The Purple Scarf

Explore Peru: 2 Days in Lima - The City of Bones!

2017-04-03T22:06:00.000-04:00

A Lima Travel Story & Guide

I'm an emotional person. For better or for worse my eyes tear up, much to my embarrassment, when I'm happy, sad, angry, saw something breathtaking, or for no reason what so ever. My three week backpacking trip across South America, starting in Lima, Peru, was going to be a test for my tear ducts for varying reasons.... thank gawd I packed tons of small packages of tissue! Let the emotional rollercoaster begin.

Lima, Peru

I flew into Lima on an early Tuesday morning last February. I've been dreaming of doing this trip for too many years too count and actually planning it for months. I haven't traveled for a long time for reasons that seem dumb now, but this trip changed everything, and travel will never take such a long vacation from my life again. The first of many teary-eyed moments was when I was waiting for my backpack to come down the luggage pickup area in the tiny Lima airport. I just couldn't believe that I was finally doing this trip. I was met by a friend, who already booked a night at a hostel near the airport and had a cab waiting, which my airplane-frazzled mind was grateful for.

Lima, Peru

My first morning I awoke to bright sunshine, dry heat, and lots of dogs in the street. So begins my two day whirlwind self-tour of Lima. Luckily for me, the hostel owner knew a reliable taxi driver... his brother. I heard horror stories about hailing a taxi on the street and almost every article I read about safe traveling in South America suggested to always get the hotel or place you are staying to call a cab. Travel Tip: Peru taxi's do not run on a metre system. Always negotiate the taxi cab fare before getting in the cab. During the taxi ride from my the hostel to the hotel I will be spending the rest of my time at in Lima, I finally got a sense of how BIG Lima was and the amount of people and cars was mind boggling to me. I was not prepared for how much I would enjoy visiting Lima I really wasn't ready for the sheer size of the city! It is one of the largest cities I have visited so far and took some getting used to. The sights, smells, sounds, and hoards of people was a little overwhelming at first but Lima is an amazing city to explore, and one that I highly recommend for any traveler to South America to visit.

Hotel Paris was clean, cheap and near downtown Lima, which was within walking distance to most of the major tourist sights. Most tourists and visitors opt to stay in the Barranco or Miraflores districts, which are known to be safer, but were also more expensive. And with only two days to explore Lima, those areas were too far from the all the places I wanted to visit and I rather walk and explore the streets for my two days in Lima instead of sitting in traffic (which there is ALOT of in Lima:)

Lima, Peru

Street art in Lima, Peru

View from my Hotel Paris' room in Lima, Peru

Day One
I just wanted to find my "South America backpacker groove" after traveling from Toronto, Canada in the middle of winter, so the goal was to just get out and explore the streets a bit, exchange some money, and EAT. I had some hard core travel ahead of me with no plans, except for my return flight date out of Buenos Aires, Argentina (the other side of the continent) in three weeks!

After checking in to the hotel and dropping off my bags, around 10am, I was delighted to find a local cafe and restaurant right beside the hotel that serves a full breakfast for about ( s/. 10 nuevos sols which was less than $3.00 USD). Fueled up on fruit, eggs, and coffee, my friend and I set out with a map the hotel gave us and a little pep in our step. The first thing I noticed, was that EVERY SINGLE PERSON I passed, stared at me, including people passing in cars. I know I look different from the usual Peruvian person - I'm pale, tall, and have red hair - but it can get unnerving after a while. My friend even commented on how everyone stares at me, and he usually doesn't notice things that don't revolve around himself (sorry James, you know it's true:) The second thing I noticed, was the constant car horn honking. Drivers honk when they turn, they honk when they stop, they honk when they are they only car on the street. They are always honking! Oh and they don't really obey traffic signals, so beware when crossing the street!

Plaza San Martin in Lima, Peru

Monument to Jose San Martin, Plaza San Martin in Lima, Peru

After only losing our way once or twice, we arrived at Plaza San Martin and several currency exchanges. We both are traveling with American currency, which is the easiest to exchange in South America. Travel Tip: I got a better exchange rate at the the currency kiosks than I would've got at a bank. I got almost s/. 700 nuevos sols for $200 USD. Plaza San Martin was a great place to people watch and take in the architecture. It always makes me smile that in such a hot, dry continent, I almost never see anyone wear shorts (or short sleeves) or even women wearing short dresses or skirts outside of a work uniform. Plaza San Martin is a beautiful public space park and a World Heritage Site. In the middle of the Plaza is a monument of Peru's liberator Jose de San Martin.

Government Palace, Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru

Cathedral of Lima, Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru

Government Palace in Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru

We then made our way to Plaza Mayor, also known as Plaza de Armas. This is the tourist hub. The Plaza is surrounded by the Government Palace, Catherdal of Lima, Archbishop's Palace of Lima, The Municipal Palace, and the Palace of The Union. There is also an outdoor market just up the street and several cafes, restaurants, and museums in the surrounding neighbourhood. We walked around for a bit and decided to visit the small Museum de Minerlas (admission price s/. 10 nuevos sols). It was a small museum packed with interesting minerals and rocks as well as ancient and historic statues, artifacts and clothing. It was the perfect introduction into the world we have entered into for the next three weeks. And then over a Pisco Sour (the unofficial national cocktail) we decided to take a city bus tour, that was being offered across the plaza. I highly recommend taking a city bus tour since Lima is one of the largest cities in the world and second biggest city in South America, it is the only way to get an overview of the city. Travel Tip: Make sure to get an English speaking tour if you don't speak Spanish and don't take the tour if is coincides with rush hour. I was stuck on the bus for over 2 hours in traffic around 4pm and it was torture an caused my tears to well up in frustration! I made my own way make to the hotel as it was getting dark and the downtown streets of Lima are not the safest place to be after dark.

Santuario Santa Rosa in Lima, Peru

Day Two
After a delicious breakfast at the cafe next to the hotel, I decided to visit the main sights which included several churches and cathedrals and thousands of bones. First stop was Santuario Santa Rosa (admission s/. 10) which was absolutely stunning. The gardens were beautiful and the view from the bell tower is not to be missed.

Archbishop's Palace of Lima, Plaza Mayor in Lima Peru

Inside Archbishop's Palace of Lima, Plaza Mayor in Lima Peru

Cathedral of Lima, Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru

Inside Cathedral of Lima, Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru

Catacombs of Cathedral of Lima, Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru

I also visited Cathedral of Lima and the Archbishop's Palace (s/. 30 for both places). I only took one structured tour and it was the English tour at the Archbishop's Palace. I learned alot about the different schools of art and about Catholicism ( I am not catholic). The Cathedral of Lima was beautiful and the catacombs were a definite highlight for me.

Monastery of San Francisco in Lima, Peru

Catacombs of Monastery of San Francisco in Lima, Peru

Welcome Mat in Catacombs of Monastery of San Francisco in Lima, Peru

After some lunch, we made the trek to The Monastery of San Francisco (s/.10) whose catacombs were absolutely amazing and was well worth the admission price. The next stop was the market across the street from The Monastery. Lima is known for it's huge outdoor and indoor markets and this one was a great way to pass the time. I enjoyed some chocolate beer, bought some souvenirs, local artwork, and I had to walk away (with a tear in my eye) from some amazing boots which didn't come in my size :(.

Larco Museum in Lima, Peru

Larco Museumin Lima, Peru

Garden of Larco Museum in Lima, Peru

Restaurant and Garden of Larco Museum in Lima, Peru

Restaurant and Museum of Larco Museum in Lima, Peru

I ended up back at Plaza Mayo and was exhausted from walking around in the heat all day. After a quick nap and shower back at the hotel, I got dressed up and grabbed a cab to go to Larco Museum to enjoy a nice meal (s/. 80 each). The restaurant is located in the museum's gardens and the food and ambiance was absolutely stunning! I highly reccomend anyone visiting Lima to check out the restaurant. Unfortunately it was too late to visit the museum, so I packed and left the hotel early the next day and explored the museum (s/. 30) before my flight to Cusco at 3:00pm. And of course enjoyed one more cocktail in the beautiful restaurant. Museum Largo was an absolutely amazing museum that had some fantastic South American artifacts and and interesting erotic art gallery and well worth the second trip back.

I enjoyed my short visit to Lima and would love to go back to explore some more. I met some fantastic people from a police officer who was eager to learn about Canada, to a homeless man who regaled me with stories while he guided me to The Church of San Francisco; to a girl who was studying English and wanted to practice her skills (and gave me some great travel safety tips), to the amazing guide at the Archbishops Palace and because of her I will always be able to spot a Cuzco School of Art style painting.

Have you been to Lima, Peru? What were your favourite sights?

P.s!: I visited during February, which is considered the low season. That means the tourist sights were not packed and the hotel and flights were cheap. If you are not going to hike the Inca Trail later (which is closed during February), I highly recommend visiting during this month.

P.s,

Melanie!

Exhibit: A Toronto Art History Lesson at the AGO!

2017-03-27T19:38:00.002-04:00

AGO's Toronto: Tributes + Tributaries, 1971 - 1989 Exhibition Review

Philosopher George Santayana famously warned that "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." As I wandered through the AGO's Toronto: Tributes + Tributaries exhibit, Santayana's quote kept echoing through my mind. The exhibition gives visitors a glimpse into the gritty history of Toronto's art world from 1971 - 1989 and the emerging artists that pushed the boundaries of 'conventional art'.

Bear Portrait, No. 1, Culture Revolution, 1984 by Jeff Thomas

Displayed in the AGO's Contemporary Tower, more than 100 artists by 65 artists and collectives are brought together to fill the entire fourth floor exhibition space. Themes of social upheaval, political changes and marginalized people, that are reflected in the artwork are still as relevant today as they were during the 1970's and 80's.

The Craft of the Contaminated, 1984 by Andy Fabo

Art is Political, 1976 by Carole Conde and Carl Beveridge

Paintings, sculptures, photography are among the various media used, each with a tie to Toronto. The exhibition's information panels are both in English and Anishinaabemowin (Ojibway), acknowledging Toronto as the traditional territory of the Mississauga people. I enjoyed the exhibit, it's quite different from past shows and gave me a small glimpse into a diiferent art world I was used to seeing at the AGO.

Waitress, 1986 by Shelley Niro

Anthro-Apologies (And the Trees Grew Inwards - for Manuel Scorza), 1970 - 1980, by Ron Benner

Toronto: Tributes + Tributaries, 1971 - 1989 runs until May 22, 2017. Please visit AGO for more information.

P.s!: Visit Toronto: Tributes + Tributaries for free on Wednesday nights when admission is free at the AGO!

P.s,

Melanie!

Shopping: Fabulous & Unique Sunnies From GlassesShop!

2017-03-24T21:32:00.000-04:00

GlassesShop Sunglasses & Website Review

We did it ladies and gentlemen... we made it through another winter. I am so excited that Spring is finally here and I am so ready to break the bounds of the puffy winter coat and wear some fabulous warm weather fashion, which includes a pair of chic sunglasses. I love wearing sunglasses (I've mentioned my love of sunglasses before), and how I can pull a whole look together just by throwing on a fabulous pair of shades. I have been dusting off my sunglasses collection in anticipation of the changing of the seasons and I'm happy to introduce my new addition to my sunglasses family, which was sent to me a few months ago from glasses online retailer GlassesShop, and they have quickly become my favourite pair!

Dierdre Cat Eye Sunglasses from GlassesShop

If you are looking for a new pair of sunglasses, prescription glasses, or prescription sunglasses, you have to checkout GlassesShop.com. They have a very extensive collection of some of the most fashionable frames I've seen, as well as some classic and vintage frames.

GlassesShop Screenshot of Information Needed for Prescription Glasses

GlassesShop Screenshot of "Try On" Feature

I found the GlassesShop website very easy to navigate and use. I had eye laser surgery several years ago and don't require prescription glasses (yay!), so I couldn't try out their prescription ordering services but I ordered prescription eyeglasses online several years ago (not from GlassesShop) and I was extremely happy with them. Once you find a frame that you like from the large selection of frames available from GlassesShop, you can check out the information provided about them like the measurements for both the frames and lenses, so you can measure your own face to find out if the size would be a great fit for you. All you need is to input your eye doctor's prescription, including PD, and any other information that would affect the fit of your glasses. What's really cool about this site is that you can upload a picture of yourself and "try on" the glasses to see if they suit you.

Sunglasses, Case and Microfibre Cloth Included

Most frames are less than $50.00 and can start as low as $9.95 and single vision lenses are usually included in the price. There might be additional charges depending on your prescription. Almost all glasses come with a scratch-proof coating on the lenses, glasses case, and a soft microfibre cleaning cloth. And if you are like me and don't need prescription glasses, there are some amazing sunglasses frames available. Once I placed my order, I didn't have to wait long to receive my new sunglasses, I got them in less than two weeks. There is also a handy shipping and tracking feature on the website, so you know where you new glasses are and how much longer you have to wait to show off your new shades!

Dierdre Cat Eye Sunglasses from GlassesShop

I love my new sunglasses! I chose the Deirdre Cat Eye in Purple with Silver Mirror Coating. I get so many amazing compliments on them EVERY TIME I wear them. They are so unique and fabulous.... like me:)

P.s!: I'm excited to share my special coupon code GSHOT50 with my readers so that you can get 50% off the already low price on eyeglasses and sunglasses with free lenses (sale frames excluded) from GlassesShop!

P.s,

Melanie!

***Disclosure: Even though I was gifted with this product, all my opinions and statements are true and reflect my actual viewpoint.***

P.s!: Out With The Old & In With The New!

2017-03-20T20:21:00.004-04:00

Celebrating My Birthday with a Personal Confession

My birthday passed two weeks ago without much fanfare. I spent the day with friends, feeling amazing and looking fabulous, which I haven't done in a long time and is exactly how I wanted to spend the day. Maybe because my birthday is so early in the year and happens right before Spring starts, but I've always treated my birthday as my true "New Year". It's a time when I take stock of my life so far, what I've accomplished and what I would still like to do.

Happy Birthday to Me! at Poop Cafe in Toronto

The last year was a terrible one for me, and the rest of the world it seems. Between political disasters, terrorist attacks, refugee crisis, prominent celebrity deaths, and so much more, the world around me seem to reflect how my life was crashing down around me.

A series of unfortunate events (starting on my last birthday) in both my personal and professional life created such an unbearable environment, that I had to retreat and cut myself off from everything and everyone, just stay sane. Losing my job and other professional hiccups, toxic family members, health issues and scares, topped off with an emotionally abusive relationship, pushed me over the edge and I was hanging on with just my fingertips. That's why I haven't written much or had a big social presence over the past year. I'm so sorry, but things are a changing! I had to take a time out and reassess the path my life was taking. I've made some tough and exciting decisions that I will be sharing over the next few months. Plans are in motion and I can't wait. Forget turning over a new leaf this year..... I'm planting a whole new tree! Happy Birthday to me!!!

P.s!: If you are a suffering a setback in your life, don't hesitate to reach out and talk to someone. My family and friends have been the biggest support for me and I could not have made it through the past year without them. But if you rather talk to a professional, check out the free resources through your workplace or call The Mental Health Helpline 1-866-531-2600 or the Toronto Distress Centre 416-410-HELP (4357).

P.s,

Melanie!

Makeup Review: Beautiful Lips from Bite Beauty!

2017-03-13T20:51:00.000-04:00

Bite Beauty's The Lip Pencil & Amuse Bouche Lipstick Review

As a single woman over the age of 35 with very little time in the morning, I've got my regular makeup routine down to a science: wash, moisturize, foundation, eyeshadow, mascara, and eyebrows. If needed (which I usually do) I dab on some concealer under my eyes or on any blemishes that seem to appear even though I graduated high school in the 90's. I'm usually running late, so I finish my look with some pressed powder and tinted lip gloss or balm which I apply in my building's elevator. I normally don't bother with lipstick because I don't have the time or patience to apply it in the morning and then have to reapply it throughout the day. I usually find lipsticks dry out my lips with daily use and lip liners? Forget it; they are a lost cause for me. If I don't have the time or inclination to apply lipstick, I definitely don't have the extra time to line my lips before I apply the absent lipstick. But I do enjoy wearing a dramatic lip shade when I go out at night or adding a pretty colour to my lips for brunch with friends, but that's it. Until now. I recently was sent two of Bite Beauty's lip pencils and two sample-sized Amuse Bouche lipsticks for free to test out and review. And to my pleasant surprise, I have been wearing the lipstick (almost) daily for the past month.

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche lipstick in Honeycomb and Whiskey and Lip Pencil in 020 and 044

I'm in love with Bite Beauty's Amuse Bouche lipsticks! Not only did the lipsticks not dry out my lips, but I only had to reapply a few times throughout my long day, the lipstick stayed on my lips through two coffee runs! Made from nourishing oils and ingredients, the Amuse Bouche lipstick made my lips feel and look amazing. The lipstick was creamy and easy to apply. There is a hint of a fresh citrus scent and taste, which is a nice pick-me-up in my busy morning.

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche lipstick in Honeycomb and Whiskey

Bite Beauty lipstick in Honeycomb

Bite Beauty lipstick in Whiskey

The two lipstick colours I was sent were perfect for me. Honeycomb is a fabulous neutral shade that I wore daily. Whiskey is an amazing dramatic colour that I got alot of compliments on when I wore it out at night. My only concern is that the darker Whiskey shade did bleed a little when I didn't use the lip pencil. With 34 shades to choose from, there is a colour for every skin tone and taste. I highly recommend everyone try out Bite Beauty's Amuse Bouche lipstick, its made for the lipstick guru and makeup skeptic equally.

Bite Beauty The Lip Pencil in 020 and 044

As I've stated before, I'm not a lover of lip liners, but if I had to wear one, it would be Bite Beauty's Lip Pencil. Like the lipstick, it's creamy formula made it super easy to apply and I didn't look a clown, which is always a bonus:) Formulated without harmful ingredients and made with Shea Butter, it feels amazing on. I was sent shade 020 and 044, which matched the Amuse Bouche lipsticks perfectly. Inspired from natural lip tones, there are 22 neutral shades to choose from. The only drawback to The Lip Pencil was when I applied it as full lip coverage; it brought some unwanted attention to lines and dry patches on my lips. Bite Beauty says it can be used on its own, but I believe that the Bite Beauty Lip Scrub and Primer would have to be used before using The Lip Pencil as full coverage.

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipsticks retail for $30 and The Lip Pencils sell for $20 each. Both can be found at Sephora stores and Sephora.ca.

P.s!: Bite Beauty is Canadian! The products are made in house at their lab in Toronto.

P.s,

Melanie!

***Disclosure: Even though I was gifted with these products from Influenster for testing purposes, all my opinions and statements are true and reflect my actual viewpoint.***

Explore Toronto: Bathurst Station Gets Honest Ed-ified!

2016-11-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Honest Ed's Art Installation at TTC Bathurst Station Review

The building at the corner of Bloor and Bathurst Streets, covered in tacky bright lights and funny hand-painted signs, need no introduction - every Torontonian knows of the giant discount retail store Honest Ed's. Whether you love it or hate it, Honest Ed's has become a huge part of Toronto's landscape and found a place within the city's heart. The long lines to purchase one of the coveted hand-painted signs are a testament to how far people will go to get a piece of Honest Ed's.

As a tribute to the iconic landmark, the TTC has transformed Bathurst Station, into a 'Honest Ed's-style installation commemorating the retail store and its former owner Ed Mirvish, and the impact that they had on the community and the city of Toronto.

Hand-painted signs take the place of regular TTC signs all over the station with fun 'punny' signs that Torontonians have come to love from Honest Ed's cover the glass walls at street level and fun facts signs are dotted along along the platform level. The installation is temporary but there is a permanent display of photos and store memorabilia on the concourse level.

The installation was made in-house with Honest Ed's staff partnering with TTC staff, who installed it in one night. Along with the installation, the TTC Metropass for November features a picture of Honest Ed's. Check out the short video of a behind-the-scenes look to how the installation came to be.

Honest Ed's will be closing its doors forever on December 31, 2016 after almost 70 years. I think we should keep the whole installation permanent at Bathurst Station. Who's with me?!

Are you sad to see Honest Ed's closing? What is your favourite memory of Honest Ed's?

P.s!: If you didn't get a chance to buy a famous Honest Ed's hand-painted sign, don't worry there are plenty left to buy at the store (just much more expensive:) Oh there are t-shirts too.

P.s,

Melanie!

Exhibit: ROM's Chihuly is All Glory with No Guts!

2016-11-27T19:09:00.002-05:00

ROM's Chihuly Exhibition Review

I frequently get asked why I love visiting art exhibits so much from people who think they have no understanding of art. My answer is always the same: It doesn't matter if you like or understand a piece of artwork, if it inspires conversation and dialogue and makes you see a different point of view or see something in a different light, it has accomplished it's goal. It is art and life would be so boring without it. I have been putting off visiting the ROM's latest giant exhibition, Chihuly, until I was ready.

Persian Trellis, 2016

The weather had turned gloomy and the skies grey in Toronto over the past few weeks, so I figured it was time for an art pick-me-up. Last week, I braced myself against the cold wind downtown Toronto and made my way to the ROM. It was exactly what I needed that cold Monday afternoon: bright, beautiful, uplifting, and superficial.

Blue and Purple Boat, 2006

Red Reeds on Logs, 2016

Persian Ceiling (detail), 2012

Persian Ceiling, 2012

Dale Chihuly is an American sculptor, whose glass installations can be found in over 250 museum collections. I always found his work beautiful and spectacular but without any context and not very thought provoking. Which was exactly what the exhibit was at the ROM was like - all glory with no guts. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the exhibit, it was beautiful and at times quite stunning, but did it inspire conversation beyond "it was pretty"? Not really. The artist himself stated he named the centrepiece of the show Persian Ceiling, for no other reason than he liked it and thought "it was an exotic name". Okay dokay. I expected something with more substance from a high calibre museum like The Royal Ontario Museum, but I guess there are enough people who sometimes just need to see something pretty on a dark gloomy day.

Icicle Chandeliers and Towers, 2015

Laguna Torcello, 2012

Sapphire Neon Tumbleweeds, 2016

Chihuly is running until January 8, 2017. Please visit ROM for more details.

Have you visited Chihuly yet? What did you like best about the exhibit?

P.s!: The ROM is offering extended hours with special programming for the holidays. Please visit ROM for details.

P.s,

Melanie!

Exhibit: Transforming Art!

2016-11-07T18:46:00.001-05:00

Gladstone Hotel's Hard Twist 11: Spin Exhibition Review

My life's path has morphed and transformed to something new and has taken a spin in a totally different direction then I originally planned. So I felt a strong affinity for Gladstone's Hotel newest textile art exhibition aptly named Hard Twist 11: Spin. Now in it's 11th installment, Hard Twist is one of my favourite annual exhibitions at Gladstone Hotel (I have written reviews for Hard Twist 8, Hard Twist 9 and Hard Twist 10).

Hairdress by Annabel Berthoff

One of the Gladstone Hotel's signature events, Hard Twist displays textile art, in its many forms, from a variety of established and up-and-coming artists, each with their own interpretation each year's theme. Spin is this years theme: "to spin is to transform. Whether it’s turning a fleece into yarn for a cozy sweater or rotating a dubious fact through angles of truth, spinning changes what you started with into something very different."

Two Justins by Jen Wilson

Convoluted-Lorenz Manifold by Lynne M Mack

Embroidered Bodies by Ketzia Kobrah

Bearing by Brooke Ripley

Remembering Gram by Wilma Kenny

Remembering Gram (detail) by Wilma Kenny

I have always enjoyed the Hard Twist exhibits and Hard Twist 11 was no exception. There were a few stand-out pieces which included Hairdress, which was both fascinating and a little bit unnerving, as well as the heartwarming Remembering Gram. Hard Twist 11: Spin runs until January 9, 2017. Please visit Gladstone Hotel for more details.

P.s!: Like any of the pieces you see? They are all for sale! And as always the exhibit is free and open to the public every day from 12pm - 5pm.

P.s,

Melanie!

Exhibit: Playdead!

2016-10-25T19:31:00.000-04:00

Stu Dead's Playdead 906 Exhibition Review

I can't think of a better way to celebrate Halloween than visiting Nuvango Gallery's newest art exhibit Playdead 906 by local Toronto artist Stu Dead. You may have seen Stu's artwork throughout the city, including the walls of The (soon to be closing) Hideout bar on Queen Street West and his retail store Playdead Cult, which has moved a few times over the years but now resides in Parkdale.

Stu Dead is a self-taught artist that has been creating art for over 25 years and counts Spanish Culture (including The Day of The Dead), music, and beautiful women among his inspirations.

Stu uses different media and will paint on just about anything that inspires him including album covers, musical instruments and furniture (I would love for him to decorate my apartment:). He also sells his art and clothing printed with his original drawings online as well at his retail location. Playdead 906 is Stu Dead's first art exhibition and is a tribute to some of the most influential bands that inspired Playdead creations for the past 17 years. I have been a fan of Stu Dead ever since I first saw his shop near Dufferin Street and Queen Street West many years ago. And after vising this exhibit and talking to Stu, who has excellent taste in music, I now count him as one of my favourite Canadian artists.

Playdead 906 runs at Nuvango Gallery until October 31 and is free to the public.

P.s!: There are various events happening throughout the exhibition run including live screen printing and art workshops. Please visit Nuvango Gallery for more details.

P.s,

Melanie!