Nestled in the forest of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection stood enchanting creations by mixed-media artist Thom Sokoloski. Combining the Colour of the River Running Through Us installation with a selection of whimsical gowns proves that the woods — and the season ahead — are anything but dark.

Shot on location at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, “A Midsummer Dream” explores the synergy between airy fashion and ethereal art. The Kleinburg, Ont.-based gallery is known and loved for honouring esteemed Canadian arts and launching fresh talent into the forefront. Colour of the River Running Through Us — an installation, movement meditation and haiku ceremony created by Toronto artist Thom Sokoloski — stood in the forested grounds of the prestigious gallery for a year before coming to a close this July. But there’s still plenty to do at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. On top of its daily excitements, this year marks its 50th anniversary, and many initiatives have been planned, including the McMichael Milestones Interactive Timeline, the 50/50/50 Special Exhibition Program and the launch of the McMichael Collection Wines.

For more information, visit 50years.mcmichael.com

Q&A with Thom Sokoloski

Colour of the River Running Through Us was a 13-piece art installation in the forest of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. Inspired by water, each part was an individual meditation that invited people to engage with the structures by writing their own haiku poems and dropping them in the pot that’s suspended in its middle. Here, artist Thom Sokoloski introduces City Life to the unique concept.

What inspired this project?
The whole idea is for people to be immersed in some kind of metaphoric river that they understand they are in. I also wanted people to get engaged with it, so I incorporated my love of poetry and meditation.

You’ve been called the Tom Thomson of the 21st century. What do you think about that?
I’m far from being Tom Thomson, but that’s certainly a wonderful thing for someone to say. I bet if I could sit down with him today we’d have a hell of a talk over some whiskey.

What’s next for you?
I’m working on a piece that I’d like to do next year. It’s been designed, it’s all ready to go, but it’s not been built. It’s called The Elementa Quartet. It’s a movement in the same direction as this, only it’s meant to float on water.

To personally own a Colour of the River Running Through Us sculpture, visit thomsokoloski.com

PHOTO BY Farzam Hosseindoust
Makeup and Hair BY Earl Simpson/Judy Inc.
Model: Julia Evgenova/Next Models Toronto
Location: McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, ONT.