Showing posts with label ~Magicana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ~Magicana. Show all posts

20 January 2024

Magicana accepting nominations for the 2023 Allan Slaight awards

From Magicana:

And, that means the Allan Slaight Awards are now open. These awards recognize outstanding contributions to the art of magic in five categories. The Slaight Family Foundation gives away an astonishing $50,000 per year to acknowledge shining stars, magic makers and wonder sharers, all in an effort to support and encourage this wonderful art of magic.

So, come on, magic friends…. Tell us about an exciting up-and-coming magician you know or have seen. Or, tell us about a fantastic magician who should be recognized for outstanding contributions either as a performer, or from a lifetime of contributions to magic. Maybe you saw an unbelievable performance last year? Or, did you read or learn or gain special insight from a book, podcast or streaming service? Tell us. We want to know.

To make your nomination, simply visit this Allan Slaight Awards page and fill in the blanks. 

Read more and make your nomination.



From the January 19th Instagram post by Sharing Wonder:



 

 

 

 

 

 

20 June 2023

2023 Canadian Rising Star

Congratulations to Atsushi Ono for winning the Allan Slaight Canadian Rising Star award!

Read our previous interviews with Atsuhi:

 

From the June 19th post "Canadian Rising Star 2023" at Magicana:

A dynamic professional magician from Calgary, Atsushi has turned his childhood dream into a thriving career. He raised his game this year by auditioning for Canada’s Got Talent and made his way to the finale round.

Far beyond competitions, Atsushi seeks to further the art of magic. He sets out to bring joy with wonderment. Atsushi has revealed himself to be a thoughtful, hardworking magician, constantly pushing past stereotypes as he embraces the curious ways of being a professional magician. Atsushi’s passion for magic and his quest to be the best performer he can be make him a true rising star.

Read more.

 

From the June 19th Tweet by Magicana:

 

 

 

16 January 2023

Magicana accepting nominations for the 2022 Allan Slaight awards

Still no sign of a category for "Best Blog Focused on Canadian Magicians Run by a Member of IBM Ring 17."  Dang.

 

From Magicana:

And, that means the Allan Slaight Awards are now open. These awards recognize outstanding contributions to the art of magic in five categories. The Slaight Family Foundation gives away an astonishing $50,000 per year to acknowledge shining stars, magic makers and wonder sharers, all in an effort to support and encourage this wonderful art of magic.

So, come on, magic friends…. Tell us about an exciting up-and-coming magician you know or have seen. Or, tell us about a fantastic magician who should be recognized for outstanding contributions either as a performer, or from a lifetime of contributions to magic. Maybe you saw an unbelievable performance last year? Or, did you read or learn or gain special insight from a book, podcast or streaming service? Tell us. We want to know.

To make your nomination, simply visit this Allan Slaight Awards page and fill in the blanks. 

Read more and make your nomination.



 

 

 

 

 

22 June 2022

2022 Canadian Rising Star

Congratulations to Neil Croswell for winning the Allan Slaight Canadian Rising Star award!

 

From the June 20th article "Canadian Rising Star 2022" at Magicana

Past recipients of this award include Mahdi Gilbert, Luc Langevin, Eric Leclerc, Nick Wallace, Carisa Hendrix, The Sentimentalists: Mysterion and Steffi Kay, and Jonah Babins.

This year we are delighted to add NEIL CROSWELL to this bright list of rising stars. Watch the award video and meet this Toronto-based performer who has successfully turned what was a childhood hobby into a busy, thriving career as a touring illusionist.

 

 

 

14 January 2022

Magicana accepting nominations for the 2021 Allan Slaight awards

At this time we'd like to remind you, that the nominees in the 2020 Readers' Choice Awards are an excellent place to start if you're looking for potential nominees!

Still no sign of a category for "Best Blog Focused on Canadian Magicians Run by a Member of IBM Ring 17."  Dang.

 

From Magicana:

Nominations are now being accepted for work completed in 2021. The deadline for nominations is April 3, 2022. Nominations received after the deadline will be kept on file and considered for the following year.

Thank you for considering nominating someone for the Allan Slaight Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in the pursuit of the impossible. The nomination process consists of four steps:
  1. Your information
  2. Information about your nominee
  3. Supporting documentation
  4. Reviewing your information and submitting

 

In addition to basic information about you and your nominee, you will also have the opportunity to provide
  1. A biography (up to 4500 characters)
  2. A description of the work and why you are nominating this person (up to 1800 characters)

 Read more and submit your nominations!

 

 

 

14 November 2021

Magicana recipient of the 2021 Founders Award

Congratulations to Julie Eng and David Ben!

 

From the November 8th Tweet by Magicana:

Magicana is the 2021 Founders Award recipient  for “long-standing and exemplary accomplishments in the disciplines of magic collecting & magic history that ... reflect the mission & ideas of the New England Magic Collectors Association.”  Thank you for this tremendous honour!

 

23 June 2021

2021 International Rising Star

Congratulations to Billy Kidd for winning the Allan Slaight International Rising Star award!

 

From the June 22st article "International Rising Star 2021" at Magicana

The Allan Slaight International Rising Star Award acknowledges outstanding work by an up-and-coming magician and comes with a prize of $5,000 from the Slaight Family Foundation—and it also includes an iPad to commemorate the occasion. Past recipients of this award are: Henry Vargas of Brazil, Jorge Blass of Spain, Edward Hilsum of Great Britain, Noah Levine of the United States, Ding Yang of China, and Diego Vargas of Costa Rica.

We are delighted to add BILLY KIDD of Great Britain, to the growing international list of dynamic performers.

Read more.


 

2021 Canadian Rising Star

Congratulations to Jonah Babins for winning the Allan Slaight Canadian Rising Star award!


From the June 21st article "Canadian Rising Star 2021" at Magicana

As is our tradition, we start off by introducing you to this year’s Canadian Rising Star. This award acknowledges outstanding work by emerging Canadian magicians, and comes with a prize of $5,000 from the Slaight Family Foundation. Past recipients of this award include Mahdi Gilbert, Luc Langevin, Eric Leclerc, Nick Wallace, Carisa Hendrix and The Sentimentalists (Mysterion and Steffi Kay).

We are thrilled to now include JONAH BABINS on this impressive list of rising stars.

We invite you to meet this energetic Toronto-based magician. Jonah is an accomplished and impressive performer who is dedicated to building and fostering an inclusive and interesting community. A true rising star.






11 January 2021

Magicana accepting nominations for the 2020 Allan Slaight awards

At this time we'd like to remind you, that one of our voters in our 2020 Readers' Choice Awards suggested that "Regardless of who wins, I hope they are all considered for Allan Slaight awards.That's an excellent place to start if you're looking for potential nominees!

Still no sign of a category for "Best Blog Focused on Canadian Magicians Run by a Member of IBM Ring 17."

 

From Magicana:

Nominations are now being accepted for work completed in 2020. The deadline for nominations is April 2, 2021. Nominations received after the deadline will be kept on file and considered for the following year.

Thank you for considering nominating someone for the Allan Slaight Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in the pursuit of the impossible. The nomination process consists of four steps:
  1. Your information
  2. Information about your nominee
  3. Supporting documentation
  4. Reviewing your information and submitting

 

In addition to basic information about you and your nominee, you will also have the opportunity to provide
  1. A biography (up to 4500 characters)
  2. A description of the work and why you are nominating this person (up to 1800 characters)

 Read more and submit your nominations!

 


29 December 2020

2020 Readers' Choice award results

 Thank you all for participating in the spirit in which the awards were intended:

a fun way to recognize and celebrate all of the wonderful things being done by the fabulous talent in our country.


Over 190 votes were cast in this "bragging rights" only contest.  You all have a lot of devoted fans!

Here are the results of our fifth annual "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

 

Some general comments were submitted:

  • "Regardless of who wins, I hope they are all considered for Allan Slaight awards."
     
    Excellent observation, I hope that our readers respond accordingly when Allan Slaight Award nominations open in the New Year!
      
  • "They were all Fantastic," "Everyone is great!"
     
  • "Thanks again for doing this... "
     
    You are very welcome!  Thank you for helping spread the word about Canada's wonderful talent!

 

 

Beacons of Inspiration (in alphabetical order by surname)


2020 Beacon of Inspiration: Gwyn Auger
Gwyn Auger (aka The Magic Assistant)

Nominated by Jonathan I. who wrote:
"The bigger the magic, the more important all of the team players are, and when it comes to a magic community, the same definitely applies. For me, personally, when I returned to magic about 10 years ago, Gwyn kindly befriended me (not knowing who I was) and it’s been an important part of my ongoing journey through the art of magic. She’s been quite an ambassador for the art and is one of those glues that holds a community together—which is especially important during a time like this. So, I humbly nominate Gwyn for this recognition."

Editor's note:

Website: Magician.org/member/magicassistant.

 

Comments from Gwyn's fans include:
-
Gwyn Rocks!







2020 Beacon of Inspiration: Ryan Joyce and Graeme Reed

Ryan Joyce and Graeme Reed (aka Graemazing)

Nominated by Ryan P. who wrote:
"They have been producing a ton of stuff, podcasts, tv shows, pizza parties and more all giving an opportunity for other Canadian magicians to perform and connect. The high quality standards of their production are certainly inspiring to me!"

Additionally, Graeme was nominated by Doug H. who wrote:
"He has not let COVID 19 interfere with his ability to present his magic. He has and continues to perform his excellent Magic in awesome creative ways - online. He is not only the most entertaining guy I know, he's Graemazing!"

Editor's note:

 

Website:  RyanJoyce.com and GraemeReedMagic.com.




Comments from Ryan and Graeme's fans include:
-
These guys are amazing. Entertaining and creative.
-
Graeme is great, but that Ryan guy is ...
  [Editor's note:  Ryan, cut that out!]






2020 Beacon of Inspiration: Magicana

Magicana (David Ben and Julie Eng)
Nominated by Ben T. who wrote:
"My nomination this year is Magicana. Not only did they start the year off by helping curate the Art of Illusion exhibit at the AGO - which created all sorts of new magic fans - but they also mobilized quickly to set up the "Allan Slaight Magicians Relief Fund" to help magicians across Canada deal with the pandemic."
"Because of all that they've done for the community this year, I nominate Magicana!"

Editor's note:
  • The Illusions: The Art of Magic exhibit at the AGO featured more than 55 colourful vintage posters from the Allan Slaight Collection, in addition to employing many local magicians.
  • They handled the implementation and administration of the Allan Slaight Relief Fund, which helped to defray cost-of-living expenses incurred by professional Canadian magicians early in The Great Pause.
  • Magicana also runs the annual Allan Slaight Awards which recognize excellence in magic.

 

Website:  Magicana.com



Comments from Magicana's fans include:
-
The work this team puts together is essential to our magic community. They are truly keeping the spirit alive.
-
that AGO thing was awesome for bringing magic to a multitude of muggles





2020 Beacon of Inspiration: Phil Pivnick

Phil Pivnick (aka WonderPhil)
Nominated by Ian C. who wrote:

"Phil is already Toronto’s best family and children’s entertainer (A1 media) and has a 5 star rating on Google and YELP.  But apart from that he is truly a really nice guy. He’s recently started creating magic for sale to the magic community demonstrating his creativity.  He’s really helpful to anyone who asks.  Sitting down for a session with Phil is a roller coaster of ideas.  What if we do this, how about this or that move.  I’ve always been impressed with his business sense and it shows in his marketing and shows."

Editor's note:

Website: MagicInToronto.com






2020 Nominee: Romaine

Romaine (aka Roman Szydlowski)

Nominated by Luiz C. who wrote:
"I nominate Romaine ( Roman Szydlowski).  He has been one of Canada's hidden talent for too long.  He shared stage with the best magicians, has been a mentor to many famous magicians and inspiration to thousands.  If you ever had a chance to sit down with him you know that you always learned something new from him."


Editor's note:



Comments from Romaine's fans include:
-
Best Canadian manipulator of all times.
-
While Romaine is not as active in magic these days, and in poor health, this man deserves credit for his longevity and talent.



Editor's Choice


2020 Editor's Choice: Alex Zander

Alex Zander

Nominated by Shawn F. who wrote:
"I would like to nominate Alex Zander, who during this year has united magicians, not only in Canada but around the world by using the IBM JAM online to bring magic into the homes of all of us at no cost. For the first thirty days of the lock down we had a lecture every single day and now, eight months later the IBM JAM continues on a weekly basis to offer all magicians a way to connect. He gained nothing personally from doing this task and it taxed his free time greatly. It's inspiring to see the selfless acts of another in support of the greater good."

 

Editor's note:
  • Alex, the youngest IBM President, finished his term with tough decisions to make about the IBM Convention.
  • He was part of the organizing committee for this year's virtual PCAM.

 
Website: GottaBeMagic.com

Comments from Alex's fans include:
-
Hope he wins! He’s worked so hard this whole year and has had many sleepless nights from working out all the tech issues and he deserves this!
-
I have attended many of the IBM JAMs (lectured at one too) so I know the great value they've been in keeping the magic community connected when we can't connect in person. Alex even took time to virtually attend my magic club's first digital meeting back in April. He is a tireless worker for the greater good of magicians everywhere and I can't think of a more worthy recipient of the 2020 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!
-
He’s a kind a generous guy...helped me (a total stranger) get tix to the Magic Castle for my 50th for my best friend, mom and husband. It was so special. Thank you Alex!
-
Amazing leadership at such a young age!
-
A huge thank you for Alex organizing all the IBM JAMs!! Loved them, a great distraction from all the craziness.


 

Readers' Choice

2020 Readers' Choice: Carisa Hendrix, Miranda Allen, and Richard Lee


Carisa Hendrix, Miranda Allen, and Richard Lee (aka Team Lucy Darling, The Star Ship Quarantine)
 
Nominated by Anonymous.

Congratulations to Carisa, Miranda, and Richard for winning the 2020 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

Keep up the great work!

Website: CarisaHendrix.com, MirandaAllen.ca, and NorthernLightTheatre.com/richard-lee-hsi/.

 

Comments from Carisa, Miranda, and Richard's fans include:
-
To go from regularly performing all over the world to a consistent string of high quality online shows (with some runs lasting for months) is a phenomenal effort in these unprecedented times.
- They are absolutely wonderful!!!!
-
I am beyond inspired by how these three built an amazing remote show while quarantined together, including building pieces of their set. I'm grateful for their existence!
-
Sparkle and joy were in short supply till Lucy did her online show
-
All nominees sound outstanding, but the level of professionalism, innovation, dedication, and prestidigitation that Team Lucy Darling puts into their performances is outstanding to say the least. They are the clear winners of this competition and I'd award it to them, not just for the great country of Canada, but arguably for the world as well.

 

 

  

 

 














 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

09 December 2020

Vote now for the 2020 Readers' Choice Award

Reader's Choice logo 

The nominations are closed and voting is now open for the fifth annual 2020 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

Take a moment to acknowledge that this has been an extraordinary year.  Many of you embraced new skills and a new performing landscape.  Some of you took on work outside of performing.  Some of you continue to struggle with the day-to-day.  No matter your situation, give yourself a pat on the back.  You've made it this far.  To paraphrase Tom Brady, you didn't come this far to only come this far.  You've got this!

Congratulations to everyone for inspiring someone(s) enough for them to submit your name!  (I'm always tempted at this point, to declare all of the nominees as winners and not bother with the voting part. However, a vote was promised and a vote there shall be.)

Voting will close on Wednesday, December the 23rd at 11:59pm EST.

To vote, scroll down to the bottom of this post and participate in the poll. (Click through the Google Forms link if the poll does not appear in your browser.)

Let's have a look at the nominees (listed in alphabetical order by surname):


2020 Nominee: Gwyn Auger
Gwyn Auger (aka The Magic Assistant)

Nominated by Jonathan I. who wrote:
"The bigger the magic, the more important all of the team players are, and when it comes to a magic community, the same definitely applies. For me, personally, when I returned to magic about 10 years ago, Gwyn kindly befriended me (not knowing who I was) and it’s been an important part of my ongoing journey through the art of magic. She’s been quite an ambassador for the art and is one of those glues that holds a community together—which is especially important during a time like this. So, I humbly nominate Gwyn for this recognition."

Editor's note:

Website: Magician.org/member/magicassistant.





2020 Nominee: Carisa Hendrix, Miranda Allen, and Richard Lee

Carisa Hendrix, Miranda Allen, and Richard Lee (aka Team Lucy Darling, The Star Ship Quarantine)

Nominated by Anonymous.
"They took the lockdown by storm. In their isolation they created a unique virtual performance that was simultaneously witty, creative and magical with a wicked blend of technology and Lucy Darling sass. Surely that counts as inspiration."

Editor's note:
Website: CarisaHendrix.com, MirandaAllen.ca, and NorthernLightTheatre.com/richard-lee-hsi/.




2020 Nominee: Ryan Joyce and Graeme Reed

Ryan Joyce and Graeme Reed (aka Graemazing)

Nominated by Ryan P. who wrote:
"They have been producing a ton of stuff, podcasts, tv shows, pizza parties and more all giving an opportunity for other Canadian magicians to perform and connect. The high quality standards of their production are certainly inspiring to me!"

Additionally, Graeme was nominated by Doug H. who wrote:
"He has not let COVID 19 interfere with his ability to present his magic. He has and continues to perform his excellent Magic in awesome creative ways - online. He is not only the most entertaining guy I know, he's Graemazing!"

Editor's note:

 

Website:  RyanJoyce.com and GraemeReedMagic.com.






2020 Nominee: Magicana

Magicana (David Ben and Julie Eng)
Nominated by Ben T. who wrote:
"My nomination this year is Magicana. Not only did they start the year off by helping curate the Art of Illusion exhibit at the AGO - which created all sorts of new magic fans - but they also mobilized quickly to set up the "Allan Slaight Magicians Relief Fund" to help magicians across Canada deal with the pandemic."
"Because of all that they've done for the community this year, I nominate Magicana!"

Editor's note:
  • The Illusions: The Art of Magic exhibit at the AGO featured more than 55 colourful vintage posters from the Allan Slaight Collection, in addition to employing many local magicians.
  • They handled the implementation and administration of the Allan Slaight Relief Fund, which helped to defray cost-of-living expenses incurred by professional Canadian magicians early in The Great Pause.
  • Magicana also runs the annual Allan Slaight Awards which recognize excellence in magic.

 

Website:  Magicana.com




2020 Nominee: Phil Pivnick

Phil Pivnick (aka WonderPhil)
Nominated by Ian C. who wrote:

"Phil is already Toronto’s best family and children’s entertainer (A1 media) and has a 5 star rating on Google and YELP.  But apart from that he is truly a really nice guy. He’s recently started creating magic for sale to the magic community demonstrating his creativity.  He’s really helpful to anyone who asks.  Sitting down for a session with Phil is a roller coaster of ideas.  What if we do this, how about this or that move.  I’ve always been impressed with his business sense and it shows in his marketing and shows."

Editor's note:

Website: MagicInToronto.com





2020 Nominee: Romaine

Romaine (aka Roman Szydlowski)

Nominated by Luiz C. who wrote:
"I nominate Romaine ( Roman Szydlowski).  He has been one of Canada's hidden talent for too long.  He shared stage with the best magicians, has been a mentor to many famous magicians and inspiration to thousands.  If you ever had a chance to sit down with him you know that you always learned something new from him."


Editor's note:




2020 Nominee: Alex Zander

Alex Zander

Nominated by Shawn F. who wrote:
"I would like to nominate Alex Zander, who during this year has united magicians, not only in Canada but around the world by using the IBM JAM online to bring magic into the homes of all of us at no cost. For the first thirty days of the lock down we had a lecture every single day and now, eight months later the IBM JAM continues on a weekly basis to offer all magicians a way to connect. He gained nothing personally from doing this task and it taxed his free time greatly. It's inspiring to see the selfless acts of another in support of the greater good."

 

Editor's note:
  • Alex, the youngest IBM President, finished his term with tough decisions to make about the IBM Convention.
  • He was part of the organizing committee for this year's virtual PCAM.

 
Website: GottaBeMagic.com

 

 

Vote now!

In an effort to combat bots and spam, you are required to sign into a Google account before voting.  Your vote will not be shared.  Your email address will not be used for marketing.

 

 

  

 

 














07 November 2020

New England Magic Collectors Association virtual gathering

From the November 2nd post at Magicana:

For the first time in its thirty-four year history, the Gathering is going virtual.

Maintaining its legendary anchors of being an informative and social event, NEMCA has planned an incredibly wonderful and jam-packed weekend on November 14 and 15, including special tributes for guests of honour, Peter Lane and Byron Walker.

The best part? You can enjoy this entire conference from the comfort, and safety, of your own home.

Lectures, discussion panels, social breaks and even an auction are all planned for this online extravaganza. For only $25 you can be part of two full days of wide-ranging topics exploring the likes of, collecting Houdini, seldom-seen gambling books, women in magic’s history, and—wow—collections, collections, collections.

Read more and register.

 

 

 

 

 

12 August 2020

"Illusions: The Art of Magic" in Apollo Magazine

I had the good fortune to visit this exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario back in February.  You can read my "Random thoughts about 'Illusions: The Art of Magic.'"

"Illusions: The Art of Magic" is scheduled to close at the AGO on November 8th.



From the July 24th article "Illusions: The Art of Magic" in Apollo Magazine:
The celebrity performers of their day, magicians were integral to the show-business boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, embarking on worldwide tours to dazzle audiences with their tricks and stunts. This display of posters, photographs and archival documents at the Art Gallery of Ontario (until 8 November) explores the remarkable feats of performers such as Harry Kellar and Harry Houdini, as well as lesser known magicians such as Adelaide Herrmann, while a series of projections shines a light on famous illusions of the era.




30 June 2020

2020 Canadian Rising Star

Congratulations to Chris Mysterion and Steffi Kay, The Sentimentalists, on winning the Canadian Rising Star award!


From the June 29th article "Canadian Rising Star 2020" at Magicana:

We are so excited to share the news.

Every day this week, we will announce a recipient for each category of the Allan Slaight Awards on behalf of the Slaight Family Foundation.

We are delighted start by naming this year’s 2020 Canadian Rising Star—make that Stars.

This award acknowledges outstanding work by an emerging Canadian magician and it comes with a prize of $5,000 from the Slaight Family Foundation, and it also includes an engraved iPad to commemorate the occasion. Past recipients of this award include Mahdi Gilbert, Luc Langevin, Eric Leclerc, Nick Wallace and Carisa Hendrix.

Read more.



25 March 2020

Breaking news: Allan Slaight Relief Fund for Professional Magicians

With tremendous thanks to the Slaight Family Foundation for their generosity!


From Magicana:
And just like that, the Canadian magic industry has vanished.

In response to difficult and devastating times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for magicians who work in the gig economy, the Slaight Family Foundation has pledged to help.

Allan Slaight Relief Fund 


To contribute during these trying times, the Foundation has established the Allan Slaight Relief Fund of $150,000 to help defray cost-of-living expenses incurred by professional Canadian magicians. The Slaight Family Foundation has partnered with Magicana to administer the payment of funds to applicants who meet eligibility.
The relief fund was initiated to help with monthly costs, such as groceries, utilities, phone and Internet bills, up to a maximum of $500 per application. Because of the uncertainty of how long we must maintain strict social distancing, applicants can reapply for assistance thirty days after receiving a prior payment, until the fund is depleted.
If you are a Canadian citizen, living in Canada, working as a full-time professional in magic with at least three years of experience, you are eligible for funding assistance. We understand that many magicians are semi-professionals. We would, however, ask that applications at this time be reserved for those who rely on magic as their sole source of income.

Read more to learn about the application process.




20 February 2020

Random thoughts about "Illusions: The Art of Magic"

Visit "Illusions: The Art of Magic" February 22nd to May 18, in the AGO’s Sam & Ayala Zacks Pavillion.

The exhibition is free for AGO Members, AGO Annual Pass holders and visitors 25 years and under.
I participated in the recent media preview of the upcoming AGO exhibition, "Illusions: The Art of Magic," which features more than 55 colourful vintage posters from the Allan Slaight Collection.*  The collection is guest curated by Magicana’s artistic director and historian David Ben.



Adolph Friedländer, Comedians de Mephisto Co.
Adolph Friedländer, Comedians de Mephisto Co. Allied with Le Roy-Talma-Bosco, 1905. 186.5 × 266.5 cm. M2014.128.318. ©McCord Museum



The exhibition is a journey back to the Golden Age of Magic.  During this time magicians of the late 19th and early 20th centuries were among the first artists to embark on international tours.  Promotional posters portrayed magician's magical powers through illustrated advertisements ranging in size from postcards to wall-sized posters.

“These posters tell us so much about that time – the public’s fascination with Asia, with spiritualism, the occult and the changing role of women in society,” says Julian Cox, the AGO’s Deputy Director and Chief Curator. “Toronto was a popular stop on the international touring circuit for magicians, and Houdini performed here numerous times over his career. These works and the stories behind them remain as captivating today as they were one hundred years ago.”

The Metropolitan Printing Company, Adelaide Herrmann and Company, About 1905, 20th century, 76.7 x 50.2 cm. Purchase, funds graciously donated by La Fondation Emmanuelle Gattuso. M2014.128.207. © McCord Museum



Listen to the February 18th interview with Julie Eng in the CBC q studio where she talks about the exhibit, cultural appropriation, the role of women in magic, and how many of their stories have been overshadowed and forgotten.
There are many focal points within the exhibition, such as: women in magic, spiritualism, cultural appropriation, and the symbolism of devils, skulls, & demons.



More than posters.

In addition to the beautiful posters, there are wonderful video clips too.  For example:

A still shot from video of Harry Blackstone and his dancing handkerchief

A still shot from an interview with Julie Eng talking about her life in magic.

A still shot from video of Houdini's variation of a forearm riffle.




Keep an eye open for these "hole in the wall" viewing portals to catch a peek of more video!



Make your own magic poster
There's a station where you can digitally create your own magic poster!  (Complete with a legend that explains what all the animals and other objects on the posters represent.)



The exhibition also features other magcially historical items such as:
  • wonderful selections from David Ben's collection, including Hofzinser cards and items particular to magic in Toronto (including a vistors' book from Arcade Magic!)
  • handcuffs used by Houdini, and
  • Houdini's straitjacket

Hofzinser cards from David Ben's collection

Visitor book from Arcade Magic.  From David Ben's collection.

Houdini's straitjacket.


Av Yaga, Alexander, the Man Who Knows, 1915, 20th century
207.9 x 107.7 cm. Purchase, funds graciously donated by La Fondation Emmanuelle Gattuso. M2014.128.3. © McCord Museum

But wait!  There's more!

There will be daily live performances at the exhibition provided by the Toronto Magic Company.  Confirmed performers include:

- James Alan (Classics of Magic)
- Jonah  Babins (Interactive Impossibilities)
- Harry Zimmerman and Chris Mayhew (Close-Up Magic)
- Toronto Magic Showcase
- Toronto Magic Company (Making Magic)
- Ben Train (Mental Mysteries)

Check the Toronto Magic Company website for the performance schedule.






Visit "Illusions: The Art of Magic" February 22nd to May 18, in the AGO’s Sam & Ayala Zacks Pavillion.   The exhibition is free for AGO Members, AGO Annual Pass holders and visitors 25 years and under.


--
* ABOUT THE ALLAN SLAIGHT COLLECTION
Acquired by the McCord Museum thanks to La Fondation Emmanuelle Gattuso, the Allan Slaight Collection is one of the world’s largest collections of rare magic posters comprising more than 600 posters and more 1,000 documents and rare books. The collection was named in honour of the Canadian businessman and magic enthusiast Allan Slaight.

11 January 2020

Magicana accepting nominations for the 2019 Allan Slaight awards

Still no sign of a category for "Best Blog Focused on Canadian Magicians Run by a Member of IBM Ring 17."
 
 

From Magicana:
Nominations are now being accepted for work completed in 2019. The deadline for nominations is April 3, 2020. Nominations received after the deadline will be kept on file and considered for the following year.

Thank you for considering nominating someone for the Allan Slaight Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in the pursuit of the impossible.  The nomination process consists of four steps:
  1. Your information
  2. Information about your nominee
  3. Supporting documentation
  4. Reviewing your information and submitting

In addition to basic information about you and your nominee, you will also have the opportunity to provide
  1. A biography (up to 750 words)
  2. A description of the work and why you are nominating this person (up to 300 words)

Read more and submit your nominations.




02 August 2019

Toronto: Golden Age of Magic

From Magicana:
In February 2020, the Golden Age of Magic will once again emerge—this time in Toronto—in the forthcoming exhibition, Illusions: The Art of Magic at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO).
Originally curated by Christian Vachon of the McCord Museum in Montreal, and guest curated by Magicana’s artistic director and historian David Ben, the exhibition will showcase fifty-five gorgeous, vintage posters from the Allan Slaight Collection of the McCord Museum. The exhibition celebrates magic’s greatest luminaries, including the one and only Harry Houdini, highlighting photographs, films, documents, autographs and objects once belonging to Houdini.

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From the Sharing Wonder Twitter feed:


25 June 2019

Congratulations to the 2018 Canadian Rising Star

The winners of Magicana's Allan Slaight awards will be announced every day this week, starting yesterday. Special congratulations to Carisa Hendrix for winning the Canadian Rising Star award!


From the Magicana Twitter feed:

07 May 2019

Magicana recipient of AMA Literary and Media Fellowship

Congratulations to David Ben, Julie Eng, and everyone else who has poured their energy into Magicana, the 2018 recipient of the Academy of Magical Arts Literary and Media Fellowship!


From the Magicana Twitter feed:
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