Creative Coffee Break Blog Series: Part One

At home all day and looking for a creative or educational coffee break? Look no further! We have compiled a list of interesting reads, film festivals, virtual adventures and more you can do at home this week from the comfort of your couch.

If you are in a position to do so, please remember to support any creatives whose work you are enjoying during this time.

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Activity #1: Great Read! This Place: 150 Years Retold

Image source: CBC Books

Explore the past 150 years through the eyes of Indigenous creators in this groundbreaking graphic novel anthology. Beautifully illustrated, these stories are a wild ride through magic realism, serial killings, psychic battles and time travel. See how Indigenous peoples have survived a post-apocalyptic world since Contact.

Contributors include: Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm, Sonny Assu, Brandon Mitchell, Rachel and Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley, David A. Robertson, Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair, Jen Storm, Richard Van Camp, Katherena Vermette, Chelsea Vowel, Tara Audibert, Kyle Charles, GMB Chomichuk, Natasha Donovan, Scott B. Henderson, Ryan Howe, Andrew Lodwick, Scott A. Ford, Donovan Yaciuk and Alicia Elliott.

This book is available at many online retailers including: Chapters Indigo, Amazon and more.

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Activity #2: Field Trip — Art Across Canada

Image source: Books & Brushes Field Trip: The Overstory by Richard Powers — May 12 @ 11:30AM (CDT)

Field Trip: Art Across Canada is a new online platform to deliver arts experiences with some of Canada’s most celebrated artists in a national partnership with leading arts organizations. From children’s programs to artist talks and workshops, these activities are designed to advance the work of our nation’s organizations through digital platforms for different age groups, on a range of subjects, that engage communities and support artists, particularly during the challenges presented during a pandemic.

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Activity #3: Citizens of Craft - The Podcast

This series, hosted by Canadian Crafts Federation Director, Maegen Black, brings together the voices of craft artists, curators, educators and collectors who speak off the cuff about craft practice and its role in their lives.

Each episode addresses one of the ten manifesto statements from the Citizens of Craft movement. Join as the story of craft is animated through the values we all hold dear. This project is made possible through extensive partnership with voicEd Radio, and the generous support of the Canada Council for the Arts.

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Activity #4: IDFA Documentaries

Image source: IDFA - ‘Agnes & Nancy’ film.

Explore all films and interactive documentaries that have been shown at IDFA (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam) over the years. Many are available to watch online (by using the filter Watch Online), some for free! 

IDFA offers an independent and inspiring meeting place for audiences and professionals to see a diverse and high-quality program. The diverse nature of the event applies to the form and content of the films as well as to the cultural backgrounds of the filmmakers. IDFA offers an alternative to mass entertainment and uniformity, confirming that there is an increasing need in audiences for high-quality films that delve deep and urge us to reflect.

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Stay tuned for our next round up of home activities!

Artist Resources: Calls for Submissions, Webinars and More!

This week we have rounded up 4 artist resources in the Toronto GTA for initiatives and projects that can be worked on or attended from the comfort of your home. Click the link under each call for full details and application forms.

INsiders Artist Project, A Social Distancing Art Initiative by STEPS Initiative

In response to our current public health crisis and with the goal of supporting artists, connecting communities and exploring public space during this uncertain time, STEPS is excited to launch the INsiders Artist Project.

• Do you have a public-facing space in your home, garden, balcony or courtyard that could be the site of a creative intervention, installation or public artwork?

• Do you have an idea to build community, share creative ideas or connect with one another through art?

• Are you interested in creating work made from materials you have in your home, exploring DIY, upcycling or found object art?

• Are you interested in sharing your artistic process virtually? Providing insights into your practice or creative process?

Submit your ideas here: https://bit.ly/3esQUaG

Deadline: April 24th 2020 at 4pm

VITAMIN B: Live Zoom Webinar Series for Artists and Creatives
Rx to energize your artistic practice and build professional capacity during Covid-19

FREE Introductory Session – Monday April 20 | 1pm EST

Vitamin B1: Build Habits to Nurture Your Creativity and Professional Growth
Presented in partnership with The Steps Initiative CreateSpace Artist Workshops
This initial one hour webinar will help you identify and establish daily routines to develop your capacity, energize your practice and promote your self-care as a creative professional.

RSVP here: https://bit.ly/3eq6q72

Call for Submissions - Hard Twist 15: Agenda
Textile and fibre arts exhibition at the Gladstone Hotel

Hard Twist is a signature exhibition at the Gladstone Hotel, and an important annual event in the Canadian textile art community.

The 2020 edition asks: What’s the agenda? Or, what is an agenda? Or, what’s your agenda?

Hard Twist 15 – Agenda asks artists to submit textile-based work that speaks to meeting the challenges in navigating the myriad agendas of 2020, be it with resistance, passivity or passion.

Click here to learn more/apply: https://bit.ly/3a9ic27

Deadline: April 30th, 2020 at 11pm

Request for Proposals: Temporary Public Art at Erindale Park, Mississauga

The City of Mississauga Public Art Program, in partnership with Parks and Forestry, invites Canadian professional artists or artist teams to submit proposals to create an original public artwork, to be located in Erindale Park (1695 Dundas St W.).

Artists are asked to propose artwork that responds to the connection between land and water, focusing on aquatic ecosystems and how actions on land can affect (positively and negatively) the aquatic ecosystem.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/2K5s2HJ

Deadline: May 11th, 2020 at 4pm

The Family Fun at Home Blog Series: Part One

At home with the kids all day and looking for a new activity to try? Look no further! We have compiled a list of DIY crafts and activities you can do at home this week with the family.

All activities have been created by North American creatives and organizations.

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Activity #1: #CCMfromhome: Canoe Cut Outs!

Image source: The Canadian Canoe Museum

The Canadian Canoe Museum has created 3 free canoe cut outs for families to colour and craft their very own miniature canoe or kayak! These canoes are modeled on actual canoes and kayaks in the museum’s collection: an Ojibway Bark Canoe, Nuu-chah-nulth Dugout Canoe, and a Sanikiluarmiut Kayak.

TIP: If you use crayons, and colour your canoe or kayak very thoroughly, it will be waterproofed for its maiden voyage.

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Activity #2: Colouring Pages by CTON

Image source: www.claytonhammer.com

Local illustrator Clayton ‘CTON’ Hammer is offering 2 free colouring pages on his website. You can download these super, fun colouring sheets to help pass the time while you and your family are hunkering down at home.

Clayton Hanmer (aka CTON) is an illustrator whose award-winning, energetic comic style has given him a surprisingly broad range of clients from The New York Times to National Geographic Kids.

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Activity #3: Crafting in Quarantine with Arts Etobicoke

Crafting in Quarantine with Marjan Verstappen is brought to you by Arts Etobicoke. In this series, Marjan will lead you through a fun and easy craft activity using cheap everyday items that you can find in your own home. Each week crafters will create a different art project, learn new skills, and explore various crafting techniques that you can do from home.

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Activity #4: Kids Meditation: Bulldog Finds His Treehouse

In this video by Stop, Breath & Think, Bulldog will show kids how to boost their superpower of calm to find a little bit of peace and quiet in the middle of a noisy day by taking deep, relaxed breaths. Try playing this mindful game when you feel overwhelmed or are in a noisy or hectic environment. This mindful game can also help you relax before naps or bedtime.

Stop, Breathe & Think’s mission is to help kids, teens and young adults build the emotional strength to tackle life’s ups and downs. They also have an app that can be downloaded through the Apple App and Google Play Stores. The app features many meditations and activities geared towards kids and young adults that allow users to check in with their feelings, build skills to help calm themselves, create positive daily routines and more!

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Social Distancing with Kids

Looking for a simple way to explain social distancing to your little ones? CBC Kids in collaboration with Saara Chaudry has created a thorough yet easy to understand video for families to watch together.

Saara Chaudry is passionate about having a positive impact on the world, whether it's within her community, on the big screen or in her role as a CBC Kids News contributor. The 15-year-old from Toronto played Little Cosette in Les Miserables, Howie on Max & Shred and Dana's older sister on Dino Dana. She was also the voice of Parvana in The Breadwinner, the feature film nominated for an Oscar, along with the Golden Globe and Canadian Screen awards.

Stay tuned for our next round up of home activities!

Have Some Printmaking Fun with Erin Candela this May!

Akin Creative presents D.I.Y. Printmaking with Akin King’s Erin Candela! Make your own custom-designed wrapping paper and a package of monogrammed stationary by learning to carve your own handmade stamps with artist and printmaker Erin Candela. Using 3 easy-to-learn printmaking techniques, this workshop is the first in a series of hands-on print projects geared toward beginners and craft enthusiasts. Basic Materials provided*.

This 3-hour workshop will guide participants through the creation of their own stamps to the development of a series of absolutely stunning and unique personal products. From a package of monographed stationery that can be taken home and used for special occasions, to hand-stamped invitations and decorative wrapping paper for gifts or table setting, this custom stamp workshop is ideal for anyone who loves to give that personal touch to special occasions.

D.I.Y. Printmaking with Erin Candela
Where: REMOTE Gallery, 568B Richmond Street West, Toronto
When: Friday, May 24th 2019, 5:30-8:30PM

*Materials: Each Participant will walk away with 3 sets of 5 printed cards, and a package of printed wrapping tissue to take home, as well as the handmade stamps they made during the workshop. While basic materials such as paper, ink and carving tools are provided, workshop participants are welcome and encouraged to bring their own special papers, paper-bound books or cards they wish to experiment on.

Erin Candela has worked in Print and Drawing for over 20 years. As the Co-founder of Graven Feather Studio & Gallery and a workshop facilitator for various organizations across the country from BC to Quebec, she brings a love of materials and a free spirit attitude to the practice of DIY art and craft. Candela's interest in print-making extends to her current art practice in ceramics She is currently a studio artist at Akin Collective and a member of various craft organizations in Ontario including Craft Ontario, The Toronto Potters Guild, and Fusion.

Accessibility Information:
REMOTE Gallery is a fully accessible space. Complete with barrier-free access, a gender neutral washroom and is level throughout. If you require any additional information regarding the space or its accessibility please contact us at janet@akincollective.com.

Akin Creative Presents: Monotype Printmaking with Gabriel Deerman

Monotype printing is a painterly and direct process of applying ink or paint to a plate (in this case plexiglass) and transferring that image to paper using an etching press or pin press - creating one of a kind prints.
In this workshop artist Gabriel Deerman will introduce you to monotype printing with watercolour and acrylic paints. Each participant will have time to produce and print two plates, resulting in finished original works on paper.

The simplicity of the process, forgiving nature of the materials and immediate results make this technique very popular among painters and those who find printmaking to be too process intensive and finicky. While monotype is simple and direct the visual look of the prints and broad possibilities for experimental applications are limitless.

Date: April 26, 2019

Time: 6:00-9:00pm

Location: REMOTE GALLERY, 568 Richmond Street West, Toronto

$25/person - materials included - Suitable for all experience levels.
Register to attend at https://www.universe.com/monotype-remote

Provided materials:
Paper, acrylic printing ink, watercolour paint, gum arabic, use of 8"x10" plexiglass plates and etching press.

High quality Arches printmaking paper will be available for a small fee of $2 per 9"x11" sheet (store cost). Each participant will have time to print at least 2 plates. Participants are encouraged to bring watercolour paints and brushes, as well as printed/drawn images (8"x10") to use as source material (for tracing) if they wish.

About the Instructor:
Gabriel Deerman (1979, Bolinas, California, USA) has a practice that is largely grounded in painting, drawing and printmaking but recent forays into sculpture, kinetic devices and installation are leading steadily away from disciplinary categorization. Deerman completed an MFA at Transart Institute (New York / Berlin), a BFA from the Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, British Columbia, is a practicing and certified art instructor and has exhibited internationally. Gabriel was the owner/director of independent arts venues in Vancouver and Montreal and is co-founder of Salmon River Studios— an educational art studio, artist residency and cultural events space located on his farm in Tamworth, Ontario. www.gabrieldeerman.com

About the venue:
This event is being hosted in Akin’s new exhibition and programming space, REMOTE GALLERY. The gallery is an accessible space. It has an accessible, gender neutral bathroom with handrails. The entrance to the space is equipped with automatic doors.

Komiks Zine Fair with Kwentong Bayan Collective →

Kwentong Bayan Collective in partnership with the Lillian H. Smith Branch - Toronto Public Library invites you to our Komiks Zine Fair!

Please join us in celebrating Kwentong Bayan's 1 year anniversary of hosting a weekly Comics / Komiks Meet-Up at the library.

There will be lots of activities for all ages including an art-making table, merch displays featuring work by Meet-Up artists, short movies about comics, and a chill reading spot featuring our favorite Filipino komiks!

Saturday July 21, 2018
1 PM - 4:30 PM
Lillian H. Smith Library - 239 College Street, Meeting Room A, Lower Level
FREE EVENT

Kwentong Bayan is a collective of two Toronto-based artists, Jo SiMalaya Alcampo and Akin King member Althea Balmes. Their artistic mandate is to explore a critical and intersectional approach to community-based art, labour, and education. Althea Balmes is a multidisciplinary visual storyteller and artist educator interested in collaborative creative expressions to tell stories and make art.

DIY Skateboard Workshop with Greenwood Studio →

SPRING CUSTOM
SKATEBOARD WORKSHOP

(AGES 9 +)

Imagine pulling an Ollie or a power slide on your very own custom designed deck! Using Canadian Maple veneers and a vacuum bag system, you will press your own unique pintail, old school, street deck, or penny board. Brand it with your own personal logo and graphics. Be ready to skate your own deck this summer!

Dates: 5 Tuesdays - May 22, 29, June 5, 12, 26, 2018
Time: 4 pm to 6 pm
Location: 915 Dupont Street, Toronto, M6H 1Z1
Cost: $280 + HST

No experience necessary. This program is capped at a maximum of 8 participants.
Note: Cost includes all materials to complete a skateboard deck. Trucks and wheels are not included.

Greenwood Studio is dedicated to facilitating exploration and creation in a fun and supportive environment. Their collaborative learning environment promotes playful, self-directed learning, entrepreneurial abilities, critical thinking, and problem solving skills. 

Acts of Kindness Crochet Workshop at TSA →

“When we facilitate workshops, I always say crochet is a great way to lose yourself; to think about everything that’s going on, or to think about nothing at all and just focus on the craft.”

— Chason Yeboah via She Does The City

Join Chason Yeboah and Tumaini Lyaruu next Thursday, May 3rd 2018 from 6-9PM for a workshop that intertwines crochet foundations and mindfulness strategies.

In this workshop, participants will learn to crochet art pieces that externalize the expansiveness of the creative mind by going through the rhythmic and repetitive motions of crochet, recognizing patterns, and learning new stitches of the art form.

Thursday, May 3rd 2018.

6:00-9:00PM

Toronto School of Art - 999 Dufferin Street, 2nd Floor

Registration fee: $45 per person.

Price includes all materials. Participants will get to bring home a crochet hook and skein of yarn.

AOK (Acts of Kindness) is a collective created by Chason Yeboah and Tumaini Lyaruu in an effort to spread love around the city of Toronto through the art of crochet. What started as a love initiative evolved into a practice of community building and skill sharing.

Chason Yeboah is a Toronto based artist who crochets anatomically correct, nude figures that are representative of various bodily forms and skin tones.

Tumaini Lyaruu is a Toronto based HIV/sexual health educator and craftivist. Tumainis’ preferred gender pronoun is ‘T’ and is known for the crocheted vulvas that T creates. T uses the power of crafting, compassion and our truths to foster meaningful growth across communities.