“Imagine a world of unlimited possibilities for creativity, governed by laws of logic and symmetry; a harmonious world that comes together like a puzzle with an infinite number of solutions; a world that promotes humanity and civilization -- this is the world we live in. Now, let us transport you there on the wing of a paper crane. Fly with Origami and Learn how to Dream.” 

- University of Toronto F.O.L.D.

This exhibition is designed to be an introductory platform for the University of Toronto Origami Club as well as a chance for the members to celebrate their medium, their imagination and their university. By spanning across two University of Toronto campuses (St.George and UTSC), the exhibition strives to bring these communities closer together, making connections between the students and the general public.

The main artistic goal of "Fly with Origami and Learn how to Dream" is to present an opportunity for origami models to occupy space as thought-provoking art installations. Origami traces its roots back to Japan, and thus, quite naturally, the aesthetic of the show derives from traditional Japanese motifs. The most "present" branch of origami is modular. Hundreds of tiny folded pieces of paper become large sculptures that can take on practically any form. The focus of the show consists of three large modular sculptures: two “porters” (multi-coloured dragons guarding the entrance)  and one “totem” (a beautiful modular deity seated in a paper-lotus pond). Together they create a dream-like vision of a fantastic garden laden with symbolism. The large-scale of the figures (together with ephemeral nature of the subjects), contrasted with their humble means of paper construction, portrays the magic of origami as something sacred.

The next major piece--the emblematic One Thousand Paper Cranes hung from the ceiling on strings--relays the tale of Sadako (a Hiroshima girl who was folding cranes to give her strength during her battle with leukemia). Those familiar with this story, must have wondered - "What would 1000 cranes look like?" The F.O.L.D. effort brings this narrative into the real world. One Thousand Paper Cranes is a classic origami achievement that looks spectacular and points to the club’s charitable activities in its partnership with the Sick Kids Hospital. This piece is available for silent auction with all profits going to the hospital. 

There is also a display of ten mythology/fantasy-related designs conceived by the club’s members and paper-engineers. 100% original, they continue the creative tradition of origami, furthering the concept of unlimited possibilities for paper form and content.

Photography is a way to create two-dimensional visions of three-dimensional models. Black and white as well as colour photos of smaller models will show things and places never seen (like a night sky adorned with multi-coloured paper-star galaxies). Many of the F.O.L.D. members are involved in photography, and this show provides a chance for them to combine the two media. 

As this is the first time that the Origami Club is formally showcasing their work, the main concentration of the show is how the world of origami can live in an art gallery space. The emphasis is on creating a memorable spectacle as well as introducing some of the topics origami has traditionally been dealing with.

The University of Toronto Origami Club is formally known as F.O.L.D. (an acronym for Fly with Origami Learn to Dream), which was the name chosen by the club's founding members.

The club's executive team consists of ten people as well as a much greater number of regular members and occasional participants from UofT and beyond. 

However, for the purposes of this exhibition F.O.L.D. and its members have chosen to present themselves as an art collective. Without crediting individual achievements they highlight their unity. It will take every pair of hands to fold one thousand paper cranes. The club takes pride in the collaborative flow of ideas and mutual decision-making process. Thus, the whole project is produced and curated by F.O.L.D.

In the past, F.O.L.D. has participated in public workshops, charity events and conventions, but has never been exhibited in the "white cube" space of a gallery.

For more information about F.O.L.D. its events and its members please visit: http://utfold.wordpress.com/

F.O.L.D. is interested in displaying their work at two specific UofT venues: 
1. Gallery 1265 at the University of Toronto Scarborough, which is a classic white-cube gallery space that is open to students free of charge. It is equipped with sufficiently bright lighting and tile flooring, which are quite suitable for the purposes of this show.
The three main sculptures will be placed on white wooden pedestals just below the human eye-level. 
Board-mounted photographs will be hung on the walls. 
The paper cranes will be hung off the ceiling on strings. 
For more information about  Gallery 1265 please visit http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~gallery1265/ (content deemed as 'public')
2. Since the club's primary location is St.George campus, the Hart House Talking Walls space was chosen as the secondary display location. 
Talking Walls is also open to student works and is free of charge
A selection of 840mm X 594mm photo-art works will be board-mounted and hung on the walls at Hart House.  For more information please visit: http://www.harthouse.ca/student-engagement/talkingwalls

One of the most rewarding qualities of the origami practice is its accessibility. Origami can be shown and taught to children and adults alike. It can be simple and straignforward or it can be complex. The boundries between cultural backgrouds and education levels are irrelevant in the world of paper-folding. 

F.O.L.D. members themselves come from all walks of life and many different areas of study; therefore, as far as the audience for this show is concerned - everyone is welcome! 

The show appeals to people with a design backgound, people wishing to learn about the healing power of origami (many interesting theories exist about its impact on brain activity and stress relief), families, as well as art thinkers that ponder the eternal question of "what is art?". The viewers will help determine whether paper crafts have a place inside a formal gallery space. 

Artist Fees: $0 (all work is collaborative and volunteer-based) 
Curator's Fees: $0 (likewise) 
Transportation  Costs: $0 - $100 (paper artworks are portable and can be re-assembled on location; therefore, it is possible to use TTC for transport. The theoretical costs should cover TTC fares for members who do not have a metropass) 
Insurance: N/A 
Space Rentals/Equipment Rentals: $0 (no special equipment required. The spaces are available free of change) 
Materials for installation:
$14.99  X 2 - Premier Latex Paint White (Canadian Tire) 
$ 7.99 X 2 - Ergonomic Roller (Canadian Tire)   
$3.99 X 2 - Buildex Flathead screws (Canadian Tire) $44.99 X 3 - 5/8 inch Pressure-Treated Plywood (Home Depot) $119.99 X 1 - Mastercraft Chordless Drill/Driver (Canadian Tire) 
$7.95 X 10 - Hi-Art 27 30''x40'' (Curry's) 
$16.95 X 1 - 3M Spraymount (Curry's)
 $100 - Misc
Sub-Total: $405.36 Tax: $72.96Total: $478.32 
Publicity expences: To reduce cost all publicity will be done online including a downloadable exhibition booklet available from F.O.L.D. website.
TOTAL EXHIBITION COST: $478.32 - $578.32