Less than four months after a derelict bank building was demolished at the corner of Dundas Street and Lyle Street, the Old East Village Business Improvement Area (OEV BIA) is cashing in on the opportunity created by the new sightlines. On the weekend, a pair of London-based artists began painting a large mural on the side of Unique Food Attitudes. “Last year, there was an artist call for putting a mural somewhere in the Old East Village,” says artist Pamela Scharback. “We prepared a presentation, and it was accepted.” Her fellow artist, who goes by the professional name softflirt, describes the concept: “We’re really trying to communicate that cultural food lives here, so we’re going to include a text element that says, ‘Just like mom made it in Old East Village.’” By Tuesday afternoon the mural was already taking shape with colourful food and large flowers on a black background. Kevin Morrison, executive director of the OEV BIA says the recent demolition next door suddenly made the wall a prime location for beautification. “It comes from the funding that we received for direct business supports,” Morrison explains. “The time is right especially at this location because of the former TD Bank building that was torn down. It’s a very visible spot!” The owner of Unique Food Attitudes, Barbara Czyz, is excited to see the foodie-inspired mural taking shape on the outside of her restaurant, “There’s so many people that say they’ve passed by for five years and they never knew that it was a restaurant. With this beautiful picture on that wall they’re not going to be able to say that anymore!” For Scharback, playing a role in urban regeneration hits close to home, “My father had a business not too far from the Old East Village at the Five Points at Hamilton, Egerton, and Trafalgar. So I love to see the revitalization of this neighborhood.” Weather permitting, the mural should be completed by this weekend.
