Investing on a Budget: Free online workshop! Jan 24, 5-6pm

For the last of our 3-part series on Financial Literacy and Learning, Akin invites artists and the public to join us for Investing On A Budget, hosted in collaboration with facilitators from our partners at Wealthsimple. This month's session will be focussing on Investing: What is involved and how can it work for you? 

TO REGISTER CLICK HERE.

Artists may be seen as free-lance or independent workers, perhaps coming to the “business” of art without a great deal of financial literacy. As such, information and resources around investing, saving money and planning for retirement may be something many folks in our community are lacking.  

We're inviting artists to submit their questions and queries to erin@akincollective.com. Your questions will support the presentation and may be used during the Q&A period following. 

Thanks to our community facilitators Wealthsimple!  “Personal finance is the art of managing your money. How much to save, where to invest and how to budget. None of us are born knowing how to put together a smart, simple financial plan.”  Please feel free to check out their website at wealthsimple.com for more information on learning and resources towards greater financial literacy.

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We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
@CanadaCouncil  #BringingTheArtsToLife

Akin Taxes for Artists Workshop

Tax season can be a particularly stressful and confusing time for artists, performers and other creatives. This workshop will help you get prepared! With decades of experience in accounting and taxation, Kelly Ross will spend an hour discussing some of the most important tax topics for artists including: tax preparation, deductions, tax deadlines, HST, how to handle grants, T4s and more. The session is suitable for artists who are new to filing taxes or those who are looking for a refresher. Please come prepared with your questions, or email them in advance to erin@akincollective.com . This session will be recorded, and Closed Captions available. An ASL Interpreter will be in attendance.

Date: January 25th

Time: 6PM-8PM

Place: Online

Accessibility: This session will be recorded, and Closed Captions available. An ASL Interpreter will be in attendance.

Facilitator: Kelly Ross is the Managing Director and CEO of Ross Professional Corporation. She is a member of CPA Canada leading with strength, knowledge and passion, having over 20 years of experience in accounting and taxation. Through her career she worked in a multi-national CPA firm, then moved on to be a subject matter expert for development of an accounting program at a college. Kelly’s interest and passion for accounting came from her mother whose career was in the accounting realm. Kelly has a love for the arts and entertainment industry, which stemmed from having a father who had talent and love for music. Kelly herself played the piano, trumpet and was a dancer through her early years. Now in her downtime, Kelly can be found around the hockey rinks supporting her daughter’s hockey team and following her nephews in their live band performances. She is truly a people person and has a special skill making everyone she meets feel special.

CreateSpace Webinar: Digitizing Your Art

Hear from artists Yung Yemi and Samar Hejazi and learn how to document your work, present it digitally, and share it virtually.

Do you know how to leverage your experience as an artist working in public spaces after the installation and performance ends?

Digitizing your art through photography and sharing your creation process helps make your work interactive and available online to those who can’t experience it in person. Hear from artists Adeyemi Adegbesan (AKA Yung Yemi) and Samar Hejazi and learn how to document your work, present it digitally, and share it virtually in this 1.5 hour hour webinar that will support artists of all disciplines who exhibit their work in public spaces, through shared learnings about documenting your work.

Event Date and Time:
Thursday, April 22, 2021
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM EDT

Presented by STEPS and Toronto Arts Foundation’s Neighbourhood Arts Network, this workshop is offered as part of the 2021 CreateSpace BIPOC Public Art Residency through Neighbourhood Arts Network’s Making A Living Making Art program.

ASL interpretation will be provided. Please email eva@torontoarts.org by April 15, 2021 with any other accessibility requests. 

Making a Living Making Art | Grant Clinic 2

Making A Living Making Art is a free professional development workshop series for creative entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations.

Making A Living Making Art is a free professional development workshop series for creative entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations. The series provides opportunities for artists to gain valuable information, skills and insights on creating and sustaining a creative practice.

Join us on Saturday November 2 from 10AM to 4PM for a 30 minute 1-on-1 session with 1 of 3 experienced grant consultants. Make sure to sign up ahead of time to guarantee your 1-on-1 session, as spots are limited and given on a first come, first serve basis.

Please bring a grant application you've already begun working on to maximize your time with the consultant. The more specific the project, the better! You are encouraged to identify areas of the grant that you would like particular support with.

Tangled Art + Disability & Horizon Survey: Organizational Access Gaps for Deaf, Disabled, and Mad-identified Artists

Tangled Art + Disability in partnership with the Horizon Initiative is conducting research to explore the experiences of Deaf, disability-identified, and Mad artists working with arts organizations in Toronto. 

By gathering a wide range of experiences from artists and organizations they will build a better picture of where access gaps exist. This research will be used to inform Tangled Art + Disability and the Horizon project partners in the creation of new resources and programs to address identified barriers.

The first stage of this research is a survey you can take online. 

You can find the survey on our website by clicking here.

If you prefer, you can take the survey over the phone, or in person in english, ASL or LSQ. If you have any questions, or would like to take it by phone or in person, please contact: victoria@tangledarts.org or call 647 725 5064.

This project has been made possible through funding from the Open Door initiative through the Toronto Arts Council.

North York Arts' Second Act: ESL Theatre Program

Looking for a creative way to practice your English?

Second Act is a series of 8 FREE theatre-focused workshops for youth ages 14 to 19 to feel more comfortable and confident in their speaking abilities. You'll practice through storytelling, improv, public speaking, and more!

The program will be held on the following upcoming dates from 5:00pm-7:30pm:
October 7, 21 and 28
November 4, 11 and 18

We strongly recommend that you attend all of the workshops to get the most out of the program. Plus, you will receive a participation certificate if you attend a minimum of 7 workshops!

Second Act is led in English and is ideal for those with basic to intermediate English communication skills. TTC fare and snack will be provided.

Sign up now as spots are limited!

WORKSHOPS:

October 7 and 21
Improv with Isaac Luy

Improv is a great way to take risks and to improve interpersonal and speaking skills. During these workshops, we'll focus on some physical comedy games that get your body moving and your creative juices flowing. We will do exercises that aim to get you feeling confident and into a state of play. Come learn how fun improv can be!

October 28 and November 4
Public Speaking with Stephan Dyer and Juan Cajiao

Are you looking to overcome your fear of public speaking? Join us and let's have fun with Improvisation and Stand Up Comedy. We will use humor as the primary tool in order to become persuasive speakers, improve stage presence, and develop self-confidence. We will also talk about how to embrace your accents and roots through the 'mistakes are opportunities' mentality.

November 11

TBD

November 18
Conversation with Maria Montejo

A conversation with Maria Montejo (Deer clan) about the land that we stand on and our responsibilities as newcomers to the land and to the original keepers of this land.

Akin DIY Comics School meeting on November 4 at Akin St Clair

The Akin Collective D.I.Y. Comics School is a group that meets the first Monday of every month with the goal of working together to provide our own continuing comics education. Meetings take place in the Akin St. Clair Studio at 1747 St. Clair Avenue West. Open to everyone and anyone interested in creating comics!

This is a member-led initiative that will develop and change over time with participation from everyone. Anyone interested in comic making is welcome to join for one or all of our monthly meetings. Some materials are provided but feel free to bring a sketchbook or papers, pencils, pens or markers, and any comics or comic projects you wish to show and share with the group. The Akin St Clair Studio Comic and Zine Library is also available during meetings to inspire you!

If you are interested in continuing your education and development as a cartoonist and in helping others do the same, please come out and join us Monday, November 4th, from 7:30pm to 9:30i sh at the Akin St. Clair Studio in the “Don’s Meats” building at 1747 St. Clair Avenue West. Entrance to the studio is off of the parking lot, and located near the back of the building on the west side. It’s a giant door, and it will be open at the start of the meeting, but then closed, so if you come late, knock loud!

Questions or suggestions? email diycmx@gmail.com

You can join the Akin DIY Comics School Community on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/diycmx/

Accessibility:
This building is partially accessible. The space is ground- level throughout. There are two entrances to the space, we encourage guests to use the side-door entrance. There is one step at the front door entrance and no steps at the side door entrance. There is one all gender bathroom. There is one step to get to the bathroom. There is no alternative bathroom or alternative route to the bathroom. The bathroom door is 30 inches wide. There are no grab bars in the washroom and the toilets are not raised. Akin St. Clair Studios regrets any barrier to access.

Getting here by TTC:
Akin St Clair Studios is accessible on the 512 St. Clair Streetcar Line and by bus, take either Bus 168 from Dundas West Station, or Bus 127 Spadina Station to Keele and St. Clair.

Parking:
There is residential parking on Hounslow Heath Road and other residential streets in the area.

Documenting Your Artwork with Artists' Network

Good enough is NOT! If you can't photograph your artwork at an accomplished professional level, then you are wasting your time. The competition for any opportunity is so fierce - galleries, competitions, commissions, grants, art fairs, whatever – that a portfolio full of blurry, off colour, skewed photographic imagery will disqualify you immediately. The curator, selection committee or jurors will not have the time nor interest to try to see the art.

This workshop will walk you through basic strategies for photographing your artwork: lighting, gear, and editing afterwards. You won't need expensive photographic equipment to participate. Emphasis will be placed on using what you have at hand – including cell phones, and available home lighting. McClyment is not a professional photographer. Rather an artist just like you, who has had to learn all this the hard way.

Where: Ralph Thornton Community Centre, 765 Queen Street East, Multi-Purpose Room, 3rd Floor, Toronto

When: October 22nd, 7:30-9:00PM

Speaker:  David McClyment

Speaker Bio: For the past 39 years, David has been professionally exhibiting throughout Ontario and across Europe. His work has been the focus of many grants and critical reviews. As a professor in the Fine Arts Studio program at Centennial College, David has twice been recognized for teaching excellence by the college. McClyment is also in the final stages of publishing a hands-on professional practice resource for fine artists: "So, You Wanna Be an Artstar". Much of what he will talk about tonight will also be covered in this book, to be published in late 2019. He is inspired daily by his long-time reason for living, Sue Bracken, and their eminently talented son, Jaimie.

Fall + Winter Workshops at Contemporary Textile Studio Coop

SILKSCREEN PRINTING
with Sharon Epstein
OCTOBER 5, 19, 26 & NOVEMBER 9, 16, 23
Spend three Saturdays building your skills and knowledge of the silkscreen printing process with an experienced instructor who will guide you through the technical and creative aspects of this exciting technique. Open to all skill levels.

WOVEN MATERIALITY - WEAVE A MULTI-FUNCTIONAL CLOTH
with Amanda Wood
SEPTEMBER 15
This workshop will introduce traditional cloth weaving techniques within a contemporary, materials based context. Students will work on pre-warped Ashford rigid heddle looms to create a textured multi-functional cloth. Suitable for all skill levels.

STUDIO PRINT NIGHT
with Erin MacKeen
TUESDAYS (6:00 - 9:00 pm)

Are you looking for a space to work on a printing project? Join us for Print Night and get access to our fully-equipped space to work independently. Technical assistance and screen preparation services available.

Grant Writing 101 for Artists in Communities and Schools

October 2 / 6:00-8:00pm / North York Civic Centre - Council Chambers - 5100 Yonge Street, North York, ON

PWYC (Suggested Donation $5 to help defray Akin’s costs) / Please RSVP at https://bit.ly/2kDb4aB

Due to popular demand, we have decided to offer another grant writing workshop in October!

Join Akin and the Ontario Arts Council to learn more about how to apply for grants from the people that give them. Please note: this workshop will focus on grants offered by the OAC but much of the information provided can easily be applied to grants from other organizations.

Writing grants is a significant part of many artist's careers - so let's learn how to do it properly! This interactive workshop will explore the process of planning, writing and submitting grant proposals to different governing bodies. As a major funder themselves, the Ontario Arts Council provides direction and advice on the grant writing process and the various the dos and don'ts of everything from creating your budget to organizing your support material and work plan. Following this, there will be an extensive Q&A period.

Accessibility Info:
North York Civic Centre is wheelchair accessible. Please let us know of any other accessibility needs so that we can assist you. Email janet@akincollective.com by September 23rd, 2019 and we will do our best to accommodate you! Thank you.

Akin Projects would like to thank the City of Toronto for their kind donation of space to host this event.

About the Presenter:
Maura Broadhurst is the Cross-Sectoral Associate Officer at the Ontario Arts Council. In this capacity she manages the Arts Service Organizations programs as well as other project programs in the discipline and activity sections of the Council. Prior to her work at the Council, Maura was the Curator at the Latcham Gallery, the public art gallery in Stouffville, Ontario for over a decade. She has also worked at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection as an Educator and Program Coordinator, London Regional Art & Historical Museums, the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, Canadian Stage Company and Desrosiers Dance Theatre.

Learn How to Make a Living in the Arts at Ryerson University

Gain essential business skills needed throughout the creative chain.

Ryerson University’s Chang School of Continuing Education offers arts and entertainment administration courses to help you enhance your marketing, management, audience engagement, sponsorship, and social media promotion to support your creative work.

MAKING A LIVING IN THE ARTS COURSE: STARTS SEPTEMBER 9

This September, we are offering Making a Living in the Arts(course enrolment page: CDAM 100), a foundational course designed for arts managers, potential managers, and individual artists who want to learn the business skills required throughout the creative chain – creation, production, marketing and promotion, pricing and selling, distribution, and managing finance. Students will build a case study based or a real or imagined project of their own.

Your Instructor: Sandy Crawley

Learn directly from Sandy Crawley, who has worked in the arts for over 40 years (as performer, musician, musical director, instructor, and volunteer board member) and has provided management services to a number of nonprofit arts organizations for the last 15 years. He has played a leadership role in several organizations across the cultural sector, sharing knowledge and experience that informs his teaching.

Paperhouse Studio - Fall 2019 Classes Open for Registration

This season's education programme has some of Paperhouse Studio’s classic and popular classes plus plenty of opportunities to pick up more skills in their brand new classes!

Classic classes include: Beginner Introduction to Papermaking, Pulp Painting Eco Printing, Papercutting Explorations and more!

Paperhouse Studio’s new classes include Papercutting Explorations, Unusually Shaped Boxes, Gold Tooling on Paper and more!

Ming Smith, June Clark and Suzy Lake in Conversation - today at 7pm at the AGO - FREE!

June Clark, pur laine, 2004, mixed media, Collection of Peter Caldwell + Stephen Mader, Toronto. © June Clark

Join Akin Sunrise artist June Clark, along with Ming Smith and Suzy Lake this evening at 7pm the Art Gallery of Ontario for a conversation about photography, career, and critical reception for the CONTACT Photography Festival. This is a free event.

About June Clark
June Clark has earned a national and international reputation for her photo-based image works, installations and interventions. Clark’s works explore the intersection of family history, recollection and identity. Clark grew up in Harlem, a major centre of Black cultural and artistic excellence. In 1968 she moved to Toronto, where she continues to live and create art. She has exhibited widely throughout Canada and abroad, including exhibitions in Ecuador, Austria, Paris and New York. She has taught studio and academic visual arts courses at York University, the University of Guelph, and the Ontario College of Art and Design. Clark has an MFA in visual arts from York University. www.juneclark.ca

Have Some Printmaking Fun with Erin Candela this May!

Akin Creative presents D.I.Y. Printmaking with Akin King’s Erin Candela! Make your own custom-designed wrapping paper and a package of monogrammed stationary by learning to carve your own handmade stamps with artist and printmaker Erin Candela. Using 3 easy-to-learn printmaking techniques, this workshop is the first in a series of hands-on print projects geared toward beginners and craft enthusiasts. Basic Materials provided*.

This 3-hour workshop will guide participants through the creation of their own stamps to the development of a series of absolutely stunning and unique personal products. From a package of monographed stationery that can be taken home and used for special occasions, to hand-stamped invitations and decorative wrapping paper for gifts or table setting, this custom stamp workshop is ideal for anyone who loves to give that personal touch to special occasions.

D.I.Y. Printmaking with Erin Candela
Where: REMOTE Gallery, 568B Richmond Street West, Toronto
When: Friday, May 24th 2019, 5:30-8:30PM

*Materials: Each Participant will walk away with 3 sets of 5 printed cards, and a package of printed wrapping tissue to take home, as well as the handmade stamps they made during the workshop. While basic materials such as paper, ink and carving tools are provided, workshop participants are welcome and encouraged to bring their own special papers, paper-bound books or cards they wish to experiment on.

Erin Candela has worked in Print and Drawing for over 20 years. As the Co-founder of Graven Feather Studio & Gallery and a workshop facilitator for various organizations across the country from BC to Quebec, she brings a love of materials and a free spirit attitude to the practice of DIY art and craft. Candela's interest in print-making extends to her current art practice in ceramics She is currently a studio artist at Akin Collective and a member of various craft organizations in Ontario including Craft Ontario, The Toronto Potters Guild, and Fusion.

Accessibility Information:
REMOTE Gallery is a fully accessible space. Complete with barrier-free access, a gender neutral washroom and is level throughout. If you require any additional information regarding the space or its accessibility please contact us at janet@akincollective.com.

Announcing the InterAccess Summer Workshop Program!

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

Let’s move it with Motors!
Discover the fundamental concepts of AC and DC motors and explore how to control, change direction, and adjust the speed of your motors using the L293 and 555.
May 14 & 21 | 7-10pm
Instructor: Lorena Salomé
More Info

Exploring JavaScript and Robots
Discover the world of JavaScript and what it can do. Learn how to combine Node.js, Johnny-five, and Arduino to create your own morse code machine.
May 28 | 7-10pm
Instructor: Stuart Sackler
More Info

Intro to Projection Mapping
Join us for an introduction to the TouchDesigner interface to learn standard techniques of projection mapping and turn objects and spaces into display surfaces for video projection.
June 1, 8 & 15 | 1-4pm
Instructor: Markus Heckmann
More Info

Building Interactivity – An Introduction to Unity and Biosignals
Learn how to use the game engine Unity to construct an interactive digital experience with real-time biofeedback from the user.
June 4 & 11 | 7-10pm
Instructor: Brendan Lehman
More Info

Touch, Sound, Pulse: DIY wearable and handheld Vibrotactile Systems
Artists have been using “Vibrotactility” to combine visual, audio, and tactile elements into a highly sensorial art practice. Join us for an introduction to building a DIY vibrotactile system!
June 22 | 1-4pm & June 26 | 7-9pm
Instructor: David Bobier, Founder and Director of VibraFusionLab
More Info

Slime Mold as Capacitive Storytelling
Explore the elaborate world of bio-ecosystems! In this workshop, you will learn how to cultivate and care for your slime mold, creating a hospitable ecosystem for it to flourish.
June 25 & July 2 | 7-10pm
Instructor: Ashley Lewis
More Info

Build Your Own Experimental Noise Synthesizer
Learn how to build a unique audio effect circuit – the Fort Processor! All the necessary components will be provided in a kit, as well as guidance to build your device from scratch.
June 29 | 1-4pm
Instructor: Gabriel De Oliveira
More Info

PUFF! Create Inflatable Forms
Are you interested in experimenting with the inflated form? Join us for a three-session masterclass taught by renowned installation artist Marcia Huyer and get a chance to create your own large-scale inflatable sculpture.
July 6 | 1-4pm
July 9 | 7-10pm
July 20 | 10am-1pm
Instructor: Marcia Huyer
More Info

FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS

Art + Feminism Wikipedia Edit-a-thon with Zeesy Powers
Join us for an afternoon of editing Wikipedia pages to increase the visibility of women and female-identified artists working at the intersection of art and technology.
May 25 | 1-5pm
Presented in collaboration with Art Metropole
Host: Zeesy Powers
More Info

Expressing Emotion in Robotic Objects
Are robots capable of communicating emotions? This is an introduction to robotic puppetry, how they engage in human-interaction, and the way people relate to them.
June 5 | 7-9pm
Host: Parvin Farahzadeh
More Info

Banff Centre for the Arts - Upcoming Visual arts Programs

Explore new directions in your work with international faculty and artists this year at the Banff Centre for the Arts. Be inspired by their beautiful studio spaces and facilities in an unrivalled natural environment.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Preparatorial Practicum – Walter Phillips Gallery
July 30 – August 31, 2019
Application deadline: May 29
Work alongside the Walter Phillips Gallery’s preparator and curator in this hands-on program. You’ll receive direct mentorship and support to develop skills in preventative conservation, art handling, installation techniques, and museum standards in environmental conditions.

Curatorial Research Practicum
September 3, 2019 – September 4, 2020
Application deadline: June 5
Enhance your knowledge as an emerging curator, and gain experience in day-to-day gallery operations. Develop research, writing, and production best practices that support the presentation and critical analysis of contemporary art.

Earthed
September 16 – October 18, 2019
Application deadline: June 12
Earthed explores visual art practices that shed light on planetary processes and concerns. Led by artists Ackroyd & Harvey, whose work intersects art, activism, architecture, biology, ecology and history, this residency will also include engagements with local scientists, biologist, and ecologists.

Ceramics Studio Practicum
September 9, 2019 – August 29, 2020
Application deadline: June 19
Develop ceramics techniques through practical experience with kiln firing (electric, gas, soda, raku, and wood), and ceramics studio operation. The program offers experience within a professional organization for those seeking careers as studio technicians or production assistants, or those in pursuit of graduate studies.

Photography Practicum
September 9, 2019 – August 29, 2020
Application deadline: June 19
Learn through exposure to a wide range of projects under the supervision and mentorship of Banff Centre staff and faculty. Applicants should have formal training/education in photography as well as an understanding of all the basics of composition and exposure, and lighting for studio and location.

Mountain Photography Residency
August 31 – September 7, 2019
Application deadline: June 26
Learn how to tell compelling visual narratives through images. This Mountain Culture program examines photography and its methodologies, processes, and uses when working in mountain or wilderness communities with deep ecological history, cultural history, or spiritual significance.

Craft as Contemporary Art
November 4 – December 6, 2019
Application deadline: July 10
This program will explore what it means to create art using materials and processes associated with practices of craft. The program will focus on the confluence of craft and contemporary art, and the intersection of these fields with topics of feminism, cultural identity, labour, materiality, object-centered theory, de/re-skilling, and activism.

CAS Lab: Documenting & Archiving Artwork with Jessica Thalmann

Artist and curator Jessica Thalmann will discuss the importance of clear, accurate, and striking documentation of artwork. Various technical and logistical issues will be broached while photographing paintings, ceramics, sculptures, installations, performances, and various print based media. Artists will learn best practices for photography including, lighting, placement, camera techniques, digital workflow, editing, export settings, and scanning. Archival and cataloguing practices will also be lightly discussed, focusing on data management software, long term storage, preservation, and creating an easy catalogue of current inventory to find and locate items.

After providing advice on each of these topics, Thalmann will offer a demonstration on techniques for photographing 2D and 3D media. This workshop is ideal for artists and makers of all skill levels who have some experience with a digital camera and tripod. Workshop will be followed by a Q&A.

Where: Gardiner Museum, 111 Queens Park, Toronto, ON

When: Wed, 8 May 2019, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Cost: FREE

CAS Lab is a series of skills-building seminars co-presented by Gardiner Museum and neighbourhood hubs The 519, Akin, and Art Starts as part of the Community Arts Space project. These seminars, running from April 23 to May 22, are available to past and present Community Arts Space participants as well as artists and staff from The 519, Akin, and Art Starts. All workshops are free but require pre-registration. Space is limited.

Akin is a Toronto-based arts organization that provides affordable studio space as well as arts-based programming through its sister non-profit organization, Akin Projects. Their 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. Akin builds community through monthly art critiques, workshops, open studio events, gallery tours, exhibitions, as well as various other art projects.

Project Kids & Cameras After School Program - Starts April 25th!

Kids ages 7 to 12 are invited to join Project Kids & Cameras at East End Arts for an After school Photo Club Program! Once a week for five weeks, join us at St. Matthew's Clubhouse for this photo-activity packed program! We'll go on a photo scavenger hunt, find faces in places, make photo action flip books, create friendship triptychs, learn about composition, vantage points, elements of design, scale and perspective, and so much more! Digital cameras and portable printers provided for use during the program. 

Cost: $155, register online
Date: Thursdays from April 25 to May 23, 2019
Time: 3:45 - 5:15pm
Location: East End Arts, St. Matthew's Clubhouse - 450 Broadview Ave

Project Kids & Cameras is a social enterprise empowering kids ages 5-13 to explore their voice and the world around them through photography, literacy, visual thinking skills, and social action. 

Learn Costume Painting and Dyeing Skills this Spring at Ryerson University

Develop a fundamental understanding of fabric dyeing and painting.

Ryerson University’s Chang School of Continuing Education offers hands-on courses in Costume Specialties that give creative artists from any field – including theatre, fashion, textile, and visual arts – an opportunity to explore and develop creative practice in a studio setting.

COSTUME PAINTING AND DYEING COURSE: STARTS APRIL 29

This spring, we are offering Costume Painting and Dyeing (course enrolment page: CDTH 460). In this introductory dyeing and fabric painting course, students will experiment with a multitude of techniques and explore historical and theatrical applications. Topics may include resist dyeing techniques, silk screening, stamping, stenciling, silk painting, marbling, and costume breakdown. Classes begin with a short lecture and demonstration followed by hands-on exercises.

Your Instructor: Alex Gilbert

Learn directly from Alex Gilbert, who has worked at Ryerson University as the Head of Wardrobe since 2003. In addition to working at Ryerson School of Performance, she has worked in various capacities within wardrobe departments across Ontario and the city of Toronto, including Tarragon Theatre, The Company Theatre, Factory Theatre, Soulpepper Theatre Company, and the Blyth Festival. Alongside her supervisory work at Ryerson, Alex also teaches and advises the students in the Theatre and Fashion programs. She has a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from York University. Her thesis, To Dye For: From Seed to Storage, researched the transition from natural to synthetic dyes in late nineteenth- century Ontario. Alex is also the winner of the 2004 Pauline McGibbon Award for Production Craftsperson.

Scheduling: Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m., April 29–May 22, 2019

Duration: 19.5 hours

This course can be taken as a standalone course or as part of The Chang School’s Course Series in Costume Specialties. There are no prerequisites and courses can be taken in any order. No previous experience is required for any of the courses. These courses are suitable for people interested in pursuing theatrical training part-time, costume and cosplay artists wishing to expand their skill set, and artisans wishing to gain alternative techniques and knowledge to incorporate into their own practice.

Skill Building Classes for All Lead by Creative Leaders

SCHOOL is a video-based platform featuring skill building classes for creative entrepreneurs and the curious alike. Courses are lead by self-made disruptors who have aced their way to the top outside of the traditional educational system. Through SCHOOL’s guided curriculum, they are looking to share their stories and knowledge with you.

With an increasing amount of entrepreneurial success stories, there’s a decreased pressure to be hindered by the cost of college learning. With accessible price-points and a charitable foundation, SCHOOL offers continued learning opportunities or new insight for your next career pursuit.

Current Courses

All Things Sales with Mary Young

Mary Young guides you through the process of getting your products in store or sold directly to consumers, through the development of a marketing plan.

Business & Momentum with Rachel Nguyen

Rachel Nguyen teaches you everything you need to know about keeping up momentum, tapping into your intuition, and building business relationships.

Turning Passion into Purpose with Jamal Burger

Jamal Burger discusses combining your skills with your interests, through a narrative on how he has unlocked opportunities by pursing his passions.