Inaugural Exhibition: Creative Space Residency October 5-29th

Reception Thursday Oct 5 6:30-11pm at St.Aidan's Church in The Beaches

Artists: Diana Bahr, Jade Gregory, Elizabeth Lopez and Lili Vahamaki

Creative Space Toronto is proud to present it’s inaugural exhibition featuring artists; Diana Bahr, Jade Gregory, Elizabeth Lopez and Lili Vahamaki. The Creative Space Residency program is a pilot project begun this year by St. Aidan's Church in reaction to the problem faced by many artists in Toronto ...lack of space.

While Creative Space began initially as a monthly drop-in for artists, Will Adams the Associate Pastor at St.Aidan's in the Beaches quickly realized that a longer-term commitment would do more to address the underlying issues than an evening here or there. He was particularly motivated by a statement made by participant and artist Diana Bahr who told him “If you could offer space more frequently and you could offer storage, then I would come here more often.” The drop-ins turned into a six-month residency, and the opening reception this Thursday offers a look at the results!

Called Creative Space Residency, the project works to revitalize the artistic heritage of the church – prominent Canadian visual artist Doris McCarthy was a member – and offers affordable and accessible studio space to artists at the beginning of their careers. The inaugural class includes Bahr, and three of her former classmates, recent graduates of OCAD. The four work out of the newly-christened Alan Dodds Studio, which for years was the residence of the late Alan Dodds, the church’s longtime caretaker and a fixture of the church community.

Join the artists for the public opening reception on Thursday, October 5th, 6:30–11pm. The exhibition runs from October 5 – October 29. After the opening the show will be accessible by appointment only staidan@eol.ca 416-691-2222Akin friend and artist Diana Bahr is pleased to

''The inaugural Creative Space Residency Exhibit challenges the way we think about space, place and time. Each installation poses philosophical questions about the ‘nature of things.’ As we appreciate the skill and dedication of each artist and the their work, we are asked to pause for a moment in time. We know the moment will pass. But each piece asks us to linger, look, and see the world anew'' - Matt Adams, Creative Space Residency Founder and Associate Pastor at St.Aidan's Church.