Saretta Khan: storytelling through design
As a graphic designer and multidisciplinary artist, Saretta’s work is rooted in storytelling, community, and visual exploration.
Artist Saretta Khan
Construction hoardings, like temporary fences around construction sites, line many Toronto streets. In Regent Park, one is being transformed into something meaningful. It will feature photographs from the neighbourhood and illustrations of the people who call it home.
The hoarding is currently being designed by Saretta Khan, a graphic artist and proud resident of Regent Park. The bright and colourful hoarding will eventually surround the construction site for Phase 4A. This is the location of a new 26-storey rental building at Gerrard Street East and Dreamers Way, and it marks the next chapter of Regent Park’s ongoing transformation. The project was helped by Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) and development partner Tridel.
As a graphic designer and multidisciplinary artist, Saretta’s work is rooted in storytelling, community, and visual exploration. A graduate of the ArtWorksTO program and George Brown College, Saretta has been passionate about art for as long as she can remember. She says that her mother, an artist herself, has been the biggest influence on her work.
Most recently, Saretta designed the illustration and branding for Toronto’s 2024–2025 Newcomer Day event, as well as TCHC and Tridel’s Community Benefits Agreement Vote campaign in Regent Park.
When describing her artistic approach, Saretta said she’s most attracted to themes of diverse cultures and environments, and using bright colours and patterns in drawing people and places.
For the hoarding mural, she wanted to capture everyday scenes in Regent Park. Residents walking their dogs. Construction workers on the job site. Children playing, and seniors exercising in the park. “I wanted to incorporate everything that I’ve seen in the community,” she said.
Her illustrations feature vibrant, diverse characters of all ages, adding visual interest to each of the panels as they frame photos of familiar Regent Park landmarks.
The photos were taken by students from nearby Nelson Mandela Park Public School and Lord Dufferin Public School. Saretta attended Lord Dufferin as a child before relocating to Scarborough for the revitalization project. Returning to Regent Park many years later, Saretta felt even more connected to the community. Through her art, Saretta wishes for everyone to feel that they belong and to “showcase the diversity of which I’m a part.”
