Historicist: "The city that nobody loves"
Elsewhere in the Ist-a-Verse
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Still from Roadsworth: Crossing the Line, courtesy of the National Film Board.
FILM: Just in case you missed it at this year's Hot Docs Festival, the National Film Board is hosting three screenings of Roadsworth: Crossing the Line. The story of Roadsworth (a.k.a. Peter Gibson) is one of activism turned artfulness. Seeing the need for a more cycle-friendly city, he started out by painting bogus bike-path symbols throughout the streets of Montreal in 2001. From there, he moved into subtle street art, adding clever additions to pre-existing asphalt markings using handmade stencils—parking-lot lines became dandelions and dashed street lines were transformed into heart monitor readings. Roadsworth's work sparked controversy among residents of the city, and, to the chagrin of many and the satisfaction of others, he was eventually arrested and charged with fifty-three counts of mischief. In this documentary, Director Alan Kohl provides an in-depth exploration of the issues surrounding art in public spaces and freedom of expression. NFB Mediatheque (150 John Street), 7 p.m., $6 ($4 for students, seniors, and NFB members).
FOOD: The Gladstone Hotel invites you to celebrate the launch of the fourth annual "Harvest Wednesdays," a series of tastings and four-course prix-fixe dinners ($48). From today's first harvest tasting until the final harvest communal dinner ($60) on October 21, Chef Marc Breton will bring a sensational and seasonal experience to diners with a weekly menu inspired by the fresh offerings of over forty local growers. Against a backdrop of live music, guests will sample hors d'oeuvres along with locally produced wines and beers at tonight's tasting. Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen Street West), 6:30–8:30 p.m., $17.50 (purchase tickets online or by calling 416-531-4635 extension 7100).
FILM: Harbourfront Centre presents Free Flicks: Retro Reels, a weekly outdoor film series hosted by former MuchMusic VJ Erica Ehm. The flicks start tonight with Pretty in Pink, starring Brat Pack sweetheart Molly Ringwald, and run every Wednesday until August 12. The line up also includes other '80s classics such as Breakin', Desperately Seeking Susan, Stop Making Sense, Say Anything, and Labyrinth. SIRIUS Satellite Radio Stage, Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West), 9 p.m., FREE.
FAMILY: Today kicks off the two-day Kids’ CBC! KidSummer event, hosted by on-air friendly faces Patty and Sid. Other Kids' CBC stars, such as The Doodlebops, Mamma Yamma, Bus Driver Bob, Lunar Jim, and Huckle Cat will also make appearances. On top of the performances, the kidlets can enjoy crafts, Lego-building, puppet-making, puzzles, and parachute activities. And if that isn't enough excitement for one day, your child will have an opportunity to launch their news-anchor career on the set of the new show, What's Your News? Canadian Broadcasting Centre (250 Front Street West), 10 a.m.–2 p.m., FREE.
FILM: Seattle-based animator and teacher Stefan Gruber is in the midst of a North American tour, making stops in backyards and parks with "Fantasy Pleasure Complex 10." Tonight's one-hour entree of short animated films will showcase Gruber's quirky hand-drawn experimental work. Dessert will be in the form of a potluck, so bring some sweets to share. UTSU Building, University of Toronto (12 Hart House Circle), 8 p.m., FREE (donations appreciated).
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Pete Gibson you're a giant a$$hole.
So who is responsible if a cyclist gets injured or killed using your non-legit bike lanes?
That'd be you.
Hopefully you'll go to jail or get a very painful fine.
"art in public spaces and freedom of expression"? Pffft. What Gibson does is the same as someone yelling FIRE in a movie theatre and claiming it was an expression of free speech.
So I won't see you tonight at the screening, davedave?
Oh davedave.
I don't know what's funnier, your complete overreaction, or your terrible analogy.
Don't ever change.
Yeah, fuc king with road signage and endangering everybody is cool. Thanks for the heads up, jackas s.
Good gord... maybe read a bit first. There are links to his site with his 'statement' that recounts his arrest in MTL.
Went to the screening of Roadsworth last night. No where did I see that he painted "bogus" bike lanes, except once when he had a permit from the city of Montreal to do a 'temporary art installation' on a closed street. Much of the film was about his arrest in Montreal, and the city eventually dropping most of the charges and cutting a deal with him. Between the arrest and this deal, he was invited to cities in Europe to do his thing. Hardly endangering.
Re: bike-path symbols. Please see Roadsworth's Statement or Momentum's article.