Local designer seeks volunteers for annual CityPlace arts event

Community arts dynamo Nadia Lloyd is looking to recruit volunteers to help organize the second annual CityPlace Art Crawl.

Kimberly Spice —

Downtown resident Nadia Lloyd believes in getting an early start. That’s why she is already hard at work on the second annual CityPlace Art Crawl.

The 38-year-old, artist, designer, entrepreneur and event planner decided to bring artisans into the community and launched the art crawl last year. It was successful enough that she has decided to take it on as an annual commitment.

According to Lloyd, attention to detail is the key in making the event run smoothly. Obtaining all permits, insurance and having good communication with city parks staff are only a few of the administrative items involved. In addition to the organizational duties, the artists must trust in Lloyd that they will benefit from participating.

Having multiple merchants selling the same items deters sales and the return of buyers, so Lloyd will carefully hand pick venders making sure there is a wide selection of artisan items to choose from.

“There are about six categories of crafts and you want to make sure you don’t have 20 people selling earrings or 20 jewellers period,” Lloyd told The Bulletin.

“We want to have six at the most, so I’m really picky about the ones I’m choosing. I also look at the neighbourhood that I’m in, the demographics, and really put in an effort to match it. So I do turn away artists if I feel it’s just not going to the right demographic. I would rather be honest with them and make space for someone who will succeed and have sales and come back the following year.”

The CityPlace Art Crawl is a family event that includes a variety of food trucks and to entertain the crowd Lloyd also includes DJ’s. This year it will be held on Oct. 11.

In the past, helpful friends, family and neighbours have made the day a success but Lloyd is always looking for more volunteers.

“I welcome anyone who wants to be in that environment,” said Lloyd. “It’s a nice environment to be around people with all that creativity.  It amazes your senses with everything you see and smell. It’s just a fun environment to be in.”

Information about CityPlace Art Crawl and where you can volunteer can be found at www.torontoartcrawl.com. Lloyd’s own projects can be viewed at www.nadialloyd.com.