"Between Breaths, Between Places" at Remote Gallery

From March 12-15, Akin proudly presented "Between Breaths, Between Places" at Remote Gallery, a group exhibition featuring 14 members of the Akin team. The show offered a glimpse into the collective energy of the artists behind the organization, not a fixed portrait of an institution, but a living constellation of practices, continually shaped by time, collaboration, and becoming.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the opening reception or visited the gallery throughout the exhibition. It always means a lot to share these moments with our community, we truly value the curiosity, passion and connection that you bring into our spaces. A big thank you to curator Renato Baldin, and to the rest of the Akin team members who generously shared their work and time.

Participating Artists:
Azadeh Pirazimian (@azadeh_pirazimian)
Bettina Westwood (@bettinawestwood)
Charlotte Van Ryn (@van_ryn)
Faisal Karadsheh (@pillontheloose)
Haley Meyer (@haleymeyerart)
Jen Pilles (@jenpilles.artist)
Liliana Botero (@destellosglassart)
Miles Ingrassia (@milesingrassia)
Mykah Czarina (@mykahcdc)
Oliver Pauk (@oliverpauk)
Özge Aytekin (@ozgeartto)
Renato Baldin (@renato.baldin)
Theresa Hopkins (@thopkinsart )
Torin Craig (@paisleyrobeforthegoldenglobe)

Thanks also to Collective Arts Brewing, the official beverage sponsor of the event.  

Image Description: a slideshow of photos of the exhibition, including artwork and visitors looking at the artwork and discussing it, and large groups during the opening night party. 

Whippersnapper 101 Workshops in collaboration with Akin!

Tuesdays in April @ 6-8:30 PM ET

Join Whippersnapper for a weekly workshop series for emerging artists, sharing practical skills and ethical frameworks for developing your artistic career with intention, integrity, and sustainability. How can artists navigate the cultural industry as workers, especially those of us without institutional access and resources? How do we collaborate rather than compete with each other? How do we use a screwdriver? How do we go about building the practices and relationships we need to materialize our creative and political visions?

Open to all. Free to attend. 

Presented in collaboration with Akin. 

We encourage participants to attend multiple workshops (101 cohort!) – but this is entirely optional. 

Tuesday April 7 (on Zoom)
Sustaining Your Arts Practice through Disability Justice 
Facilitated by Harmeet Rehal 

This workshop is a gentle exploratory space to learn how to embody our arts practices in more meaningful, accessible and more community rooted ways, that are informed by Disability Justice culture and tenets. While this workshop welcomes all, including artists new and familiar to disability justice, there will be a specific focus on how to sustain our practice, especially as Disabled or newly Disabled artists.

Tuesday April 14 (on Zoom)
Everything's on fire, and I'm chasing invoices!
Facilitated by Sahra Soudi 

A collaborative and practical survival guide for artists and cultural workers working both within and outside of institutions. This workshop invites participants to reflect on the things they’re most impassioned by, and use those values to develop guiding principles for resourcing their practices. Together, we’ll think about how these principles can act as a compass while navigating the challenges, tensions, and possibilities of creative labour.

Tuesday April 21 (Remote Gallery)
Reading/Learning/Studying Together
Facilitated by Zoe Imani Sharpe

This workshop looks broadly at how collective study (reading, listening, moving, talking, being in the same room) is crucial for artistic collaboration.

We’ll look at a few recent and historical examples of collaborative practice; including the work of Anna Martine Whitehead, DAWA (Diasporic African Women’s Art), Theory, A Sunday, and others. We’ll reflect on ways to practice collective research, sometimes in spaces not usually deemed “artistic.” What do we want to learn with and from one another? What can emerge, now, from what’s already been done?

Participants will also leave with a set of practical, relational questions to help navigate agreements/contracts, conflict, working styles and communication. Bring your own experiential knowledge and a spirit of generosity.

Tuesday April 28 (Remote Gallery)
DIY Basics: How to install your work
Facilitated by Lamis Haggag

This workshop will help you start building the skills you need to get through installing your work in an exhibition space and bring your work to life. We will discuss the role of an installer and how to work together to optimize your install time. We will also be sharing practical tools for visualising your work within a space especially when working with limited institutional access and resources.

Access information: Online workshops will be hosted over Zoom - participants will receive a Zoom link the week of the workshop. In-person workshops will be hosted at Remote Gallery. Detailed accessibility information for the space can be found here. Live captioning and ASL interpretation available on request. Please let us know about any additional access needs you have that might support your participation, and we will do our best to coordinate with you! 

If you have further questions about these workshops, or encounter any issues filling out this registration form, please contact Jody Chan at programming@whippersnapper.ca.

Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W

 

Grant Workshop - Group Session with Peter Kingstone

GRANT WRITING SESSION with Peter Kingstone
Date: Wednesday, April 8, 6pm - 8pm
Location: Remote Gallery, Gallery A, 568 Richmond St W
Free event — limited spots available

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As artists ourselves, we know how challenging grant writing can be. To help, we've invited Peter Kingstone, Akin member and Program Manager at the Toronto Arts Council, to facilitate a group work session specifically focused on the Visual Arts Creation Grant.

About the 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. This grant has a rolling deadline, allowing applicants 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 their grants portal to view and apply for the Visual Arts Creation Grant. You can register and access the application system here. 

Registration is free and only takes a few minutes. Make sure to complete this step early so you can review the grant requirements and start your application.

How the Session Works

This is a focused, hands-on session rather than a general information presentation. Participants are asked to prepare an in-progress draft project proposal—the core section of your grant application that describes what you plan to do and why.

To make the session as productive as possible, you must upload your in-progress grant application to the TAC portal at least one day before the session. This gives Peter time to review everyone’s drafts beforehand so he can come prepared with more thoughtful and specific feedback.

During the session, Peter will begin by explaining what makes a strong application for the Visual Arts Creation Grant. The group will then collaboratively read and offer feedback on one another’s drafts in a supportive environment. This is a great opportunity to co-work, ask questions, and strengthen your grant writing in a group setting.

Who Should Attend

• Visual artists applying or planning to apply to the TAC Visual Arts Creation Grant.
  
  

• Artists with or without prior grant writing experience.
  
  

• Those interested in peer collaboration and feedback.
  
  

• Attendance is limited to 12 participants to maintain a productive group size.

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

Join us at the Remote Gallery Winter Art Market & Exhibition!

Just in time for the holiday season, we’re excited to invite you to the Remote Gallery Winter Art Market & Exhibition. Come support local artists and grab the perfect handmade gifts for your loved ones. Akin artists from across the city will be selling ceramics, paintings, jewellry, illustrations, crafts and more!

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DATE: Sunday December 7, 2025

TIME: 1 - 6pm

LOCATION: Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W

Free to attend, everyone welcome!

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Featuring 15 Artists and Makers:

Amos Marsters @aquariustheghost

Atelier Cassis @cassisechoes

Beyond Arts www.beyondarts.ca

Pauline Douady @pauline_douady

Eddie Chong

EvanK @evank_paints

I Spin Clay @ispinclay

ink & anchor studio @inkandanchor_

Studios Galuppo @StudiosGaluppo

Katryna Shreyer @katryna35mm

Tai’s Art @jayutai

Leila Refahi @leilarefahi.art

Studio Lü @studio.lu.yyz 

Jessica O’Lear @jessica_olear

Olivier Forgues @olivierforguesart

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We can’t wait to see you there. Follow @akinprojects on Instagram for artist highlights and event updates!

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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.

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Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W

 

Two of Toronto’s biggest craft shows are featuring Akin members this year!

December is a big month for craft lovers in Toronto! Two of Toronto’s biggest craft shows, City of Craft and the One of a Kind show, and will be happening, and Akin Members are taking part. To celebrate, we’re highlighting these four amazing artists. 

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City of Craft 

City of Craft is one of the city’s most beloved holiday markets, with over 60 vendors from across Ontario and beyond.   

December 5-7th, Sensory sensitive hour 11am-12pm  

The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen Street West

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——— Check out the Akin Members Participating in The City of Craft ———

Amita Sen Gupta from Akin Niagara 

Amita will be selling prints and cards of “My Neighborhood Memento” series, which includes a variety of greeting cards and high quality prints of original oil painted Toronto neighbourhood building mementos that are architecturally cherished and imbue the lives, stories, and history of our city.

Amita Sen Gupta is a Toronto based artist behind ‘My Neighbourhood Memento’. Her oil paintings of old historic and neighbourhood buildings have been exhibited at Gallery 1313, Preservation House, and local fairs & markets. To Amita these architectural buildings have lives, stories and history that are revered. “In our ever changing city one never knows when a place becomes another, vacant, or removed”. Her drawing and painting of a historic house in Parkdale, Toronto, titled “Yuletide In Muddy York” was awarded and selected by ‘Parkdale Liberty Economic Development Centre’ for a Toronto Holiday Ornament in 2007 and her painting is part of their collection. Some of her neighbourhood prints can be purchased at Soho Art Framing in Toronto.

Connect with Amita:
@my_neighborhood_memento
amitasengupta.com/neighborhood-series

Detail of Skyline Restaurant painting, Amita sitting in her Akin Niagara studio and detail of Revue Cinema painting.

Prints, detail of The Abbott painting and Cards from “My Neighbourhood Memento”.

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Bettina Westwood Ceramics, from Akin Dupont 

Bettina Westwood creates both wheel thrown domestic items and sculpture from her Akin Dupont studio. Inspired by the meeting of form and colour, she makes carefully considered objects meant to bring happiness. Bettina will be bringing a selection of mugs with two-tone slip colours—some adorned with flowers—as well as tumblers with wool sleeves, vases, pedestal bowls, and smaller gifts such as bud vases and ornaments. A self-taught ceramicist, Bettina has developed and continues to refine her craft with the support and encouragement of the ceramics community. She shares her home with her two perfect cats, Loralie and Flannery.

Connect with Bettina:
@bettinawestwood
bettinawestwood.com

Photo of Bettina at Akin Dupont, Tumblers with Wool Sleeves and Bettina’s Akin Dupont Studio.

Flowers painted with slip, Pedestal Bowls and Two-toned Mugs.

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One of A Kind Show 

The One of A Kind Show is Canada’s largest Craft Show. The One of A Kind Christmas Show includes a wide variety of Canadian made high quality items, from Fashion, Art, Flavours, and Toys, to Jewellery, Home Decor, Stationery and so much more. 

November 27-Dec 7th 

Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place 

100 Princes' Blvd, Toronto

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——— Check out the Akin Members Participating in One of a Kind ———

Alison Cooley, from Akin St Clair

Booth B-28 - (Full Show) November 27-Dec 7

imp in a sweater is Alison Cooley. She specializes in ceramics that harness her interest in illustration and surface decoration, resulting in unique objects that play with imagery from multiple modes of genre storytelling (including science fiction, horror, and fantasy).

Connect with Alison:
@impinasweater
impinasweater.com

A portrait of Allison (by Sam Mazilli), space themed Mug and her Akin St Clair Studio.

Bud vases, a unicorn Plate and Vases with detailed handles and all coming to One of a Kind.

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MP Guillot, from Akin Dupont 

Booth S-45 - (6 Days) Dec 2-7

MP Guillot is a multidisciplinary artist from Québec, based in Toronto. Her work is influenced by what is often overlooked－an entire world of delightfulness that is right under our nose, waiting to be noticed. She finds herself exhilarated by the trashy things beautifully thrown on the streets and everything that finds itself where it shouldn’t be. She is drawn to what lies on the edges of ugly and pretty, that which ignites a feeling of uncertainty where one can only rely on their senses and intuition to decide if something is beautiful. MP believes the best way to find the essence of who we are is to practice discovering what vibrates within us, without social conditioning influencing our preferences.

Ceramics has become MP’s 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. Her 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.

Connect with MP:
@mp__guillot
www.mpguillot.com

Portrait of MP beside one of her “Wonky Vases”, a Wonky Vase in “Twist” and MP’s Akin Dupont Studio.

A variety of MP’s painterly Cups and Mugs coming to One of a Kind.

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The holiday season is a time to celebrate all the fantastic local artists and artisans in Toronto, so spread the love by shopping local! Happy shopping!

Thank you for attending the Akin Autumn Gallery Crawl!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Akin Autumn Gallery Crawl this past weekend! It was such a beautiful day to explore art in Toronto together. We’re very grateful to everyone who joined us and to the galleries for opening their doors and sharing their spaces with the Akin community. The exhibitions were absolutely beautiful and each gallery tour was packed with inspiring detail.

A huge thank you to Patel Brown (@patelbrowngallery), Gallery TPW (@gallerytpw), Gallery 1888 (@gallery1888_), Towards Gallery (@towards.info), and Blouin Division (@blouindivision).

We’re looking forward to hosting more gallery crawls like this in the future - stay tuned! In the meantime here are some photos from the day, enjoy!

Image Descriptions: Images show a series of moments from the Akin Gallery Crawl, featuring groups of people walking in a long row down the street, gathering outside of the galleries, exploring inside the galleries, viewing artwork, and enjoying the day together.

Akin Autumn Vitrine Exhibition, Cool Zone by Leila Refahi

Image Description: A poster for Leila Refahi’s exhibition Cool Zone in the Akin Vitrine Gallery. Black and white text reads “Leila Refahi Cool Zone, October and November 2025, Akin Vitrine Gallery, 1747 St Clair Ave W, www.akin.art/vitrine. In the background, a white ceramic tile that reads ‘cool zone’ is split through the middle.

This autumn, the Akin Vitrine Gallery is proud to present Cool Zone by artist Leila Refahi. The Akin Vitrine Gallery is viewable from the street 24/7 at the Akin St Clair studio, 1747 St Clair Ave West. The exhibition is on now and runs until the end of November. 

Leila Refahi @leilarefahi.art is a Toronto-based visual artist, researcher, and educator whose practice explores the intersection of nature, mythology, and climate justice. Working across painting, installation, and socially engaged art, she investigates cycles of destruction and renewal, drawing on Iranian cultural narratives and ecological realities to reimagine our relationship with the natural world.

"Cool Zone" reflects on the aftermath of wildfires as both a scar and a threshold—a space where life pauses but also prepares to return. In this body of work, Refahi creates an environment that speaks to resilience, memory, and transformation. Through the dialogue between natural materials, sculptural forms, and paintings, the exhibition invites viewers to step into a metaphorical “cool zone”—a place of stillness where devastation and rebirth coexist. Here, the work becomes a reflective space to imagine how renewal might emerge from destruction.

Leila Refahi’s installation Cool Zone, a ceramic and wood sculpture sit in the foreground of the white walls of the vitrine gallery. On the side walls are two abstract paintings and on the back wall are mounted ceramic plaques all reading ‘cool zone’

Image Description: Leila Refahi installing her work in the Akin Vitrine Gallery.

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Akin: What are you curious about right now? 

Leila Refahi: “I’m curious about the evolving relationship between humans and nature—how mythology, memory, and culture shape the way we see the natural world, and how art can create space to reflect on environmental change, displacement, and resilience.” 

Akin: “What do you do to stimulate curiosity and inspiration?” 

LR: “I spend time observing nature closely, sketching, and researching mythology and ecological theory. I also engage with other artists and communities, which often sparks new ideas and directions for my work.” 

Akin: “Do you have creative prompts or habits to help you get started? Any self-care tips to share?”

LR: “I often begin by sketching small observations from nature, reading research on ecology and climate change, or writing down words and memories connected to my theme—this helps me unlock ideas before starting larger works. For self-care, I take quiet walks, practice mindfulness, and give myself time to step away from the work so I can return with fresh eyes.”

Image Description: An image of Leila Refahi’s sculpture as part of the installation Cool Zone, a white ceramic structure interwoven with wood and natural fibres.

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

LR: “My Akin studio is a space where I can slow down, experiment, and focus deeply on my work. 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 for artists in Toronto.”

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

 LR: “I would tell my younger self to trust the process and not be afraid of experimenting or making mistakes—every attempt teaches something valuable. I’ve learned that creating art is as much about patience and curiosity as it is about skill, and that staying true to your own questions and interests is what keeps the work alive.”

You can find more of Leila’s work on her website or instagram

Thank You for being part of Akin Richmond-Bathurst's Open Studio

Collaborative creative experience hosted by Dimitra Aristea (@di.composing). Photo by Yue (Jessie) Yang (@y.jiexij)

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Saturday at Akin Richmond-Bathurst for our Open Studio as part of Ontario Culture Days. Our members worked hard to create an exciting day of  live painting demonstrations, creative collaborations, a variety of artwork for sale and beautiful displays of art. A huge thank you to everyone who came by and special thanks to our talented artists, our volunteers and our staff. 

Here are some photos from the event. Enjoy!

Left: Akin Member Vicky Vyas posing with the Akin banner (@vickyvyasinsta).

Middle: Olivier Forgues painting in his studio (@olivierforguesart). Photo credit: Vera Truong (@thecreativehybrid).

Right: Akin Studio Manager Theresa Hopkins posing at the Akin welcome table (@thopkinsart).

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Left: Emily Simek working in her studio (@emilysimekart).

Middle: Dimitra Aristea posing in her studio (@di.composing).

Right: Amos Marsters posing in front of their studio (@amosmarsters).

All photos taken by Vera Truong (@thecreativehybrid).

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Left: Pauline Douady in their studio (@pauline_douady).

Middle: Lotus Che studio (@lotusleafxyz).

Right: Sarah Conway offering pastel portrait commissions in their studio (@sarahterra.art). Photo credit: Vera Truong (@thecreativehybrid)

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Left: Quinn Hopkins presenting work on a projector (@noodinstudio).

Middle: Collaborative creative experience hosted by Dimitra Aristea (@di.composing).

Right: Andres Dominguez live painting demonstration (@andresdominguez.artist).

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Image Descriptions: Photos from the open studio showing various Akin Richmond-Bathurst artists in their studios posing or working on artwork, visitors participating in collaborative drawing and painting at a large table covered in paper and art materials, an Akin member posing in front of the Akin banner, and an Akin staff sitting at a welcome table. 

Akin Autumn Newsletter - Programming, community highlights and more!

Studio member, Emily Joyce (@emilyjoyceartwork), stands while teaching a free collage workshop at the Davisville Open House in May 2025.

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Autumn has arrived! Akin’s programming calendar is packed with exciting events. So grab your coziest layers and come out to enjoy all of the art our wonderful community has to offer this season.

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Artist Mayah Boateng (@mayaherykah)

Akin Richmond-Bathurst Open Studio
September 27th, 12-5pm
579 Richmond Street West

The Akin Richmond-Bathurst Open Studio is taking place as a part of Ontario Culture Days, a province-wide celebration of art and culture. During this event we will open our studio doors to the public to get a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible work and community inside. Guests are invited to tour the studios, meet the artists, and learn about their creative practices through informal talks, demos, and in-studio displays.

Learn more about the open studio here.

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Akin Monthly Crit Night
Wednesday October 8th, 7:30pm 
Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W

The Crit Night is a monthly event designed for Akin members and members of the public to connect, share creative work, and receive valuable feedback within a supportive community. Come join this lively discussion and get constructive feedback on your works in progress with special guest host, artist and curator Renato Baldin.

Learn more and register here.

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Opening soon: ‘Searing Pain’,
an exhibition by Haley Meyer
October 2-5th
Opening Reception: October 2nd, 6-9pm
Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W

Searing Pain is Haley Meyers’ (@haleymeyerart) first solo show. It explores the relationship between transitional places and memory loss, using fleeting images taken while in transit to reflect how memories slip, fade, and blur over time. Haley is a winner of the Akin Career Launcher Award.

Learn more about the exhibition here.

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Akin Autumn 2025 Gallery Crawl
in Bloordale
October 11th, 1pm
Gallery Crawl starts at Patel Brown Gallery, 21 Wade Ave

Akin invites you to an afternoon of guided tours through some of Toronto’s most interesting galleries and artist-run centres. Explore the current exhibitions and learn about the artists and their work. This event is free and open to all. Bring a friend, the more the merrier!  

Route: First stop @patelbrowngallery, second stop @gallerytpw, third stop @gallery1888_, fourth stop @towards.info and final stop at @blouindivision

Learn more about the gallery crawl here.

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Sophia Kim W (@sophiakimw.art) poses at Akin Yonge-St Clair with her artwork.

Final Days to View: Sophia Kim W’s exhibition in the Akin Vitrine Gallery 
On now until September 30th
Akin Vitrine Gallery, 1747 St Clair Ave W, viewable 24/7 from the street 

Be sure to swing by the Akin Vitrine Gallery for your last chance to check out Sophia Kim W’s intricate sci-fi/fantasy inspired paintings! Stay tuned for more details for the next upcoming Akin Vitrine Gallery exhibition, Leila Refahi’s ‘Cool Zone’, from October-November.

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Gallery B (Artist: Naghmeh Ghasemzadeh)

Book your next event at Remote Gallery

Remote Gallery is open for bookings for the autumn and winter months. Perfect for a solo or group show, workshops, pop-ups, markets, and more! Email gallery@akincollective.com to inquire. More information here.

Gallery A

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Currently Available Studios 

September has been a busy month for our studios! Akin Dupont and Akin Queen East are almost at full capacity. While there are a few great spaces at Akin Niagara, they are going fast. Currently, we have studios available in every location. Check out our website for an updated list of what’s Currently Available, and email info@akincollective.com to inquire about membership.

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Akin Sterling: Coming Soon

We’re excited to share that a new Akin studio is coming to Sterling Road! Akin Sterling is right across the street from our former location, the Akin Studio Program at Auto BLDG. Stay tuned for more details and please email info@akincollective.com if you are interested in becoming a member!