High Praises

High Praises is a series of large-scale text installations of positive messages installed on rooftops within the Queen West streetscape in 2021. Each message is a reflection of the community and its rich diversity. Each piece aims to engage visitors in a dialogue that will have a positive impact. Each installation aims to encourage foot traffic to the area through a unique scavenger hunt to create an intimate relationship with visitors in a 24/7, accessible and inclusive format.

Darren Christopher Leu - Project Curator

Darren is a facilitator of production spaces for artists and a project-based art gallery that primarily showcases emerging artists, curators and organizations. Darren is also a coordinator of projects and events, such as the BIG on Bloor Festival. Learn more at: darrenchristopherprojects.com | instagram.com/lookieleu

Why High Praises?

COVID-19 has posed some incredible challenges that we never anticipated. For a long time we were limited in what we could host or produce while maintaining proper health and safety protocols. We need positive communication to forge better relationships, mental health, and overall attitudes. This project aims to engage with visitors, providing them with kind reminders to lighten and brighten their day. This project also provides an outlet to highlight some of Toronto’s amazing artists, with a commitment to a minimum of 50% of the artist opportunities to be awarded to BIPOC identifying individuals.

Where to Find High Praises:

• 269 Queen St W (Civello’s) • 407 Queen St W • 430 Queen St W (Winston’s Variety)

Curtia Wright (@curtia) - “Shine on Queen” Christopher Mitchell collaborated with Nishina Loft (@redurbannationart) - “SKEN:NEN” (translates to ‘peace’) Darren Christopher Leu (@lokkieleu) - “Move With Love”

Learn More:

www.queenstreettoronto.com/high-praises.html