Artist in Residence: Sage Barnes

August 2025 – In collaboration with Park Hyatt Toronto, Yorkville Murals, and Taglialatella Galleries, contemporary American painter Sage Barnes was welcomed as Artist in Residence. Based in Kansas City, Barnes is traditionally known for his bold works in acrylic, oil pastel, and spray paint. This month-long residency offered a rare chance to see him experiment outside of his usual medium.

For the first time, Barnes worked with clay. From August 4^th – 24^th, Park Hyatt’s studio at 2 Avenue Road was transformed into a 24/7 ceramic workshop, where visitors were invited to observe Barnes’ process in real time.“For me personally, I’ve been moving so fast lately and not taking the time to really appreciate the small things,” Barnes shared, reflecting on the inspiration behind the work.

    “They’re just very small things that are kind of mundane if you’re not paying attention to them. We’re consuming everything at such a rapid rate that we don’t even pay attention. It’s kind of like reimagining them in a way. And almost reintroducing them, bringing them into a more solid form. So they stay with us for longer. They’re heavier.”  

Barnes concluded his residency with his exhibit Yard Sale – unveiled as part of the 2025 Yorkville Murals art festival on August 23^rd – 24^th . Installed in the heart of the festival, Yard Sale brought together 15 of the sculptures he had been working on throughout the month, presented for sale in front of a large, disembodied garage door and behind a white picket fence.