Shayla Bond's reflections at the Akin x Salmon River Studios Residency

We sat down with Akin Dupont member Shayla Bond (@byshaylabond) to talk about her experience during the August residency as the first recipient of the Akin x Salmon River Studios Residency.

Akin: What were you working on during the residency? 

Shayla Bond: During my residency I worked on an intimate natural dye and memory project rooted in place, relearning natural dying through a reflective approach. I spent time walking the property and responsibly gathering plant materials and fallen matter that connected me to memories of Maus Park, my in-laws’ former 12 acre property near the Grand River in Paris, Ontario, a place that became deeply important to me over the past decade.

Rather than trying to recreate Maus Park, I was interested in exploring how a place can continue to live through memory, colour, and observation. I translated what I gathered into natural colour on cotton and linen, documenting each dye through technical notes, photographs, and written memories. The result became a swatch journal, an archive of relationships between plant, gathering site, colour, memory, atmosphere, and place. 

The residency finished with an artist talk where I shared the project and introduced the basics of natural dyeing. We then walked the Salmon River property together, stopping at places where dyestuffs had been gathered or where the landscape made me reflect of memories of Maus Park. At each stop, I read excerpts from my dye journal. Sharing those personal connections in the places where the colours originated became a particularly meaningful way to bring the project full circle and felt quite intimate. 

Akin: Did being away from your usual studio environment change how you worked?

SB: Yes, absolutely. I brought only the basic equipment and materials I needed and nothing more. In my usual studio, I’m surrounded, and sometimes inundated, by projects and works in progress.

The barn studio was so open and spacious, with these beautiful high ceilings. Having only the task at hand to focus on made me incredibly productive. I accomplished more dye tests than I had originally planned and found that I was able to take in and retain what I was learning more deeply. And the sound of the rain on the roof, wow!

Akin: What was your favourite part of your time at the residency/How did having dedicated time and space to work affect your practice?

SB: My favourite part was having dedicated time to let go of everything else and focus on a project that continuously gets pushed aside in favour of client work and commissions. That, combined with being immersed in nature and pretty off-grid, was truly restorative. It felt like the first time my cortisol levels had lowered in a while!

Eco-glamping is just comfortable enough that you still have your creature comforts, while keeping you really connected to nature. That side of the experience almost forces you to slow down, fully immerse yourself in the process, and let go of the distractions of daily life.

I had actually taken a week of vacation only two weeks before the residency, but it was nowhere near as restorative as this trip. So, I’d have to say my favourite part was the overall feeling of relaxation and having this little pocket of time away from the daily hustle and bustle, and to get back to play and exploration.

Akin: Did you develop any new techniques or ideas that you plan to continue exploring?

SB: During the residency, I returned to natural dyeing for the first time in 12 years. It gave me the chance to relearn the process, experiment with materials, and reconnect with techniques I’ve wanted to bring into my current practice for a long time.

Moving forward, I want to incorporate more naturally dyed materials into my quilting and textile work. I’m interested in gradually moving the beginning of my creative process further back, not just working with the fabric, but creating the colour itself.

Akin: Was there a particular moment, discovery, or day that stands out to you?

SB: The property is 52 acres, so there was a lot of land to walk and explore. When reading about the ethical harvesting of natural dyestuffs, I came across the philosophy, “Ask the plant for permission before harvesting, you will feel the answer.”

I really appreciated the idea and sentiment behind it. When I was gathering goldenrod from the eastern fields, I decided to ask the plant for permission, and I felt good about harvesting it. Later, when I went to gather goldenrod from the western fields, it just didn’t feel right, so I left it.

In that moment, I felt like I had formed an emotional bond with the land I was staying on. It felt quite profound to share that experience during my artist talk, and people really responded to it. I also read personal excerpts from the swatch and memory journal I created during the residency. Sharing those reflections felt very open, vulnerable, and beautiful.

Akin: What advice would you give to another Akin member considering a residency at Salmon River Studios, including what they should bring and anything you wish you had known before arriving?

SB: I was the first artist-in-residence at Salmon River Studios, so I walked into the experience somewhat blind. They had also basically finished building the space the day I arrived, but amazingly, I never would have known! They did such an incredible job putting everything together and had thought of pretty much every detail.

Because the residency is still new and the accommodations are eco-glamping, I’d suggest reaching out to the hosts, Gabe and Ashley, ahead of time about any equipment or technical needs. Do you need outlets? How much power will your equipment require? Is reliable Wi-Fi mandatory for your project? Having those conversations in advance will help make sure what you want to accomplish is feasible. It also shows that you’re arriving with intention and have really thought about what you want to work on! Also, be aware it's outhouse only if that's not your thing!

I’d also recommend planning your meals and groceries ahead of time, bringing extra art supplies, and packing clothing, footwear, and swimwear for spending time outdoors. It can get cold and damp at night. Also, I love bringing my own pillow lol

Click here for more information about the Akin x Salmon River Studios Residency

Read more about Salmon River Studios Artist Residencies here

Victor Wei’s mind-bending art on now at the Akin Vitrine Gallery

Victor Wei (@victorsywei)

This summer, the Akin Vitrine Gallery presents a new installation by artist Victor Wei (@victorsywei). Visible from the street, the work invites passersbys to witness the paintings 24/7. On view from August 1 to September 27 at 1747 St. Clair Ave. W. Be sure to check it out! 

Victor SY Wei is a Akin Richmond-Bathurst member who works primarily in acrylic paint and has a background in 3D/Visual effects. Their installation runs from August 1st to Sep 27th. These pieces are based on his recent works in the last year exploring geometric shapes that speak about other dimensions. 

We caught up with Victor to learn more about his exhibition and art practice.

Victor Wei’s Akin Richmond-Bathurst studio. Image credit: Marilyn Braun @braun_marilyn

Akin: What are you curious about right now? 

Victor Wei: “I’m curious about where the world is heading. It seems like we are having very big shifts in the world with the duality of progression in tech and human consciousness. I’m interested in incorporating more of my 3D background into paintings and visual installations.”

Akin: Tell us a bit about your Vitrine Exhibition (e.g. themes, materials, inspiration)  

VW: “This installation looks to illustrate the 4th and 5th dimensions. The primary focus is the paintings which acts as a map or maze that represents a segment in time frozen in place; and all the possibilities within it. The additional elements are expansions of the painting looking to explore the organic/geometric separately but ties as an installation like the painting. The geometric shapes represent possible outcomes like destinations. The lines act as routes that can be taken, and the organic form represents the conscious being inhabiting and exploring the space.”

Akin: Do you have studio routines or rituals? What gets you in a creative mood? 

VW: “I normally paint at night after work. Usually zoning out to some indie music or podcast while sipping on some tea. And sometimes just stare at a canvas for a while till the shapes and lines start speaking to me.”

Akin: What inspires you? Why? 

VW: “Artists, such as M.C Escher, Victor Vasarely have been big inspirations. I love the way their art changes our perceptions and messes with our heads. The incorporation of math into art has also been very fascinating to me. The architecture of the city also has played a big part in my practice. I find that Toronto has a good range and variety of architecture. Their unique shapes and design gives me a lot of creative ideas. I am also quite drawn to 90/2000s sci-fi aesthetics. The nostalgia provides many inspirations for the organic characters/colour choices and composition of the paintings.”

Akin: What does your Akin studio mean to you? What brought you to Akin? 

VW: “Akin has provided me a space separate from work and everything else that goes in my life. It's grounded me in a safe haven where I feel comfortable to explore these worlds in my imagination. I joined Akin after hearing about it through word of mouth from many local artists/friends/teachers and after attending Crit night and making some friends at the open house. I've always loved the vibe of people I met who already had a studio there, so it was a no-brainer for me when I needed a space.”

Akin: What advice would you tell your younger self about creating art? What have you learned? 

VW: “Make art for yourself and keep painting without the fear of judgement. Look at more art and learn about other people's practice. Find a good mentor, or mentors! I've found that in my earlier years I never committed enough to making my own art. Most of it, I've stopped after making a couple pieces in the same series. Part of it was not believing in myself fully and worrying about whether people will like my art. I've only more recently learned to fully create for myself. 

Learn more about Victor’s work @victorsywei

Akin VItrine Gallery, 1747 St. Clair Ave. W.

 

Meet Our Summer Photography Intern: Marilyn Braun

Akin Dupont members Hamid Mohammadi (@hamidxvi) and MP Guillot (@mp__guillot)

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Over the summer, Akin has had the pleasure of working with photography intern Marilyn Braun (@braun_marilyn), a fourth-year student in Sheridan College's Bachelor of Photography program, who has been documenting Akin members and their studios.

Marilyn is a professional photographer whose work spans event, portrait, and documentary photography, with a focus on capturing authentic moments and genuine human experiences. Driven by a curiosity about people and a passion for visual storytelling, she creates images that are both compelling and meaningful.

As Marilyn wraps up her internship in August, we want to extend our sincere gratitude for the incredible body of work she has created for Akin. Her photographs will continue to be an invaluable resource for showcasing our community, members, and spaces.

If you're looking for a talented photographer, we highly recommend Marilyn's professional services. We've added her to the resources section of the Akin website here, where you can learn more about her service and get in touch.

We also asked Marilyn a few questions about her internship experience so you can get to know her a little better and learn more about her journey as an emerging photographer.

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Akin Richmond-Bathurst members Sheila Cavanagh (@sheilacavanagh) and Su Tarhan (@sutarhan)

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AKIN: How did you first become interested in portrait photography?

Marilyn Braun (@braun_marilyn)

Marilyn Braun: I first became interested in photography while studying Media Communications at Humber College, but what drew me most to portrait photography was the connection with people. Through my work as a school photographer and event photographer, I discovered how much I enjoy meeting people and creating images that reflect something about who they are.

I believe every person has a story, and photography can preserve and share those stories. Portraits are more than just a record of someone’s appearance; they are an opportunity for someone to be seen and recognized. That sense of trust and vulnerability is what makes portrait photography so meaningful to me.

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Akin members at the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (@torontooutdoorart/) Anna Tanner (@annastephentanner) and Shayla Bond (@esbe.studio/)

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AKIN: How do you help someone feel comfortable in front of the camera?

Marilyn Braun: Many artists are more comfortable talking about their work than being photographed, so I try to begin there. I ask about their practice, what inspires them, and the ideas behind their work rather than immediately making the session about posing. My goal is for the camera to become less noticeable and for the person to feel like they are having a conversation rather than being observed. In a 30-minute session that can be challenging, but creating a relaxed environment through conversation and humour often leads to more authentic portraits.

AKIN: What have you learned from photographing artists?

Marilyn Braun: The main thing I have learned through photographing the artists at Akin is that every creative practice is unique, and the studio environment plays an important role in telling that story. Working with artists across different mediums, I have photographed spaces filled with different materials, textures, and personalities. The studios are not just a backdrop; they are part of the portrait, reflecting the artist’s process and the way they work.

What I have found most inspiring is that there is no single way to have a creative practice. Each artist approaches creativity differently, from the materials they choose to the ideas that motivate their work. Photographing the Akin community has reinforced for me that a strong portrait is not just about the person, it is about understanding what shapes them and the world they create around themselves.

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Akin Dupont members Eli Moser (@elhamos) and Loren Kaplan (@lorenkaplan)

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AKIN: What details do you look for that help tell an artist's story?

Marilyn Braun: I look for the details that reveal the relationship between the artist and their work. The studio space is an important part of that because it reflects their process: the textures, materials, tools, and objects that surround them. I am interested in the physicality of making: the hands that create, the surfaces they work on, and the details that show the connection between the artist and their practice.

AKIN: Why did you choose to work with Akin?

Marilyn Braun: When I first heard about the opportunity through the co-op office, I was excited by the idea of working with artists and photographing them within their creative spaces. As a photographer, I am drawn to people and the stories behind their work, so the opportunity to document Akin’s artist community felt like a natural fit.

I was also excited by the opportunity to support Akin’s mission of providing space and community for artists, and to help create images that celebrate the people who make up that community. It felt like an opportunity to contribute while also growing as a photographer, particularly in environmental portraiture. Looking back, I have grown through this experience and developed a deeper understanding of how a portrait can reflect not only a person, but their creative practice. The project reminded me how much I enjoy the process of connecting with people and creating images that reflect their stories and creative practices.

To view more examples of Marilyn’s work or inquire about photography services, please visit: www.artofdetailphotography.com

'Breakthrough' by Firouzeh Saremi Far coming to Remote Gallery

This August, Remote Gallery will be hosting an exciting new exhibition by Akin Career Launcher recipient and OCADU graduate, Firouzeh Saremi Far. The exhibition, Breakthrough, will run August 15th & 16th from 1-8pm, at 568 Richmond St W. 

Breakthrough is a series of sculptural installations inspired by the quiet resilience of small plants that push through asphalt, fracturing hard surfaces as they grow toward light. Often unnoticed, these fragile forms embody persistence without spectacle. They became the central metaphor for this body of work: a quiet act of resistance and an enduring belief in growth despite pressure. Rather than presenting resilience as a final victory, Breakthrough understands it as an ongoing process: a continuous act of becoming. Breakthrough is a reminder that even the smallest act of continuing can become a powerful form of resistance.

Firouzeh Saremi Far (@firouzeh_saremifar) is a Toronto-based visual artist working across sculpture, installation, painting, and mixed media. Her practice explores the relationship between human experience and the natural world, examining themes of resilience, transformation, and hope. Through a material-driven process, she creates immersive works that translate emotional and environmental narratives into sculptural forms. Inspired by the quiet persistence of nature and the human capacity to overcome adversity, her work invites viewers to reflect on growth, adaptation, and the enduring search for light in times of uncertainty.

The Akin Career Launcher is a career-support opportunity for graduating students in Drawing & Painting, Integrated Media, Indigenous Visual Studies, Cross-Disciplinary Art: Life Studies, and Sculpture & Installation at OCAD University. Offered in partnership with Akin, the award is facilitated by OCAD U’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers. The award has been given annually since 2016.

Thank you for joining our Remote Gallery Summer Market and Exhibition!

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Saturday, July 18, for the Remote Gallery Summer Market and Exhibition!

This event marked our second Akin Member Summer Market and was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the work of our talented members.

All photos from the event featured in this post were captured by our talented summer intern, Marilyn Braun (@braun_marilyn), a fourth-year photography student at Sheridan College.

Thanks again to all that participated:

• Drift & Grain

• Gabrielle Trach (@gabrielletrach)

• Georgia Jin Kelly (@georgia.j.k)

• Iskuhi Avagyan (@iskuhi_a)

• Jody Orsborn Medina (@jodyorsborn)

• John Williams Collins

• Katryna Shreyer (@katryna35mm)

• Mark Buck Art (www.markbuck.art) 

• Michelle Evelyn Lee (@mievelee)

• Sadaf Solei (@studiosolei)

• Samantha Jean Art (@samanthajeanart)

• Sandra de León Art (@sandradeleonart)

• Tintern Abbie (@tinternabbie)

• Vicky Vyas (@vickyvyasart)

Photos: Marilyn Braun (@braun_marilyn)

Congratulations to Michael Donohue, Recipient of TOAF's Akin Space Award!

Image credit: Marylin Braun, @braun_marilyn

Congratulations to Michael Donohue, Recipient of TOAF's Akin Space Award!

Michael (Mike) Donohue is a fibre artist reinterpreting the traditional techniques of crochet that he first learned as a child through the use of self-taught, freeform crochet.

Michael has a life-long passion for arts andcrafts, building and creating. He continued to study “fine art” and art history through higher education, practicing painting as a hobbyist.

Michael Donohue, Bright Iris, 2025. Wool, crochet. 100x100cm

During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns in Toronto his practice undertook a transformation. Combining the crochet skills he first learned as a child from his grandma with his interest in more traditional “fine art” stylistic sensibilities, his fibre art practice was born.

Michael’s work is a meditation on how we experience and interact with the environment around us, and our connection to and impacts on natural environments. His work invites the viewer to slow down, enjoy the subtle beauty, reflect. His work is both metaphor and a love letter to the world around us, expressing the joy to be found in nature.

Michael Donohue, Poppies, 2024. Cotton, crochet, with felt backing. 135x80cm

His use of freeform crochet is a continually evolving and growing, organic process – each stitch is a breath of life into his creations. In addition, he works exclusively in natural fibres, in furtherance of his chosen subject matter.

Michael’s love for crochet continues to be shared through the teaching of workshops and classes, community engagement, and exhibition.

Michael’s booth at TOAF 2026. Image credit: Marylin Braun, @braun_marilyn

The TOAF, Akin Space Award is designed, in collaboration with the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF), to support emerging artists in Toronto by providing access to creative workspace and/or exhibition space.

Michael is the recipient of an $1,000 credit applicable toward:

• an Akin studio membership (shared or dedicated) at any Akin location

• a Remote Gallery rental

• or a combination of both

Michael is currently focused on creating new pieces for his first exhibition at the Cabbagetown Arts & Crafts Show, taking place September 11–13, 2026. Following the exhibition, Michael will decide how he would like to use the Akin Space Award.

See more of Micheals work on the TOAF website, Michael’s personal webpage and follow him on Instagram @mdvassal

We also want to extend a BIG thank you to all of the TOAF staff, volunteers, and jury members, as well as our juror, Akin’s Remote Gallery Manager, Renato Baldin!

Grant Writing Session with Peter Kingstone

Date: Wednesday, August 5, 6:00–8:00 PM
Location: Remote Gallery, Gallery A (568 Richmond St W)
Free event — limited to 12 participants

After a fantastic first grant writing workshop earlier this year, we're excited to welcome Peter Kingstone back for a second collaborative grant writing session focused on the Toronto Arts Council (TAC) Visual Arts Creation Grant.

This workshop is designed as a hands-on peer review session where participants will receive detailed feedback from Peter and learn from one another's applications in a supportive, welcoming environment. Whether you attended the first workshop or are joining us for the first time, this is an excellent opportunity to strengthen your grant application before submitting.

Important Information

Please note that this workshop is exclusively focused on the Toronto Arts Council Visual Arts Creation Grant. If you are seeking feedback on another grant program, this session will not cover those applications, and they will not be discussed.

To ensure everyone receives meaningful feedback, participants must have their draft proposal saved in the TAC portal before the workshop. Having drafts in advance allows Peter to review them beforehand and provide more thoughtful, comprehensive feedback during the session. It also allows proposals to be displayed during the workshop, making the discussion more accessible for both visual and auditory learners.

During the session, each participant's proposal will be read aloud and workshopped by the group. This collaborative format allows everyone to ask questions, share ideas, and learn from a variety of applications in a warm, respectful, and non-judgmental environment. If you're uncomfortable reading your own proposal aloud, that's absolutely fine—an Akin staff member will happily read it on your behalf. You can let us know in advance or simply request this during the workshop.

About the Toronto Arts Council Visual Arts Creation Grant

The Toronto Arts Council Visual Arts Creation Grant supports individual visual artists in the creation of new work, including drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media, and installation. The grant has a rolling deadline, allowing artists to apply throughout the year.

For more details and full eligibility, visit the TAC website.

If you haven't already registered with the Toronto Arts Council, you'll need to create an account through the TAC Grants Portal before applying. Registration is free and only takes a few minutes. We recommend completing this step early so you have time to review the application requirements and begin preparing your proposal.

Who Should Attend

This workshop is ideal for:

• Visual artists preparing an application for the Toronto Arts Council Visual Arts Creation Grant.

• Artists at any stage of the grant writing process, whether you're applying for the first time or have previous experience.

• Artists interested in receiving constructive feedback and learning through peer discussion.

Attendance is limited to 12 participants to ensure everyone has time to receive meaningful feedback.

Accessibility
Remote Gallery is on street level with step-free access and the entrance doors are 37" wide. The doors are automated by a push button system. There is step-free access throughout the gallery space. There are two gender-neutral washrooms both with step-free access. The washroom doors are not automated, the door knobs are round, and the toilets are not raised. For more information about Remote Gallery, click here.

About Peter Kingstone
Peter Kingstone is a Toronto-based visual artist and curator, working primarily in video and photography. As an independent artist, Peter’s installation pieces have been shown across Canada and internationally, and he was awarded the Untitled Artist Award in 2005 for his installation The Strange Case of peter K. (1974–2004). Peter holds a degree in Philosophy/Cultural Studies from Trent University in Peterborough and a Master of Fine Art focusing on video and new media from York University in Toronto. Peter has presented at many conferences on storytelling and social engagement. He began in September 2012 as the Acting Visual/Media Arts Program Manager at Toronto Arts Council

Nobody’s Home by Veronica Z.M. at the Akin Vitrine Gallery

The Akin Vitrine Gallery is excited to announce the new exhibition, Nobody’s Home, by artist Veronica Z.M. Viewable from the street 24/7, exhibition will run from July 2nd to 31st at 1747 St Clair Ave W. 

Veronica Z.M. is a multidisciplinary artist working across mediums that include painting, drawing, ceramics, digital experiments and installations. Veronica’s work applies at times a somber and at times a playful lens to themes that center on myths, nature, memory and narratives. 

Nobody’s Home is part of a work that explores sorrow—how it lives in the body, accumulates in memory, and is folded into who we become. Working in acrylic, oils, ceramics and occasionally materials found in nature, Veronica looks to the natural world as both metaphor and a parallel system––one that also processes loss, adapts, and continues.

This installation runs from July 2 - 31 and represents a selection of experimental work in painting, ceramics and conceptual art, made between 2024-2025. 

We caught up with Veronica, to learn more about her new exhibition, inspiration and process.

Veronica Z.M in her Akin studio

Akin: What are you curious about right now? 

Veronica Z.M: “I’m always interested in exploring creation as a dialogue with audiences and communities. I love learning about how the creative process helps us process realities and narratives.” 

Akin: “What gets you in a creative mood?”

V.Z.M: “I tend to work in dedicated bursts and concentrated periods, sometimes once or twice a year. I usually collect, research, observe, and model out ideas before I start creating. To get into a creative mood, I often turn to music, audio books and movies. Once I have an idea in place, I’ll often have something running in the background while I work.”

Akin: What inspires you? 

V.Z.M: “Expression as a means of both private and collective healing.” 

Akin: “What does your Akin studio mean to you?”

V.Z.M: “It means being part of something communal and something that drives momentum.”

Akin: “What advice would you tell your younger self about creating art?” 

V.Z.M: “I’m not sure about giving advice, but embracing failure as certainty has been a helpful source of motivation.” 

BLANK SPACE 001: THE EXHIBITION & THE ACTIVATION

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Presented in collaboration with Akin and Remote Gallery, the BLANK arts society presents their inaugural public exhibition, BLANK SPACE, which will kick off a new series of activations.

Location: Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St West

THE EXHIBITION:

July 2: 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

An evening of original work from the BLANK season one artists. come look, ask questions, or just hang around. expect a night of art, community, and connection — plus a raffle with a one-of-a-kind prize from one of the artists.

THE ACTIVATION:

July 3: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM

A full day of live art on the street by the BLANK artists. face painting (pick your flag), a canvas anyone can add to, and live interviews all day long and a look at the work on display inside from BLANK SPACE 001: THE EXHIBITION. stop by anytime between 12–8pm. no tickets, no schedule — just come through, watch art happen, and be part of it.

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about the BLANK arts society
The BLANK arts society is a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and promotion of the arts across canada. They believe in the power of creativity to build leadership, foster community connections, and create accessible spaces for cultural exchange. Their mission is to support the artistic ecosystem by providing mentorship, innovative programming and professional development opportunities for emerging and newly established artists.

www.blankarts.org
@blankartssociety

Remote Gallery Summer Art Market & Exhibition - Sat July 18 from 1-6pm

The summer art market is back at Remote Gallery.

Join us on Saturday, July 18 from 1–6pm for an afternoon of artwork, handmade goods, and conversations with artists from across the Akin community. Featuring 14 artists and makers working across ceramics, painting, illustration, textiles, crafts, and more, the market is an opportunity to discover new work and directly support local artists.

DATE: Saturday July 18
TIME: 1 - 6pm
LOCATION: Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W

Free to attend, everyone welcome! 

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Featuring 14 Artists + Makers!

Tap their image to discover more of their work on Instagram.

Drift & Grain

Gabrielle Trach | @gabrielletrach

Georgia Jin Kelly | @georgia.j.k

Iskuhi Avagyan | @iskuhi_a

Jody Orsborn Medina | @jodyorsborn

John Williams Collins

Katryna Shreyer | @katryna35mm

Mark Buck Art | www.markbuck.art

Michelle Evelyn Lee | @mievelee

Sadaf Solei | @studiosolei

Samantha Jean | @samanthajeanart

Sandra de León | @sandradeleonart

Tintern Abbie | @tinternabbie

Vicky Vyas | @vickyvyasart

Whether you've joined us before or are visiting for the first time, we'd love to see you there. Follow @akinprojects on Instagram over the coming weeks for artist highlights and event updates.

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Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W

 

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Accessibility Information

Remote Gallery is located at street level and has a step-free entrance, with step-free access throughout the gallery space and in both gender-neutral washrooms. The entrance doors are 37" wide and operated by a push button system.

The washroom doors are not automated and have round door knobs. Each washroom provides a 5' turning radius, and the toilets are not raised. For more details about accessibility at Remote Gallery click here.

Remote Gallery Open House! Tuesday July 7th from 6-8pm

Join us at Remote Gallery, located at 568 Richmond Street West, on Tuesday July 7th from 6-8pm, for an Open House event. If you have creative ideas that need a beautiful, versatile space this is a great opportunity to visit and meet the Gallery Manager, Renato Baldin, to discuss tips for setting up exhibitions, available dates, and the logistics involved in bringing your ideas to life. 

What to expect?

• An opportunity to visit the space in person to visualize ideas for possible events, projects or exhibitions.

• Learn about the gallery’s facilities and what is available to you as a renter.

• A chance to meet the Gallery Manager, Renato Baldin, to discuss tips for setting up exhibitions, available dates, and the logistics involved in bringing your ideas to life.

No registration necessary for this event, drop-ins welcome, light refreshments will be provided. 

About Remote Gallery

Remote Gallery is Akin’s dedicated exhibition and programming space. It provides opportunities for artists and members of the public to rent space for single or multiple day exhibitions, workshops, artist talks, readings, presentations, pop-ups and other artistic programs.

You can find more details about Remote Gallery on our webpage: www.akincollective.com/remote

Click here for detailed Remote Gallery Accessibility information.

See you there!

Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond Street West

 

Akin Members participating at TOAF in 2026

The Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF) returns July 10–12, transforming Nathan Phillips Square into a vibrant showcase of creativity featuring more than 400 artists from across the country. Be sure to explore works by talented artists from the Akin community, including current members and alumni.

This year, we are also excited to announce the inaugural TOAF x Akin Space Award!

The TOAF x Akin Space Award is designed, in collaboration with the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF), to support emerging artists in Toronto by providing access to creative workspace and/or exhibition space.

The recipient will receive a $1,000 credit applicable toward:

• an Akin studio membership (shared or dedicated) at any Akin location

• a Remote Gallery rental

• or a combination of both

For more information about TOAF awards, visit the TOAF Awards Program.

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Participating Akin Members:

Madeleine Baird - Booth 158

Akin Richmond-Bathurst member, Madeleine (Maddy) Baird (b. 2002) 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

@maddyartt

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Kelcy Timmons Chan - Booth 411

Akin Richmond-Bathurst member, Kelcy Timmons Chan (they/them) is a Cantonese Canadian American queer pop artist and mural painter based in Toronto. Through their lens as a biracial gender-fluid immigrant, Kelcy explores what it feels like to find belonging and have cultural pride. They examine how food is a universal love language. They amplify stories of family-owned restaurants and queer spaces highlighting how our places of belonging directly tie us to our history, the land we live on, and our communities.

With the artist’s signature motif, the little purple people, Kelcy whimsically exemplifies the presence of the LGBTQIA+ community everywhere, and in many of their pieces spotlights the intersection of their Asian heritage and queer identity.

By using little purple people, Kelcy creates intricate, bustling scenes representative of immigrant and queer spaces. They invite the viewer to consider how their experiences with their community and with food have contributed to what home and belonging feel like.

To view more of their work available at TOAF click here

@mixt.paints

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Olivier Forgues - Booth 162

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

@olivierforguesart

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Anna Tanner - Booth 7

Akin Richmond-Bathurst member Anna Stephen Tanner is an American-born oil painter and curator from Atlanta, GA, practicing in Toronto, ON. Drawn to themes of tension, her practice traces her upbringing amongst rigid southern American values to her experience as a femme lesbian. She depicts the commodification of the female form, reclaiming agency through her gaze. Her references come from vintage magazines, imagery from old Hollywood, early 2000s media, and imagery from rural America.

With her BFA in Criticism and Curatorial Practices from OCADU, her recent curatorial work includes "Power Play - A Girl Behind A Gun" at Girl Fraud Gallery, and her BFA thesis "GRIT", held at Remote Gallery. Her painting work has been shown internationally at (SCENE) Metrospace in Michigan, US, and in Toronto at Stackt Market, Ada Slaight Gallery, Remote Gallery, and OCADU at Gradex111.

To view more of their work available at TOAF click here

@annastephen.n

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Eli Moser - Booth 81

Akin Dupont member Eli Moser is a painter, ceramicist and neuroscientist. His work is fun, unsettling, and guaranteed to be a conversation starter. During his thesis he learned that there are some questions clinical research and psychology can't help you with. He is now trying his best answer them through figurative surrealism. Above all he takes being silly very seriously. He works in acrylic, graphite, ink, and watercolour on canvas, board, and anything else he can get his hands on.

To view more of their work available at TOAF click here

@elhamos

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Shayla Bond - Booth 153

Akin Dupont member Shayla Bond is a Canadian fibre artist whose work explores the intersection of textile, design, and domestic space. Rooted in the preservation of heritage craft techniques, her practice reconsiders quilting as both an artistic medium and a functional object within contemporary interiors. Through colour, texture, scale, and precise construction, Bond creates works that engage with the architecture of the home and the sensory experience of living with handmade objects, emphasizing a synergy between functionality and aesthetics.

To view more of their work available at TOAF click here

@byshaylabond

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MP Guillot - Booth 222

Akin Dupont member MP Guillot is a multidisciplinary artist from Québec, currently living and working in Toronto. Ceramics has become her playground to be in relationship with her creative intuition. She loves to dream up otherworldly forms, bake colour, and explore the secret language of objects. MP’s work lives in the space between knowing and letting go, where intuition meets experimentation. With a background that weaves through design, fashion, and photography, she brings a sense of childlike playfulness to everything she makes.

MP’s work is born from a dance between control and letting go, with a deep desire to let out what wants to move through her. She uses a blend of coiling and slab building techniques to create abstract sculptural works. MP approaches the surface like a painter to achieve a fluid and irreverent style. In contrast, since developing new glaze colours is a science that requires calculated experimentation, each glaze is built from raw materials in her studio, tested and earned.

MP is also a 2026 Jurors’ Pick!

To view more of their work available at TOAF click here

@mp__guillot

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Joy Zheng - Booth 37

Akin Davisville member Joy Zheng is a Toronto-based artist, creating 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, and self-dialogue rooted in personal experience. Many of her works intentionally incorporate a childlike element, using vivid colour palettes, and deliberately chaotic, disproportionate compositions. Through this seemingly playful lens, Joy examines social constructs and the complexity of human emotions.

Woven into recent works are themes of religion, technology, generational patterns, and self identity with each piece acting as a scattered visual documentation of fragmented feelings. Joy’s work aspires to offer viewers a moment of contemplation and reflection, amidst their busy lives, as a form of reconnecting with each individual’s inner purpose.

To view more of their work available at TOAF click here

@joy.zheng.art

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Vitaly Medvedovsky - Booth 61

Akin Davisville member Vitaly Medvedovsky was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, and moved to Canada in 1998. He completed the MFA Painting program at Concordia University (Montreal) in 2009, after receiving a BFA from the Ontario College of Art and Design (Toronto) in 2004. Vitaly’s work has been shown in solo and group exhibitions in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Stuttgart and Berlin. He has received numerous awards, including the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant, the Plaskett Award, the Ontario Arts Council Emerging Artist Grant, as well as the Canada Council project grant.

My paintings and drawings depict imaginary spaces that intertwine autobiographical elements with references to history, science fiction and mythology, as a way of exploring the themes of memory, fantasy and the passage of time. I am particularly interested in the way one's current state can distort our perception of the past, and influence our visions of the future. My ultimate goal is to create works that exist in a space outside of time - an imagined world that lies somewhere between a past that never actually happened and a future that never quite panned out as hoped. Instead of constructing a closed-off narrative with a particular message, I'm trying to create moments of uncertainty, whereby the different elements in the drawing or painting, while existing within the same space, don't necessarily always fit logically together, be it in terms of scale, chronology, or even basic physics. These gaps in meaning create a kind of opening that allows the viewer to access the work and interpret it on their own terms.

To view more of their work available at TOAF click here

@vitaly_medvedovsky

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Larissa Mattwich - Exclusively Online

Larissa a member at Akin Queen East. Since childhood, she has longed for a sister. Her series Sisterhood explores the deep connections between women that extend beyond blood ties. With age, she has come to recognize the strength and support these friendships provide. Shared experiences—gardening, working together, laughter, joy, and standing by one another through loss and challenge—create bonds and intimacy distinct from romantic relationships, often offering support that helps navigate life with partners.

She works primarily with acrylics on mylar. Fluid acrylics animate the playful quality of her paintings. Loose brushstrokes, lines, and drips take on a life of their own and contribute to the unfolding narrative.

To view more of their work available at TOAF click here

@larissamattwichart

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Akin Alumni participating at TOAF:

Melika Saeeda (2025 Space Award Winner)
Jamileh Salek

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Carlos Olavarrieta at Akin Vitrine Gallery

A new exhibition has arrived at the Akin Vitrine Gallery for the month of June! Be sure to swing by 1747 St Clair Ave, where the vitrine is viewable 24/7 from the street, to check out Carlos Olavarrieta’s new exhibition, Sunset Shapes. 

Carlos is an artist who produces non objective oil paintings rooted in rhythmic patterns and created in an unplanned manner.  His newest oil on canvas, Sunset Shapes, will be on display from June 3rd to 27th. 

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”I work in oil paints on canvas. My paintings are non-representational, abstract with soft lines, and vibrant colours.  Originally rooted in an interest in patterns and rhythms, my paintings have moved away from a rigid approach or intent. The paintings are determined by discovering an unknown image. The result is that the finished paintings are a manifestation of playfully painting. I do not want the process to feel like work, and I believe that overworking the painting can close the initial creative energy. Discovering an unknown image is achieved by approaching the blank canvas with no previous sketches or ideas in mind. Out of the resulting chaos, shapes and colour command space, and are brought into focus with minimal painting. As a result, the paintings present new images with an unpolished quality. Thus, the paintings are creative play revealed as an image. “ —Carlos Olavarrieta 

We caught up with Carlos to learn more about his work, inspirations and process.

Akin: “What are you curious about right now?” 

Carlos Olavarrieta:  “Different brushes.”

Akin: “Do you have studio routines or rituals? What gets you in a creative mood?” 

CO: “Approaching the canvas with no idea or sketch.”

Akin: “What inspires you?”

CO: “Music.”

Akin: “What does your Akin studio mean to you?”

CO: “A creative community.”

Akin: “What advice would you tell your younger self about creating art? What have you learned?”

CO: “The process takes time.” 

Learn more about Carlos’ work or reach out: 
@artistcarloso 
colavarr@hotmail.com
artinteriors.ca/artists/carlos-olavarrieta

Thanks for joining us at Akin Davisville’s Open Studio

Thank you to everyone who joined us on May 23rd at Akin Davisville for our Open Studio as part of the City of Toronto’s Doors Open Festival. Despite the rainy weather, the event had a great turnout, and was a huge success! We had a lovely time meeting those who came out to see the studio and support our artists. The artists at Akin Davisville worked hard to pull this event together, giving art demonstrations, live portrait drawings, collage workshops, and displaying gorgeous artwork. A huge thank you to everyone who came by and special thanks to our talented artists and our fantastic volunteers. 

Here are some photos from the weekend. Enjoy!

Thank you to our volunteer @artful.sphere for many of the photos.

Akin in the Country: Salmon River Studios Artist Residencies

Akin Dupont member Shayla Bond (@byshaylabond)

We’re excited to announce that Akin Dupont member Shayla Bond has been selected as the recipient of the inaugural Salmon River Studios Community Impact Residency (Akin Founding Artist Special). This special residency, taking place in the summer of 2026, offers dedicated time and space for an Akin member to devote time to artistic research and creation in a rural studio setting at Salmon River Studios in the countryside of Tamworth, Ontario.

Shayla’s proposed residency project explores natural dyeing, memory, grief, and place through textile-based research. During the residency, she will work with responsibly sourced plant materials from the surrounding landscape to create a journal of colour, process, and observation rooted in the environment itself. Shayla will also facilitate a guided “colour walk”, open to the Tamworth community, introducing natural dye materials, exploring the relationship between landscape and textile.

Congratulations Shayla, and we’re thrilled to see this opportunity support the continued development of her practice!

About Salmon River Studios

Located in Tamworth, Ontario, Salmon River Studios is a new rural arts residency and eco-art initiative centered around creative research, environmental connection, and community engagement. The site includes a 2000+ sqft heritage barn studio, glamping accommodations, trails, river access, and shared gathering spaces designed to support focused artistic work in a restorative natural setting.

We’re grateful to be partnering with Salmon River Studios during their inaugural season to help create residency opportunities for artists within the Akin community.

Exclusive Seasonal Studio Residency Opportunity for the Akin community

In addition to the Community Impact Residency, Salmon River Studios is also offering the Akin community (you!) exclusive early access to book Seasonal Studio Residencies for Summer and Fall 2026. This includes 30% off residency bookings, and exclusive access to reserve residency dates before bookings open to the general public. 

These residencies are designed for artists seeking dedicated studio time in a quiet rural environment and are available for independent creative retreats, research periods, collaborative projects, and family-inclusive stays. We encourage artists  interested in focused time away for their practice to explore the opportunity.

The full residency call and booking details are included here: www.salmonriverstudios.com/akin-artist-residency

Photo Installation by Janne Reuss coming to Akin Vitrine Gallery for CONTACT Photography Festival

Artist and Akin Yonge-St Clair member Janne Reuss and her installation Urban Sky. Photo taken at Remote Gallery.

‘Urban Sky’ by Janne Reuss,
in association with CONTACT Photography Festival 

Date: May 23 - 31, 2026, viewable from the street 24/7

Location: Akin Vitrine Gallery, 1747 St Clair Ave W 

We’re thrilled to welcome Akin Member Janne Reuss’ (@jannereuss) photo exhibition, ‘Urban Sky’, to the Akin Vitrine Gallery at the end of May. ‘Urban Sky’ is  a conceptual installation as part of CONTACT Photography Festival 2026. The venue was chosen intentionally, since the work addresses how urban spaces confine and limit our vital space in nature. The vitrine will be illuminated at night, so the work will be visible from the street 24/7 during exhibition time. 

In preparation for this exciting exhibition, we caught up with Janne to learn more about the installation and her artistic process.

Janne Reuss, Urban Sky, Install

Akin: “Tell us more about Urban Sky.” 

Janne Reuss: “Urban Sky is part of a larger body of work titled ‘Replanted’, in which I ask the question: What happens to a tree when it is transplanted from its original habitat? Using the tree as a metaphor, this series explores themes of displacement, identity, and belonging. Nature—and the remarkable resilience of plants that survive and adapt in harsh environments—serves as my primary source of inspiration.

This conceptual installation brings together two layered photographs. One is a monochromatic image of a concrete wall scattered with dried leaves; the other is a vibrant, colorful image of a green tree set against a blue sky with clouds. The juxtaposition of these opposing images creates a visual and conceptual dialogue between the artificial and the natural, life and death, absence and presence.

The acrylic structure evokes both a planter and modern architecture. It functions simultaneously as a container, a window, and a barrier. Rolled and confined within this structure, the photograph becomes a sculptural body—compressed, held, and shaped by its enclosure.

The resulting poetic tension reflects the ways urban environments fractures our relationship with nature: limiting access to green and private spaces, confining growth, and reducing our experience of the natural world to fragments—often no more than a reflection of the sky caught in a window.” 

Janne Reuss, Urban Sky

Akin: “What are you curious about right now?” 

JR: “I'm curious to learn more and dive deeper into the world of plants, trees and roots. I'm also experimenting in creating more installations with new materials, so very curious about what I will find out in the process.”

Akin: “Do you have studio routines or rituals? What gets you in a creative mood?”

JR: “A typical ritual is to clean up or organize something before starting to work creatively; it is a way to create space and start from a sense of calm. I like to start my process slowly by creating a peaceful and focused mindset. Music helps me to get inward and connect to what I want to express.” 

Akin: “What inspires you? Why?”

JR: “The source of my inspiration is multilayered like my art process. But the most important ones are experiences and memories. Beside this internal source I find my material when I'm travelling or wandering through the city or nature with my camera. Poetry has been a companion for many years as well.”

Akin: “What does your Akin studio mean to you?”

JR: “My Akin Studio means so much! I have a quiet space to work concentrated, experiment, and invite colleagues, collectors and buyers to see my work. I have been renting studios with Akin since June 2019 and have found incredible meaningful support from the amazing Akin Team. It is wonderful to feel part of an art community that is respectful, welcoming, inclusive and likeminded.”

Akin: “What advice would you tell your younger self about creating art? What have you learned?” 

JR: “You will find your greatest power in being a creative soul. Don't ever let anyone or anything dim your light.”

Learn more about Janne Reuss’ work:

Contact Photography Festival, Urban Sky by Janne Reuss

@jannereuss

www.artjanne.com

Akin Vitrine Gallery, 1747 St Clair Ave W 

 

Akin Davisville Open Studio - Doors Open Toronto 2026!

We’re excited to share that Akin Davisville will be taking part in Doors Open Toronto on Saturday May 23, 2026.

As part of this city-wide celebration of Toronto’s architectural, cultural, and creative spaces, Akin Davisville will once again open its studio doors to the public—marking its second consecutive year participating in this event. Visitors will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes and experience the vibrant artistic community that defines Akin Davisville.

Located at 224 Merton Street, Akin Davisville is home to a diverse group of both emerging and established artists working across painting, illustration, textile art, sculpture, mixed media, and more. During Doors Open, guests are invited to explore the studios, meet the artists, and gain insight into their creative processes through informal talks, live demonstrations, and in-studio displays.

Event Details: Akin Davisville, 224 Merton Street
Date: Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
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 on our instagram @akinprojects and our blog at www.akin.art, so stay tuned! We can’t wait to welcome you into our space. 

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Akin Davisville, 224 Merton Street

 

New Rush List for Discounted Remote Gallery Rentals!

We’re excited to announce that signups for the Remote Gallery Rush List are now open to the public! This is an exciting opportunity to offer our community greater access to the space at significantly reduced rates, especially for those who are able to move quickly on last-minute availability.

As a member of the Rush List, you’ll receive monthly emails from Renato, Remote Gallery Manager, sharing available rental dates that are coming up within the coming month. If the timing works for you, you can secure the space at a discounted rate based on how soon your rental begins:

• 75% off for bookings confirmed one week out.
  
  

• 50% off for bookings confirmed two weeks out.
  
  

• 25% off for bookings confirmed three weeks out.
  
  

• For Akin Members, this discount is applied on top of your already reduced member rate of 40%, making it an especially valuable opportunity.

REMOTE GALLERY A

Remote Gallery A

Remote Gallery A, Between Breaths, Between Spaces Exhibition, 2026

Located at 568 Richmond Street West, 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. Perfect for exhibitions, pop-ups, workshops and more! The full 850 sqft gallery space can be rented, or the gallery can be divided into two separated spaces which can be rented individually. 

Remote Gallery A (450 sqft), Remote Gallery B (400 sqft), or both combined (850 sqft) may be available through the Rush List. Rentals can be as short as one day and up to one week, depending on availability. To secure a date, simply be the first to reply to the availability email. 

REMOTE GALLERY B

Remote Gallery B

Remote Gallery B, Between Breaths, Between Spaces Exhibition, 2026

This program is ideal for artists and creatives looking for professional space, with large windows and substantial foot-traffic. The gallery is perfect for public events like exhibitions, workshops, pop-up shops, art markets, and artist presentations—but it can also be used for private uses like documenting work through photography or film, hosting client or gallerist visits, staging and preparing for an upcoming exhibition elsewhere, or even as short-term studio space for large sculptural projects or installations. We welcome experimental ideas, as long as they are suitable for a gallery environment.

If you’d like to join the Rush List, please complete the sign-up form here

Once you’re on the list, you’ll begin receiving monthly availability emails and can jump on dates that align with your schedule.

For more information about the space, including specifications and guidelines, you can review the Remote Gallery Info Package here

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Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond Street West

 

2025 Space Award recipients Melika Saeeda, Leila-Refahi and Azadeh Pirazimian!

Image of Space Award Recipients, Akin, Toronto Arts Foundation and Neighbourhood Arts Network logos.

We’re excited to announce the 2025 Space Award recipients: Melika Saeeda, Leila-Refahi and Azadeh Pirazimian!  

The Space Award focuses on providing creation, performance, and/or exhibition spaces to newcomer professional artists who are past recipients of the Newcomer Arts Award. This award not only provides funding and space essential for professional artists to grow their practice, but also supports artists in growing their professional network.

The Space Award focuses on providing creation, performance, and/or exhibition spaces to newcomer professional artists who are past recipients of the Newcomer Arts Award. This award not only provides funding and space essential for professional artists to grow their practice, but also supports artists in growing their professional network.   

Recipients receive:

• $500 cash to support their arts practice

• $2,000 in Akin credit to be used for studio or exhibition space
  
  The Space Award is made possible with the support of RBC.

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Melika Saeeda was born and raised in Tehran, Iran, and graduated with an MFA in Graphic Design from Tehran Art University. Over the past 10 years, she has illustrated more than 30 children’s books in Turkey and Iran. Many of Melika’s illustrations have also appeared in Iranian children’s magazines and books, and her artwork has been exhibited at book fairs in Iran, Canada, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, and Turkey. Her art is about telling stories that draw on her experiences as an Iranian artist. She is inspired by traditional Iranian methods of depiction, such as the narratives in Persian miniatures – tiny, ornate paintings that tell traditional stories.

This visual tradition has inspired her own art practice and representational choices, which she explores through drawing, painting, lithography, and murals. “I am excited to join community arts initiatives here in Canada, now that I feel free to express myself in ways I could not before,” Melika notes, adding she wants to draw on those traditional depiction methods and their narrative potential “to tell new stories that depict the full range of human diversity and that reflect on social justice while celebrating the freedom. Rather than simply commenting on life in Iran, however, I want to explore how these stories can be retold, made contemporary, and shared in a new culture.

@melikasaeeda

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Leila-Refahi works with painting, installation, and digital media to create participatory art experiences. Her work mainly focuses on environmental issues, climate change and endangered animals. Leila received her Master’s degree in Art Education from Concordia University in 2021 and has a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Painting from the Art and Architecture University in Tehran, Iran.

In her research and educational projects, she inquires about socially engaged art and its impact on raising and transforming environmental knowledge in communities. Leila has presented six solo exhibitions and participated in more than 60 national and international group exhibitions and festivals. She also ran participatory projects, in which she engaged audiences in the artwork process by asking them to create and precede the artwork, cooperating, and finally becoming artists of the work. The interactions between participants, the artist, and the artwork are the most significant part of her practice.

@leilarefahi.art

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Azadeh Pirazimian is a multidisciplinary artist, art educator based in Toronto and former lecturer in Iran. With a passion for exploring themes of self-expression, communication, daily resistance, through diverse media, including drawing, painting, photography, performance, and sculpture. Her methodology has been consistent throughout her career, resulting in her own distinctive visual language.

Over the years, Azadeh has showcased her works at multiple exhibitions in Iran, Canada, and the Netherlands. Her art in Canada has received recognition through the Newcomer Artists Mentorship Grant and RBC Space Awards.

Azadeh holds a bachelor's degree in painting and a master's in visual communication. In the fall of 2023, Azadeh will pursue her MFA at University of Waterloo, where she can develop her artistic skills further.

azadehpirazimian.com

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For more information about this award please visit: https://torontoartsfoundation.org/awards/newcomer-space-award

If you're interested in partnering with Akin on a Career Launcher at your institution organization, please reach out to us at info@akincollective.com.

New Spring Exhibition by Golbahar Hassanbadi arrives at the Akin Vitrine Gallery

Iranian-Canadian artist and Akin member, Golbahar Hassanbadi’s new installation, “This Space Is Where I Stand” at the Akin Vitrine will change over time.

This spring, Akin Vitrine Gallery is excited to announce a new installation, This Space Is Where I Stand by Golbahar Hassanbadi. Running from April 1st until May 22nd, 2026, the installation is viewable 24/7 from the street at Akin St Clair, 1747 St Clair Ave West. Read on to find out more about the exhibition and the artist. 

Golbahar Hassanbadi is an Iranian-Canadian visual artist working across drawing, sculpting, installation, and material-based practices. She holds the BA in painting and drawing. Her work often uses materials to hold tension, fragility, constriction, and repetition, while embodying conceptual meaning. At the time of applying for this exhibition, she intended to present her most recent body of work, an ongoing series of interconnected rings, neck pieces, and chains, exploring repetition and complexity.

Golbahar in her Akin Yonge-St Clair studio

However, following the events of this past January and the ongoing war and bombings in Iran, the meaning of that work has shifted for her. The relationship between life, memory, and art no longer feels stable.

Rather than presenting those works, she chooses to hold this space differently. The installation begins in near-emptiness, consisting only of the text that will evolve over time, with elements gradually added throughout the exhibition, emerging from her lived experience during these difficult days.

This gesture is an attempt to remain honest, to resist presenting something that no longer feels true. 

To those who pass by: this is where she stands.

“My Vitrine exhibition, This Space Is Where I Stand, explores presence, absence, and transformation. The installation begins almost empty, with only the text, and will evolve over time as I add elements inspired by my lived experience during these days. This minimal, white cubic space gives me the opportunity to align the installation with the unfolding process and the changes happening in the work as I engage with it.”

-Golbahar Hassanbadi 

Golbahar’s Akin Yonge-St Clair studio

Akin: “What are you curious about right now?”

Golbahar Hassanbadi: “I have long used art to navigate concepts such as loss, suffering, and repetition. But lately, the weight of reality has shifted everything. I am now seeking to discover new significance in these concepts through the gravity of what I have experienced.”

Akin: “Do you have studio routines or rituals?”

GH: “My studio is a quiet and secure space that allows me to simply observe and 'be present.' It provides a setting where I can engage with my questions, thoughts and ideas, deciding whether to give them a physical form or to let them remain as they are.”

Golbahar’s work in progress

Akin: “What inspires you?”

GH: “I am inspired by my lived experiences and the many dimensions of life that I encounter. I seek out other people’s stories and the challenges they face in different stages of life, finding their reflection in the mirror of my own existence. This connection is what inspires my work”

Akin: “What does your Akin studio mean to you?”

GH: “My Akin studio is a space where I can slow down, experiment, and focus deeply on my work. As an immigrant woman and artist, it has given me the opportunity to reclaim my own space in Canada alongside like-minded people who value art and critical thinking. Being surrounded by other artists creates a sense of community and exchange that fuels my practice. I was drawn to Akin because of its supportive environment and its commitment to providing accessible studio spaces; the diversity and the culture of respect within this community are deeply valuable to me. The security and peace I find here are qualities I am consistently grateful for.”

Akin: “What advice would you tell your younger self about creating art? What have you learned?”

GH: “Advice? Honestly, I don’t see myself as someone to give advice, but I’d like to say sincerely: don’t give up. In today's world, simply choosing the path of art to think and express your thoughts is a heroic act. Keep going, and be patient with yourself and your process.”

Find more of Golbahar’s work on her instagram @goliha