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