Toronto artists showcase brands at Toronto Art Crawl

Toronto artists say events like the Toronto Art Crawl allow them to build important relationships with their customers.

“It’s a fantastic way, whether you’re new as a business owner or have been established. To get your name out there in the community, and get your brand known,” Marissa says.

Marissa was among the more than 85 artists in the Toronto Art Crawl 8th Annual Urban Exhibit who showcased their brands at the Great Hall on Sun., Feb. 11.

Marissa and her sister Mary Lou are the founders of “Issa Luma,” a statement jewelry brand.They make hand-made 14-carat gold jewelry filled with sterling silver.

Jewelry from “Issa Luma” at the Toronto Art Crawl. Photo credit: Victoria Hincapie

Marissa says their love for jewelry incentivized them to build their brand.

“My sister, who is my partner, has been making jewelry since she was a kid. I am in the business side of things, so we merged the two together and came up with a brand,” she says.

The Toronto Art Crawl has been highlighting brands within the art sphere of Toronto-based artists since 2013. It was created and curated by Nadia Lloyd, an award-winning artist and designer. Their work has been featured at the ROM and the AGO.

Melissa Fice at the Toronto Art Crawl. Photo credit: Victoria Hincapie

Melissa Fice, brand owner of “Artwork By Melissa Fice,” sells items ranging from hand-painted magnets to acrylic paintings.

Fice says she always wanted to pursue art as a career ever since graduating from OCAD University.

“Art has always been my biggest passion, and after working during the pandemic I decided to quit my job to create art full-time. I have been showing my work in venues like this, because it is a great way to get out into the community. Meet new people, see other artists, and get inspired,” she says.

Paintings and prints from “ Artwork By Melissa Fice”. Photo credit: Victoria Hincapie

Pavan Ubhi and his cousin Anika at the Toronto Art Crawl Photo credit: Victoria Hincapie

Pavan Ubhi, the brand owner of “Modern Zodiac,” sells zodiac-themed jewelry ranging from watches to necklaces. Ubhi just launched his first collection called,“The Starry Night Collection”.

Ubhi says he started “Modern Zodiac”, because he wasn’t pleased with the designs of existing zodiac-themed jewelry brands.

“If you Google astrology or zodiac theme jewelry online, you would find large tacky jewelry items, not meant for the everyday person. So it all started with a question, why isn’t there astrology themed jewelry that everyone can wear?,” he says.

Ubhi says he used to work as an accountant for ten years in a corporate organization, and always wanted to explore his artistic side.

“I always had this itch, to be an entrepreneur one day. With my brand, now I am finally bringing out this creative and resourceful side of me. There are no rules, every idea that I have can be acted upon”, he says.

Ubhi says venues like the Toronto Art Crawl have allowed him to receive feedback from customers.

“ I am having so much fun, I get direct feedback on my products from customers, and the opportunity to grow”, he says.