Art exhibits come and go in Toronto, but there’s one happening in the city next month that’s unlike all the others. And there’s one key difference: the artists are cows. The art exhibition, titled Cows on Canvas, features abstract canvas paintings created by actual rescued cows.
The one-day-only exhibit is hosted by Farmhouse Garden Animal House, an animal sanctuary located just outside Toronto in Uxbridge. The event celebrates the 10th anniversary of the animal shelter — and the artists, of course, are residents of the sanctuary! Each cow was rescued by the organization, and have now translated their joy into abstract art pieces.
If you’re curious how these unexpected artists create their paintings, videos from the shelter’s Instagram show the cows using their tongues to spread paint across canvases (with a plastic wrap barrier on top, of course).
Attendees can browse and purchase the cow-created canvases, as well as portrait photography of the sanctuary’s residents and some merchandise. There will also be live musical performances and a curated selection of food and drinks. All proceeds from the evening will directly benefit the sanctuary’s ongoing care and rescue efforts.
“We wanted to mark our 10th year by doing something completely unique that highlights the individuality, intelligence and spirit of our residents,” said Edith Barabash, co-founder of Farmhouse Garden Animal Home.
Barabash said the paintings represent the freedom, safety and joy these animals have found after rescue.
While only cows have created art pieces for this exhibition, there are other rescued residents at the sanctuary, including a flock of chickens and ducks, a horse and a donkey.
The event takes place on Saturday, Nov. 14 at The Lab on Dundas West. Early bird tickets go for $30.