Art Letter #32: Back to School

"The best is yet to come." –Ted Rogers... My favourite quote of the month is mounted on a wall in the front entrance of the Ted Rogers School of Management. I read it over and over again, every morning while waiting for the elevator to head up to the mural. It reminded me that every moment contains hope for opportunities and surprises you could never anticipate.

As I painted amidst students rushing to class and studying for exams, I was engulfed in hope. Their positive energy filled the hallways with conversations about courses and by encouraging each other. They'd stop to watch me paint, ask questions, give compliments and even offer food! It was an exciting experience for me and for them which translated perfectly into a vibrant class portrait—a reflection of themselves optimistically working towards a bright future.

Ryerson's New Wall in a Hall

Ryerson's Ted Rogers School of Management... Excitement has been brewing since the idea first emerged to paint TRSM students on a wall. 22 students now adorn their own hallway, reflecting the busy and studious spirit of the school. It was so much fun to hear their comments, most of them wishing they were on the wall too! The most common, "That's sick", and "It looks so real", and my favourite, "It's like the Mount Rushmore of TRSM". It's a hit—and there's even more to come! More custom designed murals at pamlostracco.com...

Stadt Cafe is Now Open!

Stadt Cafe Toronto... For the past several months I've designed the branding for a friend's new restaurant in the Junction. The logo, business cards, sign, t-shirts and even a mural have come into fruition and can be enjoyed with the beautiful decor and nutritious food at Stadt Cafe, 3011 Dundas Street West. Check out more branding projects...

Magical Winter Skies

"Baby, it's cold outside"... Sometimes the best remedy for those winter blues is to get out there and look straight into the bright vastness above. Over the past month, the skies have been filled with: Michael Snow's Canada geese (Eaton's Centre); Branches from 2 trees reaching towards each other (Dufferin Groves); The Toronto Light Festival (Distillery District); The most beautiful snowfall of the year (High Park). Follow along with me on Instagram... or Facebook...

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