This Free Toronto Pop-Up Turns Childhood Candy Into Art — And It’s All Made From Paper
If childhood candy aisles still bring back memories, a new free Toronto pop-up is turning that nostalgia into an entire art exhibition.
Toronto artist Alex Dunsmuir is bringing Sweet Reams: Paper Candy & Confectionery Pop-up Shop to Northern Contemporary gallery on Roncesvalles Avenue from September 30 to October 6, 2026.
At first glance, the colourful treats look good enough to eat. Look closer, though, and you’ll realize everything is handmade entirely from paper.
A Candy Shop Where Nothing Is Actually Edible
Sweet Reams takes inspiration from the candies, chocolates and packaging that shaped Dunsmuir’s childhood.
The installation combines hyperrealistic paper confections with carefully researched recreations of familiar retro packaging. Visitors can expect oversized versions of nostalgic favourites alongside distinctly Canadian classics, including Thrills gum, Lucky Elephant Pink Popcorn, Pop Rocks, Popeye cigarettes, Sweetarts and Fun Dip.
Each piece is created through intricate paper techniques, with materials cut, layered, folded, crimped and rolled to recreate the textures and details of the original sweets.
More Than 100 Handmade Paper Truffles
The exhibition goes well beyond oversized candy packaging.
Sweet Reams features more than 100 handmade paper chocolate truffles, candy jars filled with paper treats and vintage candy advertisements transformed into layered paper cuttings.
There’s even a retrofitted gum vending machine. Instead of dispensing gum, the machine gives visitors miniature prints of Dunsmuir’s artwork.
The result is part candy store, part art installation and plenty of childhood nostalgia.
You Can Make Your Own Paper Confections, Too
Sweet Reams isn’t only meant to be viewed.
Dunsmuir will be at the gallery throughout the exhibition to lead hands-on paper-confection workshops, giving visitors an opportunity to explore the techniques behind the work.
There will also be a free maker event inspired by candy-wrapper bracelets, a craft that was popular during the 1970s. Participation is first come, first served and available while quantities last.
Sweet Reams Toronto: What You Need to Know
- What: Sweet Reams: Paper Candy & Confectionery Pop-up Shop
- Where: Northern Contemporary Gallery (420 Roncesvalles Ave., Toronto)
- When: September 30–October 6, 2026
- Hours: 12 PM–6 PM daily
- Admission: Free
- Artist: Alex Dunsmuir
- More information: freshcutpaperstudio.com
- Instagram: @freshcutpaperstudio
Whether you remember picking the best chocolate from the box, sneaking sweets from Grandma’s purse or saving your favourite candy for last, Sweet Reams offers a playful way to revisit those memories—without the sugar rush.
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