Explore offerings from local growers and take part in a drop-in arranging workshop as West Block blooms into a summer flower market. Guided by the new Step-Up Series mural’s floral imagery and striking colour palette, these sessions connect contemporary practice with cultural traditions and invite visitors into a shared moment of creativity.
Inspired by the lush floral motifs woven throughout Anahita Akhavan’s مجلس Majles / Sitting Room mural, West Block blooms into a vibrant early afternoon flower market—an immersive celebration of colour, scent, and the bounty of summer.
Echoing the rich visual language of Iranian textiles and rug-making traditions, this outdoor event transforms the site into a sprawling flower market. Stalls of seasonal flowers and foliage fill the space, inviting visitors to wander, linger, and take part in the sensory experience. Bouquets draw inspiration from the mural’s palette—deep reds, soft pinks, and intricate botanical forms—offering a chance to carry a piece of the artwork into everyday life.
Throughout the afternoon, visitors are invited to engage more deeply through a drop-in workshop. Led by contemporary art collective Waard Ward, this beginner-friendly session introduces the basics of floral arranging—exploring composition, balance, and the storytelling potential of plants. Participants can create their own arrangement using seasonal materials, learning techniques that reflect both contemporary practice and long-standing cultural traditions rooted in care, generosity, and exchange from the SWANA region.
Part market, part workshop, part gathering, this event reimagines West Block’s staircases and upper landing as a living tapestry, where art extends beyond the architecture and into the hands of the community. Whether browsing, making, or simply enjoying in the atmosphere, everyone is welcome at this joyful intersection of public art, nature, and shared creativity.
What to expect:
- This event will take place outdoors in and around West Block. The event will go ahead rain or shine. Follow along on our social media for live updates in the event of extreme weather.
- One flower arranging workshop will take place along the West Block staircase, scheduled for 12:00pm.
- Registration is free and available on a first-come-first served basis to a maximum of 40 participants.
- All skill levels are welcome – no previous floristry experience necessary.
- Youth under 16 must be accompanied by a caregiver.
- Event assistants with Bentway shirts will be available near the site entrances to West Block along Bathurst Street to assist in directing those who may need an accessibility entrance. For questions about accessibility at this event, please email us: [email protected]
- Photography, video, and audio recording may occur. By participating in any Step-Up Series activities, you consent to such recording and to the release, publication, exhibition or reproduction of these recordings and photographs by The Bentway or Choice Properties.
Curated by The Bentway and Toronto Flower Market and presented in partnership with Choice Properties.
