Free Fermentation Workshop at the South Asian Visual Arts Centre (SAVAC) on Nov 2nd

Hello Akin Community!

We wanted to share an exciting opportunity happening at 401 Richmond W. On November 2nd, the South Asian Visual Arts Centre (SAVAC) is hosting an engaging Fermentation Workshop and Conversation with Vancouver-based artist Haruko Okano.

This event is free and open to the public, including kids. It will feature a hands-on fermentation activity, an artist talk, and will conclude with a communal meal. To participate, feel free to bring your favorite pickled or fermented foods to share. If you’d like to join the hands-on portion, please bring a mason jar with a lid and a small stone that fits inside.

In 1974, Haruko moved to the west coast traveling by foot and canoe through the northern parts of the provinces where she fell in love with the land Canada…not the government. Relationality with all living beings lies at the heart of her practice and life ethic as a third-generation diasporic person. The emphasis across all of her activities is on process, collaboration and integration. We will hear from Haruko about her unique approach to creating art, the food and medicine gardens she has tended since the 90s, and her journey to learn about and address the effects of intergenerational trauma within Japanese-Canadian communities and Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

Event details:

Date: Saturday November 2nd (2pm - 6pm)
Location: SAVAC, 401 Richmond St West
RSVP by email: communications@savac.net

Accessibility: Wheelchair ramp at the east entrance of the building. There is an elevator and accessible bathrooms. Dinner will be served. Masks are encouraged and will be provided.

Learn more at savac.net/fermentation

Free Community Wellness Session with Shadi Mogadime

Date: Monday, June 1st 2020
Time: 6:30-8:30pm

How to Join this Zoom Meeting:
Copy and paste this URL into your browser:
https://zoom.us/j/95180398464?pwd=UEczRlY4akRmZTUzYVN4Zm9Ta3JBZz09
Meeting ID: 951 8039 8464
Password: 356639

This is a FREE virtual event.

Join us on June 1st at 6:30pm for an online community wellness session with a focus on moving from anxiety to resilience and creating a sense of well-being during this current period of isolation. Facilitator Shadi Mogadime will introduce attendees to various concepts and practices that can help you identify and manage daily stressors and anxiety triggers. Feel free to participate and share your experience or simply log on and listen with your fellow Akin community members and other artists.

Due to the 2hr time limitation for this event, we may not be able to accommodate everyone's questions and comments. If you don’t get the chance to speak but want to continue the conversation please email Akin at janet@akincollective.com or Shadi at shadimogadime@hotmail.com.

Accessibility:
Have a computer or mobile device? Then you're good to go as soon as you have signed up for a free Zoom account. Sign up here: https://zoom.us/

Please contact us regarding any accommodation requests or concerns, and we will do our best to support.

How to Join this Zoom Meeting:
Copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://zoom.us/j/95180398464?pwd=UEczRlY4akRmZTUzYVN4Zm9Ta3JBZz09
Meeting ID: 951 8039 8464
Password: 356639

Can’t attend this event but interested in future events on health and wellness? Let us know by emailing us at janet@akincollective.com.

About the facilitator:
Shadi (pronounced so it rhymes with buddy) has been a student of many modalities in 30+ years of spiritual and personal growth exploration. Her deepest dive has been into practices of mediation, yoga and qigong as well as other wellness technologies. She has used these experiences and the knowledge she developed to mentor clients from around the world for the last 5 years. She feels privileged to have spent her 25-year professional career in the charitable sector fundraising and marketing for the missions of crucial causes and arts & culture organizations. Her current focus is creating a platform to support women in the caring professions with wellness resources, practices and indulgences.

Natural Dyes - a creative workshop presented by Akin Ossington artist Meej Kaufman

Akin Ossington artist Meej Kaufman presents a natural dyeing class on the afternoon of November 9 at Romni Wools, at 208 Weston Road. You can learn to dye yarn with local plant material that Meej has been foraging and experimenting with all summer.

This class will cover the basics of dyeing, principles of respectful foraging and much more. You will dye 100 g of yarn (provided) with one or two colours, using marigold, walnut and rose of sharon flowers. There will be an opportunity to also use more advanced techniques as well.

If you are a knitter, crocheter or weaver, this is a perfect opportunity to learn to make unique yarn for your projects, with materials easily found in Toronto. If you aren't, this class would be a great gift for a friend or family member who does work with yarn, or you could take the class and give them a one of a kind ball of yarn.

To register, or for more information, call Meej Kaufman 647-341-8388

About the artist:
Miriam Kaufman, previously a part-time goldsmith and fibre artist, has recently jumped into creating full-time. While continuing to make silver and gold jewellery, Meej (as she is known to friends and family) is focusing more on making glass beads, metalwork related to fibre (shawl pins, shawl sticks and stitch markers) and on dyeing, spinning and knitting natural fibres. She has a tiny studio in a light industrial space at Ossington and Dupont. www.meejumarts.com

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.

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.

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.

Legal Intersections: Intro to Artist Contracts

Legal Intersections is a four-part series addressing legal issues of importance to artists, designers, and cultural workers. The series is presented in collaboration with the Artists’ Legal Advice Services, the Centre for Emerging Artists and Designers at OCAD University, and the Edward P. Taylor Library & Archives at the Art Gallery of Ontario.

This next installment in the Legal Intersections series will feature a panel discussion about contracts for artists. Topics will including:

• What is an agreement?

• The relationship between parties to an agreement

• Exhibition rights

• Assigning work(s)

• Commissions

• Employment agreements / consultants

Our Panelists

Paul Sanderson
Barrister and Solicitor, Owner Sanderson Entertainment Law

Since being called to the Ontario bar in 1983, Paul has been in private practice and has practiced entertainment and arts law exclusively. He is currently a sole practitioner in the firm Sanderson Entertainment Law. Paul is the author of the legal texts “Musicians and the Law in Canada” (Carswell Legal Publication), now in its fourth edition, Music Law Handbook for Canada Volume I and II (Seraphim Editions) and Artists' Contracts: Agreements for Visual and Media Artists (CARFAC Ontario) now in its 3rd edition. As a visual artist, Paul began photographing after receiving his law degree in 1981. He has studied photography at Ryerson Polytechnic University with Henry Gordillo and Peter Lindsay has photographed throughout Canada, U.S., the Caribbean and Europe.

Artists' Legal Advice Services (ALAS) is a non-profit that, for over 30 years, has provided free legal advice to artists living in Ontario. ALAS and its volunteers run a free legal clinic, workshops and provide resources for artists to help them better understand their legal questions. Find out more at www.alasontario.ca.

Seniors' Arts & Crafts at Cloverdale Mall

Seniors' Summer Arts & Crafts
Dates: Thursdays, June 20 - Sept 5, 2019
Time: 11am - 3pm
Location: Cloverdale Commons

Arts Etobicoke is hosting Seniors' Arts and Crafts days at Cloverdale Mall! Starting June 20th, come down to the Cloverdale Common every Thursday to socialize with old and new friends in a creative atmosphere. Activities range from board games and story creation, to various arts and crafts.

For more information or if you are interested in participating, contact: akshata@artsetobicoke.com

Making a Living Making Art - Free Project Development Consultation on June 15

Neighborhood Arts Network presents ‘Making A Living Making Art’, a free professional development workshop series for creative entrepreneurs. The series provides opportunities for artists to gain valuable information, skills and insights on creating and sustaining a creative practice. The next workshop in the series is on Project Development  and is happening Saturday, June 15th, 2019 from  10 AM-4 P at East End Arts, 450 Broadview Ave

Participants will get a 30 minute 1-on-1 session with 1 of 3 experienced project development 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 project you've already begun working on to maximize your time with the consultant. The more specific the project, the better! Refreshments will be provided while you wait. Consultations with consultant Chris Gehman and an ASL Interpreter are provided from 10-11AM and 11AM-12PM. 

About the Consultants:

Melissa Foster, North York Arts

Melissa has over 10 years working in various roles throughout the public sector. In her career, she has collaborated on several community arts projects and facilitated arts programs both abroad and within Toronto. Melissa is the Program and Outreach Director for North York Art where she oversees the programming vision and creative design, as well as the management and administration of both on-going and special projects. Her primary focus is on the development and implementation of professional support services for artists; looking towards creating sector-wide collaborations and community-driven, participatory arts-based programming. Outside of her role at North York Arts Melissa continues to create and facilitate community programs that incorporate her experiences in both the social service sector and the arts. Most recently, she co-facilitated a workshop, Reclaiming Tkaronto/Toronto: Transforming Lenses Around Mental Wellness for the Myseum Intersections Festival. Melissa holds a BA (hons) in Theatre Studies as well as a Community Arts Practice Certificate from York University. She also holds a post-degree diploma in Arts Management from Western University. 

Julian Carvajal, Art Starts

Julian is a colourful Colombo-Canadian Media Artist, Arts Manager, Producer and Arts & Culture Promoter. He has over 15 years of experience in managing and delivering large scale arts festivals, coordinating personnel, producing shows, marketing, budgeting, managing staff, and building community and media relations. 

Chris Gehman, VTape

Chris Gehman is a filmmaker, curator, educator and critic. He is familiar with many funding systems for individual artists and arts organizations, particularly in media and visual arts. His films have screened at festivals and other venues around world; his film Dark Adaptation (2016) premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and screened at the 2017 Berlinale. Chris was Artistic Director of the Images Festival from 2000 to 2004, and has also worked as a programmer for Cinematheque Ontario and TIFF. Currently, he is Finance Manager at Vtape, Canada's leading non-profit distributor of artists' videos. As an independent programmer, he has organized screenings for venues including Experimenta (Bangalore), Image Forum (Tokyo), Lago Film Fest (Italy), and the Ann Arbor Film Festival (USA). Chris was editor of Explosion in the Movie Machine: Essays and Documents on Toronto Artists’ Film and Video (LIFT & Images Festival, 2013) and co-editor, with Steve Reinke, of The Sharpest Point: Animation at the End of Cinema (YYZ Books, 2005); his writings on experimental media have appeared in critical anthologies, and in periodicals such as Millennium Film Journal, Cinema Scope and Take One. He has served on the boards of directors of a number of arts organizations including the Hand Eye Society (2015-19); Images Festival (2006-09); Canadian Filmmakers Distribution Centre (President, 1999-2001); and Pleasure Dome (1994-97).

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

SAFER! Creating Safer Spaces In The Arts - STRESSED! Session

WHAT’S THIS GOT TO DO WITH STRESS?

While some stress is a normal part of an artist’s life, it can also be caused by unacceptable aspects of the arts sector. This workshop will explore the concept of safe spaces as a response to artists’ experiences of harassment and assault and offer practical steps organizations and individuals can take to build safer spaces for artists.

In this workshop, you can expect to:

• Learn what to do if you’ve experienced, witnessed or heard of instances of harassment or assault

• Learn what venues and organizations can do to help foster safer spaces

• Participate in an open group discussion about how to create safer spaces and the benefits of doing so (optional)

Location: Dance Studio, The Al & Malka Green Artists’ Health Centre, Toronto Western Hospital

Date: May 1st 2019.

Time: 4-6pm

WHO IS FACILITATING?

Matthew Eldridge is a Registered Social Worker. He has held social work positions across southern Ontario at hospitals, family health teams and a community health centre. Matt has a background as a competitive trampolinist/gymnast and performed as an acrobat in the Cirque du Soleil production of Dralion. As the Clinic Coordinator at The Al & Malka Green Artists’ Health Centre, Matt brings together his twin passions for the arts and for healthcare.

STRESSED! SESSIONS

This workshop is part of the series “STRESSED! How to handle an artists’ life in 9 sessions”. All sessions take place on the 1st Wednesday of the month, 4-6pm, at The Al & Malka Green Artists’ Health Centre from September 2018 – May 2019.

Akin Creative: Drumleaf and Coptic Stitch Bookbinding Workshop for Artists on July 7 at Akin King

Saturday July 7 / 1pm-4pm / Akin King - 525 King St West, third floor studio / $30 per person / All materials provided / Please register at www.universe.com/bookbinding2018

Artist Jessica Thalmann will lead this workshop with participants interested learning two unique styles of handmade books including Coptic Stitch and Drumleaf binding.

Thalmann will present a quick lecture on artists exploring unique sculptural elements in their photobooks. Participants will then be guided through the creation of two techniques. Drumleaf is a simple glued book structure that is ideal for anyone looking to make books with their own prints as the content. The structure lays flat, eliminates the need to print on the front and back of sheets, and can be created using almost any kind of paper. Coptic Stitch is a very old technique using a visible chain stitch linked across the spine and a hard cover where the entire book is sewn together with one continuous piece of thread.

This workshop is suitable for artists working in a myriad of disciplines including drawing, painting, collage, photography and interdisciplinary artists wishing to create try more complex book structures. 

All Materials are provided but students could bring some special paper for the front and back cover if they want!

About the Instructor:
Jessica Thalmann is an artist, curator and educator currently based in Toronto and New York City. She received a MFA in Advanced Photographic Studies from ICP-Bard College and a BFA in Visual Arts from York University. She has worked at the Doris McCarthy Gallery, Toronto International Film Festival, C Magazine, the Art Gallery of York University and Yossi Milo Gallery.


This event is part of Art Book Week, a week-long series of events and activities that parallels the Toronto Art Book Fair. Art Book Week 2018 takes place from July 4-11 at various locations across the city. The goal of Art Book Week is to celebrate the unique artists' book community in Toronto, as well as increase the visibility of new and exciting projects, spaces, and artists. www.torontoartbookfair.com/art-book-week-2018


Accessibility: 
The workshop will be held on this third floor at Akin King. The address is 525 King St West. The building is fully accessible with a barrier-free entrance leading to an elevator. There are no steps to get into the elevator. There is an all genders washroom with a grab-bar installed. There are no steps to get into the washroom. The door to the studio is not automated but will be propped open for this event. Please let us know of any other accessibility needs, including ASL interpretation, so that we can assist you. Please email michael@akincollective.com at least one week before the event and we will do our best to accommodate you. 

Financial Planning For Artists - June 6th 2018

An artist’s step-by-step, beginner’s guide to financial planning. 

Wednesday June 6 / Council Chambers at Toronto City Hall - 100 Queen St West / 6:30-8:30pm / PWYC (Suggested Donation $10) / Please register to attend at www.universe.com/artfinance2018


Many artists wonder if they can afford to do what they love. You can with a plan! Join us for an evening full of financial strategies that will help you make the most of your money, so you can make the most of your practice. 

This session includes free worksheets and take home resources to guide you through each step of your financial planning process.

This workshop will cover 8 Steps to a Financial Plan:

Create Goals
Know Where You Stand
Find Income
Save
Track
Make a Budget
Reduce Debt
Make the Plan

The workshop includes:

Presentation on financial planning
Short break
Q&A period at the end
Printed copy of the presentation and FAQs
Free worksheets and resources to take away and guide you through each step of your own financial planning process

Participants should bring:

Pen/pencil/device for note-taking if they wish
Their creativity and questions!

About the presenter:

Diana Bahr is an OCAD U graduate in Drawing & Painting (2016), and former OCAD U staff from the Financial Aid department where she provided financial literacy and professional practice workshops to student artists and designers for five years. She has a master’s degree in education from the University of Toronto and works as an Educational Counsellor for a women’s employment agency. She is an emerging multi-disciplinary artist and has exhibited her work at various locations including a traveling show in New York, the Ontario Science Centre, the Brain Project in Toronto, and Mercedes Benz in Mississauga. She is currently co-organizing and participating in a year-long artist residency program in the east end of Toronto.

The event venue is fully wheelchair accessible and please let us know of any other accessibility needs, including ASL interpretation, so that we can assist you. Please email michael@akincollective.com at least one week before the event and we will do our best to accommodate you. Thank you.

Akin Comic Day!

Akin Comic Day is a one-day celebration of comic books, comic making and comic artists! Drop in anytime and stay for a few minutes or the whole day. There will be many exciting ways for everyone to explore and enjoy comic books and comic making whether you are a life-long comic fan or completely new to the medium.
 

Featuring comics, art, experiences and more by Akin artists:

Althea Balmes - www.altheabalmes.com

Kate Drwecka - www.katedee.com

Christopher Green - www.mumblethief.tumblr.com

Carmina Miana - www.carminamiana.com

Loretta Miauw - www.instagram.com/loretta.miauw

Jen Pilles - www.jenpilles.com

Sarvenaz Rayati - www.sarvenaz-rayati.com

Yamandu Sztainbok - www.instagram.com/y.smerdis
 

Including:

• Comic Corner: A fun selection of hands-on activities to enjoy all day! All materials provided. Collaborate on group comic projects and individual explorations of comic art and visual storytelling. Suitable for all ages and experience levels.
   
• Comic Reading Zone: Relax and enjoy browsing a curated selection of some of the most interesting and renowned comics out there.
   
• Comic Art Exhibition: Comic art by Akin Collective studio artists on display.
   
• Artist Events: Live drawing, comic readings, book signings and more. Akin Collective comic artists will be on-site during the event. More details to me announced soon - stay tuned! 
   
• Comic Book Sale: Browse the sale table for some comic book treasures to take home with you!
   
• Official launch of the Akin Comic and Zine Library: a new permanent collection at Akin St Clair.

• Official launch of the Akin Comics Club: The Akin Comics Club is a new meet-up group for Toronto artists interested in comic-making and visual storytelling to stay connected and collaborate together on events, workshops and activities in Toronto.
  
  Akin Comic Day and the Akin Comic Club are brand-new initiatives brought to you by Akin Projects. 

Visit www.akin.art/comics for more information

Akin Creative: Introduction to Embroidery Workshop on April 4 at Toronto School of Art

Wednesday, April 4 / 6:30pm-9pm / Toronto School of Art 980 Dufferin St - Studio 19 / Limited seating - $25/person - all materials included - Register to attend at  www.universe.com/embroidery2018

Join embroidery artist Claire Davis to learn the basics of embroidery and some historical context on this feminist practise.

In this workshop, we'll be talking about exploring gender through art and reclaiming women's crafts as fine art mediums. We will become familiarized with beginner stitching techniques and some embroidery favourites, like sewing three-dimensional roses.

You will be provided with fabric, a hoop, needle and embroidery floss to get started. Inspiration pieces to be used as designs will be provided but attendees are also welcome to customize designs or go their own path.

Claire is a self-taught embroidery and textile artist that uses fabric, sewing and dye to visualize lived experiences of femme queerness, survivorship and activism. Claire's interest in embroidery started as an affordable way to make gifts for loved ones -- as she fell in love with the care required to stitch an image together millimeters at a time, embroidery became Claire's chosen medium. Claire is constantly taking in her environment and translating it to stitching. Incorporating found items, dyes and salvaged fabrics into her work builds context and sentimental relevance to pieces.

Land Acknowledgement: Toronto is in the 'Dish With One Spoon Territory’. The Dish With One Spoon is a treaty between the Anishinaabe, Mississaugas and Haudenosaunee that bound them to share the territory and protect the land. Subsequent Indigenous Nations and peoples, Europeans and all newcomers have been invited into this treaty in the spirit of peace, friendship and respect. Please Acknowledge that this workshop is taking place on stolen land.

Transphobia, homophobia, misogyny, ableism, fatphobia, racism or oppressive behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated. Attendees are expected to uphold these expectations and an Akin staff member will be present to mediate topics of discussion that are problematic and/or intolerant of our inherent values.

Accessibility:
Toronto School of Art is located on the 2nd floor. We regret TSA is not currently wheelchair accessible. When you arrive at TSA’s entrance at the north side of the building, there are 7 steps into the building. Inside, there are 6 steps with a handrail leading to the flight of stairs to the 2nd floor. The flight of stairs is equipped with handrails and contains: 15 steps, a landing, 6 steps, a landing, 6 steps leading to the TSA hallway entrance. Total: 40 steps. Please note: there is no onsite parking but folks may be dropped off at the TSA entrance (vehicles may enter via gate off Dufferin St.). There are 2 gender neutral single-stall washrooms, and 2 multi-stall washrooms to choose from.

Akin Creative Workshop: Intro to Pysanky Egg Decorating

Saturday March 24 / 1pm-4pm / Akin St Clair - 1747 St Clair Ave West
$25/person - all materials included / limited seating: get your ticket at  www.universe.com/pysanky2018

Learn traditional techniques to decorate your own festive egg! Eggs are decorated with designs in the technique known as "wax resist". Traditional symbols, designs and patterns are applied with melted beeswax using a tool called a kistka. Eggs are then dipped into successively darker dye baths. At the end of the process the beeswax is melted off to reveal a dazzling display of colour.

Most popularly known as a Ukrainian tradition this is actually common across many Eastern European countries and the practice has been around for thousands of years in celebration of Spring and fertility.

All materials are included. Please note that we will be working with: indelible dyes, raw eggs, and a candle flame.

About the instructor:
Natalie Waddell is a Toronto ceramic artist and a passionate 'Maker of Things'. Always exploring different materials and techniques she saw a photo of Pysanky eggs 7 years ago and has been making them ever since.

Akin Creative: Valentine Card Making Party at Farside Studio on February 6!

Akin Projects and Farside Studio are excited to present this casual, drop-in crafting party! Join us in the studio and make a card for your best friend, neighbour, significant other, worst enemy or a complete stranger! All materials are provided. Please note this is a 19+ event. 

You will be provided with one card per PWYC donation (donations go to Akin Projects, registered not-for-profit arts organization). The cards are made of heavy-duty hemp card stock, cut and scored to make a 4”x6” card. Each card comes with a brightly-colored 4”x6” envelope. You can decorate the card and envelope however you wish!

Decorating supplies will be provided including:
- a variety of coloured and patterned paper
- pencil crayons, markers and pens
- watercolour paints and brushes
- spirograph
- stamps and ink
- stickers
- stencils
- scissors
- glue
- glitter, beads, ribbon and more!

Feel free to bring additional supplies!

Accessibility
Farside is on the ground floor. It has step free access through main entrance. The walkway through the bar is narrow and can be crowded. The doors are not automated. There are two ground level accessible gender-neutral washroom. There are no grab bars in the washroom and the toilets are not raised. The floor is at ground level throughout the bar and studio. 

Getting There
Farside is located at 600 Gerrard St E. There are 3 streetcar routes that have stops at the closest major intersection. The 505 the 504 and the 506, at Broadview Ave and Gerrard St E. There are bike lanes on some of the major roads in the area. However cycling on Gerrard St. E. can be unpleasant due to narrow lanes. We ask that you exercise caution and do not drink and drive. Please walk, take the TTC or take a taxi/uber if you plan to drink.

About Farside and Farside Studio
Farside is a cozy living-room style bar in East Chinatown that makes space for creativity, engages community and encourage communication between neighbours. 

Farside Studio is an art studio and shared workspace that hosts workshops and community events. The Farside Artist in Residence program is a self-directed program which provides free short-term studio space for artists and creative types who want to focus on their work, or explore new ideas with a focus on community engagement. 
www.farsideto.com

Newcomer and Refugee Artist Mentorship Program - Two Info Sessions Coming Up

The Toronto Arts Council, North York Arts and UrbanArtsTO will be hosting two info sessions for the Toronto Arts Council’s Newcomer and Refugee Artist Mentorship Program. They will be talking about who is eligible to apply, how to find the right mentor for you, and how to get started on your application. Here are the session details: 

January 24 / 1 – 3 pm / Toronto Centre for the Arts, Lower Gallery (5040 Yonge Street) 

February 15 / 6-8pm / UrbanArtsTO Community Arts Council (5 Bartonville Ave East)

The program was created to provide support for newcomer and refugee artists to develop their artistic practice and support the integration and inclusion of newcomer and refugee artists to Toronto. It provides funding for newcomer and refugee professional artists to be mentored in their chosen artistic discipline. Deadline to apply is May 1st, 2018. To apply visit: www.torontoartscouncil.org/grant-programs/tac-grants/newcomers-and-refugees

Please e-mail rupal@torontoartscouncil.org to reserve your spot in either session. Include your full name, which session you would like to attend, as well as any translation services or accessibility services you require. Both venues are wheelchair accessible.

The Newcomer and Refugee Artist Mentorship program is open only to professional artists who arrived in Canada after January 1, 2011 and who live in the City of Toronto.

Programming Space for rent at Akin Sunrise!

Akin has a large open space at Akin Sunrise (100 Sunrise Ave) available for Akin members as well as members of the public to rent by the hour, day, or week for programming purposes. The space is bright and open, with the potential to host a variety of events and programming including meetings, workshops, exhibitions, rehearsals, photo shoots, film screenings and more. For more information or to book the space click here or email jeff@akincollective.com

Amenities:
- WiFi
- Parking
- Electrical outlets
- Natural lighting
- Tables and chairs (limited quantities available)

Rates:
$50/hour or $400 per day (members of the public)
$35/hour or $200 per day (Akin member price)

Accessibility:
100 Sunrise Ave is a 5 minute walk from the nearest public transit stop. If you are travelling by car there is on-site parking. 

There is step free access to the main entrance located at the side of the building parallel to the parking lot. The first door on the right hand side, once in the main entrance, is access to the studio. The studio entrance requires a key and there is no button to open the door, so someone may require assistance. There are narrow aisles and sharp turns to get into the gender-neutral washroom within the space. There are no grab bars in the bathroom and the toilet is not raised. There is a small lip on the floor upon entering the bathroom. Akin does have access to a wheelchair accessible gender-neutral washroom in the hall across from the Akin studio within the building. 

The space is not ideal for people with sensory processing issues, due to the white noise in the building.