So I was invited to check out an open house at a new venue in Toronto called the Artscape Wychwood Barns. This is a unique venue smack dab in the middle of a residential area at St.Clair Ave.W and Christie St. Originally a TTC Street car repair facility this 60,000 sq foot space has been converted into a truly unique multifaceted community center where arts and culture, environmental leadership, heritage preservation, urban agriculture and affordable housing are brought together to foster a strong sense of community. There are currently 26 Artists and their families that also reside in the barns. The venue has strict regulation about the waste that vendors produce. They have a handful of of approved vendors that meet their LEED certified status. If you want to bring in outside vendors they will be screened carefully to make sure they meet the green standards of the venue. This venue is ideal for a couple wanting a daytime wedding as there are noise restrictions which prevent loud music past 11pm. The fees for booking the room can start as low as $2500 however this room is a blank canvas and everything needs to be brought in.

I was very impressed with the open house. I am familiar with this venue as I live in the neighbourhood and have been to the incredible farmers markets they have every Saturday morning. All the farmers at the market are organic farmers and their fares are truly out of this world. From home made cheeses and jams, to organic fair trade coffee, and home made baked goods…YUM! I have yet to do an event here so it was it was great to be able to see some of the possibilities. It is a blank canvass.

The event was a whose who of local vendors. I got to catch up with some colleagues I haven’t worked with in some time including Karen Garscadden from Up And Coming Events, amazing wedding photographer Suzanne Merrit from Wedding Day Memories, and the incredibly talented Susanne Carlascio from Wildflowers and Co.

We also made our first attempt at a video blog….so please be gentle on us but please do check it out and leave your feedback. I have to say a big thank you to to Gary Livingston at Presidential Gourmet for his detailed explanation of their uniquely tasty treats (check it out near the end of the video).