Shaun Downey's Blue Coco Fest

Promotional Video for Shaun Downey's exhibition "Blue Coco Fest" which took place at Engine Gallery Toronto on May 28th 2011.

Come celebrate the return of "Blue Coco", Shaun Downey's painting that was displayed at the National Portrait Gallery in London England last summer.

As part of the BP Portrait Award 2010, "Blue Coco" was one of 55 paintings selected from over 2100 International entries chosen for exhibition. It was also used as the lead advertising image for the exhibition, and appeared on posters throughout the Underground, on the catologue cover, and also appeared on a massive banner which draped the front of the National Portrait Gallery for the entire summer.

An article featuring the story of the painting's development and success was featured on the front page of the Toronto Star last August as well. Read it here....http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/842834--toronto-artist-s-perfe­ct-portrait-dazzles-london

Come view the painting, the study drawing, and see all of the different ways the painting made waves in London and in Downey's career as an artist. Letters from fans, the exhibition's print material, and photographs from Shaun's visit to London will all be displayed. There will also be a number of Shaun's recent paintings and drawings available for viewing.

There wlil be limited edition archival giclee prints of "Blue Coco" made available at the event, an edition of 50 on heavy stock. There will also be a special edition of 10 giclees on canvas, which are mounted on panel and displayed in a frame identical to that of the original painting,
hand painted by the artist himself.

Also, to celebrate this achievement, and to promote portrait painting in Toronto, Shaun has teamed up with the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition to present a Portrait Prize to one of the exhibitors in this year's show. The TOAE is celebrating it's 50 year in July, and since Shaun first exhibited his painting at the show in 2003, he has chosen to give back to his community of artists and jury and donate $500 for the "Shaun Downey portrait prize".

To further the award, those attending the event will have the opportunity to have their portrait taken by a photographer in front of the same wallpaper that is featured in "Blue Coco", and for 20 dollars will receive a print of the photo to commemorate the evening. All proceeds will be added to the award amount for the portrait prize.

With the model and artist in attendance, a variety of delicious food and drink, and great music spinning all night long, this is the spring art event that you don't want to miss.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Shaun
• Downey
• Blue
• Coco
• BP
• Portrait
• Award
• 2010
• painting
• Toronto
• Distillery
• District

[stevexts]

Very cool Shaun. I so happy for you and your success. My wife and I can't wait to come to your show on the 28th.