Sophia Kim’s Sci-Fi Inspired Paintings Come to the Akin Vitrine Gallery
Sophia Kim’s Sci-Fi Inspired Paintings Come to the Akin Vitrine Gallery
Read MoreCall for Expressions of Interest: Remote Gallery and Event Space Available for Rent
GALLERY B
Remote Gallery is accepting expressions of interest for rental of this multi-use space, perfect for:
Exhibitions
Pop-ups
Readings
Studio Use
Artist Talks
Presentations
Workshops and more!
GALLERY A
About Remote Gallery
Centrally located in Toronto’s Fashion District (near Richmond St W & Bathurst St), Remote Gallery is an 850 sqft, street level venue with gallery lighting, floor to ceiling windows, polished concrete floors and occupancy for up to 85 guests.
Remote Gallery is an initiative of Akin, an artist-led organization providing artist studios and gallery space since 2008. Remote Gallery is supported by the Toronto Arts Council and provides opportunities for a wide range of creative programming. Learn more about pricing in Remote’s Information Package on the Akin website.
Remote Gallery consists of two separate galleries: Gallery A (450 sqft) and Gallery B (400 sqft), divided by a sliding door. The galleries can be rented individually or together as a combined 850 sqft space.
GALLERY A
Accessibility Features
Remote Gallery is a step free, street level space with two large, single stall, gender neutral bathrooms. Learn more about Remote Gallery’s accessibility details.
GALLERY B
How to Book Remote Gallery
To view pricing and all additional information please view the Remote Gallery Information Package on the Akin website. Pricing is tiered for non-arts uses, arts uses and Akin member uses. To inquire about rental availability or to book a tour please email gallery@akincollective.com and include a brief description of your idea, the dates you’re considering and any other pertinent information. Akin looks forward to hearing your ideas!
About Akin
Akin is a Toronto-based arts organization that provides creative studio space as well as arts-based programming. Akin’s studios provide a working environment that maintains a friendly and inspiring atmosphere where people can work on creative endeavors and entrepreneurial undertakings of all kinds. We build community through a variety of programming including workshops, open studio events, gallery tours, exhibitions, as well as various other art projects.
Remote Gallery
568 Richmond Street West
Toronto, ON M5V 1Y9
gallery@akincollective.com
www.akincollective.com/remote
Instagram @remotegallery
Akin at the St Clair Gardens BIA SummerFest - July 26 from 12-6pm
You’re invited to the St Clair Gardens BIA SummerFest on Saturday, July 26th from 12 PM to 6 PM! It will be a day of community and celebration packed with music, food, family fun, and a showcase of incredible local talent.
You can stroll St Clair Ave West and browse the local vendors & sidewalk sales, including Akin Members Sam Silva Hill & Giovanna Galuppo in front of Akin St Clair (1747 St Clair Ave W) and then visit Don Panos Parkette (3 Prescott Avenue) for some live music, tasty food and refreshments, kid-friendly activities and more vendors including Akin Members Smriti Sharma & Liliana Botero.
Don’t forget to stop by the Akin table in the parkette to say hello and learn about our studios, galleries and programming!
Featured Akin Members at Akin St Clair:
Sam Silva Hill
Sam's practice is diverse and occurs across media - studio art, curation, and art educational practices are all implicated. Her painting concepts exist within the queer, feminist framework, exploring the correlations found within mental health, physical health, femininity, and queer identities which she balances against the cartoonish elements in her illustrations and sculptures.
Giovanna Galuppo
Giovanna is a multidisciplinary visual artist and designer based in Toronto. Originally from Venezuela, her work explores themes of memory, identity, social justice, and the human relationship with nature. She works primarily in painting, illustration, and mixed media, creating vibrant and expressive works that weave together figurative imagery, texture, and symbolism. Galuppo is the co-founder of Studios Galuppo, an online gallery space. Her recent work focuses on themes of healing, Indigenous solidarity, and environmental urgency.
Featured Akin Members in the parkette:
Smriti Sharma
Smriti is a Toronto-based potter creating small-batch, handmade ceramics at Akin St Clair. Their work blends form and function — each piece is made to be used, loved, and lived with every day.
Liliana Botero
Liliana is a graphic designer and a glass artist who studied and trained in Colombia and the United States. In addition to being a silversmith artist, Liliana has been working with glass for more than 20 years and produces wearable pieces of art & artistic glass home décor items with passion & love with her company Destellos Glass Art using several glass techniques such as: Lampwork, Fused Glass, Slump Glass, Mosaic, Stained Glass, Pâte de Verre, Kiln Forming and Carving, Sandblasting.
@destellosglassartt | www.etsy.com/ca/shop/DestellosGlassArt
Hope to see you there! Bring your family, friends, and neighbours! Let’s come together to celebrate summer, support local businesses, and make summer memories.
Many thanks to the St Clair Gardens BIA and all of the event sponsors!
Opportunities for Artists, Summer Edition!
This summer, discover more ways to bring your creativity to the world. To help you out, we’ve assembled a collection of hot opportunities with deadlines coming up this summer. Read on to find out more.
Image Description: Three people in formal dress stand in front of a mint-green background. They are smiling and are all wearing matching floral pins.
Call for applicants: ArtworksTO: Newcomer Program
Deadline to apply: July 24, 2025
More details here
This program provides newcomer creatives with training, mentorship, and a $5,000 paid work opportunities in media arts or arts education. The ArtWorksTO: Newcomer Program, funded by the TD Ready Challenge is designed to help 25 new Canadians build long-term careers in media arts and arts education. Through strategic partnerships with OCAD University, Work in Culture and industry organizations, participants will receive credentialed education, industry mentorship, and paid work placements to develop practical skills and build professional networks.
Image Description: A photo of seven people and an orange cat from Collective City: House Project, posed against a red background. A large white bird plume is held near the center-right of the group.
Calls for Submissions: Collective City Gallery Project
Deadline: July 31, 2025
More details here
Collective City Arts invites individual artists, artist collectives, and curators to submit a proposal for a 2-week show as part of our inaugural season in 2026. Successful candidates will receive rent-free access to the contemporary exhibition space at Dupont Rail Gallery in midtown Toronto. The Gallery Project will also provide a part-time sitting attendant, and promotional support for the show.
Image Descripion: A small rectangular swatches of knitted fabric on a bright blue surface. Next to it are spools of pink and purple wool.
Call for Submissions: Resistant Fibres Collaborative Textile Installation Project
Deadline: August 4, 2025
More details here
Weave yourself into a larger story in the Âjagemô Exhibition Space. Join makers across Canada to celebrate the power and joy of fibre arts in the Resistant Fibres exhibition! Contribute to the creation of a bold patchwork of textile voices to transform a central column in the Canada Council Âjagemô Exhibition Space.
Image Description: On the left are 4 graphic colours in warped diamond shapes, black, cyan, pink and orange. The image on the right focuses on a child holding a violin.
Call for Proposals - Culture Days at the Richmond Hill Public Library
Deadline: August 5, 2025
More details here
Applications are currently open for performers, workshop leaders, and cultural organizations interested in participating for Culture Days festivities (Sept. 20) at Richmond Hill Public Library.
It’s a great opportunity to give back to the community and showcase your work. Activities can range from play presentations/readings and artist talks, to demonstrations and workshops or any other creative idea.
Image Description: An photograph the Tangled Art Gallery, with paintings hanging on the walls and a bright, illuminated rectangular sculptures in pink, orange and purple in the forefront. Text overlays the image which reads “Tangled Art and Disability”
Calls for Proposals: Tangled Art Gallery
Deadline: August 8, 2025
More details here
Tangled Art + Disability is now accepting applications to exhibit your artwork at Tangled Art Gallery. They invite submissions from Deaf, Mad, and Disability-identified artists and curators, as well as arts organizations and other cultural producers who practice Disability Arts and Curation. There are two different spaces you can apply to show your work: the main gallery space or the window vitrines.
Image Description: An photograph of an intricate mural by Chris Perez and Leyland Adams on the side of a building. The mural is of a blue sky and bright red and pink flowers. In expressive cursive, painted text of the mural reads ‘Guildwood”. On the bottom left corner of the mural are the tags of the artists @chrispperez and @leylandadams
Calls for Muralists: StreetARToronto Support Mural Program
Deadline: Rolling deadline
More details here
The StART Support Program helps provide materials for the creation of graffiti art and street art murals on properties with a history of repeated vandalism on walls exposed to city streets. Applications are now open and on a rolling deadline, but projects must be completed by October 31st, 2025
Wishing you a wonderful, creative summer. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Love, Akin
Akin Members participating at TOAF in 2025
Summer is here, and that means the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF) is happening again! From July 11th-13th, Nathan Philips Square will be filled with incredible art, including work from talented artists within our very own Akin community. While you’re there browsing the creativity within the iconic white tents of the TOAF, be sure to check out the booths of our beloved Akin members and alumni.
Congratulations and best of luck to you all!
With love,
Akin
Participating Akin Members:
Madeleine Baird - Booth 59
Akin Richmond-Bathurst Madeleine (Maddy) Baird is an emerging artist from Pembroke, ON, currently based in Toronto. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Art Honours at Queen’s University, graduating in 2024. Her practice consists of oil painting and serigraphy, with a focus on portraiture. Her work has been exhibited in Kingston, Toronto and Vienna. Madeleine was a recipient of the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant in 2024.
Using directional brushstrokes and incorporating vivid colours into the skin, she creates a sense of vibrancy and life in the subjects she paints. Her practice is fueled by an interest in exploring themes of self-reflection, vulnerability, connection, and queer life experiences. Integrating narrative-based elements into her work allows her to engage with viewers by creating a sense of curiosity and exploration. By centering these concepts, she aspires to connect with viewers and hopes that those who are represented in her artwork can feel uplifted by this representation.
To view more of their work available at TOAF click here
Mykah Czarina Dela Cruz - Booth 327
Akin Davisville member Mykah draws upon personal history and narratives of interconnectedness with nature and community through a diasporic lens. Fostering bold colours and visceral works in varying mediums is in effort of diversity, healing and acceptance. Their work spans media, commercial, and cultural spaces—appearing in print, in public, and in practice.
To view more of their work available at TOAF click here
Olivier Forgues - Booth 354
Akin Richmond-Bathurst member Olivier Forgues is a Canadian painter. Originally from Montreal, he is now based in Toronto.
To view more of their work available at TOAF click here
Haley Meyer - Booth 1-2
Akin Queen East member and 2025 Akin Career Launcher recipient, Haley Meyer is an artist specializing in oil painting and etching. Her practice draws upon her experience with memory loss; how it has reshaped and impacted her life. Her work serves as mnemonic tools to help her remember her lived experiences, in turn acting as a resistance to memory loss. Haley graduated from OCAD University in 2025 with a BFA (Hons) in Drawing and Painting and a minor In Printmaking and Publications.
To view more of their work available at TOAF click here
Sadaf Pourghorbani - Booth 356
Akin Davisville member Sadaf Pourghorbani Solei is an Iranian-Canadian multimedia artist based in Toronto whose work explores self-discovery, cultural connection, and emotional resonance through intuitive and project-specific mediums. Working across photography, illustration, and sculpture, Sadaf’s practice draws from memory, personal history, and subconscious imagery. She holds a BFA from NSCAD University and an MFA from Toronto Metropolitan University. Her work has been presented in solo exhibitions at Anna Leonowens Gallery (Halifax) and Gladstone Gallery (Toronto).
To view more of their work available at TOAF click here
Firouzeh Saremi Far - Exclusively Online
2025 Akin Career Launcher recipient, Firouzeh Saremi Far is a visual artist based in Toronto, Canada. Her artistic practice is an ongoing exploration of the intersections between human experience and environmental influences, reflecting different themes of identity, transformation, and resilience. Drawing inspiration from the emotional intensity of Expressionism and the limitless forms of Abstract Art, her works seek to invoke a dialogue on human matters.
Firouzeh's work has been exhibited in galleries and art fairs nationally and internationally, she has also participated in art residencies such as the Gibraltar Point Residency (Toronto Island, Canada) and the Cultural Immersion Residency (Mexico), which have influenced her approach to materiality and storytelling. During the 62nd Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, she received several awards, including the Best of Student Award, the Artscape Solo Exhibition and Residency Award, and the Marie Collins Memorial Award.
Her goal is to create art that not only occupies space but also serves as a catalyst for reflection and engagement, encouraging viewers to consider their connection to the world and the impact of their presence within it.
To view more of their work available at TOAF click here
Marjan Verstappen - Booth 81
Akin Queen East member Marjan Verstappen’s paintings come out of a deep engagement with materials that fulfill industrial purposes, namely; cyanotype, asphalt, and oil paint. As she works, she asks herself, ‘what kind of stories can be told about these materials?’ and, ‘what do they tell us about ourselves?’ If she were to describe these paintings in a word, it would be folding: a folding of time, place, and material. She seeks a relationship with these materials that is embodied, honest, and hopeful of repair.
To view more of their work available at TOAF click here
Joy Zheng - Booth 99
Akin Richmond-Bathurst member Joy Zheng creats vibrant, eclectic oil and acrylic paintings. She graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, where she began developing her style and thematic focus. Her inspiration often draws from the way perceptions of the world shift at various stages of life, exploring themes of introspection, memory, and self-dialogue rooted in personal experience. Many of her works intentionally incorporate a childlike element, using paint markers and deliberately chaotic, disproportionate compositions. Through this seemingly playful lens, Joy examines social constructs and questions what aspects of human nature are inherent versus conditioned. Several of her earlier pieces also delve into themes of wealth disparity, religion, technology, and the consequences of systems designed to favor those in power, reflecting on the materialistic society in which we live. Joy’s work aspires to offer viewers a moment of peace or contemplation amidst their busy lives, encouraging them to reconnect with their inner child.
To view more of their work available at TOAF click here
Akin Alumni participating at TOAF:
Olivia Aguiar
Emily Au
Stephanie Avery
Melika Saeeda
Jamileh Salek
Ashley Snook
Visit TOAF:
Nathan Phillips Square, July 11 – 13, rain or shine
Free to attend!
Friday Jul 11, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Saturday July 12, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Sunday July 13, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
More details: https://toaf.ca/
Thank you for coming to the Remote Gallery Art Market & Exhibition!
Thank you to everyone who joined us on June 7th for the Remote Gallery Art Market & Exhibition. This event marked the recent expansion of Remote Gallery, and it was an opportunity to come together, celebrate the space, and highlight the work of our talented Akin members.
Read MoreClaire Correia’s sculpture, Steadfast, on now at the Akin Vitrine Gallery
Image Description: Steadfast installation in the Akin Vitrine Gallery featuring intricate sculpted leaves hanging from wires with a blue angel sculpture in the centre. The installation hangs against a white wall.
We’re excited to welcome long-time Akin Member Claire Correia’s beautiful installation, Steadfast, to the Akin Vitrine Gallery this summer! Steadfast is an aerial sculpture/mobile made of pressed copper leaves, flame-worked and cast glass, brass and zinc wire.
Viewable 24/7 from the street, the Akin Vitrine Gallery is located at Akin St Clair, 1747 St Clair Ave West. Be sure to swing by the gallery to have a look. Steadfast will be on until July 31st.
Meet Artist Claire Correia
Claire Correia: “I am a project-based artist working with fire, glass, wood, and unexpected materials. For me, each project feels alchemical: mysterious, labour-intensive, and often unfolding late at night in a quiet, dark studio. Since joining Akin Collective in 2011, my practice has moved increasingly toward three-dimensional work. Recently, I’ve been exploring natural rhythms — particularly how wind, light, and energy move in waves — through a series of mobiles. I’m drawn to their gentle, shifting motion and how they bring a sense of calm and balance to the spaces they occupy.
As the project develops, I look forward to making and installing these mobiles at different scales, both indoors and out, to see how they respond to changing light, air currents, and weather. I’m especially curious about how environmental factors shape the viewer’s sense of space in relation to the sculptures — and how each setting invites a unique form of attention and engagement with them.”
Image Description: Claire is standing and smiling in front of a display of her artwork. She is wearing a colourful patterned top, a green skit, and has round blue glasses on.
About Steadfast
Claire Correia: “One evening, I was out walking with my dog in the twilight when a breeze swept up a large eddy of leaves ahead of us. As the leaf tornado crossed the street, a fox ran out from its centre and disappeared into a nearby garden. That unexpected glimpse of something wild and magical in our quiet city neighbourhood has stayed with me ever since—and helped inspire the Steadfast mobile.
At the centre of Steadfast is an angel—like the fox—surrounded by swirling leaves. Both are creatures known to carry messages between worlds. So, is the angel a messenger, urging us to remain steady in uncertain times? An omen? A talisman of faith? Or a glimpse of something that’s always watching over us, guiding us, but usually unseen? Steadfast invites us to pause, to wonder, and to trust what we see in the living world—even if we’re not sure what it means.”
Image Description: Claire's sketchbook, open to reveal two pages of fine line drawings of the steadfast installation design process, with written notes.
Akin: What are you curious about right now?
Claire Correia: “I’m thinking a lot about Deep Sea Nodules. What?! They are potato-sized rocks that cover thousands of square kilometres in the darkest parts of the ocean floor. Down there there is no light, no current, and there would be no marine life if these rocks did not PRODUCE OXYGEN (so are they in some way ALIVE?!). Deep sea mining companies are set to begin harvesting DSNs because they are rich in the minerals used in car batteries. We know so very little about what is down there in the deep sea and it’s importance to ecological balance in the world…..”
Image Description: the individual pieces of the Steadfast installation on a metal tray, arranged by size. The pieces have thin wires attached to leaf shapes.
Akin: What do you do to stimulate curiosity and inspiration?
CC: “Oh I listen, read, watch, look and walk. Especially with dogs and friends!!”
-
Akin: Do you have a studio routine ie: Are you a daily ritual person or are you project-focused in spurts?
CC: “I don’t have a regular routine - I’m project-based and focus intensely on a body of work, then rest for a while before jumping into the next project. I usually work at night, when I can turn off the ‘house lights’ and just have my personal incandescent (warm) lights on. I find having tools lined up and research done before beginning work is really important to my studio practice. This might sound odd, but I feel the space must be prepared a certain way to kind of ‘let the spirits in’.”
Image Description: Claire's desk in her akin St Clair Studio, a work lap is above a table covered in tools and materials for glass and metal work. Around the table intricately patterned metal plates are leaning against the wall.
Akin: Do you have creative prompts or habits to help you get started? Any self-care tips to share?
CC: “Creative habit: I have a terrible memory, so I always carry a dot-grid notebook and fill it with references, info, ideas and thoughts. It’s not a diary though; I avoid writing anything deeply personal in the book. Self-care tips: Drink a lot of water. Ask for help and guidance. Be friendly to your neighbours. Remember that most people are good. Look for beauty everywhere.”
-
Akin: Are you reading/listening to/watching right now which is inspiring you? If so, how?
CC: “I read The Atlantic and the NY Times for obvious reasons. I’m listening to the Zen Studies podcast - because after a very dark stretch of years, I’m looking for some light.
I’m reading The Plant Eaters: How the unseen world of plant intelligence offers a new understanding of life on Earth, by Zoe Schlanger - because it’s fascinating, dense with mind-boggling information, and well-written!”
Image Description: Claire's desk in her akin St Clair Studio, a work lap is above a table covered in tools and materials for glass and metal work. Around the table intricately patterned metal plates are leaning against the wall.
Akin: What does your Akin studio mean to you? What brought you to Akin?
CC: “I came to Akin Lansdowne in 2011 because it was just the right time to get a studio. In that beautiful space I was welcomed into the most amazing community of artists - many of whom are friends to this day. Through the years, being with Akin has allowed me to make art downtown in the big city, always have a place to go where I am an artist FIRST, and importantly - be part of an ever-expanding community of like-minded, open and fascinating creative people.”
-
Akin: What advice would you tell your younger self about creating art? What have you learned?
CC: “The things I’ve learned about creating art may not obviously seem to be about creating art, but really they are: 1. Take care of your mental health and talk to someone if you feel unbalanced. 2. Talk to the people you love; Deal with interpersonal problems before they have a chance to go deep.
Advice to my younger self: If you’re not sure about something, ask yourself “What have you got to lose?” If the answer is “Nothing”, just do it.”
Learn more about Claire’s work by visiting her website clairecorreia.com or on instagram @claire.correia or, sit on her public bench in front of the No Frills on Hannah Avenue, in Liberty Village!
Akin Vitrine Gallery, 1747 St. Clair Avenue West
Thank you for coming to Akin Davisville's Open Studio
Thank you to everyone who joined us on May 24 and 25 at Akin Davisville for our Open Studio as part of the City of Toronto’s Doors Open Festival. The weekend was a huge success! We had a blast meeting both our neighbours and those who came from near and far to check out the studio, and meet our members. The artists at Akin Davisville worked hard to pull together an exciting weekend filled with live painting demonstrations, a collage workshop, and booths bursting with gorgeous artwork for sale. A huge thank you to everyone who came by and special thanks to our talented artists and our volunteers.
Here are some photos from the weekend. Enjoy!
Visitors looking at Akin Davisville members Kirsten Williamson and Janet Myers (@janet_myersartist) artwork.
Akin Davisville member Tai Kim (@jayutai) and Akin’s director Oliver Pauk.
Two people discuss member Mykah Czarina’s paintings (@mykahcdc)
Pictured is Akin Davisville member Emily Joyce (@emilyjoyceartwork) standing while teaching a free collage workshop at the Open House.
Members Awuradwoa Afful (@rajieeee) and Andrea Liao (@andrealiao) sell their handmade ceramics.
Akin Davisville member Gina Han (@bearystudioto) selling her artwork in her studio.
Member David Johns (@davidopenroad) showing off his lino skills in his studio during the Open House.
Akin Studio Manager Charlotte Van Ryn (@van_ryn) and Akin’s Remote Gallery director Renato Baldin (@renato.baldin)
Remote Gallery Art Market + Exhibition - Sat. June 7, 1-6pm
Remote Gallery Art Market + Exhibition - Sat. June 7, 1-6pm
Read MoreAkin Davisville Open Studio - Doors Open Toronto 2025!
A poster featuring two images of Akin Studios: one showing a potter’s studio with a wheel and shelving, the other a painter’s studio with artwork on the walls and an easel. Both spaces have white walls and sunlit windows.The text reads: 'Akin Davisville Open Studio! Three floors of studios. All are welcome. May 24 & 25, 10 AM – 5 PM, 244 Merton St.' Below the text, the Akin and Doors Open Toronto logos are displayed."
We’re thrilled to announce that Akin Davisville will be participating in Doors Open Toronto 2025 (@doors_opento), taking place on May 24–25, 2025.
As part of this city-wide celebration of Toronto’s architectural, cultural, and creative spaces, Akin Davisville will open its studio doors to the public for the very first time. Visitors will get a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible work and community inside Akin Davisville.
Located at 224 Merton Street, Akin Davisville is home to a diverse group of emerging and established artists working in painting, illustration, textile art, sculpture, mixed media, and more. During Doors Open, guests are invited to tour the studios, meet the artists, and learn about their creative practices through informal talks, demos, and in-studio displays.
Akin Davisville, 224 Merton Street
The theme of this year's Door’s Open Toronto is ‘Play’. In response, will be creating a ‘Jam Wall,’ an interactive, evolving piece of artwork where artists and participants can collage, paint and draw on a collaborative art piece that will be displayed in the studio. Drop in and take part!
Event Details: Akin Davisville, 224 Merton Street
Dates: Saturday, May 24 & Sunday, May 25, 2025
Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
What to Expect: Open studios, artist meet-and-greets, artwork on display, family-friendly activities
Accessibility Info: Akin Davisville consists of three floors of studios, all of which have elevator access from the main entrance way. There are single stall gender neutral bathrooms on each floor. More accessibility detail can be found here.
Admission is free and all are welcome!
In the coming weeks, we’ll be highlighting some of the incredibly talented artists working at this studio, so stay tuned! We can’t wait to welcome you into our space.
Remote Gallery Expands: More Space, Flexibility & Opportunity for Artists
Remote Gallery Expands: More Space, Flexibility & Opportunity for Artists
Read MoreColours of Spring by Liliana Botero at the Akin Vitrine Gallery
The flowers are finally coming out! And with it came a new installation at the Akin Vitrine Gallery, Colours of Spring by glass artist Liliana Botero. Viewable 24/7 from the sidewalk, the Akin Vitrine Gallery is located at 1747 St Clair Ave W, be sure to check it out. Colours of Spring will be up until the end of May.
Akin Members at The Artist Project 2025
The Artist Project is back from May 8–11, showcasing over 250 independent artists—and we’re thrilled to have five of our members participating, including two featured in the Untapped section!
A special shoutout to Leah Oates and all of our alumni members: Alyssa King, Ashley Snook, Carolina Reis, Chris Harms, Kath Zhou, Stephanie Avery, Tony Cruz, and Curt Gaudon.
Congratulations and best of luck to you all!
With love,
Akin
Abby Gowland
Akin Richmond-Bathurst member Abby Gowland (@abbygowland_art) is an emerging Canadian Printmaker and Queen’s University BFAH graduate (2024). She creates intricate floral patterns using the traditional technique of drypoint with black ink and white paper. Gowland practices at Open Studios in Toronto and has exhibited across Canada.
Find her in the UNTAPPED section
Janne Reuss
Akin Yonge-St Clair member Janne Reuss (@jannereuss) was born and raised in Mexico City and is currently based in Toronto, Canada. She has been a professional practicing artist for more than two decades, having lived, worked and exhibited her artwork in Mexico, United States, Germany, Italy and Canada. She studied Fine Arts at the Academy of Art & Design in Stuttgart, Germany and History of Art in Mexico City. Her preferred media are photography and collage, but she also paints, often cycling fluidly between the three. Through the metaphor of trees and branches she inquires how experiences of home and place are imprinted deep inside of her. She layers her photographs - often overpainting them - in order to recreate the intricate process of remembering. Janne’s work is held in private and public collections including the Donovan Art Collection at St. Michael’s College (Canada) and the Municipal Gallery of Ostfildern (Germany).
Kris Cvetkovic
Akin Queen East member Kris Cvetkovic (@kriscartist) is an artist living and working in Toronto. His themes focus on organized chaos and interconnectedness found in both natural and urban patterns.
Akin Richmond-Bathurst Meera Dinh (@m.sarts) is a Vietnamese artist based in Toronto who specializes in oil painting. Her work delves into the complexity of female identity, transforming personal and external experiences into dynamic compositions rich with intimacy, eroticism, and transformation. She completed her Honours BFA in Drawing and Painting at OCAD University in 2024.
Find her in the UNTAPPED section
Miles Ingrassia
Akin Dupont member Miles Ingrassia (@milesingrassia) is a painter with a background in printmaking and has collaborated with other artists to produce limited-run fine art editions. His practice explores masculinity through the male figure, drawing from his experiences growing up in Hamilton, Ontario. Through a delicate interplay of violence and tenderness, his paintings investigate the complexities of contemporary masculinity, highlighting its contested position between inherited norms and evolving identities.
Akin Niagara – Pop-Up Exhibition | April 5th
Join us for the Akin Niagara Pop-Up Exhibition, a one-night-only event! This casual drop-in gathering will showcase the creative work of the Akin Niagara artists.
Featuring artwork by Chris Gardiner, Chloe Griffin, Bianca Guimarães de Manuel, Gabriela Laconsay, Tim Mikula, & Amita Sen Gupta.
A Glimpse Inside Akin Niagara
Just around the corner from Trinity Bellwoods Park, Akin Niagara is a small but mighty studio in the heart of the Queen West neighbourhood. With an outdoor patio, big, bright windows, and intimate studio rooms, Akin Niagara has become a beloved home base to many different artists and creatives -
Read MoreAkin Space Award Winner Kseniya Tsoy and special guest Robot Caffeine at Remote Gallery
Join artist and Akin Space Award Winner, Kseniya Tsoy as she presents her debut book—written and illustrated to share the wonders of Uzbekistan, her first home.
Read MoreArtist Opportunities - Winter 2025 Edition
This winter, take some time to set yourself up for success with some of these fantastic opportunities and calls for submissions with deadlines in February and March. As artists, we know that putting yourself out there can feel daunting, but we believe in you!
Read MoreAll of the Glory, None of the Spending: a new exhibition by Charlotte Van Ryn at the Akin Vitrine Gallery
All of the Glory, None of the Spending by Charlotte Van Ryn (@charlottevryn) is now on view at Akin Vitrine Gallery until the end of March! 1747 St. Clair Ave W at Akin St Clair - viewable 24/7 from the sidewalk.
Read MoreAkin Queen East is Almost at Capacity!
Image Description: A photograph of the Akin Queen East Studio's two-story red brick facade, featuring multiple windows and a large bush in front. The background is pink, decorated with a blue checkerboard graphic and two yellow hearts with a smiling faces. The text reads, "Akin Queen East is Almost at Capacity!"
Newly opened in the Spring of 2024, Akin Queen East is a vibrant example of the spirit and talent that Toronto’s East-End artists have to offer. Now, just over half a year later, Akin Queen East is almost at full capacity for dedicated memberships. Our studio members include painters, fashion designers, sculptors, installation artists, writers, and more. There are only a few studio memberships remaining - read more below and email info@akincollective.com to inquire about membership!
Akin Queen East consists of the whole building at 429 Queen Street East, close to the intersection of Queen and Parliament. The studio has three floors: a lower level with large private studios, a ground floor that includes a sunny shared membership area, and a second floor with a long skylight which shines light on all three floors of this open-concept space.
Members at Akin Queen East enjoy community-building events and programming like the Akin Queen East Open Studio event that we hosted last autumn, and the Akin Crit Night which happened in the studio on February 5th. Members working with ceramics have kiln access and a 20% discount on kiln firing services through Lost and Found Project Space which is just down the street from the studio.
All memberships include 24/7 access, wifi, utilities, insurance, restroom and kitchen access, communal workspaces and common area cleaning. Prices include HST.
Akin Queen East, 429 Queen Street East
There are only five available studios remaining- learn more below!
QUE 18 - 2nd Floor: 77sqft for $415/month
This studio has two 6’ high plywood partition walls and one structural wall. It is located in a row of dedicated studios on the west side of the ground level. All of the studios receive natural light through the skylight above in the center of the space. It is close to the shared workspace, which has multiple tables that can be used for working on larger projects when available.
Image Description: Akin Queen East’s 2nd floor studios. Built in wooden shelving runs along the railing in the centre of the room. A skylight runs along the ceiling, and at the back of the room are private studios behind an orange-red wall. The background is pink, decorated with a blue checkerboard graphic and a yellow heart with a smiling face.
QUE 36 - 2nd Floor: 75sqft for $406/month
This studio has two 6’ high plywood partition walls and one structural wall. It is located in a row of dedicated studios on the west side of the second floor. In addition to the natural light from the skylight above in the center of the space, this studio has an additional small skylight directly above.
QUE 18 - Ground Floor: 77sqft for $415/month
This studio has two 6’ high plywood partition walls and one structural wall. It is located in a row of dedicated studios on the west side of the ground level. All of the studios receive natural light through the skylight above in the center of the space. It is close to the shared workspace, which has multiple tables that can be used for working on larger projects when available.
QUE 10 - Ground Floor: 39sqft for $252/month
This studio has two 6’ high plywood partition walls, plywood divider walls and one structural wall. It is located in a row of dedicated studios on the east side of the ground level. All studios receive natural light through the skylight above on the ceiling in the center of the space. It is close to the shared workspace, which has multiple tables that can be used for working on larger projects when available.
Image Description: A view of Akin Queen East’s ground floor, including the shared membership area and available studio QUE 10. A long white worktable in the middle of the room sits under overhead sunlight. Behind the tables are studios divided by plywood partition walls. The background is pink, decorated with a blue checkerboard graphic and a yellow heart with a smiling face.
QUE 10 - Ground Floor: 39sqft for $252/month
This studio has two 6’ high plywood partition walls, plywood divider walls and one structural wall. It is located in a row of dedicated studios on the east side of the ground level. All studios receive natural light through the skylight above on the ceiling in the center of the space. It is close to the shared workspace, which has multiple tables that can be used for working on larger projects when available.
QUE 4 - Lower Floor: 455sqft for $1276/month
This private office is on the lower level of the building. It has bright overhead lighting, generous built-in shelving along one wall, and is completely private. It does not have windows. It is located on the same floor as 2 other private studios, a communal kitchen, washrooms, and a utility sink for washing up.
Shared Membership: $80/month
We also have shared memberships available! Shared memberships allow you to work in two bright, spacious designated shared workspaces in the building. One is located right under the skylight with great natural light, large and medium-sized tables, and has a more open-concept feeling. The second shared workspace is more private and incorporates a large built-in desk and shelves for shared storage.
Our studios can accommodate a wide range of creative practices. If you are interested in a space at Akin Queen East, now’s the time! Please contact info@akincollective.com to book your tour.