Monday, April 28th, 2008, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. is an historic day for the art community of Toronto. The Jerusalem Foundation of Canada is will be presenting Jerusalem Defined, a group exhibition/fundraiser that was first unveiled in Israel in the fall of 2007.
The gala fundraiser is as interesting as the show. The event will take place at System 4 Gallery, 70 Wingold Ave. The art show includes: an exclusive collection of 40 giclee prints on canvas based on photography by renowned Canadian artist, Gina Godfrey; as well as acclaimed documentary photographer Beverley Abramson's evocative study of coexisting cultures; spiritual works by muralist Ian Leventhal in his inimitable Chagall-like style; and a large-scale painted installation by fabric artist Rochelle Rubinstein. Together these artists are combining the proceeds of their art for one purpose - The Jerusalem International Peace Preschool need link here.
The Peace Preschool was conceived as a method to break down stereotypes and barriers at an early age. Jewish, Christian and Arab children see what they have in common and not what separates them. This school provides 120 children between the ages of 2 and 5 a preschool education that defines ethical and peaceful community development.
There are 2 teachers in each kindergarten, one Hebrew speaking and one Arabic speaking. There are multi-cultural activities for children as well as families in Hebrew and Arabic, with special emphasis on Jewish, Islamic and Christian celebrations and festivals.
Because our goal is to get you interested not only in the art that pays tribute to Israel but also to the preschool that is a lesson in global peace, each week prior to the show we will be posting interesting tidbits that demonstrate the value of this charity and the fabulous work of the artists involved. To purchase your ticket for $60, please contact System 4 at 416 741 5542 or info@system 4.ca
Monday, April 21, 2008
Rochelle Rubinstein
Rochelle Rubinstein is a Toronto-based artist exploring themes of repression, dispacement, ritual, desire, tribal and familial relations. As a community arts facilitaor, her workshops with groups such as battered women and people with eating disorders are based upon methods that are central to her own art practice: drawing, printmaking, sewing, and bookmaking. Her work has been exhibited extensively and can be found in many public collections including the Museum of Modern Art, New York, and Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin.
To view her work please go to www.rochellerubinstein.com.
She is represented in Toronto by Loop Gallery and Fran Hill Gallery.
To view her work please go to www.rochellerubinstein.com.
She is represented in Toronto by Loop Gallery and Fran Hill Gallery.
Beverley Abramson
Beverley Abramson is an award winning Canadian photographer based in Toronto who is making her mark in the international arena.
Her work can be viewed at http://www.system4.ca/current_exhibit.htm
As a social documentarian and versatile photo essayist, Abramson’s humanistic stories - expressions of daily life within disparate cultures - employ a distinct style marked by empathy and wit. Her socio-cultural portfolio on the Middle East during the last decade, particularly at the height of the second intifada, is a reflection of her determination to investigate the resilience and compassion within a complex society.
Her other major work for the past seven years, Gotta Dance: the Exotic Language of the Body, is a celebration of music and dance showcasing images selected from various portfolios of diverse and unusual dance forms and cultures. This evolving project was launched after Abramson experienced the sounds of Cuba’s legendary Buena Vista Social Club and witnessed the wild abandon and spontaneous dancing in the audience. Captivated and inspired not only by the music of these aging musicians but also by their renewed rise to fame, she had the privilege of meeting and photographing them. Thereafter, she discovered her passion and became immersed in a study on the universality of music and the relationship between sound, motion and emotion. This paved the way to entering the world of performing artists — dancers, musicians, and singers — during performances and in the intimate and often chaotic surroundings backstage.
Abramson’s dance portfolio of duo toned black and white prints includes her most recent work from Israel’s classical and contemporary dance scene, as well as international competitive ballroom and Latin American dance, two-stepping in Texas, synchronized water ballet competitions, exotic dance in Toronto, Brazilian samba and capoeira, Spanish flamenco, and varied performances in Cuba.
Subsequent to her first book, Bawdy Language: Exotic Dance, other publications based on the theme of motion are: Off We Go! for young children, McClelland Stewart/Tundra Books, March 2006; the powerHouse Portfolio Volume 1, an inaugural portfolio of emerging photographers, March 2006; and a work in progress, Gotta Dance: the Exotic Language of the Body.
Beverley is one of the artists featured in the show, the sale of her work will benefit the Peace Preschool in Jerusalem. This show is your opportunity to help children who have not yet been tainted by the hatred of religion to grow and develop, much like a piece of art develops in the eye of the artist, naturally and sequentially.
Jerusalem Defined a gala/fundraiser for the Peach Preschool in Jerusalem takes place Monday, April 28th, 2008, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at System 4 Gallery, 70 Wingold Ave. To purchase your ticket for $60, please contact System 4 at 416 741 5542 or info@system 4.ca
Jerusalem Defined runs until May 31st, 2008
Her work can be viewed at http://www.system4.ca/current_exhibit.htm
As a social documentarian and versatile photo essayist, Abramson’s humanistic stories - expressions of daily life within disparate cultures - employ a distinct style marked by empathy and wit. Her socio-cultural portfolio on the Middle East during the last decade, particularly at the height of the second intifada, is a reflection of her determination to investigate the resilience and compassion within a complex society.
Her other major work for the past seven years, Gotta Dance: the Exotic Language of the Body, is a celebration of music and dance showcasing images selected from various portfolios of diverse and unusual dance forms and cultures. This evolving project was launched after Abramson experienced the sounds of Cuba’s legendary Buena Vista Social Club and witnessed the wild abandon and spontaneous dancing in the audience. Captivated and inspired not only by the music of these aging musicians but also by their renewed rise to fame, she had the privilege of meeting and photographing them. Thereafter, she discovered her passion and became immersed in a study on the universality of music and the relationship between sound, motion and emotion. This paved the way to entering the world of performing artists — dancers, musicians, and singers — during performances and in the intimate and often chaotic surroundings backstage.
Abramson’s dance portfolio of duo toned black and white prints includes her most recent work from Israel’s classical and contemporary dance scene, as well as international competitive ballroom and Latin American dance, two-stepping in Texas, synchronized water ballet competitions, exotic dance in Toronto, Brazilian samba and capoeira, Spanish flamenco, and varied performances in Cuba.
Subsequent to her first book, Bawdy Language: Exotic Dance, other publications based on the theme of motion are: Off We Go! for young children, McClelland Stewart/Tundra Books, March 2006; the powerHouse Portfolio Volume 1, an inaugural portfolio of emerging photographers, March 2006; and a work in progress, Gotta Dance: the Exotic Language of the Body.
Beverley is one of the artists featured in the show, the sale of her work will benefit the Peace Preschool in Jerusalem. This show is your opportunity to help children who have not yet been tainted by the hatred of religion to grow and develop, much like a piece of art develops in the eye of the artist, naturally and sequentially.
Jerusalem Defined a gala/fundraiser for the Peach Preschool in Jerusalem takes place Monday, April 28th, 2008, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at System 4 Gallery, 70 Wingold Ave. To purchase your ticket for $60, please contact System 4 at 416 741 5542 or info@system 4.ca
Jerusalem Defined runs until May 31st, 2008
IAN LEVENTHAL
Sculptor, artist, designer, lan Leventhal has achieved a vast body of work over the past 35 years. His imaginative and often whimsical style uses colour and texture in an exuberant display of fantasy and humour, a cross between Matisse and Walt Disney, with a dash of Peter Max, '60 psychedelia and Niki de Saint Phalle.
Ian's work can be viewed at http://www.system4.ca/current_exhibit.htm
"Colour, fantasy and humour is what I try to carry through in all my pieces. My message is a simple one; joy and happiness. If when someone looks at one of my pieces and they smile, then I've achieved my objectives."
Born in Toronto in 1951, Leventhal is an honour graduate of Fine Arts from York University. He also studied at the Ontario College of Art and at Sara Lawrence College in Lacoste, France.
He has had several one man art exhibits over the years but is probably best known for his numerous commercial works that adorn and define restaurants, hotels, libraries, malls, school, cafes, hospitals and banks from Toronto to Tel Aviv.
Leventhal's distinctive style has created a major impact on coffee shops across North America with his award winning designs for The Second Cup, a Toronto based, gourmet coffee franchise. Asked to create a new image for a local coffee shop in 1994, Leventhal's Murals, sculptures and mosaics quickly transformed the location into a quirky visual landmark. His designs for the company embraced over 150 of the popular cafes across the country. Each was totally unique and local touches of Leventhal's exuberant whimsy continue to endear coffee patrons from Halifax to Vancouver.
The franchise moved into Israel, where Leventhal's wonderful world of humour and colour enhanced cafes in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan.
But Leventhal's corporate works do not just include coffee. His joyful mosaics, paintings, sculptures and designs grace the walls, floors and ceilings of many prestigious buildings, businesses and public institutions.
From commissioned work designing Tiffany's 5th Avenue windows to a one man show in Bloomingdale's Manhattan store in 1984, Leventhal's unique style is instantly recognizable.
Included in his roster of commissioned works the Ottawa Weston Hotel swimming pool mural, the Sheraton Hotel in London dining room mural of Tuscany and Renee's Gourmet Salad Dressing colourful, fun and funky trade booth. An imposing series of wall sculptures adorn the lobby of the Leah Posluns Theatre in North York, commemorating a rich musical history. A brilliant series of murals grace the George Brown College and Ryerson Polytechnic University, and an outdoor mural on the north wall of the Forest Hill Public Library in Toronto is a local landmark.
Leventhal's unique creative vision has transformed numerous Toronto restaurant over the past few years: East Side Mario's, Bloomsbury Cafe, and, of course, his award winning art deco style murals for The Pickle Barrel.
Leventhal has created numerous outdoor and indoor murals, sculptures, paintings and mosaics that continue to tantalize the public. His largest muraling project, a 35,000 sq.ft. Zarky's Fine Foods building, a Hamilton landmark, features an entire Italian village in trompe l'oeil facades.
King's College, Western University in London, the IBM head offices in Toronto, Holy Blossom Temple, and the Cardinal Carter Library in London all boast Leventhal's colourful works of art.
An eight panel mural installation for the Heritage Museum at the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care was a personal joy for Leventhal. The mural depicted Toronto's Kensington Market half a century ago, an area where Leventhal's grandfather once owned a restaurant.
Also close to his heart was a landmark painting chosen by the United Jewish Appeal Federation to mark the 50th Anniversary of Israel's founding in 1998.
Leventhal's philanthropic nature has allowed many of his colourful, stylish creations to delight and enrich several Toronto area hospitals, schools and foundations. In 1997, Leventhal was recognized by UNICEF for a special award honouring his contribution to the arts in Canada. In 1998, Leventhal was the patron artist for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Today, many notable works by this talented artist contribute to delight as each new installation of outrageous colours, whimsy and humour is painted and erected across the country.
In Toronto's renowned BCE Place, Leventhal has created a spectacular sculpture grouping in wood, metal and stone to grace the Friedberg Foreign Exchange Bank.
1999 has been a busy year for Leventhal. He has begun work on four major Hospital murals in St. John's, Newfoundland as well as illustrating the Millennium Christmas Collection for the Second Cup.
A huge, seventy foot, kinetic and special effects facade was designed and installed for EJ.'s Pet Centre in the prestigious Yorkdale Shopping Centre and a three- dimensional, Mediterranean-themed mural for the Manulife Centre on Toronto's Bloor Street.
An original Christmas "Snow Man" sculpture series for Laura Secord Chocolates was followed by a commissioned work for Bell World which became a Canada-wide icon for their holiday advertising season.
And high in the sky, Leventhal's funky designs enhanced Air Canada's new, In- flight coffee groupings.
In December 1999, the Alien Lambert Galleria in BCE Place, in conjunction with the Starlight Children's Foundation, held an Art Exhibit & Sale of 60 pieces of Leventhal's latest sculptures, murals and 3D reliefs, his first one-man show since 1984. A Children's Halloween Village in Toronto's Sky Dome called "Treat Street", designed and painted by Leventhal has played host to thousands of visitors in the Fall of 2000 and 2001. Most recently The Hudson Bay in Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton have commissioned murals to enliven their cafe, fashion and food departments.Onwards and upwards, Leventhal is ubiquitous. Setting his sights on new heights, from here on you'll look around, smile and say to yourself, that's a Leventhal, I'd recognize his style anywhere.
In 2003 Leventhal was presented with the Queens Jubilee medal for his intiative called the Gift of Friendship. This art exhibition featured 33 works of art created by Chinese and Jewish artist on the theme of compassion shown to the Jewish People by the people of China during the Holocaust era. The Gift of Friendship opened in Toronto in 2002 and then traveled to Shanghai where it became part of the permanent collection of the Ohel Moishe Synagogue museum.
In 2002 Leventhal worked with the Humanitarian Outreach Organization , called Ve’ahavta , in bringing art produced by street youth to a mainstream audience. The programme Tiferet Boulevard operated workshops both in Canada and Israel, which culminated in a fundraising exhibition at the Blue Dot Gallery.
In 2005 Leventhal was inducted into the honourary exhibiton “ Treasures of Baycrest” for his work in beautifying the environment and spaces of that enowned institution. His artwork can be seen in several of the outdoor courtyards of the Apotex and Minnie Wagman Centres.
In 2005 Leventhal was asked to sit on the Mayor’s Round Table for a Clean and Beautiful City. Through initiatives originating from Toronto’s City Government, Leventhal was commissioned to paint one of the largest murals in Canada, the 400 foot support wall of the 401 highway. Other large outdoor works in Toronto include the corner of Avenue Road and Mac Phearson and the Bloor and Mt. Pleasant underpasses.
In 2006 Leventhal designed the Baycrest Museum Exhibition “ Get, Back the Boomer Experience” - growing up Jewish in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. The same year saw Leventhal complete a mural called “ Jerusalem -welcomes” at Crossroads , a social service centre in the heart of Jerusalem.
Leventhal has since initiated the Jerusalem Beautfication Programme, under the auspices of the Jerusalem Foundatiom..to date Leventhaal has completed several murals throughout the Holy City, in community centres, and cultural institutions.
In 2007 Leventhal curated the exhibition “Jerusalem Defined” that featured several Canadian and Israeli artist exploring the theme of Jerusalem its sites and people. “Jerusalem Defined “ opened in October 2007 at the prestigious Jerusalem Theatre for its inaugural run. In 2008 the exhibit will move to Toronto for its first Canadian stop.
, Leventhal is ubiquitous. Setting his sights on new heights, from here on you'll look around, smile and say to yourself, that's a Leventhal, I'd recognize his style anywhere.
Ian's work can be viewed at http://www.system4.ca/current_exhibit.htm
"Colour, fantasy and humour is what I try to carry through in all my pieces. My message is a simple one; joy and happiness. If when someone looks at one of my pieces and they smile, then I've achieved my objectives."
Born in Toronto in 1951, Leventhal is an honour graduate of Fine Arts from York University. He also studied at the Ontario College of Art and at Sara Lawrence College in Lacoste, France.
He has had several one man art exhibits over the years but is probably best known for his numerous commercial works that adorn and define restaurants, hotels, libraries, malls, school, cafes, hospitals and banks from Toronto to Tel Aviv.
Leventhal's distinctive style has created a major impact on coffee shops across North America with his award winning designs for The Second Cup, a Toronto based, gourmet coffee franchise. Asked to create a new image for a local coffee shop in 1994, Leventhal's Murals, sculptures and mosaics quickly transformed the location into a quirky visual landmark. His designs for the company embraced over 150 of the popular cafes across the country. Each was totally unique and local touches of Leventhal's exuberant whimsy continue to endear coffee patrons from Halifax to Vancouver.
The franchise moved into Israel, where Leventhal's wonderful world of humour and colour enhanced cafes in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan.
But Leventhal's corporate works do not just include coffee. His joyful mosaics, paintings, sculptures and designs grace the walls, floors and ceilings of many prestigious buildings, businesses and public institutions.
From commissioned work designing Tiffany's 5th Avenue windows to a one man show in Bloomingdale's Manhattan store in 1984, Leventhal's unique style is instantly recognizable.
Included in his roster of commissioned works the Ottawa Weston Hotel swimming pool mural, the Sheraton Hotel in London dining room mural of Tuscany and Renee's Gourmet Salad Dressing colourful, fun and funky trade booth. An imposing series of wall sculptures adorn the lobby of the Leah Posluns Theatre in North York, commemorating a rich musical history. A brilliant series of murals grace the George Brown College and Ryerson Polytechnic University, and an outdoor mural on the north wall of the Forest Hill Public Library in Toronto is a local landmark.
Leventhal's unique creative vision has transformed numerous Toronto restaurant over the past few years: East Side Mario's, Bloomsbury Cafe, and, of course, his award winning art deco style murals for The Pickle Barrel.
Leventhal has created numerous outdoor and indoor murals, sculptures, paintings and mosaics that continue to tantalize the public. His largest muraling project, a 35,000 sq.ft. Zarky's Fine Foods building, a Hamilton landmark, features an entire Italian village in trompe l'oeil facades.
King's College, Western University in London, the IBM head offices in Toronto, Holy Blossom Temple, and the Cardinal Carter Library in London all boast Leventhal's colourful works of art.
An eight panel mural installation for the Heritage Museum at the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care was a personal joy for Leventhal. The mural depicted Toronto's Kensington Market half a century ago, an area where Leventhal's grandfather once owned a restaurant.
Also close to his heart was a landmark painting chosen by the United Jewish Appeal Federation to mark the 50th Anniversary of Israel's founding in 1998.
Leventhal's philanthropic nature has allowed many of his colourful, stylish creations to delight and enrich several Toronto area hospitals, schools and foundations. In 1997, Leventhal was recognized by UNICEF for a special award honouring his contribution to the arts in Canada. In 1998, Leventhal was the patron artist for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Today, many notable works by this talented artist contribute to delight as each new installation of outrageous colours, whimsy and humour is painted and erected across the country.
In Toronto's renowned BCE Place, Leventhal has created a spectacular sculpture grouping in wood, metal and stone to grace the Friedberg Foreign Exchange Bank.
1999 has been a busy year for Leventhal. He has begun work on four major Hospital murals in St. John's, Newfoundland as well as illustrating the Millennium Christmas Collection for the Second Cup.
A huge, seventy foot, kinetic and special effects facade was designed and installed for EJ.'s Pet Centre in the prestigious Yorkdale Shopping Centre and a three- dimensional, Mediterranean-themed mural for the Manulife Centre on Toronto's Bloor Street.
An original Christmas "Snow Man" sculpture series for Laura Secord Chocolates was followed by a commissioned work for Bell World which became a Canada-wide icon for their holiday advertising season.
And high in the sky, Leventhal's funky designs enhanced Air Canada's new, In- flight coffee groupings.
In December 1999, the Alien Lambert Galleria in BCE Place, in conjunction with the Starlight Children's Foundation, held an Art Exhibit & Sale of 60 pieces of Leventhal's latest sculptures, murals and 3D reliefs, his first one-man show since 1984. A Children's Halloween Village in Toronto's Sky Dome called "Treat Street", designed and painted by Leventhal has played host to thousands of visitors in the Fall of 2000 and 2001. Most recently The Hudson Bay in Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton have commissioned murals to enliven their cafe, fashion and food departments.Onwards and upwards, Leventhal is ubiquitous. Setting his sights on new heights, from here on you'll look around, smile and say to yourself, that's a Leventhal, I'd recognize his style anywhere.
In 2003 Leventhal was presented with the Queens Jubilee medal for his intiative called the Gift of Friendship. This art exhibition featured 33 works of art created by Chinese and Jewish artist on the theme of compassion shown to the Jewish People by the people of China during the Holocaust era. The Gift of Friendship opened in Toronto in 2002 and then traveled to Shanghai where it became part of the permanent collection of the Ohel Moishe Synagogue museum.
In 2002 Leventhal worked with the Humanitarian Outreach Organization , called Ve’ahavta , in bringing art produced by street youth to a mainstream audience. The programme Tiferet Boulevard operated workshops both in Canada and Israel, which culminated in a fundraising exhibition at the Blue Dot Gallery.
In 2005 Leventhal was inducted into the honourary exhibiton “ Treasures of Baycrest” for his work in beautifying the environment and spaces of that enowned institution. His artwork can be seen in several of the outdoor courtyards of the Apotex and Minnie Wagman Centres.
In 2005 Leventhal was asked to sit on the Mayor’s Round Table for a Clean and Beautiful City. Through initiatives originating from Toronto’s City Government, Leventhal was commissioned to paint one of the largest murals in Canada, the 400 foot support wall of the 401 highway. Other large outdoor works in Toronto include the corner of Avenue Road and Mac Phearson and the Bloor and Mt. Pleasant underpasses.
In 2006 Leventhal designed the Baycrest Museum Exhibition “ Get, Back the Boomer Experience” - growing up Jewish in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. The same year saw Leventhal complete a mural called “ Jerusalem -welcomes” at Crossroads , a social service centre in the heart of Jerusalem.
Leventhal has since initiated the Jerusalem Beautfication Programme, under the auspices of the Jerusalem Foundatiom..to date Leventhaal has completed several murals throughout the Holy City, in community centres, and cultural institutions.
In 2007 Leventhal curated the exhibition “Jerusalem Defined” that featured several Canadian and Israeli artist exploring the theme of Jerusalem its sites and people. “Jerusalem Defined “ opened in October 2007 at the prestigious Jerusalem Theatre for its inaugural run. In 2008 the exhibit will move to Toronto for its first Canadian stop.
, Leventhal is ubiquitous. Setting his sights on new heights, from here on you'll look around, smile and say to yourself, that's a Leventhal, I'd recognize his style anywhere.
Gina Godfrey
Gina Godfrey Biography
March 16th, 2008
Gina calls her work Popography. First she captures the essence through the lens of the camera and transforms it into unique pop art compositions and prints it by giclee on canvas. Instead of a brush, Gina uses a melange of techno-fusion, blending digital photography, fine art principles and pop expressionism. As in her earlier silkscreen portraits, Gina’s work is reminiscent of the highly recognizable stylings of pop legend Andy Warhol. She has embellished the master’s concepts through new computer techniques unattainable in Warhol’s lifetime. Gina's work can be viewed at www.ginagodfreygallery.com .
Gina has always been mesmerized by methods of reproduction, still life and drawing. Her portraiture began professionally at 18 years old when she sold charcoal portraits in the summer as a camp art director while still studying art at Central Technical School in Toronto taking the four-year commercial art course. Teachers such as famous Canadian artist Doris McCarthy have had a great influence on her work. She learned the art of portraiture well from artists and teacher Robert Ross.
Over the years, Gina has done interior design after taking a 3-year night course. She also studied fashion illustration, photography, public relations and journalism. She was advertising manager of Carswell, Law Book Publishers for 6 years. Watercolour was a favourite medium for many years and she became President of the Willowdale Group of Artists while raising her 3 young sons. In 1996, she studied Printmaking at The Ontario College of Art and her direction changed. She found a mini silkscreen method with Art Gocco. She took a mini course in it and went on to win a silver award in Japan for Handmade Printed Work. Her studies in art, design, writing, and photography have been a lifelong interest and she excelled in them all. That was just the creative side of her.
There is also a pragmatic side of Gina. In 1979, she and her husband Paul Godfrey, then Metro Chairman established The Herbie Fund at The Hospital For Sick Children in Toronto in 1979 in response to the plight of a child born in the Puerto Rican ghetto in New York who required life saving surgery but it was unattainable for him under his circumstances. Paul and Gina arranged his flight to Toronto and Dr. Robert Filler, the new chief of surgery at SickKids who had just come from Boston Children’s Hospital did his life saving surgery of separating his windpipe from his oesophagus. Torontonians opened their wallets to help defray the costs. Paul went across the street from City Hall and opened an account under the name of “The Herbie Fund”. After all the expenses were paid, there was $17,000 left. Soon they found there were many other children from around the world that needed life saving or life-altering surgery that was unattainable in their place of birth because they didn’t have the expertise and the funds. So Herbie Fund began but required constant fundraising. In 1983, Gina put together 27 of her friends and began Operation Herbie, the fundraising arm of The Herbie Fund. Operation Herbie has now funded close to 600 children from 87 countries around the world. Each year SickKids operates on approximately 35 of these children. Telehealth was established in Trinidad just a few years ago to help others who would have assistance in the Caribbean via satellite hooked up at the University of West Indies Hospital and SickKids in Toronto. The scope of The Herbie Fund includes education, teaching and research now.
By 1988, Gina received a federal appointment as a Citizenship Court Judge. She served the government for 8 years and in that time she did approximately 40,000 citizenship hearings, swore in approximately 80,000 new Canadian citizens and visited many schools as an outreach program. One of her judgments changed the face of citizenship with a landmark decision that would be appealed and upheld to consider filing taxes as proof of residence, a pre-requisite to Canadian citizenship.
In the past year ORT Toronto held its annual Local Hero in a Global Village function, and the award was bestowed on long-time ORT supporter Gina Godfrey. The award is given to a Torontonian who created change at home and abroad. The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Honourable David Onley, said: “It was inevitable that a woman like Gina Godfrey, with her boundless energy and passion for her community would be drawn to ORT Toronto… I commend the members of ORT Toronto for your commitment to the education of children and adults in some of the world’s most impoverished communities.”
Gina requested that the funds raised go partly to the Gina Godfrey Mediation Project locally, in an area of town where students were at risk and came from underprivileged backgrounds. The rest of the funds are earmarked for the Kadoorie School in the Northern Galilee whose student population includes Bedouin, Druze, Jews and Muslims.
Gina said, I am humbled at being a small cog in a huge global organization. What appeals to me is that is closes the gap and makes the world smaller. Education is the key to making the world a better place, and that is what ORT does.
Also in 2007, well-respected Canadian artist, Gina Godfrey was the first international artist to show at the red-carpeted halls of the Jerusalem Theater, entitled “Elements of Sand and Water” as a solo show. Gina also had the distinct honour to lead the first Canadian mission to Jerusalem for The Jerusalem Foundation. Steve Solomon, head of the Foundation’s Canadian desk, suggested that although God designated for Jerusalem nine of the ten portions of beauty in the world, the artistry on display was so extraordinary that “we’ve tipped the balance even further”.
Gina’s works are on permanent display in the Ohel Moishe Synagogue in Shanghai, China. She has works in Israel and throughout North America including The Four Seasons Hotel, Toronto. Gina has also served on many boards including The National Arts Centre in Ottawa, The Art Gallery of Ontario and The Toronto Zoo Society.
She would say that she is most proud of her family. She is the wife of Paul, CEO and President of Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club. She has three married sons and three granddaughters. Her eldest son, Rob, a graduate lawyer and with an MBA is an entrepreneur. Noah is her second son. With his Harvard MBA he is focused on start-up companies and is President of an internet based company, www.Gigpark.com
Her youngest son, Jay graduated from McGill with a business degree, worked in banking in New York before embarking in fashion at Parsons School of Design in New York.
Jay has quickly garnered fame for his red-carpet designs. She is also proud of her three wonderful daughters-in-law she refers to as “Gina’s Angels”.
Gina is an artist featured in the show, the sale of her work will benefit the Peace Preschool in Jerusalem. This show is your opportunity to help children who have not yet been tainted by the hatred of religion to grow and develop, much like a piece of art develops in the eye of the artist, naturally and sequentially.
Jerusalem Defined a gala/fundraiser for the Peace Preschool in Jerusalem takes place Monday, April 28th, 2008, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at System 4 Gallery, 70 Wingold Ave. To purchase your ticket for $60, please contact System 4 at 416 741 5542 or info@system 4.ca
Jerusalem Defined runs until May 31st, 2008
March 16th, 2008
Gina calls her work Popography. First she captures the essence through the lens of the camera and transforms it into unique pop art compositions and prints it by giclee on canvas. Instead of a brush, Gina uses a melange of techno-fusion, blending digital photography, fine art principles and pop expressionism. As in her earlier silkscreen portraits, Gina’s work is reminiscent of the highly recognizable stylings of pop legend Andy Warhol. She has embellished the master’s concepts through new computer techniques unattainable in Warhol’s lifetime. Gina's work can be viewed at www.ginagodfreygallery.com .
Gina has always been mesmerized by methods of reproduction, still life and drawing. Her portraiture began professionally at 18 years old when she sold charcoal portraits in the summer as a camp art director while still studying art at Central Technical School in Toronto taking the four-year commercial art course. Teachers such as famous Canadian artist Doris McCarthy have had a great influence on her work. She learned the art of portraiture well from artists and teacher Robert Ross.
Over the years, Gina has done interior design after taking a 3-year night course. She also studied fashion illustration, photography, public relations and journalism. She was advertising manager of Carswell, Law Book Publishers for 6 years. Watercolour was a favourite medium for many years and she became President of the Willowdale Group of Artists while raising her 3 young sons. In 1996, she studied Printmaking at The Ontario College of Art and her direction changed. She found a mini silkscreen method with Art Gocco. She took a mini course in it and went on to win a silver award in Japan for Handmade Printed Work. Her studies in art, design, writing, and photography have been a lifelong interest and she excelled in them all. That was just the creative side of her.
There is also a pragmatic side of Gina. In 1979, she and her husband Paul Godfrey, then Metro Chairman established The Herbie Fund at The Hospital For Sick Children in Toronto in 1979 in response to the plight of a child born in the Puerto Rican ghetto in New York who required life saving surgery but it was unattainable for him under his circumstances. Paul and Gina arranged his flight to Toronto and Dr. Robert Filler, the new chief of surgery at SickKids who had just come from Boston Children’s Hospital did his life saving surgery of separating his windpipe from his oesophagus. Torontonians opened their wallets to help defray the costs. Paul went across the street from City Hall and opened an account under the name of “The Herbie Fund”. After all the expenses were paid, there was $17,000 left. Soon they found there were many other children from around the world that needed life saving or life-altering surgery that was unattainable in their place of birth because they didn’t have the expertise and the funds. So Herbie Fund began but required constant fundraising. In 1983, Gina put together 27 of her friends and began Operation Herbie, the fundraising arm of The Herbie Fund. Operation Herbie has now funded close to 600 children from 87 countries around the world. Each year SickKids operates on approximately 35 of these children. Telehealth was established in Trinidad just a few years ago to help others who would have assistance in the Caribbean via satellite hooked up at the University of West Indies Hospital and SickKids in Toronto. The scope of The Herbie Fund includes education, teaching and research now.
By 1988, Gina received a federal appointment as a Citizenship Court Judge. She served the government for 8 years and in that time she did approximately 40,000 citizenship hearings, swore in approximately 80,000 new Canadian citizens and visited many schools as an outreach program. One of her judgments changed the face of citizenship with a landmark decision that would be appealed and upheld to consider filing taxes as proof of residence, a pre-requisite to Canadian citizenship.
In the past year ORT Toronto held its annual Local Hero in a Global Village function, and the award was bestowed on long-time ORT supporter Gina Godfrey. The award is given to a Torontonian who created change at home and abroad. The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Honourable David Onley, said: “It was inevitable that a woman like Gina Godfrey, with her boundless energy and passion for her community would be drawn to ORT Toronto… I commend the members of ORT Toronto for your commitment to the education of children and adults in some of the world’s most impoverished communities.”
Gina requested that the funds raised go partly to the Gina Godfrey Mediation Project locally, in an area of town where students were at risk and came from underprivileged backgrounds. The rest of the funds are earmarked for the Kadoorie School in the Northern Galilee whose student population includes Bedouin, Druze, Jews and Muslims.
Gina said, I am humbled at being a small cog in a huge global organization. What appeals to me is that is closes the gap and makes the world smaller. Education is the key to making the world a better place, and that is what ORT does.
Also in 2007, well-respected Canadian artist, Gina Godfrey was the first international artist to show at the red-carpeted halls of the Jerusalem Theater, entitled “Elements of Sand and Water” as a solo show. Gina also had the distinct honour to lead the first Canadian mission to Jerusalem for The Jerusalem Foundation. Steve Solomon, head of the Foundation’s Canadian desk, suggested that although God designated for Jerusalem nine of the ten portions of beauty in the world, the artistry on display was so extraordinary that “we’ve tipped the balance even further”.
Gina’s works are on permanent display in the Ohel Moishe Synagogue in Shanghai, China. She has works in Israel and throughout North America including The Four Seasons Hotel, Toronto. Gina has also served on many boards including The National Arts Centre in Ottawa, The Art Gallery of Ontario and The Toronto Zoo Society.
She would say that she is most proud of her family. She is the wife of Paul, CEO and President of Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club. She has three married sons and three granddaughters. Her eldest son, Rob, a graduate lawyer and with an MBA is an entrepreneur. Noah is her second son. With his Harvard MBA he is focused on start-up companies and is President of an internet based company, www.Gigpark.com
Her youngest son, Jay graduated from McGill with a business degree, worked in banking in New York before embarking in fashion at Parsons School of Design in New York.
Jay has quickly garnered fame for his red-carpet designs. She is also proud of her three wonderful daughters-in-law she refers to as “Gina’s Angels”.
Gina is an artist featured in the show, the sale of her work will benefit the Peace Preschool in Jerusalem. This show is your opportunity to help children who have not yet been tainted by the hatred of religion to grow and develop, much like a piece of art develops in the eye of the artist, naturally and sequentially.
Jerusalem Defined a gala/fundraiser for the Peace Preschool in Jerusalem takes place Monday, April 28th, 2008, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at System 4 Gallery, 70 Wingold Ave. To purchase your ticket for $60, please contact System 4 at 416 741 5542 or info@system 4.ca
Jerusalem Defined runs until May 31st, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
What is the Y?
What is the Y in Jerusalem and why does it matter to me?
In 1920, the American Association of the YMCA sent Director Archibald Harte to Jerusalem. He promptly fell in love with the city and wanted to build a center in which the three monotheistic religions would find expression. In 1924, contributions from philanthropist James Jarvie of New Jersey, the American and British YMCAs and the Jewish community of Manchester enabled the purchase of land from the Greek Patriarchate for this purpose.
Three years later, British High Commissioner Lord Plummer laid the cornerstone of the building and on April 18, 1933 the Jerusalem YMCA, directly opposite to the King David Hotel, was opened by Field Marshall Lord Allenby.
At the entrance to the building the following words, spoken by Lord Allenby on that occasion, are inscribed in Hebrew, English and Arabic: "Here is a place whose atmosphere is peace, where political and religious jealousies can be forgotten and international unity fostered and developed."
And… here is the place where the Peace Preschool is located. Almost daily we hear about violence in the world, Jerusalem Defined is your opportunity to help children who have not yet been tainted by the hatred of religion to grow and develop, much like a piece of art develops in the eye of the artist, naturally and sequentially.
Jerusalem Defined a gala/fundraiser for the Peace Preschool in Jerusalem takes place Monday, April 28th, 2008, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at System 4 Gallery, 70 Wingold Ave. To purchase your ticket for $60, please contact System 4 at 416 741 5542 or info@system 4.ca
Jerusalem Defined runs until May 31st, 2008
In 1920, the American Association of the YMCA sent Director Archibald Harte to Jerusalem. He promptly fell in love with the city and wanted to build a center in which the three monotheistic religions would find expression. In 1924, contributions from philanthropist James Jarvie of New Jersey, the American and British YMCAs and the Jewish community of Manchester enabled the purchase of land from the Greek Patriarchate for this purpose.
Three years later, British High Commissioner Lord Plummer laid the cornerstone of the building and on April 18, 1933 the Jerusalem YMCA, directly opposite to the King David Hotel, was opened by Field Marshall Lord Allenby.
At the entrance to the building the following words, spoken by Lord Allenby on that occasion, are inscribed in Hebrew, English and Arabic: "Here is a place whose atmosphere is peace, where political and religious jealousies can be forgotten and international unity fostered and developed."
And… here is the place where the Peace Preschool is located. Almost daily we hear about violence in the world, Jerusalem Defined is your opportunity to help children who have not yet been tainted by the hatred of religion to grow and develop, much like a piece of art develops in the eye of the artist, naturally and sequentially.
Jerusalem Defined a gala/fundraiser for the Peace Preschool in Jerusalem takes place Monday, April 28th, 2008, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at System 4 Gallery, 70 Wingold Ave. To purchase your ticket for $60, please contact System 4 at 416 741 5542 or info@system 4.ca
Jerusalem Defined runs until May 31st, 2008
What is the Peace Preschool?
What is the Peace Preschool?
“Since we all laugh in the same language” The Peace Preschool was conceived as a method to break down stereotypes and barriers at an early age. Jewish, Christian and Arab children see what they have in common and not what separates them. This school provides 120 children between the ages of 2 and 5 a preschool education that defines ethical and peaceful community development.
The Peace Preschool teaches love, growth and tolerance for all – how do they do this – in exactly the same way you teach math or reading, get the children and the families’ involved. Below is an excerpt from their newsletter that describes and demonstrates what goes on in this amazing preschool. (to subscribe to the newsletter please email E-mail: adena@ymca.org.il)
Ariella and Riki (The teachers of the second 4-5 year old class) had a wonderful idea - instead of inviting the children’s parents, they invited their grandparents! Each grandparent brought their favorite dish, and the table was full of such delicacies as couscous, kuba soup, lox and bagels, burekkas, schnitzel etc. After everybody ate, the children “played” on instruments and excitedly showed what they learned in their music class. The grandparents danced and played musical chairs. One of the grandparents told everyone that when he was a child, he used to come to the YMCA to play tennis and was even a champion! At the end, the staff and parents had a surprise for the kids- they performed a funny skit much to the children’s delight.
“Since we all laugh in the same language” The Peace Preschool was conceived as a method to break down stereotypes and barriers at an early age. Jewish, Christian and Arab children see what they have in common and not what separates them. This school provides 120 children between the ages of 2 and 5 a preschool education that defines ethical and peaceful community development.
The Peace Preschool teaches love, growth and tolerance for all – how do they do this – in exactly the same way you teach math or reading, get the children and the families’ involved. Below is an excerpt from their newsletter that describes and demonstrates what goes on in this amazing preschool. (to subscribe to the newsletter please email E-mail: adena@ymca.org.il)
Ariella and Riki (The teachers of the second 4-5 year old class) had a wonderful idea - instead of inviting the children’s parents, they invited their grandparents! Each grandparent brought their favorite dish, and the table was full of such delicacies as couscous, kuba soup, lox and bagels, burekkas, schnitzel etc. After everybody ate, the children “played” on instruments and excitedly showed what they learned in their music class. The grandparents danced and played musical chairs. One of the grandparents told everyone that when he was a child, he used to come to the YMCA to play tennis and was even a champion! At the end, the staff and parents had a surprise for the kids- they performed a funny skit much to the children’s delight.
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