Owen Marshall is an artist and printmaker who examines the way text and signage influence the surrounding environment. He will present a series of printed flags which use humour to challenge and undermine the perceived authority of flags and the significance they carry. The works will be presented at the Queen West Art Crawl on Sept 23-24, 2023, and at The Drake Hotel and the Parkdale Toronto Public Library from Sept 22-Oct 15, 2023. In partnership with the Queen West Art Crawl, the artist will provide a series of informative and performative guided tours of the works at this event.
Through his studio practice, Owen Marshall examines the way text and signage influence their surrounding environment, as well as the humour which emerges when the perceived authority of signs are undermined or challenged. Marshall’s work has been exhibited in galleries across the province, and his work can often be found displayed discretely within the city of Toronto. He holds a BFA from OCAD University and was the recipient of the 2019 printmaking medal at Gradex 104.
The Queen West Art Crawl (QWAC) is a charitable corporation that drives a number of initiatives publicly benefiting artists and residents of Toronto through art, music, and multiculturalism, including a two-day multidisciplinary arts festival stretching along Queen Street West from Bathurst to Roncesvalles in Trinity Bellwoods Park in September of each year. With attendance at 65-85k, the Queen West Art Crawl has developed over the years into an inclusive arts and multicultural festival, while staying centered around its annual outdoor art exhibition.
As one of Toronto’s most dynamic and progressive neighbourhoods, the West Queen West Art + Design District is an eclectic cultural Mecca boasting over 300 of the city’s most creative businesses and attractions including art galleries, designers, unique clothing and furniture stores, restaurants, nightlife spots and boutique hotels. Located on the 2 kilometer strip of Queen Street that runs between Bathurst Street and Gladstone Avenue, West Queen West is a hub of activity from morning till night and is the destination of choice for creative Torontonians and tourists of all ages and backgrounds. The West Queen West Business Improvement Area (BIA) is the association of business people and commercial property owners along the West Queen West strip who have come together, with official approval of the City, in a self-help program aimed at stimulating local business and the Queen St. W economy. We use our own money in an ongoing effort to draw more prospective customers to the area by improving the attractiveness of the area and promoting it as a good place to shop, visit and do business.
Toronto Public Library is the busiest urban public library system in the world. Every year, they have millions of users visiting their branches and taking advantage of our online services. They empower Torontonians to thrive in the digital age and global knowledge economy. With expanded access to technology, lifelong learning and diverse cultural and leisure experiences, Torontonians have increased opportunities for growth and success, as well as stronger connections to each other and their communities.
The Queen West Art Crawl:
Wheelchair Accessible
Washrooms Available
Free street parking and paid GreenP streets and lots.
The Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund is a program of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, administered by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund Corporation.
