800 Graduates, 3 Days, 45,000+ Chances for New Artists to Stand Out

A Unique Event for Art Collectors and Enthusiasts to Interact with Artists

TORONTO, April 23, 2019 /CNW/ - Across Toronto, OCAD University students are finalizing their best work for this year's (104^th) GradEx. The massive, free annual open art show is the first time many students will exhibit publicly to such a large audience. Over 45,000 Canadians are expected to take in the three-day multi-disciplinary event from May 1-5.

For collectors and art enthusiasts, GradEx is a major opportunity to see exciting new art, meet artists and even purchase works from up-and-coming artists at a fraction of what their future works could sell for.

Accomplished Canadian artist and class of 2002 Graduate, Steve Driscoll stood out enough to gain representation and kickstart his career at his GradEx. "Students are usually working in the dark for their four years of art school," said Driscoll. "GradEx is the first real exposure to the outer world for most of them. I think anyone interested in what the next generation of artists are doing should be there to see it."

Driscoll estimates that the work he showed at GradEx 2002 was priced at 5%-10% of his current work.

See high resolution images of Driscoll's GradEx project and current work here.

GradEx for collectors:

"It's a terrific opportunity to find unique artwork at a reasonable price point as well as to develop a relationship with an artist and follow their career for years to come," said Jamie Angell, Founder of Toronto's Angell Gallery. Angell regularly attends the annual GradEx to find new talent and potential artists to add to his roster.  

"Always buy what you like and if the artist takes off then you have bragging rights," added Angell. "The bottom line is that I look for potential in the artwork as well as the artist. I deduce if the artist has enough ambition and drive to stick with their career."

GradEx for Graduating Students:

"One of the key things students must learn is to talk about their work and to 'sell' themselves," added Angell. "I strongly believe that artists benefit from that interaction. Developing people skills is key in any business, but perhaps it's even more important in the art world."

"GradEx is important for the kids coming up now because it is an opportunity to show emerging artist gallerists their work, probably for the first time," added Driscoll.

A great memory that Driscoll recalls from his GradEx was the sense of celebration and comradery. "All the students work hard over their four years of art school, then join together for one big show with all of their peers… that will never happen again."

GradEx 104 is Toronto's largest free art and design exhibition. It takes place in four buildings across campus: the landmark Sharp Centre for Design at 100 McCaul St., as well as the campus buildings at 113, 115 McCaul St.

Exhibits span a wide range of art, design and digital media from 23 programs. Works include robotics, video games, jewelry, sculpture, paintings, illustration, advertising, furniture, building design and more.

About OCAD University (OCAD U)
OCAD University (www.ocadu.ca) is Canada's university of the imagination. Founded in 1876, the university is dedicated to art, design and digital media education, practice and research, and to knowledge and invention across a wide range of disciplines.

SOURCE OCAD University

For further information and additional hi-res photos please contact: Patrick McCaully, Pointman News Creation, 416-855-9427 x-301, [email protected]; Christine Crosbie, Manager, Media & Communications, OCAD University, 416-977-6000 x4890; cell: 647-473-7778, [email protected]