Emerging Artists
The DECA Arts Fair loves to support emerging artists! Emerging artists are in school - generally high-school or post-secondary, full or part time - and are given the chance to world or artistic passion and study with professional practice by showing and selling their art in a market setting, giving them the opportunity to network with established artists and develop their personal portfolio.
This year we are pleased to present SEVEN emerging artists, supported by the DECA Team, Sponsor Create Art Studio, and Birch and Co. Realty with their Emerging Artist Area. DECA is deeply grateful to both emerging artists sponsors without whom supporting seven artists would not be possible!
Fathima Safna Mohamed Sahileer
My work celebrates the beauty of traditional hand embroidery through carefully crafted, handmade designs. Inspired by nature and cultural patterns, I transform fabric with needle and thread into detailed textile art. Each piece reflects patience, craftsmanship, and the value of slow, mindful making in today’s fast-paced world.
Francesca Conforti
My work explores the intersection of nature, ritual, and the body through handmade ceramics and naturally dyed textiles. Rooted in slow creation, each piece embraces organic form and imperfection, inviting a deeper sense of presence, connection, and everyday ritual.
James Nicolosi-Cao
James Rose is an illustrator who works across media to express their passion for the macabre, queer, and kitsch. The place for haunting, edgy, and adorable stickers, art prints, and zines.
Leighton Fergus
Leighton Fergus is a 16 year old artist who spent her childhood on The Danforth and at Create Art Studio summer camps where she developed a passion for the arts and was exposed to many forms of media, including sculpture, drawing, and watercolour. A long-time attendee of the DECA Arts Fair, the Fair has deeply inspired Leighton's work. She aspires to create unique, whimsical, art that intrigues the soul, by up-cycling common items and infusing them with her own style . She brings life to items that others may not see the potential in with a funky twist. The motto for her Franken Finds business is "up-cycled treasures raised from the dead".
Rabeekah Naeem
Hi, I’m Rabeekah Naeem, the paper quilling artist behind The Little Quiller. I began my business at five, creating handmade cards, jewelry, shadow boxes, and keychains. I turn simple paper strips into detailed, meaningful art, focusing on creativity, precision, and sharing the beauty and joy of handcrafted work.
Raspberry Yow-Fairs
Raspberry Yow-Fairs is a self taught avian illustrator working primarily in watercolour. Her work focuses on drawing attention to details on birds that might not otherwise be noticed, such as bird feet, and highlighting the beauty of birds. She lives and birds in Toronto.
Reissa Lee
Reissa Lee is an oil painter who is drawn to finding the joy in the mundane. She shows gratitude through loosely painting simple objects and moments. Sharing appreciation for the ordinary.