Rainbow Lightboxes, Queer Portraits & Other Really Gay Gift Ideas

22 Nov 2019.  - Photo credits: Church Street display of Rainbow Lightboxes by David O’Brien, photo by Raymond Helkio. Handmade Rainbow Lightbox also by David O’Brien. Stephen Beckly print. Gertrude Stien portrait by Sarah Hunter.

A stunning collection of back-lit works called Rainbow Lightboxes by artistDavid O’Brien. A few pieces have been installed in The Window at 558 Church Street with prices for the larger works ranging from $500-$1500. But if you’re not flush with funds this year, there are several works under $100 including a handmade 4 x 7” lightbox for $85 and the IMAX Lightbox Canyon, $75 (both pictured here). All stunning. lightboxgallery.ca

Queer portraits by Toronto artist Sarah Hunter capture some of history’s greatest queer people including Gertrude Stein, Alice Toklas, Billie Holiday, David Hockney and Marcel Proust. Prices are set by the artist and range from $325 to $350, check out more of their work at turtlart.ca.

Buddies In Bad Times Theatre has Artist Limited Edition Prints for sale which are introduced each year at ArtAttack and remain on sale after the event. Prints available include Steven Beckly’s There’s a land that I heard of, 10 x 14″, $500 and Daryl Vocat’s Save Lives, 14 x 18” bothcome framed courtesy Akasha Art Projects, proceeds to support the theatre. buddiesinbadtimes.com/support/limited-edition-prints

“Musings From The Bunker” is a grand and bold book from Patricia Wilson, the bar manager behind Buddies In Bad Times Theatre. Raw, honest and at times intense her writing is balanced with a straight-forward sense of humour. Life experiences, wisdom and good old fashioned storytelling that you can stuff in your stockings! Available on Amazon or at Glad Day Bookshop, 499 Church St.

Another great stocking stuffer is a walking tour by The ArQuives through their house on Isabella Street. For a minimum $5 donation per person, this bi-monthly tour will take you through some of their collections, including Mark Leduc's boxing belt, Mark Tweksbury's Olympic torch and playwright John Herbert's typewriter as well as matchbooks, coasters and buttons from queer bars and spaces long gone but not forgotten. Book online: arquives.ca