Fifty years of making | Toronto Sun

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The one-of-a-kind exhibition marks an iconic moment, celebrating the Canadian artisans who continue to shape our homes—and our hearts—through the beauty of handcrafted design.

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For five decades, the one-of-a-kind show has been the creative pulse of Toronto – a meeting place for Canadian creators, dreamers and designers to share their craft and passion. This year marks its 50th anniversary, a milestone that honors its roots and boldly looks to the future of Canadian design.

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At its core, the show has always been about more than just commerce—it's about culture. “We are seeing a renewed appreciation for objects that feel personal, tactile and connected to nature,” says Janice Leung, one-of-a-kind exhibition director.

“Manufacturers use locally sourced, sustainable materials—reclaimed wood, natural fibers, organic-textured ceramics—that embody a conscious lifestyle.”

This kind of thinking defines contemporary Canadian design: authentic, narrative, and with a deep respect for craft. “Customers want to know who made their product, where it came from and why it matters,” says Leung. “This emotional connection between creator and collector continues to shape the design landscape today.”

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Then, now and further

From handcrafted ceramics to digital textile printing, OOAK has a long history of bridging the gap between tradition and innovation. The 2025 edition continues this evolution. “Our mission is to celebrate traditional methods and explore how they are transformed over time,” says Leung. “We feature artists who work in classical forms—pottery, weaving, fine woodworking—as well as emerging designers who are redefining these techniques with a contemporary lens.”

This sense of continuity underpins the new Vintage section of the exhibition, highlighting craftsmanship that transcends decades. “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, the nostalgia is especially strong,” shares Leung. “The Vintage section honors the idea that timeless design is art made to last.”

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In a culture obsessed with what's next, this new emphasis on meaning seems newly grounded. “People crave authenticity and connection more than ever—objects that tell stories, reflect intentions and carry heritage,” says Leung.

Homegrown, soulful

Among the hundreds of artists featured this year, three standouts represent the diversity and depth of Canadian craft: Adam McNamara, Rachelle Paul and Claire Manning—each with a different perspective, but all united by a love of creativity.

From the Nova Scotia wilderness, Adam McNamara of Adam Mack Wood Art transforms raw wood into breathtaking works of realism through a combination of powerful carvings and fine carving bits. His works often resemble paintings—full of texture, depth and movement—and have been shown in numerous exhibitions in Canada and abroad.

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McNamara's work exists at the intersection of art and nature. “I think of my art as a way to capture beautiful moments in our world,” he says. “The way the grass sways in a field, the way a flower reaches towards the sun or a dragonfly lands gracefully. Beauty is everywhere you look – from the largest creature to the smallest detail. These moments inspire every piece I create.”

For McNamara, community is as important as craft. “To be part of such an amazing group of creatives is incredibly special,” he says. “The best craftsmen, artists and designers from across our country come together to share their work – all in one space.”

When asked to describe his aesthetic, McNamara smiles. “Joyful, bright, beautiful,” he says. His art, like his worldview, is based on gratitude. “I've always believed that art should be in people's homes, not in cold galleries. I want to create works that bring people joy – something they can look at every day and smile.”

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In nearby Halifax, Rachelle Paul of Glasshouse Studios is working with stained glass, but forget the church windows of yore. Her work is playful, modern and sometimes a little edgy. “I’m honored to be a part of a one-of-a-kind show,” she says. “The creative energy of both artisans and clients is contagious—it constantly inspires new ideas and opens doors to exciting opportunities.”

Paul's journey began in 2014 when she learned how to make geometric terrarium decorations for her wedding. “I fell in love with the process from the very first piece I carved and knew I wanted to continue exploring it,” she says.

Ten years later, her work has evolved into contemporary stained glass art—think jewel-toned ice cream cones, sushi rolls and pickles.

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“Botany and nature are central themes in a lot of my work, as is comfort food, because honestly, how can you look at a stained glass ice cream cone and not smile?” she says. Seeing her pieces find a new home and bring a little beauty into someone's world is what she loves most.

Back in Toronto, Claire Manning of Claire Manning Illustrations brings a splash of color and charm to the exhibition. In 2011, she launched a line of home textiles (tea towels, aprons, tote bags), using 100 percent cotton fabrics and screen printing with eco-friendly inks to bring fun motifs to everyday items.

“I can’t imagine my craft practice without the people who put on shows like OOAK,” Manning says. “They are my therapists, cheerleaders, sounding boards and friends. We all support each other.”

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Manning's creations are a real pleasure for both her and her clients. “I love seeing the joy it brings to people!” she says. “I have many repeat customers who come to tell me about their connection to my products. I love hearing how my towels find their way into luggage and travel around the world, how they are lovingly framed in kitchens, and how they become doll blankets for the little ones in the family.” This sincere response fuels her passion. “It inspires me to do more and keep creating!”

The next 50 years

According to Leung, the future of OOAK is the connection between producer and customer, tradition and innovation. “Today's consumers want more than just pretty things—they crave experiences that bring joy and meaning to everyday life,” she says. This spirit fuels the 2025 exhibition, which features an expanded Flavors section and a European-style holiday market that combines food, crafts and community in a way that feels uniquely Canadian.

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However, the show's legacy is just the beginning. “I’m inspired by how fearless and value-driven the next generation of makers are,” says Leung. “They see sustainability not as a trend, but as a foundation. They collaborate openly, using design as a vehicle for storytelling, inclusion and cultural exchange.”

Fifty years later, the one-of-a-kind show remains true to its name—a love letter to Canada's creative spirit, proof that beauty lives in the details, and a reminder that the handmade can still move us.

The show takes place:

November 27 – December 7, 2025

Enercare Centre, Exhibition space

0neofakindshow.com

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