What is #ArtandFound?

January 15, 2015, I initiated a social project called #ArtandFound. At the time, I wasn’t ready to sell my work, but I wanted my pieces to go to a loving home where they could spark joy and a good story for years to come. I simply wrapped up my work with a note taped to the outside that read "Hello, I'm an original abstract painting in need of a loving home. FREE ART #ArtandFound." I felt that adding a hashtag would help signify that it was part of a real project and combat any fears of picking up a strange package. I would also leave a note on the inside saying who I was, what the painting was about and contact information for anyone who wanted to follow up with me. I would leave them around different neighbourhoods in Toronto and sometimes watch from afar to see who would pick them up.

Over the years, I have received many lovely notes from people all over the city, expressing gratitude and excitement for their new artwork. Many people told me that it was their first ever original artwork, while others told me it made them feel like they were part of a real community. Knowing that a simple gesture like this could make an impact has kept Art and Found alive for 6 years and now I want you to join!

Art is powerful. It is a catalyst for inspiration, creativity and motivation. It is the perfect tool for societies to connect and share a positive experience.

Can you imagine a day when thousands of artworks from thousands of artists are dropped off in cities all around the world for people to find? That's thousands of people that will be uplifted by your generosity, creativity and talent.

Here's How It Works

• Choose one or more of your artworks big or small - it could be a painting, photograph, drawing, handmade item, music album etc.
• Package it up safely and tape a note to the outside with the hashtag #ArtandFoundDay
• Leave a note on the inside with a little information about the piece and yourself
• Drop it off somewhere in your community on March 12th, 2022
• Share it on social media with the hashtag #ArtandFoundDay and be sure to tag @ArtandFoundDay

Save the Date - March 12th, 2022

If you’re interested in being part of International #ArtandFoundDay, registration will open in January 2022. 

Of course, #ArtandFound doesn’t need to be confined to just one day, so if you do decide to do a mid year "drop," be sure to tag us @artandfoundday so we can help spread the word. t and Found Day, March 12, 2021.

Why March 12th?

Painting has always been both a creative and emotional outlet for me. In my early twenties, I started painting landscapes as a way to combat my crippling anxiety. We can never underestimate the power of flow state. I didn’t think much about my paintings at the time, because frankly they were terrible, but I remember how much my Dad loved them. Every time I came home to visit my parents, I saw another one of my paintings hung on the wall. He even had photos of them set as screen savers on his computer. It meant so much to me, especially since they were NOT good. It showed me that he was not only proud of me, but supportive of my creative endeavours which encouraged me to continue doing it even when my anxiety stopped. A few years later, I lost my Dad in a sudden accident and my life was turned upside down. From that moment on, I spent every free minute I had painting. I used it as an opportunity to put all of the emotions I couldn't express verbally into a form that helped my grieve and ultimately helped me heal. My Dad’s birthday was March 12th.