Winter Stations is a not-for-profit organization that runs an international competition each year to beautify Toronto’s Woodbine Beach, utilizing the lifeguard stations that are not in use during the winter months. It is a special outing only requiring some warm winter clothing and a positive, adventurous spirit.
Since it started in 2014, I’ve not missed the opportunity to view the work. My friends Jeff and Julia often invite us to experience the blistering cold winds and cool water splashings of Lake Ontario while enjoying the installations. The hot chocolate and croissants afterwards always help to fade the weather memories.
The artworks - often interactive - capture the imagination. Each year, a different theme is explored and executed. This year’s theme was “Migration” and the artists didn’t fail to explore all definitions of the term including: mind migration of thoughts; the longest migration on earth; monarch butterflies; and human migration to a seemingly hopeful better place/life.
This is a must-experience show that runs from February to April each year. If you haven’t participated, definitely put it on your to-do list for next year. The call for submissions for all you architects, designers, and artists will be available in September.
Enjoy these images from the past few years!
