Toonies ‘n’ Loonies: Vivid Visions from the Great North

At Van Der Plas Gallery, three Canadian artists chart a delirious landscape of humor, hysteria, and handmade defiance—offering a vibrant escape from the grind of American headlines.

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By Stephen Wozniak

Toonies N’ Loonies: Three Canadians
Jason McLean, Susan Day and Devon Marinac
May 9–June 8, 2025

Van Der Plas Gallery
156 Orchard Street
New York, NY, 10002
(212) 227-8983
www.vanderplasgallery.com
Hours
Monday–Saturday: 11 am-6 pm
Sunday: 11 am-5 pm

EXCERPT

If you’re feeling drained by the relentless churn of outsized American national newsfeeds, consider a refreshing detour into Toonies ‘n’ Loonies: Three Canadians at Van Der Plas Gallery. This playful, pointed exhibition offers a more intimate, eccentric lens on the world. The three featured artists—distinct in style and medium—share a common thread of erratic line, disheveled gesture, and baroque whimsy. Their works oscillate between deeply personal introspection and chaotic external engagement, revealing both sanctuary and storm. The title, a pun on Canada’s quirky coinage, sets the tone for a show that revels in contradiction and surprise—much like the cultural identity it reflects.