Randy Brown

March 9, 1944 - October 28, 2023

Randy Brown, founder of The Cabbagetown Art & Craft Show, passed away on October 28th, 2023. He leaves an outstanding legacy in his neighbourhood and a lasting impression on the artistic communities he served.

Randy was deeply attached to the show’s venue in Cabbagetown’s Riverdale Park. His Barnyard Arts also ran classes there for local artists. He organized a campaign to “Buy a Brick,” helping create the patio outside Riverdale Farm and prompting the City of Toronto to upgrade the park’s walkways. His opinions were often controversial but, as Edward Keenan noted in the Toronto Star, “the obsessive concern of people like him over seemingly petty details is easy to mock sometimes, but it is also part of the reason his neighbourhood has the particular character and strong sense of community it’s famous for.”

Randy founded the Cabbagetown Art & Craft Show in 1988 and he single-handedly managed and produced the event until the spring of 2022, when ill health prevented him from continuing. It has been a magnificent achievement. His legacy lives on in the hands of a new management team.

His passion, commitment, tireless energy and love was for his community and for the artists who attended the show each year in September. Thank you Randy, for your vision and your leadership. You will be missed.

Randy faced cancer with his trademark tenacity, courage and more than a little stubbornness. Our hearts are with his partner, Meg Sutherland Best, who has been an unstinting supporter of Randy’s vision and a long-time sponsor of the show.