A 21-year-old Toronto artist has turned a simple idea into a viral summer sensation. Jas Boyd, a biology student at Queen's University, has been setting up shop in Trinity Bellwoods Park offering hand-drawn portraits for just $1. What started as a casual art project quickly took off after a TikTok video showcasing her work gained serious momentum – and even got liked by Drake.

From Basement Hobby to Park Portraits

Boyd's passion for drawing reignited during the pandemic. She spent much of the lockdowns experimenting with different artistic styles, using the time to reconnect with her creative side. What began in her basement has now become a community-building initiative in one of Toronto’s most popular parks.

The inspiration for her low-cost portraits came from a street artist she saw in Boston offering similar sketches for a single dollar. The idea stuck with her, and this summer, she decided to give it a try back home in Toronto.

A Viral Surprise and Growing Community

With school out for the season, Boyd brought some lawn chairs to the park and started drawing. Her first day was quiet, sketching just 15 people. But after she posted a video recap to TikTok, interest exploded. Some recent sessions have seen up to 75 people in one day, with Boyd working for eight hours straight and spending around five minutes per portrait.

People are often surprised by the price, but Boyd says it’s never been about the money. She focuses on creating a warm, welcoming space where strangers can connect over shared stories and spontaneous creativity. Each quick sketch becomes more than just a drawing – it’s a small, memorable moment of connection.

Drake’s Like and What’s Next

Among the thousands who saw her TikTok was Toronto’s own Drake, who liked the video and gave Boyd’s project an unexpected boost in visibility. While the social media buzz has been exciting, Boyd says the most rewarding part has been the conversations and community that have formed around the project.

She plans to keep the $1 portrait series running through the rest of the summer and is open to evolving it further as the weather cools down. Future commissions may be on the horizon, but for now, it’s all about connecting in the park.

Catch Her Before Summer Ends

If you missed her earlier sessions, there’s still time to catch Jas Boyd in action at Trinity Bellwoods Park. She announces new dates and times for her pop-up portrait series on TikTok, where her community continues to grow.

It’s not just about the art. It’s about people, presence, and shared moments. And thanks to a lawn chair, a pencil, and a bit of courage, one Toronto artist is reminding everyone that creativity can bring people together – even for just a dollar.