Akin Creative: Monotype Printmaking Workshop with Gabriel Deerman

$25/person - materials included - Suitable for all experience levels.
Register to attend at www.universe.com/monotype

Monotype printing is a painterly and direct process of applying ink or paint to a plate (in this case plexi glass) and transferring that image to paper using an etching press or pin press - creating one of a kind prints.

In this workshop artist Gabriel Deerman will introduce you to monotype printing with watercolour and acrylic paints. Each participant will have time to produce and print two plates, resulting in finished original works on paper.

The simplicity of the process, forgiving nature of the materials and immediate results make this technique very popular among painters and those who find printmaking to be too process intensive and finicky. While monotype is simple and direct the visual look of the prints and broad possibilities for experimental applications are limitless.

Provided materials:
Paper, acrylic printing ink, watercolour paint, gum arabic, use of 8"x10" plexiglass plates and etching press.

High quality Arches printmaking paper will be available for a small fee of $2 per 9"x11" sheet (store cost). Each participant will have time to print at least 2 plates. Participants are encouraged to bring watercolour paints and brushes, as well as printed/drawn images (8"x10") to use as source material (for tracing) if they wish.

About the Instructor:
Gabriel Deerman (1979, Bolinas, California, USA) has a practice that is largely grounded in painting, drawing and printmaking but recent forays into sculpture, kinetic devices and installation are leading steadily away from disciplinary categorization. Deerman completed an MFA at Transart Institute (New York / Berlin), a BFA from the Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, British Columbia, is a practicing and certified art instructor and has exhibited internationally. Gabriel was the owner/director of independent arts venues in Vancouver and Montreal and is co-founder of Salmon River Studios— an educational art studio, artist residency and cultural events space located on his farm in Tamworth, Ontario. www.gabrieldeerman.com

Akin Gallery Crawl - March 4 starting at 2pm

Akin Projects invites you to join us for special tours of the current exhibitions at some of Toronto's best and brightest galleries in the West End.

1. Meet at Division Gallery at 2pm
2. Visit Mercer Union, a centre for contemporary art
3. Visit Scrap Metal Gallery
4. Visit Daniel Faria Gallery
5. Visit Robert Kananaj Gallery
6. Visit XPACE Cultural Centre

Free to attend. All are welcome, open to the public.

Salon 44 - A fundraiser for Gallery 44

Gallery 44 is hosting their annual fundraising exhibition Salon 44 in support of their education and exhibition programs. Representing the best in Canadian photography, Salon 44 brings together an incredible collection of over 100 established and emerging artists with works priced for both new and seasoned collectors. Salon 44 will be exhibited from March 10-27, 2017.

Opening Reception: Friday, March 10, 2017, 6 – 10 pm

The Akin Library launches March 13 at our next Skillshare for Creative Professionals

The Akin Collective Team is excited to announce the launch of our newest initiative for our studio members: The Akin Library! This volunteer-led and donation-based collection of books will be housed at Akin Dupont in studio 204 and will feature print materials created by our members as well as a variety of art-related publications donated by members including zines and artist books, exhibition catalogs, artist biographies, how-to books and more.

Join us is on March 13 from 7-9pm at Akin Dupont - 1485 Dupont St in Studio 204 to celebrate the launch of the library at our Skillshare for Creative Professionals: Books We Love. Attendance is free but space is limited, please register to attend at www.universe.com/bookshare

The Akin Library will be open for all members of the Akin Dupont studios and all Akin Collective Shared Members during regular studio hours. Akin Collective members from our Lansdowne, Dufferin and Sunrise Studios will be able to view the library collection at appointed times throughout the month. Books can be borrowed for up to one month at no cost.

We are happy to accept book donations at any time for the collection. Donations can be dropped off in the drop-box at the library or you can email us to make other arrangements or bring your donations to the Skillshare! We especially encourage members to donate books they have created!

We are also seeking volunteer librarians to help manage the library. If you are interested please contact jen@akincollective.com for more information. Volunteer librarians must be Akin Collective studio members.

We hope this library will evolve and grow over time and contribute to enriching the lives and creative practices of our studio members. We would like to thank Mark Buck of Akin Dupont for his help in launching the library.

Spilling the Beans - A Podcast-Making Project

Do you enjoy storytelling, digging your teeth into an idea and getting to the root of the matter? This challenge is for you!

Spilling the Beans is a 36-hour creative challenge to imagine, craft and produce a short podcast. This podcast-making challenge for anyone and everyone interested in telling stories using the podcast format. Taking place March 3-5 at Hacker You, Spilling the Beans is open to, and encourages, remote participation.

Registration is free! Click here to sign up!

On the evening of March 3rd, participants will be provided with three "ingredients" they will need to include in a short podcast they will produce over the following 36 hours. On March 5th, the podcasts will be aired to judges, Katie Jensen, Veronica Simmons, Paul Aflalo and Owen Craig, who will pick three winners based on a set of criteria participants will receive at the race's outset.

Spilling the Beans is a creative exercise for everyone who wishes to participate. Whether you are you an avid podcast enthusiast or an occasional listener, Spilling the Beans will inspire you to create your own.

Adult February Courses & Workshops + March Break Art Camp at ARTiculations

Our friends at ARTiculations have a fabulous line up of single session, weekend intensive, and four week workshops in February and March including March Break Art Camp for children ages 8-13! Topics include painting, calligraphy, embroidery, drawing, screen printing and more!

Free Contemporary Art Bus Tour on February 26

The tour starts at Koffler Gallery (Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw Street) at 12 PM, and then departs for GBlackwood Gallery, Art Gallery of York University and Doris McCarthy Gallery, returning to the Koffler Gallery by 5 pm. Guided tours will be offered at each venue.

Please RSVP by February 24 by emailing dmg@utsc.utoronto.ca blackwood.gallery@utoronto.ca or 905-828-3789. This event is free.

In House - A Benefit Art Show for Paperhouse Studio - attend to win a $180 Akin Collective studio gift certificate!

For the second annual In House benefit art show, curated by Sonya Filman, Paperhouse Studio has collaborated with eight emerging and established artists to create new work exploring contemporary approaches to working with handmade paper. These artists, whose practices feature an emphasis on materiality and process, took to working with handmade paper in a myriad of different ways. The resulting works highlight strong interconnections between notions of labour and temporality, contextualized in relation to personal histories, geologic time, and commonplace objects.

The artists: Yael Brotman, Melanie Chikofsky, Doug Guildford, Tessar Lo, Tim Manalo,
Roula Partheniou, Meghan Price, Natalie Wood

Attend the benefit to participate in the raffle where you can win a $180 gift certificate towards Akin Collective studio membership among other amazing prizes.

Artists’ Panel Discussion: February 24th, 6:00pm at Paperhouse Studio

Opening Reception: February 24th 7:00pm – 10:00pm at Critical Distance Centre for Curators

Silent Auction: Preview and buyout starts February 17. Closes at 8:30pm on February 24. (Event night is bidding only) at the Third Floor Hallway Galleries, Artscape Youngplace

The In House Benefit Art Show will be on view at Critical Distance Centre for Curators from February 24th to 28th, 2017. Gallery hours: 12:00PM - 5:00PM, or and appointment.

Akin Artists at The Artist Project - Feb 23-26

This year The Artist Project contemporary art fair is celebrating it's 10th year! The show runs Feb 23-26 at the Better Living Centre and will feature work by over 250 incredible artists from Canada and abroad including some Akin Collective studio members!

Laura Keeling of Akin Dupont was one of 20 artists selected from hundreds of applications to be featured as one of the UNTAPPED Emerging Artists. Find her in Booth U-9. Laura's work pulls inspiration from beautiful everyday moments shared through her photography and collage work. She is currently working on a 'HOT ROCKS' series of collages which are composed of gemstone cut outs from old field guides.

Adria Mirabelli of Akin Dupont will be in the Installation Zone, Booth I-09.  Adria's practice is driven by an experimental approach to mark-making whereby she integrates textile manipulation processes with drawing to create large-scale, site-specific works on silk, felt, vinyl and paper. Her process focuses on a cycle of collection, preservation, and distortion.

Mila Vukosavljevic of Akin Dufferin will be in Booth 509 . Mila's oil and acrylic work questions the ties between seemingly random human interactions. A flirtation between abstraction and figuration, these works portray the inherent connectivity of mankind.

Michael Vickers of Akin Lansdowne will be speaking in the Art Chats Seminar Series on a panel entitled 'The Art of The Fluid' alongside Salimah Ebrahim, and Reagan Zuzarte. The panel discussion will examine how the confluence of technology, physical space and commerce are blurring traditional divisions today. Check it out Saturday, Feb 25th, 11:30am-12:30pm at The Artist Project. Art Chats are complimentary with admission. Space is subject to availability.

Want a discount on tickets for The Artist Project?
Use this Discount Code: TAP10YRS or Click Here.

Artist's Health: Stress and Self Care - This Monday Evening at City Hall - Free!

Your health is important! Join us at City Hall for an engaging workshop focusing on your mental health and well-being.

Learn some self-care techniques and strategies to minimize the negative effects of stress, help you feel your best, and boost your self-esteem.

From dealing with stress, demanding schedules and other injuries artists put a lot of strain on their physical and mental well-being. Join Or Har-Gil, Art Therapist, and Fiona Seth from Workman Arts to learn tips to take care of your body and mind.

Space is Limited! Please register to attend at www.universe.com/arthealth
$10 Suggested Donation


About the instructors:
Or Har-Gil is an Art Therapist and Creative Workshop Facilitator who helps people re-ignite their creativity and use it in service of personal discovery and transformation. She facilitates workshops in organizational, healthcare and community settings on managing stress, adapting to change, thinking differently, and embracing imperfection. Or also works part-time at Sunnybrook, leading Art Therapy groups for patients and families at the Odette Cancer Centre. You can find her online at: www.orhargil.com / www.facebook.com/orhargilarttherapy / Instagram: @orhargil

About Workman Arts:
Workman Arts is the longest-running multidisciplinary arts and mental health organization in Canada. Guided by the principal that the creative process is integral to the quest for personal and spiritual development, Workman Arts aims to support artists who have received mental health services to achieve their professional arts goals, by offering multidisciplinary arts training, exhibition opportunities, and studio space to members.
www.workmanarts.com

An Honest Farewell: a festival to honour the iconic Honest Ed's - Feb 23-26

The Centre for Social Innovation and Toronto for Everyone presents An Honest Farewell, a festival to honor Honest Ed's. This four day festival will feature:

• AMAZEMENT: IMMERSIVE ART MAZE

• BARGAIN BASH! THE OFFICIAL FAREWELL PARTY
• ED LIVES! EVENT LAUNCH PARTY AND COCKTAIL GALA
• TOWN HALL FOR ALL: COMMUNITY HUB
• GOODBYES & GOOD BUYS: MARKET CITY

Free Contemporary Art Bus Tour on Feb 5

The tour starts at the Art Museum at the University of Toronto (15 King's College Circle) at 12 PM, and then departs for Gallery TPW, Blackwood Gallery, and Oakville Galleries, returning to King's College Circle for 5 PM. Seating is limited.

Please RSVP by 5 PM Friday, February 3 to blackwood.gallery@utoronto.ca or 905-828-3789. This event is free.

Toronto Public Art Information Sessions

Are you an artist contemplating a move into public art? A visual arts professional wanting to understand more about how public art is commissioned in Toronto?

The City of Toronto’s Public Art Office is hosting information sessions to:

• Provide tips and tricks for applying to open calls for City-led public art projects;
• Explain what could be involved in taking your art practice into the public realm; and
• Connect you to additional public art resources.

Join us on the dates below to engage with the City of Toronto’s public art officers to explore how to take your practice into the public realm. The sessions will include information about how the City commissions public art, and how to effectively respond to open calls.

Talks will also include a case study of an upcoming public art commission so participants can brainstorm ideas and hear real world examples about how a public art project becomes reality.

Coffee and light refreshments provided!

Call for Submissions - Queen West Art Crawl

Submissions are now open for the Queen West Art Crawl!

The Queen West Art Crawl is happening on September 23-24, 2017 in Trinity Bellwoods Park. This annual event features a two day exhibition of Ontario artists and artisans. All different artistic media are accepted, including visual art, photography, ceramics, fabric art, hand-made accessories, wood/metal art and jewellers. Artist booth fee is $300 if you apply by February 14, 2017. Artist booth fee is $325 if you apply after February 14. The application deadline is April 1, 2017.

Artists are selected by a jury of prominent community leaders including gallery owners, art professors, journalists and well-established artists. Jury selections are released in early May.

For more information visit www.queenwestartcrawl.com or contact info@queenwestartcrawl.com

Art F*cking Therapy - Februay 18 at The Drake Hotel

WHEN: February 18th, 1pm

WHERE: The Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen Street West, The Sky Yard

WHAT: We are going to get creative AF friends. Let those emotions out  using colours and construction paper, and experience the joy you once felt in art class. No artistic experience required. We will be using a mix of collaging and creative writing.

TICKETS: Email info@mindmatters.space for tickets

ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Laura Dawe is a painter/director/writer in TORONTO canada. In 2012 she wrote and directed the short DREEMER through the CFC director's lab. it went to SLAMDANCE and was broadcast on IFC. In 2010 she wrote and directed a pre-apocalyptic feature film called LIGHT IS THE DAY.

Forge Professional Workshop Series - Artist's Health: Stress, Self Care and Studio Safety

February 6 / 6:30-8:30pm / City Hall, Committee Room 2

Your health is important! Join us at City Hall as the staff of The Al and Malka Green Artists’ Health Centre (AHC),Toronto Western Hospital, present an engaging workshop focusing on your health and well-being.

From dealing with stress, to repetitive strain injuries, use of harsh chemicals and demanding schedules, artists put a lot of strain on their physical and mental well-being. Join us to learn tips to take care of your body and mind.

Come and meet Susannah McGeachy (Nurse Practitioner) and Dr. Anita Shack (Chiropractor, Craniosacral Therapist, Acunpucture) as they introduce you to the services available and the unique approach at the Artists’ Health Centre.   Learn some self-care techniques to minimize the negative effects of stress, help you feel your best, and boost your self-esteem.

Space is Limited! Please register to attend at www.universe.com/arthealth
$10 Suggested Donation

Draw Fashion NOW - Live at Type Books - Tonight Only!

Tonight only - join fashion illustrator and Akin Lansdowne studio member Danielle Meder at Type Books on 883 Queen Street West tonight for a live performance of her book, Draw Fashion Now!

Expect to see some of Danielle's greatest hits from a decade of live runway sketching, hear some wild stories from the fashion week jungles of Paris, London and New York City. Plus, draw along while she performs a tutorial, and watch a fashion illustration appear before your eyes with a live sketching DEMO!

Wait, there’s more – FREE fashion portraits for anyone who buys the book.
This is a FREE event, all are welcome! We would love to see you there!

Akin Creative: Valentine's Vulva Medallion Making

Wednesday, February 15th /  6:30pm / Akin Lansdowne - Studio 101 - 87 Wade Avenue.

Let’s get intimate! Join us to learn technical clay-making skills and process your Valentine's feelings by making vulva art! Learn the technical sculpting skills of an undervalued, and misunderstood body part through ceramic jewellery making. The workshop will include an introduction to clay, and the female form in art, basic clay making skills, and a lot of giggling and fun! Materials and tools included! The kits will not include the precious metals we use to make our jewelry thought a substitute will be available for purchase.

View samples here: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/CatstacheAccessories

Space is limited, register here: www.universe.com/vulva
$25 Suggested Donation

(Please get in touch if you wish to attend but cannot make a contribution)

About the instructors:
Yara El Safi and Jenelle Madison-Struck are multidisciplinary artists that specialize in vulva jewelry. El Safi receiving her BFA at Western University and Madison-Struck receiving her Fine Arts Degree at Fanshawe College. Their vulva jewelry was inspired by a feminist movement in the 1960s that sought to create a dialog about the female perspective in the art world. Their art aims to empower anyone who identifies with the female body or the vulva, regardless of the preferred gendered pronouns. El Safi and Madison-Struch vulva jewelry is presented as they are, no bleaching necessary. Fifty percent of proceeds from El Safi and Madison-Stuck’s jewelry are donated to Women's Community House in London.

Akin Creative: Valentine’s Card Making Party!

February 9 / 6:30-8:30pm / Akin Lansdowne - Studio 101 -  87 Wade Ave

Come make a Valentines card for your sweetheart, best friend, enemy or a stranger! This is a hands-on work session for you to have some fun with glitter and glue and make a card or two! Bring a friend, a snack, and your creativity!

Participants will be provided with one piece of heavy-duty hemp card stock, cut and scored to make a 4”x6” card as well as a 4”x6” envelope. You can purchase more card stock and envelopes at the event for $0.50 each ($1 per set). We will also have beer for sale!

Pay-What-You-Can, suggested donation of $5. You must register to attend. Click here to register: www.universe.com/cardparty

Some supplies will be provided including:
- cardstock and envelopes
- a variety of coloured paper
- pencil crayons
- spirograph and stamps
- scissors and glue
- cut and paste materials
- glitter and more!

Feel free to bring additional supplies!

Akin Show & Tell #52 - January 25 at Akin Lansdowne

Wed Jan 25 / 7-10pm / Akin Lansdowne - 87 Wade Ave - Studio 101

On the last Wednesday of every month Akin hosts a relaxed and fun ‘Show and Tell for Artists’ at one of the Akin Collective studios. This is a time for Akin members and other Toronto artists to show completed works or works in progress and get friendly feedback and answers from their peers in a casual studio setting.

This special edition of the Akin Show & Tell will end at the Territory Orphanage (www.territroy.org) a.k.a. the studio of Allen Morgan on the third floor of 87 Wade Ave with a special surprise for everyone!

Feel free to bring art to share, bring a friend or two, bring snacks or drinks or just bring yourself! Come for the conversation or just to meet people and hang out.

This month we are meeting at Akin Lansdowne - 87 Wade Ave - Studio 101
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch! See you there!

RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/922365287864031/