Don Valley Art Club Annual Fall Group Show
November 20- December 1st at Papermill Gallery.

David Johns is an Akin Sunrise member and has a silkscreen monoprint “You Make Me Happier” in the Don Valley Art Club Member group Show.
www.roadartcollection.com
instagram.com/davidopenroad

One Tender Night at Super Wonder Gallery

Thursday December 5th at Super Wonder Gallery

Poetry and visual art by Jessica Hiemstra with an electrifying performance by SPECIAL GUEST singer/songwriter, Nicky Lawrence.


FREE ADMISSION. CASH BAR.
Original art, books and music for sale.
All are welcome.

Jessica will be raffling off tickets for a beautiful piece of art called The Secret Foot, find out more here.

About Jessica Hiemstra
Jessica is an award winning multi-disciplinary artist whose work has appeared in galleries all over the world, among them Australia, Sierra Leone, Edmonton and Vancouver. She is also an accomplished showroom artist and set designer with experience creating everything from tidal waves using shims to giant iridescent octopuses. She likes using reclaimed house paint, discarded objects and single-use plastic. Since 1998 Jessica has published three full-length collections of poetry and edited numerous anthologies of poetry and creative non-fiction. Jessica likes what Paul Klee once said about art – that one eye sees, the other feels. Jessica works in a variety of mediums on many kinds of surfaces - from watercolour and thread on paper to acrylic on acetate to plastic bags sewn into canvas. One of the things people often ask Jessica is “what’s the difference between all the things you do?” Jessica doesn’t distinguish much between her mediums. She chooses the best medium for exploring whichever question, concern or exaltation is most pressing to her in the moment - from delight in the body to sorrow and anger at how poorly we care for our world and each other. Sometimes she uses words, sometimes pencils, sometimes paint. In 2019 she started tearing her paintings and stitching them back together. She is delighted to be presenting her most recent work for ONE TENDER NIGHT at the Super Wonder Gallery. To visit Jessica online: www.jessicahiemstra.ca
Jessica is an Akin Lakeshore member.
instagram.com/jessicajoyhiemstra

About Nicky Lawrence
Nicky is a moody, tender, tour de force of a performer and vocal artist. Moved to sing by the black women who sang before her and who continue to sing within her, Lawrence’s voice will grab you by the throat with the force of its pain, beauty, rage and ultimately—love. Brimming with the longing, courage and despair of her jazz and blues heroes—Nina, Etta, Ella—Lawrence’s original songs are devastatingly elegant and sensual, lit by the fires of the past alongside the aching light and hope of the future. Lawrence’s vocals are redemptive; with the release of her single, The Ugly Black Woman, Toronto audiences are invited to witness an excavation of truth and history that will cut the heart open and begin to heal us all.
instagram.com/thenickylawrence

A one-day pop-up exhibition and sale featuring artwork by Erin Candela, Jen Pilles and Emily Soden

November 17, 2019 from 10am-6pm
REMOTE Gallery - 568 Richmond St West, Toronto

Join us for a 1-day immersive art experience as we transform REMOTE gallery into a forest filled with artwork. Original paintings, fine art prints, sculptural objects and more will be on display among the ferns and foliage for this one day exhibition and sale. Experience the joy of being in the woods without ever leaving the city. Light refreshments will be available.

Erin Candela

Erin Candela is a Canadian artist originally from northern BC, currently living in Toronto. Often using historical documents such as photographs, public school books, nature encyclopedias and community journals, themes of Memory and identity are frequently present in her drawings. Ideas of North, Canadian landscape, and portentous depictions of wild creatures and characters are also common and contribute to a scattered and ambiguous narrative around identity and place.

Erin is an Akin MOCA member
www.erincandela.ca
Instagram: @candles_

Jen Pilles

Jen Pilles is a plein-air artist and freelance illustrator who recently moved away from Toronto to live in the forest. Her work is inspired by the natural world, and influenced by her love of exploration. Jen has been developing her plein-air practice for many years, enjoying the challenge of creating artwork from life outdoors. She allows her intuition to inform the work while savouring the view and staying mindful of the moment. Jen considers each new place she visits a chance to expand the scope of her practice, and discover something new about the world and herself. Jen's work uses a combination of media including gouache, watercolour, ink and coloured pencil on paper.

Jen is Akin Lansdowne & Akin King alumni
www.jenpilles.com
Instagram: @jenpillestration

Emily Soden

Emily Soden is a visual artist, illustrator, and art instructor. She is originally from Montreal and has been living in Toronto since 2012. She graduated with honours from the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Illustration, from Sheridan College in 2010. Emily’s art practice ranges from exploring portraiture, both humans and pets, to following a deep love of animals and the natural world which often inspires her illustration work. Her work is primarily in watercolour and ink, but she loves exploring many mediums such as textiles, gouache, charcoal, acrylic, and digital painting. When she isn’t drawing or painting you might find her with her nose in a book or exploring the forest floor with a camera in hand.

Emily is an Akin River member
www.emilysoden.com
Instagram: @emilysodenart

University of Waterloo MFA Open Studios | Master of Fine Arts Program

Come check out the University of Waterloo’s MFA program and this year’s cohort at our annual MFA Open Studios on November 7th.

Time: 3:00-7:00 pm
Place: University of Waterloo, East Campus Hall
Address: 263 Phillip Street, Waterloo, Ontario

Participating Students: Jordan Blackburn, Brubey (Wanzhi) Hu, Tyler Matheson, Karice Mitchell, Akin staff member and Akin Dupont Alum Sara Pearson, Akin St. Clair Alum Carrie Perreault, Akin Dupont Alum Kayla Polan, Racquel Rowe, Maria Simmons, and Becca Wijshijer.

A unique opportunity to meet the artists on their own turf—a look at their process and what’s in production.

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at the University of Waterloo is an intimate program built around a solid core of studio research, practice, professional development, and pedagogical training. Each year the program admits five students, resulting in a tight knit community with plenty of access to both faculty and resources. The studio portion of the program culminates in the completion, exhibition, and defense of a coherent body of work in a solo exhibition at the University of Waterloo Art Gallery (UWAG). The pedagogical component of the program includes a seminar in course development, two teaching assistantships and the opportunity to teach a foundations level course.

Akin member work for sale at Partial Gallery

Partial is an art marketplace and platform for artists and art-seekers to connect and engage in real and accessible transactions. Thanks to our smart try-before-you-buy options, original work by local artists are just around the corner – and now within reach.

Whether you are a seasoned art collector or a curious art lover, Partial is here to make it simpler to bring true, original artwork onto your walls. You can experiment and explore artwork that speaks to you. Artwork is an investment – so, our rental model allows you to try out a piece for a few months, or express all sides of yourself with rotating artwork.


Many Akin artists sell work via Partial Gallery, you can find the list below.

Adria Mirabelli - Akin St Clair: https://adriamirabelli.partial.gallery/
Anahita Azrahimi: Akin Lansdowne: https://anahitaazrahimi.partial.gallery/
Bianco Roco - Akin MOCA Year 2: https://biancaroco.partial.gallery/
Corynn Kokolakis - Akin River: https://corynnkokolakis.partial.gallery/
Eugenia Elder - Akin MOCA Year 2: https://eugeniaelder.partial.gallery/
Felicia Cirstea: Akin MOCA Year 2: https://feliciacirstea.partial.gallery/
Kyle Yip - Akin Ossington: https://kyleyip.partial.gallery/
Laura Kay Keeling - Akin MOCa Year 2: https://laurakaykeeling.partial.gallery/
Leone McComas Akin MOCA Year 1: https://leonemccomas.partial.gallery/
Linds Miyo - Akin MOCA Year 2: https://wonderandstory.partial.gallery/
Nancy Bennett - Akin alumni: https://nancy178.partial.gallery/
Nicole Crozier - Akin Ossington: https://nicolecrozier.partial.gallery/
Nicole Krstin - Akin Dupont: https://nicolekrstin.partial.gallery/
Walter Segers, Akin River: https://waltersegers.partial.gallery/

Northbound Exhibition Program Call for Submission

We are currently accepting applications for our Northbound Exhibition Program 2020. Northbound Exhibition Program is a FREE juried program aimed to support the professional development of emerging artists. Selected artists will receive exhibition space at North York Centre in 2020!

The application deadline is November 17th at 11:59pm

Have questions about the program or about the application?

Sign up for the information session happening on November 6th at 5160 Yonge Street, Suite 802

During this information session, you will learn more about Northbound and the application process, while getting all your questions answered by North York Arts staff. Feel free to bring your drafted application to ask specific questions, you will also get a chance to visit the space and see the exhibition panels installed.

Accessibility Notice: NYA is committed to providing accessible spaces. Please let us know in advance of any accessibility needs so we can plan accordingly.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Program and Volunteer Manager, Cecilia at cecilia@northyorkarts.org

Partial Gallery will represent the emerging art scene at Daegu Art Fair in South Korea

In a volatile and evolving international art market, the renowned Daegu Art Fair has taken a forward-thinking step by inviting Canadian online art platform, Partial Gallery, to showcase at the 2019 edition of the Fair in November. Partial Gallery will be the sole Canadian representation at the art fair alongside contemporary fine art galleries from East Asia, Paris, New York and Miami.

The studio of Bianca Roco, one of the participating artists showing with Partial Gallery at Daegu Art Fair.

Partial will be presenting selected artworks by six emerging artists from Toronto, Ontario: Nelson Cheng, Jordan Clayton, Leone McComas, Laura Kay Keeling, Melissa Patel, and Bianca Roco. This will be the first time that these artists have shown work outside of North America.

This capsule collection of artists was selected by Partial Gallery co-founders Chris Kim and Tammy Yiu Coyne. “The opportunity to introduce the East Asian market to the unique talent, diversity, and perspectives of Canada’s artists was not lost on us. We believe that these artists exemplify Toronto’s incredible emerging art scene,” says Yiu Coyne. Over the course of the fair, Partial’s art offering – and modern art model – will certainly capture the attention of attendees, and signal a shift in modern art buying. Daegu Art Fair says, “We believe this platform will be a great solution to market activation in local art communities.”

Visit Partial Gallery at Booth #94 at Daegu Art Fair from Nov. 14–17, 2019.

To arrange a viewing or to access preview catalog, please contact hello@partial.gallery or chris@partial.gallery.

About Bianca Roco
Bianca Roco is an artist living in Toronto, Canada. After moving from the Philippines to study illustration, she shifted focus to painting. Her life-size figurative work of women explores themes of intimacy, isolation, displacement and sexuality. Bianca is part of the 2019-20 Akin Studio Program at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Toronto
Website / Instagram

About Laura Kay Keeling
Laura is a collage artist and analog photographer with an interest in installation works. Themes she is exploring with her new collage works include ideas and concepts of “home”, how we form connections with our communities and nature as well as the internet / social media and its effect on our everyday lives. Laura is part of the 2019-20 Akin Studio Program at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Toronto
Website / Instagram

About Leone McComas
Leone’s painting practice examines ideas of the self and the internalization of social ideals; observations of which are used to create conceptual relationships between figure and post-digital landscapes. Following a growing sense of artistic responsibility, Leone now creates work from her source of life to counter-act the increasing presence of anxiety, social polarization, and emotional fatigue. Metaphors of transformation sift the surface of her work, reflecting ideas of change and perspective shifts; while contrasting matte black paint magnifies the sensation of renewal despite the unknown. The desire to maintain luminosity in her paintings has lead to the development of a unique transparency-driven painting process, which produces highly detailed, saturated, and translucent oil paintings that glow from within.. Leone is Akin Alum and was part of the 2018-19 Akin Studio Program at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Toronto
Website / Instagram

Window Installation Open Call for Gift Shop Show

What is “The Gift Shop” Show?

“The Gift Shop” Show is a well-curated and uniquely designed gift shopping experience in The Storefront Gallery at Arts Etobicoke. This show will have a variety of arts and crafts from many disciplines.We want to showcase craft and design from the diverse artists, members, and artisans that live, work, and play in our community.

What to consider while proposing the window design?

The Storefront Gallery at Arts Etobicoke will be transforming into an unusual art and design walk-in shop complete with an extravagant window display. The gallery will be decorated and designed around the theme of illuminating celebration. We would encourage proposals to have fluorescent, neon, pop colours, lights and glow in the dark paints or any other materials and mediums that would attract the audience to come into the space. This display will add sparkle and shine to the objects on sale.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS:

Arts Etobicoke is hosting our members and artists in a unique exhibition, “The Gift Shop” Show in the Storefront Gallery at Arts Etobicoke this festive season! This curated show will run from November 15, 2019 to December 20, 2019.We are now accepting applications from artists and designers working in any medium to be a part of this experiential exhibition by proposing an art installation in the storefront gallery space. This opportunity is free to participate, however, the Gallery Committee will be making selections as to what makes it into the show. The selected artist will be paid an honorarium of $250, Arts Etobicoke will cover materials cost upto $200 for the installation.

For more details on submission click the link below: http://www.artsetobicoke.com/Art/Gallery-Exhibitions/The-Gift-Shop-Show/Window-Installation-Open-Call.aspx

Valentin Brown: Body Farm

Body Farm
Valentin Brown

Exhibition Dates: November 8 – December 20, 2019
Opening Reception: November 8, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Artist Talk: November 30, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Second Saturday Social: December 14, 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Location: Tangled Art + Disability
401 Richmond St W Ste 122
Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 12:00 – 5:00 pm

About the Exhibition
Is that a mushroom, or his “peen”? Is that a pile of leaves or a pile of bones? Is that the “trunk” of the body? Valentin Brown queers the human body by combining it with forms from nature to create what he calls “soft body horror”—a mythology of monsters that describe his story. Valentin’s story sits at a largely neglected intersection: he is an autistic, trans man who inherited a complicated history of intergenerational trauma. His grotesque guardians express how he makes meaning, through a gaze that is queer, trauma-informed, and on the spectrum.

Through the many eyes (or lack thereof) in the “soft body horror” world, which worms its way to you through the Body Farm, Valentin reframes the loneliness, disquiet, and grief that result from the tangled intersecting parts of who he is. This way of seeing embraces the in-between places, and the places outside the scales on which he has been taught to place importance and meaning. “Soft body horror” gives Valentin space to begin re-experiencing his story in bits and pieces, in a greater context of awe, humour, and hope.

Valentin lives and works in Hamilton, Ontario and is a graduate of the Visual and Creative Arts program at Sheridan College. He has exhibited in group shows at Sheridan College, at the Durham Art Gallery, and in Art Spin Toronto’s 2018 project “Holding Patterns.” In 2019, he was awarded Tangled Art + Disability’s Won Lee Fellowship, and the Intergenerational LGBT Artist Residency. “Body Farm” is Valentin’s first solo exhibition.

This work was produced with the support of the Intergenerational LGBT Artist Residency and Steel City Studio.

For more information visit tangledarts.org

The Body Farm says, “RELEASE ME RELEASE ME RELEASE ME” by Valentin Brown

Access Information:
Tangled Art Gallery is in a barrier-free location. Audio description will be available for the exhibit. We will have ASL interpreters and attendant care present during public engagements. Service animals are welcome. We request that you help us to make this a scent-free environment.

Directions:
Tangled Art Gallery is located in studio 122 on the main floor on the 401 Richmond Building. The closest accessible subway station is at Osgoode Station. The closest accessible streetcar stop is the 510 Spadina Queen Street West Stop (going south from Spadina Station), and the 510 Spadina Richmond Street Stop (going north from Union Station).

Image Descriptions:
Image 1 (The Body Farm says, “MAYDAY! MAYDAY! MAYDAY!”):
A pink monster plucks a white-hot Panic Orb straight out of the middle of your brain. This monster, with his two pronged Peen-head, immediately sensed your reptilian reflexes activating—almost as immediately as your body flushed with fear in the first place. He says that he hears you singing, “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY,” everyday, and that –today- he will help you sing until your throat is hoarse and the fear stops firing, as it always does eventually.

Image 2 (The Body Farm says, “RELEASE ME RELEASE ME RELEASE ME”):
“Dear You,” says the outstretched Hand of Your Future Self, “I’m so sorry that I left you alone for so long.” One of your Little Lonely Monster Parts is curled up in a ball, unmoving. You can hear their thoughts, and they are screaming: “RELEASE ME, RELEASE ME, RELEASE ME, RELEASE ME,” over and over. Thousands of holy worms stemming from your Future Self envelop your Lonely Part. The Hand of Your Future Self says, “You don’t know yet that it is –your- bioluminescence that lights the tips of my fingers.”

Portfolio Day 10 (PDX) at Etobicoke School of the Arts featuring Akin artist Juliet Di Carlo

Since it started 10 years ago, ESA Portfolio Day has grown to become one of the largest events of its kind in North America. ESA’s tenth Portfolio Day (PDX) will include 74 solo exhibitions of grade 12 students representing five of ESA’s six arts majors. The primary purpose of PDX is to connect students with over 100 representatives from post-secondary arts schools in North American and Europe. ESA’s Portfolio Day also serves as an art exhibit for the public, drawing over 1000 visitors each year.

More information, including a link to buy tickets for $10, is at: https://www.esainfo.ca/portfolio-day-10/

You can also see videos of the artists exhibiting at PDX at ESA's Contemporary Arts YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8r6-XBlsjXqg7iyFyJIO1g/featured

About Juliet Di Carlo
Juliet is part of the 2019-20 Akin Studio Program at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Toronto

More information about Juliet: website / instagram / youtube

Natural Dyes - a creative workshop presented by Akin Ossington artist Meej Kaufman

Akin Ossington artist Meej Kaufman presents a natural dyeing class on the afternoon of November 9 at Romni Wools, at 208 Weston Road. You can learn to dye yarn with local plant material that Meej has been foraging and experimenting with all summer.

This class will cover the basics of dyeing, principles of respectful foraging and much more. You will dye 100 g of yarn (provided) with one or two colours, using marigold, walnut and rose of sharon flowers. There will be an opportunity to also use more advanced techniques as well.

If you are a knitter, crocheter or weaver, this is a perfect opportunity to learn to make unique yarn for your projects, with materials easily found in Toronto. If you aren't, this class would be a great gift for a friend or family member who does work with yarn, or you could take the class and give them a one of a kind ball of yarn.

To register, or for more information, call Meej Kaufman 647-341-8388

About the artist:
Miriam Kaufman, previously a part-time goldsmith and fibre artist, has recently jumped into creating full-time. While continuing to make silver and gold jewellery, Meej (as she is known to friends and family) is focusing more on making glass beads, metalwork related to fibre (shawl pins, shawl sticks and stitch markers) and on dyeing, spinning and knitting natural fibres. She has a tiny studio in a light industrial space at Ossington and Dupont. www.meejumarts.com

Featured Story from the Toronto Arts Council: "Akin Collective responds to local artists’ need for affordable studio space"

Many thanks to our friends at the Toronto Arts Council for profiling Akin in their October 2019 “Featured Story”. Here is an excerpt from the article :

“Entirely artist-run, Akin is overseen by a small team of 11 artists and now offers studio space at nine locations across the city, gradually adding locations over the years as demand for affordable workspace continued to rise.

This past March, Akin partnered with TAC to open REMOTE Gallery, a dedicated programming and exhibition space at 568 Richmond St. W. that provides low-cost space for artists and the public for exhibits and artistic programming. In partnership with Toronto Arts Foundation’s Neighbourhood Arts Network, Akin also offers opportunities for newcomer artists to grow their art practice and professional network through the RBC Space Award….

Given the current economic realities in the city that has seen live-work spaces and other vital venues close, Akin’s team is dedicated to finding ways for artists to continue their practice in a sustainable way.”

You can read more articles about Akin on our Press Page.

Call for Visual Artists Montgomery's Inn 2020 Art Exhibitions

Envision your artwork displayed on the gallery walls of a busy multi-use museum! Montgomery's Inn is currently accepting applications for the 2020 exhibit cycle 

About Montgomery's Inn As part of the community since 1830, Montgomery's Inn was originally built for Thomas and Margaret Montgomery. Over the years the inn has served as a home, a place of business and a community meeting place in the heart of Etobicoke. In 1975 the restored inn was opened as a museum and today it is one of ten history museums managed by the City of Toronto. In addition to a weekly farmers' market, school programs, and special events, Montgomery's Inn has two public rooms that also function as exhibition spaces (the Community Room and the Briarly Room).

Application Details We are looking for proposals that provide modern interpretation to the historical role played by Montgomery's Inn as a tavern, farm, local gathering place and community hub. We are specifically looking for exhibits that provide Montgomery's Inn with opportunities to engage with visitors and communities through a range of arts and cultural programming. Montgomery's Inn is looking to collaborate with artists who are interested in doing programming related to their exhibits for our weekend Tea Series: Tea Time at the Inn. Do you have an idea about an artist talk, workshop or family drop- in that can be connected to your exhibit? If your exhibit is selected by the jury you can discuss ideas and opportunities for public programming with the Montgomery's Inn Program Officer. Spaces for public programming are limited and will be discussed on a case by case basis and are optional for the artist. If you don't have an idea or are not able to commit to public programming your application will still be considered.

About the Application To request a Montgomery's Inn exhibitor Application Form or more information, please contact the Museum Curator by phone or email at 416-394-8112 or montinn@toronto.ca. All application forms must be submitted by the deadline: Monday 4 November, 2019.

Calling all Artists – The Winter Light Exhibition at Ontario Place

Ontario Place is seeking the imagination and creativity of Ontarian artists or collectives to submit a proposal for the 2020 Winter Light Exhibition. Winter Light invites submissions from Ontario artists or collectives to create site-specific light projects with an interactive component that meet the curatorial theme Cocoon / to Cocoon. Projects must present a unique and engaging interpretation of the curatorial theme ‘Cocoon’ and focus on utilizing both light and user engagement to encourage, stimulate or motivate audience interaction. Applicants are challenged to interpret the concept of being ‘Cocooned’ within the exhibit and the exhibition itself.

Taking place on the 15-acre West Island of Ontario Place, featuring both urban and natural elements, there is opportunity for works of varied styles and sizes. Applicants are encouraged to explore methods and materials robust enough to withstand the often harsh winter elements to create light exhibits / experiences that engage the audience in unique ways. Evaluations will be made based on artistic merit in line with the curatorial theme, size + footprint of the exhibit, the use of light and interactivity, and the viability of the exhibit to succeed outdoors in the winter elements.

With a mandate to exhibit great art in a public space and use it as a catalyst for visitor interaction and engagement.

Ontario Place is currently accepting submissions for the Winter Light Exhibition. Project timelines are as follows:

·        Site Tours: Applicants are encouraged to visit Ontario Place. To schedule your visit, contact  wle@ontarioplace.com

·        Submission Due Date: November 27, 2019 at midnight EST

·       Exhibition Dates: February 2020 – March 2020

About Ontario Place

Ontario Place is an agency of the Government of Ontario that features 155 acres of waterfront property in Toronto. The iconic location is a venue for live music, festivals and events. From enjoying the skyline, to attending a festival or concert — Ontario Place is a gathering space for everyone in the province and home to the iconic Cinesphere, the first permanent IMAX theater in the world.

For more information about Ontario Place, please visit www.ontarioplace.com

For media inquiries, please contact: Karen Nussbaum, 416-301-3193, karen.nussbaum@ontarioplace.com

Photorama at 33 — Save the Date!

Preview Hour
Thursday, November 21, 2019 5:00 – 6:00 pm

Sale and reception
Thursday, November 21, 2019, 6:00 – 10:00 pm

Dance party
10 pm – late

Exhibition and Sale Continues
November 22 – December 7, 2019
Gallery hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 12:00 – 5:00 pm

Save the date for the 33rd edition of Photorama, Gallery TPW’s annual fundraising exhibition, which features contemporary photography and lens-based art by over 80 artists.

The public sale and reception will be the first opportunity to purchase artworks by such exciting artists as Steven Beckly, Anique Jordan, Paul Butler, Maggie Groat, Isabel M. Martinez, Jennifer Murphy and Edward Burtynsky. The full list of participating artists will be announced in early November – stay tuned!

Gallery TPW is pleased to announce that the Photorama fund for the Ryerson Image Centre (RIC) will be sponsored through the generosity of Toronto Image Works (TIW). For this exciting initiative, TIW will be underwriting an acquisition fund, enabling the curators at RIC to purchase work from the Photorama exhibition for its world-class photography collection. The selected artworks will be announced at the beginning of the public sale and reception at 6:00 pm.

The evening will include food and a cash bar, stay late and celebrate this wonderful community with us on the dancefloor!

Proceeds from sales support Gallery TPW’s mission and the participating artists.

Admission to the Photorama Reception and sale is FREE and open to the public.

Call for Submissions: CONTACT 2020

The Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival in Toronto invites participation from photographic artists for May 2020, either as a Featured Exhibition or an Open Call Exhibition.

The Featured Exhibitions program showcases exceptional photo-based projects. Featured Exhibitions are subject to a juried submission process, and are eligible for The Gattuso Prize, a $5,000 award that acknowledges an outstanding exhibition in this program.

The Open Call Exhibitions program provides a valuable opportunity to have photographic work exhibited in conjunction with other emerging and established artists. Open Call Exhibitions are non-juried and are therefore accessible to all interested participants and exhibition spaces.

All artists/organizers must have a confirmed exhibition space in order to participate in CONTACT.
A participation fee applies:

Early bird fee (available until November 11, 2019)
$275 + HST

Regular registration fee
$350 + HST

Upcoming events from Akin!

We have many interesting events coming up in November, we hope you can attend some or all of them! You can always visit our online calendar to see what events are coming up or sign up for our newsletter, follow us on Instagram or Facebook to get updated programming announcements!

Akin Lakeshore Studio Launch and Potluck - TONIGHT!

October 24 (tonight!) / 5-7pm / Akin Lakeshore (2970 Lakeshore Blvd W, 3rd Floor) / FREE

Akin invites fellow artists, friends and family members to celebrate the opening of our newest location Akin Lakeshore in Etobicoke! Please join us on the 3rd floor on Thursday, October 24th for food and drinks and some spooky, pre-Halloween fun. Let's get to know each other and the space! Potluck: Eat Drink & Be Merry!! Everyone is welcome and encouraged to bring some snacks or your favourite dish to the party for us to enjoy a meal together. Click here for more details.

Akin DIY Comics School November Meeting

November 4 / 7:30PM - 9:30PM / Akin St Clair, 1747 St Clair Ave West / FREE / No RSVP Necessary but you can join the Facebook Group or join the mailing list or find out more at www.akin.art/comics

The Akin Collective D.I.Y. Comics School is a group that meets the first Monday of every month with the goal of working together to provide our own continuing comics education. Everyone is welcome regardless of experience!

Taxes 101 Workshop for Artists and Creatives

November 6 / 6:00PM - 8:00PM / Toronto City Hall - Council Chambers / PWYC (suggested donation of $5 per person). Space is limited, you must register to attend: https://bit.ly/2kxmInC

This workshop will help you to be prepared for next year! Atbooks Senior Tax Preparer Tova Epp will touch on some of the most important tax topics for artists including: tax preparation, deductions, tax deadlines, HST, how to handle grants, T4s and more. The session is suitable for artists who are new to filing taxes or those who are looking for a refresher. More info here.

Xpace x Akin: Tenants' Rights Workshop

November 9 / 1:00 AM - 3:00 pm / Xpace Cultural Centre, 2-303 Lansdowne Ave, Unit 2 / FREE - you must RSVP here: https://bit.ly/2P8oOHo

Please join us for a workshop about the basics of tenant rights and affordable housing in Toronto, facilitated by lawyer Ryan Martin. Ryan will give a presentation about some general questions and inquiries regarding tenant rights, as well as advice about housing rights through his experiences as a lawyer. There will also be an opportunity for a Q&A.

Anti-Black Racism Workshop

November 20 / 6:00PM - 9:00PM / 918 Bathurst St / $45 or PWYC Option (Suggested Donation $15-$30) / Please RSVP at https://bit.ly/33RzdeF

*All proceeds from this event will be put towards the development of the Akin Studio Rent Relief Fund, providing artists short term financial aid towards their studio rent in unexpected situations or times of financial instability.

This session uses the anti-oppressive framework and an intersectional approach to explore anti-Black racism within a Canadian cultural context. Internalized, interpersonal and institutional manifestations of anti-Black racism are contextualized through the lens of intergenerational trauma, systemic barriers and monolithic narratives. The impact of anti-Black racism, as it interacts with other sites of oppression is explored through case studies, personal reflections, quantitative and qualitative data. Systemic power structures and their impact on the spiritual, emotional, physical, financial and mental well being of Black communities as well as profound institutional inequities will be introduced and contextualized. Participants will critique and problematize current models for allyship and community engagement as well as explore interpersonal interventions and systemic transformations that cultivate liberation.

East End Arts Life Drawing is Back!

Life Drawing, uninstructed life drawing workshops ️ with AGA Arts, are back for the fall! Longtime and first-time drawers are all invited to come hang out and draw in a beautiful and inspiring space. Classes are drop-in (no registration is required), and tap payment is available, so you can pay via debit or credit. Discounts available for students! P.S. Please note drawing on Sunday October 13th is cancelled.

Cost: $15/session, with basic materials available for purchase on site
Dates: November 3, 10 & 24, 2019; December 8, 2019
Time: 12:00 - 4:00pm, doors open at 11:30am
Location: East End Arts, St. Matthew's Clubhouse - 450 Broadview Ave

#EASTENDLOVE Exhibition

You are invited to join East End Arts for our final #EastEndLove Exhibition taking place this November! The opening reception of this exhibition will take place on Thursday November 7th, 2019 at Riverdale Hub on Gerrard St. E. Come and view all of the collaborative art pieces we've created with community members throughout the year, enjoy some refreshments, learn more about the art-making process of collaborative screen-printing, and pick up a print or two to take home with you, while supplies last!

Cost: Free to attend!
Date: Opening reception - Thursday November 7, 2019
Full Exhibition runs from: Monday November 3rd until Friday November 29th, 2019
Time: Opening reception, 7pm - 9pm. Full exhibition, normal gallery hours.
Location: Riverdale Hub, 1326 Gerrard St. E (Main Floor Gallery)

Call for Community-led Public Art Projects Seeking Support!

Since 2011, STEPS has supported Business Improvement Areas  (BIA), community groups, and social service agencies across the GTA in realizing projects that foster vibrant public spaces and encourage diverse participation in arts based initiatives.

Do you have a community project that you’re struggling to launch?

A place you’ve identified for public art but are unsure how to make it happen? 

An identified cultural programming gap in your community, but not sure how to fill it?

We want to hear your project idea!

If you’re a non arts-based community group, STEPS may be able to help you through: 

• sharing our knowledge and expertise in project management, partnership development, public outreach, program facilitation, artist recruitment, design development, onsite production and community engagement.

• supporting a lead organization in funding requests through identifying opportunities, grant proposal coaching, and providing letters of support.

• leveraging our relationships within the cultural sector in order to identify collaborating artist(s)/ artistic facilitators/ documentarians who may be a fit for a project.

• integrating capacity building opportunities within the proposed project for host agencies and/or area residents.

This is NOT A GRANT PROGRAM. We strive to lend support, knowledge, and capacity to projects that may not come to fruition without a strong and experienced community partner. Interested?

To request an application, send us an email to renee@stepsinitiative.com.