A week ago today, I was granted the exclusive privilege to attend a meeting with the Honourable David C. Onley - Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in celebration of the TAAFI Animation Arts Festival and all of it’s recent accomplishments. Having preconceived notions of this event, nothing could have prepared me for the whimsical grandeur of regal elegance that this building historically houses. Entering the west wing of the Main Legislative Building, I was captivated by the masterfully meticulous display cases displaying a wealth of historically savoury and powerfully pertinent artifacts of Canadian patrimony. Upon the divulgence of my invitation I was escorted down a hallway encrusted with white marble which to my surprise was euphorically renovated after a devastating fire in 1909.
Entering the waiting room, I was immediately immersed in a wealth of domineering paintings depicting many of the germane figures of Canada’s yesteryear. Another treat was the discovery of a grandfather clock, so old it could easily be deemed the great grandfather of all grandfather clocks. In the main atrium I was presented with an exhibition celebrating culturally and scientifically significant Canadians detailing their contributions to our country’s heritage. After much photo taking, memory amalgamation and a dive into many socially distinguished discussions, were were escorted to the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite.
Sitting with dignitaries of all forms throughout the industry of animation, with all members of TAAFI, it’s founders, and it’s tireless contributors, we were graced with a meaningful commending speech coating all members with permeated praise for their tireless efforts at creating such an explosively positive event. Upon the exhibit of some award winning animation, we retired again to the main entry where wonderful hosts graced us with palatable delicacies and tantalizing tea.
Concluding cognitively stimulating conversation with esteemed dignitaries and animation aficionado's, we were escorted from the premise packed with positive memories and a charged sense of satisfaction toward each of the contributions made to the TAAFI Animation Arts Festival.
A special thanks goes out to the honourable David C. Onley, Barney Wornoff, Ben McEvoy, Rich Duhaney and Mike Nougat for this very unique and rare invitation and to the many volunteers who contributed to the wealth of success that is TAAFI.
Photo credits: Grayden Liang / Canadian Animation Blog - http://www.canadiananimationblog.com, Thadeus Maximus.