Anyone who thought Toronto’s Winter Stations art exhibit was a thing of the past — or in need of a refresh — will be surprised. The striking installations remain a beloved annual attraction in the city.
The exhibition, featuring installations from five artists and groups across North America, brings Toronto residents together in the colder months, when spending time outdoors might not seem very appealing.
Opening day at Winter Stations drew crowds that surprised us all, possibly thanks to the unexpectedly warm weather that graced the city — a pleasant surprise nonetheless.
“It’s so nice to see so many people out, enjoying the artwork,” Sarah, a neighbouring resident, tells blogTO, noting that she didn’t expect such a big turnout on day one.
While she acknowledges that the warmer weather likely played a role in bringing close to 200 people out that morning, she adds that winter is the ideal time to have an attraction like Winter Stations displayed at Woodbine Beach.
“In the summer, the beach gets really crowded, but this time of year, there’s definitely not as much do, so this is the perfect excuse for people to come out and enjoy something different,” she says.
Another attendee echoes the sentiment.
“This is actually one of my favourite things to do this time of year,” says Barb Houghton. “It draws people out to the beach and gives everyone a sense of community, something that you don’t find in the colder weather.”
Despite her love for Winter Stations — she’s been attending the annual exhibit since its inception 12 years ago — Houghton raises an important point. “The art could be more accessible,” she admits.
Houghton explains that her sister-in-law wanted to come see the installations as well, but because she’s wheelchair-bound, the beach location makes it difficult to navigate. She calls it unfortunate that those with mobility challenges can’t fully take advantage of the free event.
Interestingly, a mother-daughter duo who wished to remain anonymous tell blogTO they shared a similar observation.
“I either have a walker or a cane, and the walker, of course, wouldn’t do it out here,” the mother says, adding that she understands accessibility can be a challenge regardless of the season, given where the installations are located. “I find I have to look down more, so rather than up and at the art, but I’m managing.”
Still, they say they attend Winter Stations every year, and they love it.
“It’s bright and fun to look forward to in February. It’s perfect for Family Day. And it’s a free thing that families can come down to the beach and see,” they say.
Another anonymous couple explains that while they’ve often talked about what it would be like to have Winter Stations set up in a different season, they wouldn’t want it any other way.
“It is tough to get down here sometimes, for sure, but that being said, it does attract people to a different physical part of the beach this time of year that one wouldn’t necessarily go to, and there’s something nice about the continuity,” they say.
The verdict is clear: Winter Stations is a community-building tradition that Toronto residents enjoy just as it is.
This year, the exhibit features two installations from Ontario-based groups. Attendees can check out Glaciate, the winning creation by professors and students at Toronto Metropolitan University in conjunction with Ming Chuan University, and Crest, a display designed by students at the University of Waterloo.
Winter Stations runs until Mar. 30 at Woodbine Beach, located at 1675 Lake Shore Blvd. E.