Toronto’s Top QTBIPOC Emerging Artists and Creators Set to Deck the Halls at the “One & Only Artist Market” this December

TORONTO, ON (November 9, 2023) - No more resting Grinch face! Holiday shopping is about to “sleigh” thanks to SKETCH Working Arts’ ‘One & Only Artist Market’ returning December 9-10, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at SKETCH Studios (180 Shaw Street, lower level). Gift-givers this year will have the chance to shop from over 40 QTBIPOC emerging artists and creators featuring handmade and unique pieces, including jewelry, ceramics, upcycled apparel, stickers, handmade books, zines and more. Now in its fifth year, 100% of the proceeds from all sales during the holiday market go directly to the artists.

Open to the public and boasting free admission, the ‘One & Only Artist Market’ is one of the countless initiatives SKETCH offers through its wraparound community arts support that engages Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous and other racialized young people so they can meet their basic needs, explore their creativity and become builders of creative communities. In 2022, SKETCH engaged over 400 program participants and generated $239,740 for young people within the community. As one of the most unique QTBIPOC holiday markets in the city, the ‘One & Only Artist Market’ is a lifeline for artists during one of the most trying financial times of the year.

”Since coming to SKETCH, I feel more confident identifying as an artist with my skills and knowledge, only growing more and more,” remarks a previous SKETCH participant. “The more I engage in this community, the more I meet other artists as well. Coming to SKETCH has given me a reliable source of artistic mentorship. I know that if I have a project I am working towards, I can count on SKETCH for solid feedback.”

“As we gear up for the festive season, we look forward to coming together to uplift our QTBIPOC artists and creators,” says Paulina O’Kieffe-Anthony, the Executive Director of SKETCH. “By supporting the ‘One & Only Artist Market’, you not only bring joy to your loved ones but also help foster a nurturing environment where young artists can thrive and build a stronger, more inclusive creative community together.”

For more updates on SKETCH and the ‘One & Only Artist Market’, visit sketch.ca or follow SKETCH on Instagram at @sketchtoronto.

About SKETCH Working Arts:

SKETCH Working Arts is a community arts and arts education organization that engages young Queer, Trans, and Black, Indigenous, other racialized people, as well as those navigating poverty, living houseless. SKETCH provides programming in Arts Leadership, Arts Production and Arts Wellness so that young people can build skills and capacities to become powerful change agents through arts and culture. We believe in the power of the arts to heal, illuminate, bring together, and catalyze action to make change.

Website: https://www.sketch.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sketchtoronto/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SketchArtsProgramming

X: https://twitter.com/SKETCHToronto