Toronto's Newest Landmark Unveiled

James Carl sculpture becomes the gateway to the Cultural Corridor

TORONTO, May 4, 2012 /CNW/ - With the unveiling of the 1,400-pound sculpture "Thing's End" by internationally renowned local artist James Carl, the entrance to the Festival Tower Condominiums atop TIFF Bell Lightbox becomes the unofficial gateway to the Cultural Corridor at John and King Streets.

The King & John Festival Corporation and Councillor Adam Vaughan unveiled this extraordinary sculpture, as it became Toronto's newest landmark and the public art component of Festival Tower Condominium.

"Daniels has played a substantial part in the success of this Cultural Corridor", Councillor Vaughan said.    "The Reitman family has made contributions to public art and to art institutions.  What is really important is the residents who are showing confidence by moving in and animating these streets."

Mr. Carl's sculpture offers residents and visitors to the Entertainment District, Toronto's premier cultural destination, a dramatic and thought-provoking visual experience befitting the amazing creativity of the surrounding neighbourhood, and the iconic TIFF Bell Lightbox.

"This is a fantastic neighbourhood in a city renowned for its great neighbourhoods, so nothing less than exceptional would do," said Niall Haggart, Executive Vice-President of The Daniels Corporation. "The artist and the work had to be of the highest caliber, and also reflective of this particular location, which is the centrepiece of Toronto's amazing film festival. It's a great pleasure to continue to add depth and interest to the Toronto streetscape, both with this wonderful sculpture and with Festival Tower Condominiums."

Mr. Carl said, "I'm particularly proud that this piece will be part of such a culturally rich location. With 'Thing's End,' I hope to have created something that will resonate with residents and visitors, while making a lasting contribution to the artistic presence of this great neighbourhood."

One of Toronto's leading artists, Mr. Carl's visionary work is sought after for public and private collections in Canada, the USA, Europe and Asia including the National Gallery of Canada and the Art Gallery of Ontario. He has been honoured by the Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts. The materials for his sculptures vary widely, from cardboard to marble, to venetian blinds. Mr. Carl is an associate professor of studio art at the University of Guelph.

About The Daniels Corporation

Over the past two decades, The Daniels Corporation has become one of Canada's preeminent builder/developers and has earned a reputation for quality and integrity in all forms of residential construction. Recently named Tarion Warranty Corporation's 2012 High-Rise Builder of the Year, Daniels has built more than 23,000 homes and apartments in a wide range of award-winning communities across the GTA. The Daniels Corporation continually offers new and innovative programs that help people achieve homeownership. Daniels was chosen to partner with Toronto Community Housing to revitalize Regent Park - 69-acres in the heart of Toronto's downtown. Daniels shares Toronto Community Housing's vision of creating a healthy, sustainable community and looks forward to bringing new vitality to the whole of Toronto's Downtown East neighbourhood. Daniels partnered with renowned filmmaker Ivan Reitman to build TIFF Bell Lightbox, the new home of the Toronto International Film Festival. Festival Tower, an elegant residential tower rises atop TIFF Bell Lightbox - an international destination celebrating the world of film 52 weeks a year.

Image with caption: "Pictured in front of 'Thing's End' (L-R) are: Niall Haggart, Executive Vice-President of The Daniels Corporation, Susan Michaels and Agi Mandel, sisters of the Reitman family, Councillor Adam Vaughan and artist James Carl (back). (CNW Group/Daniels Corporation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120504_C4381_PHOTO_EN_13138.jpg

David Eisenstadt/Rhoda Eisenstadt/Carol King 
The Communications Group Inc.
[phone] ext.36/33/25
[email protected]/[email protected]/[email protected]