To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Bloor-Danforth subway line, The Artists Newsstand at Chester Station hosted a birthday party on Thursday, February 25 featuring live performances, music, complimentary cake, balloons and prizes. The previously dormant Gateway newsstand was re-imagined in May 2015 as an artists hub to benefit both commuters and artists.
The festivities kicked off with a historical character performance about the subway construction by award-winning theater artist Moe Angelos. Later, burlesque artist Dainty Box presented a fun, family-friendly performance to the music of The Supremes. In between, a DJ played the hit songs of 1966, including These Boots are Made for Walking, Good Lovin’ and Monday Monday.
The Artists Newsstand is a multidisciplinary arts space showcasing the talent of local artists, writers and performers inside the Chester subway station (street level). The unique arts collective run by volunteers revitalizes the traditional newsstand with new purpose for performances, installations and art merchandise, while still providing customary items (drinks and snacks) in a kiosk that was vacant for six years. Created by performance artist Jess Dobkin, the year-long project ends April 30, 2016.
The Artists Newsstand is open weekdays from 3 PM to 7 PM, with extended and weekend hours for special events. For the latest schedule, visit facebook.com/artistsnewsstand.
Photo credit: Jaime Espinoza
Leave a Reply