Artists' Health Alliance - A resource for artists, students and educators

The Artists' Health Alliance was formed, with a vision of creating a centre for holistic treatment and comprehensive health education and outreach for artists, students and art educators. They offer a range of resources and services for artists including reduced cost for health care, access to workshops and programming, and access to the Artists Health Centre at Toronto Western Hospital. The Centre is the only clinic of its kind in Canada that specializes in serving the entire artistic community.

Visit the website to learn more: http://artistshealth.com

SUNNY DAZE - Jan Ollner - Exhibition at Will Kucey Gallery

SUNNY DAZE - Reception - December 9th 2016, 6-9pm / Will Kucey Gallery

Jan Ollner’s new series of paintings, “Sunny Daze,” both triggers and resists nostalgia. Drawing from his own photographs and those posted on social media, Ollner uncovers a common narrative thread. The banality of Western vacation culture is revealed through images of sandy beaches, palm trees and pools. Ollner manipulates trendy compositions, forcing the viewer to question the pervasiveness of unoriginal online content. He explores today’s visual rhetoric – images that are repeatedly produced, shared and “liked” – so as to reveal our symbols of cultural homogeny and digital escapism.

Social media has allowed highly distorted personal narratives to thrive, as people curate their visual identities to reflect an unachievable ideal. These images are then organized and consumed in such a way that appeals to one's narrow aesthetic sensibilities. Ollner addresses this duality of fact and fiction by creating uncanny personas and places, using the medium of painting, one that acknowledges the manipulations inherent to image production.

This series thus challenges the idea of documentary truth. Each painting reflects a collage of events, places and people, creating a surreal universe of icons, lost in painterly abstraction and devoid of singular meaning. Achieving a balance between the application of paint and narrative is a significant aspect of Ollner’s artistic process. Pushing the boundaries of conventional representation, Ollner uses painting as a means to escape past influences. Stencils, hardware tools, and loose brushwork are used to disrupt the image making process in order to create a dialogue between abstraction and figuration. Ollner’s work reveals our collective landscape of dreams, where flora and fauna stand like monuments of a shared utopia.

Jan Ollner was born in Vancouver, British Colombia. He moved to Montreal, Quebec where he completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2008. This is Jan's first solo exhibition with Wil Kucey Gallery and his second of 2016. Ollner lives and works in Toronto, Ontario.

BMO 1st Art! Exhibition happening now! November 17 - December 17, 2016

An exhibition of the 13 award-winning works by graduating student artists from post-secondary institutions across Canada.

BMO 1st Art! Exhibition, running from November 17 – December 17, 2016, at the Justina M. Barnicke Gallery, 7 Hart House Circle, University of Toronto. Open hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00 – 5:00 pm, Wednesdays, 12:00 – 8:00 pm. Admission is free http://www.jmbgallery.ca/info.html

BMO 1st Art! celebrates the accomplishments of graduating artists from post-secondary institutions in every province and territory.  A total of $70,000 is awarded each year, thirteen regional prizes of $5,000 and one national prize of $10,000. Congratulations to this year’s winners, who demonstrate the excellence and promise of our newest generation of artists.

The Salt Spring National Art Prize 2017 Call For Artist Submissions

The Salt Spring National Art Prize (SSNAP) is pleased to launch its second national juried competition of Canadian visual art.

The intent of SSNAP is to encourage artists whose practice demonstrates originality, quality, integrity and creativity—resulting in significant work with visual impact and depth of meaning. 

Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada who are eighteen years of age and older as of January 1, 2016 are invited to submit their two-dimensional and three-dimensional work for consideration.

Approximately 50 finalists will be chosen by an independent jury from across Canada. All artists' submissions will be anonymous to the jury.

SSNAP Awards Totaling $30,000

Making Spaces - An exhibition of Porcelain Vessels and Photographs - Opens Tomorrow!

Please join Loren Kaplan and Marla Buck of Akin Dupont this coming weekend for the opening of the first in their series- 'making spaces'.

Opening Reception is tomorrow - Friday November 25th, 6-9pm at Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie St

Exhibition runs until November 27.

5% of the sales from the show will go to SKETCH to help create opportunities for young people, homeless or otherwise on the margins, to experience the transformative power of the arts.

Call for MFA Alumni Submissions for PLUS ART FAIR

Registration Deadline: January 27, 2017

REGISTER NOW

ABOUT PLUS ART FAIR (AF):

PLUS Art Fair is the first and largest exhibition of Canadian MFA work, providing a platform for emerging artists, curators, and educators - who will lead the arts and culture scene in the years to come - to exhibit and sell their work. As an annual event featuring all mediums of visual art, PLUS AF will become the destination for emerging art in Canada, featuring MFA candidates and alumni exhibiting together. In 2017, it will take place at Hamilton, Ontario's historic Cotton Factory building.

Who’s eligible: MFA Alumni who have received their Master’s of Fine Arts degree from a Canadian university between 2012 and 2016.

Applicable categories: Drawing/Painting, Sculpture/Installation, Photography, Film/Video, Print/Material Arts

Applicant selection: Artist’s applications will go through a jury selection, made up of members of the arts community. The names of the jury members will be announced on February 10, 2017.

PLUS AF OFFERS:

• 12w x 10h exhibition wall
• Lighting
• National exposure through print and social media
• Inclusion in print catalogue and online materials
• Access to the VIP/collectors reception
• Eligibility for $10,000 in awards
• Exposure to hundreds of visitors, collectors, gallerists and curators
• Media exposure
• All artwork will be available for sale. PLUS AF will not take commissions on sales.

As participating artists in our inaugural art fair, PLUS AF will be offering a discounted rate of $500 (+HST) for your participation. This fee will cover all the features in the “PLUS AF Offers” section.

IMPORTANT DATES:
Exhibition dates: May 18-21st, 2017
January 27, 2017 – MFA alumni artist exhibitor applications close
February 10, 2017 – Successful applicants will be notified of their acceptance
March 3, 2017 – Booth payments due

CONTACT INFORMATION:
For more information, please visit our website, or contact: submissions@keep6.ca
PLUS Art Fair, 156 Augusta Ave Toronto, Ontario M5T 2L5
plusartfair.com | plus@keep6.ca

Call for Submissions for Installtion Artists: Front Entrance 10th Anniversary Project!

Artist Project is currently looking for proposals for an exciting installation to be displayed at the front entrance of the 2017 show to celebrate our 10th anniversary.

This amazing opportunity offers an artist or a collective the chance for exposure to an art-loving audience at a professional-level art fair. Enjoy the perks of being an Artist Project artist while connecting with an incredible network of talented and supportive artists and collectives working in a variety of media.

The Front Entrance project must incorporate the theme and/or celebration of Artist Project's 10th anniversary show. This opportunity will also provide a $2,000 honorarium (includes material costs). Click here for application info. Apply before January 9, 2017.

Selected project will receive:

Free Space:
A 100-foot white wall in length that is 11-feet high located at the interior front entrance of the fair. The middle 20-feet of this wall is used for our Information Desk.

Get Matched with Art Lovers:
Connect with over 15,000 visitors, including gallerists, art enthusiasts, and arts and culture media.

Incredible Exposure:
Get noticed in an extensive marketing and advertising campaign online and in print along with experienced and professional organization and exhibition support.

Perks + Benefits:
A $2,000 honorarium and enjoy the perks of being an Artist Project artist including a complimentary Ticket Package!

New Friends:
Connect with an incredible and supportive network of talented independent artists working in a variety of media.

Reframing our Perspective: Equity and Diversity in Practice : A workshop by Harmony Movement presented by Akin Projects

Dec 7 / 6:30-8:30pm / Metro Hall - Room 309 / FREE or PWYC

Space is limited - reserve your spot here: www.universe.com/harmonymovement

We hear a lot about diversity, but what does it look like in practice? How does bias get in the way? And, how can we foster equity and inclusion in the artist community? Using experiential learning methods, this workshop will engage participants in learning about the importance of recognizing and managing bias and creating an environment in which all feel respected, reflected, understood, and welcomed.

Harmony Movement is Ontario’s leading provider of experiential diversity and equity education and leadership programs. The organization aims to promote equity, diversity and inclusion by educating and empowering people of all ages to become leaders for social change. For more information visit www.harmony.ca.

Facilitated by:

Ilaneet Goren
Ilaneet has over 15 years of experience in equity education that ranges from trauma-informed mental health counselling to managing inclusive organizational projects in the disability sector. Growing up in the Ukraine and in Israel has given her a unique perspective on the complexity of negotiating identity and belonging. Ilaneet received her master’s degree in Social Work and Community Development from the University of Toronto, and is a certified Life Skills facilitator.

Punita Bhardwaj
Punita has over fourteen years of experience teaching diverse learners, developing educational programs and implementing development projects for the educational, NGO and not-for-profit sectors. Her work has taken her to Palestine, Mexico and across Ontario where she often worked with marginalized populations. Punita holds a Bachelor in Environmental Studies from York University, a B.Ed. from the University of Ottawa and an M.A. in Curriculum Studies from McGill University.

Presented by:

Akin Projects
Akin Projects is an arts programming organization and registered nonprofit established in 2015 for the purpose of providing both creative and professional development opportunities to members of Toronto’s artistic and cultural community and the public at large. We have offered services to over 2,500 individuals since our inception in 2015. Our sister organization, Akin Collective, was founded in 2009 and provides affordable studio and shared workspace in a friendly atmosphere for about 160 members.

#BeTheChange

Zine & Craft Jam!

Details: Wed Dec 14 / 6-9pm / Akin Lansdowne Studio 101 - 87 Wade Ave / PWYC

*Please Note* This is a free / pay-what-you-can event, but space is limited so you must register to attend. Register here: https://www.universe.com/zineandcraftjam

Have a zine or craft project that you are working on? Or something you have been meaning to start? Maybe you want to make some holiday cards, ornaments or gifts and are finding it hard to get started? Join us at Akin Lansdowne to work on your project together with other artists and creatives!

This is a fun time to share ideas, tips, tools and energy while we work on the passion projects we have been putting off. Bring your own supplies. Some refreshments will be provided but feel free to bring snacks and drinks.

Some materials will be provided including:
- hot glue gun and glue
- pencil crayons
- cutting mats, blades, and scissors
- assorted craft supplies (things like glitter, beads, string)
- assorted paper
- Zines and crafting books for inspiration

Click here for the Facebook Event

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity - Visual and Digital Arts Programs

More time. More space. More art. Explore new directions with international faculty and artists. Be inspired by our studio spaces and facilities in an unrivaled natural environment.

Banff Research in Culture: Year 2067
July 10 - August 11, 2017
Application deadline: December 21, 2016
Designed for researchers and artists to imagine, invent, and configure a future that will sustain the life we all need and deserve. Participants will explore alternative modes of living and new conceptualizations of collectivity.

Indigenous Art Journal
May 29 - June 23, 2017
Application deadline: January 25, 2017
A space for emerging and experienced Indigenous curators, art writers, art historians, and cultural thinkers to explore critical art and social discourse and the concerns that inform Indigenous artists' work, lives, and communities. Artists will also envision the development of an Indigenous Art Journal for future online and print publication.

BAiR Spring Intensive
April 24 - May 19, 2017
Application Deadline: January 4, 2017
Banff Artist in Residence (BAiR) Spring Intensive is an immersive period of studio practice and self-directed artistic exploration, giving artists the space to create, research, and experiment.

BAiR Late Spring
May 29 - June 23, 2017
Application deadline: January 11, 2017
A four-week self-directed program providing the time and space for artists, curators, and arts professionals to create, research, experiment, and cultivate new directions in their work.

BAiR Summer Studio
July 10 - August 11, 2017
Application deadline: March 1, 2017
A flexible self-directed programs, where participants can decide their residency dates within the prescribed dates from 12 days to the full five weeks.

Visual + Digital Arts programs at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity offer opportunities for artists to engage with world-renowned faculty and peers to gain new insights into the development of their work. Access to facilities and expertise in photography, sculpture, printmaking, papermaking, ceramics, fibre, painting, digital media, video, and sound, as well as curatorial studies are available. Be the first to know of new program announcements, sign up for our newsletter, follow Banff Centre on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.


For more information:
Office of the Registrar
Email: VisualArts_Registrar@banffcentre.ca
Phone: 403.762.6180 or 1.800.565.9989
banffcentre.ca

Photorama 2016

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Gallery TPW’s annual Photorama fundraising exhibition, featuring over 100 artists exhibiting contemporary photography and lens-based work.

A complete list of participating artists is available online at gallerytpw.ca/photorama2016

Collector’s Preview Thursday, November 24, 2016, 6 - 9 pm
Opening Reception Friday, November 25, 2016, 6 - 9 pm
Sale continues Saturday, November 26 – Saturday, December 3, 2016, 12 - 6 pm

Open Sunday, November 27, 12 - 6 pm and closed on Monday, November 28

Admission to Photorama is FREE.

Congratulations Hinkleville Handmade of Akin Dufferin for this excellent feature in Globe Style Advisor magazine!

Spark Box Studio National Residency Award and Bursary - Apply by Feb 1

Imagine one full month to get a new project off the ground. One full month to think only about creating your work. One full month without distractions. This is what Spark Box Studio is offering to artists living and working in Canada: one full month at the Spark Box Studio Residency where you will be given a studio space and living space for FREE. In addition the selected artist will receive a $1,000 bursary which Spark Box Studio owners Chrissy and Kyle are offering in memory of their dear friend and artist Donald Dawson.

The Art of Craft Beer at Super Wonder Gallery - Friday November 25

A first of its kind exhibit showcasing the fine art of Ontario craft beer. Super Wonder Gallery has paired the best in label art with the best in beer to bring you an unforgettable multi-sensory beer experience! 

All proceeds from the SILENT AUCTION will benefit Sketch ; a not-for-profit in Toronto engaging street-involved youth through the arts.

These brewers will be onsite with seasonals and one-offs brews:
Great Lakes Brewery, Bandit Brewery, Sawdust City Brewery,
Beau's All Natural Brewing Co., Collective Arts Brewing

TICKETS: $25 advance
-Admission
-2 X drink tickets (10oz.)
-1 X limited edition print

Open Studio's Artist Proof Sale Opening Party! December 1

Opening Night Party: Thursday, December 1, 6:00 to 9:00 pm, FREE ADMISSION
Sale continues Friday, December 2 through Friday, December 23, Tuesday - Saturday, 12:00 to 5:00 pm.

Open Studio’s Artist Proof Sale is an excellent way to kickstart or build a growing art collection. And you can do it without breaking your holiday budget! Hundreds of original works of art, including screenprints, etchings, lithographs and relief prints are available by established and emerging artists from around the country—priced from just $50-$400.

The opening night party features:

• Original, one-of-a-kind fine art prints, ranging from $50 - $400, by established and emerging artists.
• Food, cash bar and festivities
• An artwork by artist Dave Dyment commissioned especially for the event — limited edition prints will be printed live and available for sale that night.
• Limited edition, original, handmade artists’ greeting cards—our new annual range of cards will be launched during the event.

The Artist Proof Sale is an important fundraiser for Open Studio— 50% of the sale price of each print goes to the artist and 50% goes to support Open Studio’s charitable programming, which includes exhibitions, talks, education and residencies. With each purchase you make, you get an original work of art at a reasonable price, while supporting contemporary Canadian artists and a vital Canadian cultural resource.

This event is an excellent opportunity for those who are looking to start or add to their art collections and for those who are looking for original holiday gift ideas or who prefer to shop locally.

This is always a popular and busy event, with fierce competition for some works, so come early — once a piece is sold, it’s gone! The sale continues to Saturday, December 23rd in our galleries (regular hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 12-5 pm) and online.

Art Design & independence: How to start your creative business, Alumni talk at OCAD U

Join Imagination Catalyst and the Centre for Emerging Artists and Designers on Wednesday, Nov 23 to hear presentations from four OCAD U alumni talk about how they started their businesses.

Natalie Catania, Founder of Ms. Dress Up, Brian Deck, CEO of SmoothPay, Christina Guo, Founder of U-Dimensions, and Tanner Short, Founder of Bowtie, Team Building Solutions will talk about how they got started, what they learned through the process, and share the best and worst advice they ever got!

You'll also hear from special guest Oliver Pauk, Co-Founder of Akin Collective and representing the Toronto Studio Commons.

Agenda
615pm - Networking with refreshments
630pm - Introductions
645pm - Presenations, Q & A
8pm - Networking

Organized by Imagination Catalyst, OCAD University’s entrepreneurship and commercialization hub.

The University of Waterloo Master of Fine Arts Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2017

Intense and intimate—pursue your MFA at the University of Waterloo. Fully funded Keith and Win Shantz International Research Scholarships let you study with professional artists anywhere in the world for six weeks. With a generous funding package, plenty of access to faculty and resources, a solo exhibition in our nationally renowned gallery UWAG, a robust visiting artist program, and teaching placements, the University of Waterloo is a real gem.

A key feature of the program is the Keith and Win Shantz International Research Scholarships, which enable all MFA candidates to travel and study alongside a professional artist during their summer term. Our students have been to the Netherlands, England, Germany, Spain, Scotland, Denmark, Brazil, China, and the United States. To find out more from our 2016 scholarship recipients see this year’s Shantz Shorts: Jess Lincoln, Denise St. Marie and Timothy Walker, and Alexis Hildreth.

The University of Waterloo is one of the leading comprehensive universities in the country and has been recognized by Maclean’s magazine as Canada’s top university for innovation for the 23rd consecutive year.

Their MFA is an intimate program built around studio research, practice, professional development, and pedagogical training. Studio work culminates in a solo exhibition at the University of Waterloo Art Gallery (UWAG); see past thesis exhibitions here. The pedagogical component includes a seminar in course development, two teaching assistantships and the opportunity to teach an introductory, studio-based course.

Due to their size, teaching assistantships and the Shantz International Research Scholarships, they offer one of the most generous funding packages in the country.

The application deadline for the MFA program is February 1, 2017.

For more information, contact Tara Cooper, Associate Chair, Graduate Studies at tlcooper@uwaterloo.ca or visit finearts.uwaterloo.ca.
 

Smithsonian.com's 14th Annual Photo Contest - Deadline November 30

Enter Smithsonian.com's 14th Annual Photo Contest for the chance to win up to $2,500!  

All entries must be submitted by November 30, 2016, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).  

Enter one of the following categories:

NATURAL WORLD: Animals, plants and landscapes; geological or climatological features; and scientific processes and endeavors.  

TRAVEL: Locales, peoples or activities in the United States and abroad that convey a sense of place.  

PEOPLE: Portraits and photos of groups or individuals.  

THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: Events, objects or activities connecting the American people to their history or their cultural heritage; photographs that tell us what it means to be an American and provide a sense of what it is like to live in this country.  

ALTERED IMAGES: Photographs manipulated for artistic purposes by applying digital and/or traditional special effects (i.e., colorizing, toning, collage, photo composites, HDR, etc.).  

MOBILE: Any photograph taken with a mobile device (phone or tablet).  

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL, made possible through the support of United Eco-Skies: The award for this category, the Eco-Skies Sustainable Travel Leadership Award, recognizes a photographer who demonstrates leadership and an active commitment to travel for environmentally responsible purposes, generating positive social, economic, or environmental outcomes in the local communities traveled to and ensuring the destination remains an attractive place to live, work and visit for future generations. The winner of this category will receive two round-trip tickets to select destinations, courtesy of United.  

Visit the website to submit your photos, and see our Contest Rules and Contest FAQ for more information.