My Valentine Art

We had a memorable Valentine's evening, starting by attending "The Big Draw", a silent auction fundraiser for the OCAD U Drawing & Painting program.

The auction ran for two hours and it was both fun and tense as we bid on two pieces and kept our eyes on a third. For the entire time we kept a hawk-like eye on the bid sheets next to our most desired work, as well as enjoyed some wine and mingling with our wonderful colleagues.

The last 10 minutes was nerve-wrecking, as we had some counter-bids to contend with. They shut the auction down promptly at 7pm and we emerged as the winning bidders of our favourite piece, a lovely painting by Linda Martinello.

In a great interview with Toronto Standard, Martinello explained, "My work is equally indebted to the long trajectory of landscape art as it is to the fictitious and real histories of places that have inspired it. Series of drawings and paintings that I create point at how ideologically formed, subjective narratives are made into ‘truths’. Connecting the personal with the public is my way of playing with history and its paradoxes".

After paying for our work and getting it wrapped up for transport we hopped in a cab and headed to Liberty Village for a fantastic dinner at our new favourite restaurant, Liberty 25.  Sadly, their website does not have any pictures so have a look here, and you'll see images of some of the food we enjoyed. I started with the Beef Carpaccio with Toasted Walnuts and Shaved Pecorino and my main was Roasted Duck Breast with Potato Gratin, while Mark began with Pan Seared Scallops with Truffled Artichoke Cream and enjoyed Paperdelle with Duck Ragout for his main. We shared a decadent chocolate platter specially made for Valentine's. With its gracious service and perfectly executed food Liberty 25 is a hidden gem that deserves much praise.