces around her; her love of the natural and urban environments and folk arts in Korea; the homeland where she was born and raised.
IG @junekima.rt
TONY’S DRIVING SCHOOL ❆ 363 oakwood ave
ABOUT THE ART
“Ribbon Road” is inspired by the similarities in the shapes and curves of ribbons and the streets that run through our city. Tony’s Driving School is wrapped up like a present and when you look closer you realize the ribbon is also a road with cars on it! A perfect way to celebrate the holiday season and a fun gift for the Oakwood community!
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Katika Marczell (she/her) is an interdisciplinary artist and muralist. She believes important change, advocacy, and care happens within local communities. Continually exploring the ways we see communities in outdoor spaces and in ecology, her work actively makes public spaces more fun, welcoming, and silly. She is constantly looking for ways in which her work can help strengthen and support community building. She is inspired by personal stories, local histories, and ecology. Her murals can be found in and around Toronto, Etobicoke, and Milton. She often waves to people who are waving to the person behind her, it’s very embarrassing but it’s nice that she’s friendly.
IG @CandyPress
Website: marczell.com/
WILD BLUE BAKERY ❆ 366 oakwood ave
ABOUT THE ART
“Christmas is a time to enjoy one another and reflect. Not only does a tree provide shelter for winter critters but becomes the heart and nest of those till spring. This sculpture reflects how we share and compare to one another instead of looking at the heart within to reflect upon. Mediums: Front: upholstered felt on styrofoam, reflective mirror coverings inside the hollow heart and rectangular shapes, and foiled taped-on circular shapes edged with red and green lace. Back: Light Blue Christmas garland Sides: white faux fur. “
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Vanessa Parada is a multidisciplinary artist who focuses on uplifting, and renewing downgraded material into new everyday items. Although her focal medium is wood, her background in fine arts and design from Ocad has given her the tools to start her own business called Junkyard Bauhaus and products that are sustainable both for the environment and your pocket.
IG : junkyard_bauhaus
VEGWOOD ❆ 624 vaughan rd
ABOUT THE ART
“What if Santa were a vegetarian?! With Vegwood’s window image, I decided to create a Santa that represents the business, holding his veggie bowl proudly!”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Born in Toronto, Ontario, Joseph has always been fascinated with visual arts. He drew inspiration from comic books and animated shows he watched growing up. This fascination led him to enroll in Sheridan College’s Art Fundamentals program and Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology’s Digital Media Arts and 3D Animation program. Joseph has lent his talents to companies such as CBC, CIBC (The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce), TD Canada Trust, ArtXperiential, and The City Of Toronto.
Joseph is also the co-founder of Heroes of the World, a comic-inspired brand he created with his long-time friend Mark Williams. The brand features heroes and villains representing different countries around the world. Additionally, Joseph illustrated the children’s book Race With Me, written by famous Canadian Olympic sprinter Andre DeGrasse and Robert Budd.
IG: @jayoh83
Website: https://www.joeoseibonsu.com/