Akin Davisville Open Studio - Doors Open Toronto 2025!

A poster featuring two images of Akin Studios: one showing a potter’s studio with a wheel and shelving, the other a painter’s studio with artwork on the walls and an easel. Both spaces have white walls and sunlit windows.The text reads: 'Akin Davisville Open Studio! Three floors of studios. All are welcome. May 24 & 25, 10 AM – 5 PM, 244 Merton St.' Below the text, the Akin and Doors Open Toronto logos are displayed."

We’re thrilled to announce that Akin Davisville will be participating in Doors Open Toronto 2025 (@doors_opento), taking place on May 24–25, 2025.

As part of this city-wide celebration of Toronto’s architectural, cultural, and creative spaces, Akin Davisville will open its studio doors to the public for the very first time. Visitors will get a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible work and community inside Akin Davisville.

Located at 224 Merton Street, Akin Davisville is home to a diverse group of emerging and established artists working in painting, illustration, textile art, sculpture, mixed media, and more. During Doors Open, guests are invited to tour the studios, meet the artists, and learn about their creative practices through informal talks, demos, and in-studio displays.

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Akin Davisville, 224 Merton Street

 

The theme of this year's Door’s Open Toronto is ‘Play’. In response, will be creating a ‘Jam Wall,’ an interactive, evolving piece of artwork where artists and participants can collage, paint and draw on a collaborative art piece that will be displayed in the studio. Drop in and take part! 

Event Details: Akin Davisville, 224 Merton Street
Dates: Saturday, May 24 & Sunday, May 25, 2025
Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
What to Expect: Open studios, artist meet-and-greets, artwork on display, family-friendly activities

Accessibility Info: Akin Davisville consists of three floors of studios, all of which have elevator access from the main entrance way. There are single stall gender neutral bathrooms on each floor. More accessibility detail can be found here.

Admission is free and all are welcome!

In the coming weeks, we’ll be highlighting some of the incredibly talented artists working at this studio, so stay tuned! We can’t wait to welcome you into our space. 

Akin Members at The Artist Project 2025

The Artist Project is back from May 8–11, showcasing over 250 independent artists—and we’re thrilled to have five of our members participating, including two featured in the Untapped section!

A special shoutout to Leah Oates and all of our alumni members: Alyssa King, Ashley Snook, Carolina Reis, Chris Harms, Kath Zhou, Stephanie Avery, Tony Cruz, and Curt Gaudon.

Congratulations and best of luck to you all!

With love,
Akin

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Abby Gowland

Akin Richmond-Bathurst member Abby Gowland (@abbygowland_art) is an emerging Canadian Printmaker and Queen’s University BFAH graduate (2024). She creates intricate floral patterns using the traditional technique of drypoint with black ink and white paper. Gowland practices at Open Studios in Toronto and has exhibited across Canada.

Find her in the UNTAPPED section

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Janne Reuss

Akin Yonge-St Clair member Janne Reuss (@jannereuss) was born and raised in Mexico City and is currently based in Toronto, Canada. She has been a professional practicing artist for more than two decades, having lived, worked and exhibited her artwork in Mexico, United States, Germany, Italy and Canada. She studied Fine Arts at the Academy of Art & Design in Stuttgart, Germany and History of Art in Mexico City. Her preferred media are photography and collage, but she also paints, often cycling fluidly between the three. Through the metaphor of trees and branches she inquires how experiences of home and place are imprinted deep inside of her. She layers her photographs - often overpainting them - in order to recreate the intricate process of remembering. Janne’s work is held in private and public collections including the Donovan Art Collection at St. Michael’s College (Canada) and the Municipal Gallery of Ostfildern (Germany).

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Kris Cvetkovic

Akin Queen East member Kris Cvetkovic (@kriscartist) is an artist living and working in Toronto. His themes focus on organized chaos and interconnectedness found in both natural and urban patterns.

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Akin Richmond-Bathurst Meera Dinh (@m.sarts) is a Vietnamese artist based in Toronto who specializes in oil painting. Her work delves into the complexity of female identity, transforming personal and external experiences into dynamic compositions rich with intimacy, eroticism, and transformation. She completed her Honours BFA in Drawing and Painting at OCAD University in 2024.

Find her in the UNTAPPED section

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Miles Ingrassia

Akin Dupont member Miles Ingrassia (@milesingrassia) is a painter with a background in printmaking and has collaborated with other artists to produce limited-run fine art editions. His practice explores masculinity through the male figure, drawing from his experiences growing up in Hamilton, Ontario. Through a delicate interplay of violence and tenderness, his paintings investigate the complexities of contemporary masculinity, highlighting its contested position between inherited norms and evolving identities.

Akin Queen East is Almost at Capacity!

Image Description: A photograph of the Akin Queen East Studio's two-story red brick facade, featuring multiple windows and a large bush in front. The background is pink, decorated with a blue checkerboard graphic and two yellow hearts with a smiling faces. The text reads, "Akin Queen East is Almost at Capacity!"

Newly opened in the Spring of 2024, Akin Queen East is a vibrant example of the spirit and talent that Toronto’s East-End artists have to offer. Now, just over half a year later, Akin Queen East is almost at full capacity for dedicated memberships. Our studio members include painters, fashion designers, sculptors, installation artists, writers, and more. There are only a few studio memberships remaining - read more below and email info@akincollective.com to inquire about membership!

Akin Member Marjan Verstappen

@far_stepping/

Akin Member Eileen Reilly

@eileenreillyarts/

Akin Member Nabeela Malik

@nebz_/

Akin Member Kris Cvetković

@kriscartist/

Akin Member Natasha Dichpan

@the_illust/

Akin Queen East consists of the whole building at 429 Queen Street East, close to the intersection of Queen and Parliament. The studio has three floors: a lower level with large private studios, a ground floor that includes a sunny shared membership area, and a second floor with a long skylight which shines light on all three floors of this open-concept space. 

Members at Akin Queen East enjoy community-building events and programming like the Akin Queen East Open Studio event that we hosted last autumn, and the Akin Crit Night which happened in the studio on February 5th. Members working with ceramics have kiln access and a 20% discount on kiln firing services through Lost and Found Project Space which is just down the street from the studio.

All memberships include 24/7 access, wifi, utilities, insurance, restroom and kitchen access, communal workspaces and common area cleaning. Prices include HST.

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Akin Queen East, 429 Queen Street East

 

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There are only five available studios remaining- learn more below!

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QUE 18 - 2nd Floor: 77sqft for $415/month

This studio has two 6’ high plywood partition walls and one structural wall. It is located in a row of dedicated studios on the west side of the ground level. All of the studios receive natural light through the skylight above in the center of the space. It is close to the shared workspace, which has multiple tables that can be used for working on larger projects when available.

Image Description: Akin Queen East’s 2nd floor studios. Built in wooden shelving runs along the railing in the centre of the room. A skylight runs along the ceiling, and at the back of the room are private studios behind an orange-red wall. The background is pink, decorated with a blue checkerboard graphic and a yellow heart with a smiling face.

QUE 36 - 2nd Floor: 75sqft for $406/month

This studio has two 6’ high plywood partition walls and one structural wall. It is located in a row of dedicated studios on the west side of the second floor. In addition to the natural light from the skylight above in the center of the space, this studio has an additional small skylight directly above.

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QUE 18 - Ground Floor: 77sqft for $415/month

This studio has two 6’ high plywood partition walls and one structural wall. It is located in a row of dedicated studios on the west side of the ground level. All of the studios receive natural light through the skylight above in the center of the space. It is close to the shared workspace, which has multiple tables that can be used for working on larger projects when available.

QUE 10 - Ground Floor: 39sqft for $252/month

This studio has two 6’ high plywood partition walls, plywood divider walls and one structural wall. It is located in a row of dedicated studios on the east side of the ground level. All studios receive natural light through the skylight above on the ceiling in the center of the space. It is close to the shared workspace, which has multiple tables that can be used for working on larger projects when available.

Image Description: A view of Akin Queen East’s ground floor, including the shared membership area and available studio QUE 10. A long white worktable in the middle of the room sits under overhead sunlight. Behind the tables are studios divided by plywood partition walls. The background is pink, decorated with a blue checkerboard graphic and a yellow heart with a smiling face.

QUE 10 - Ground Floor: 39sqft for $252/month

This studio has two 6’ high plywood partition walls, plywood divider walls and one structural wall. It is located in a row of dedicated studios on the east side of the ground level. All studios receive natural light through the skylight above on the ceiling in the center of the space. It is close to the shared workspace, which has multiple tables that can be used for working on larger projects when available.

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QUE 4 - Lower Floor: 455sqft for $1276/month

This private office is on the lower level of the building. It has bright overhead lighting, generous built-in shelving along one wall, and is completely private. It does not have windows. It is located on the same floor as 2 other private studios, a communal kitchen, washrooms, and a utility sink for washing up.

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Shared Membership: $80/month

We also have shared memberships available! Shared memberships allow you to work in two bright, spacious designated shared workspaces in the building. One is located right under the skylight with great natural light, large and medium-sized tables, and has a more open-concept feeling. The second shared workspace is more private and incorporates a large built-in desk and shelves for shared storage.

Our studios can accommodate a wide range of creative practices. If you are interested in a space at Akin Queen East, now’s the time! Please contact info@akincollective.com to book your tour.

New Exhibition at the Akin Vitrine Gallery On Now! Theresa Hopkins’ installation Kiddo

Image Description: Artist Theresa Hopkins’ installation, Kiddo, hanging in the Akin Virtine Gallery. A cylindrical round of beads hangs from the ceiling of the gallery. The beads are white with pink clouds, with blue beaded tassels hanging from the bottom. Blue beading across the white and pink sky read “chin up kid’. 

We’re excited to announce a brand new installation at Akin’s Vitrine Gallery! Running until January 30th, Artist Theresa Hopkins’ installation Kiddo will be viewable from the street at Akin St Clair, at 1747 St Clair Ave W. Be sure to swing by and check it out. In the meantime, we reached out to Theresa to learn more about her work and inspirations. 

Theresa Hopkins is a black multi-disciplinary artist and arts organizer living and working in Toronto. She focuses on themes surrounding identity, emotion, and her interactions with the world through her unique lens. Using colourful and tactile materials and subject matter, her work draws on nostalgia juxtaposed with mature themes. Her installation entitled Kiddo, runs from December 1- January 30th. 

Image Description: A photograph of artist Theresa Hopkins standing against a blue background. Theresa has long wavy black hair, blue eyeshadow and wears a white t-shirt. She is facing the camera,  holding a flag with a cartoon  of Roger Hargreaves’ Little Miss Chatterbox.

About the Installation 

‘Kiddo’ represents the vast majority of adults born as millennials who are currently experiencing arrested development, Kidults, and people who are failing to launch. Is there a place in your life you think you “should” be by now? 

What are you curious about right now? What do you do to stimulate curiosity and inspiration? 

Theresa Hopkins: “These days, I’m focusing on play. I believe relationships are garnered and watered through the ability you have to play together. Whatever the capacity. Being “silly” is so important. To get inspired I convene with nature, I make up scenarios with friends, I play children’s games.”

What was your first medium and what's your favourite tool/material right now? 

TH: “One of my first mediums was definitely beads. I used to be obsessed with friendship bracelets and animals made out of pony beads strewn with elastic string. When I was 15 I used to make beaded cuffs and bracelets for friends I used to rave with. It’s funny how I’ve returned back to it now. I guess we are creatures of habit after all.”

Do you have a studio routine?  

TH: “I am definitely someone who has project focused spurts of inspiration. I tend to do many projects at once though so perhaps it’s actually hurting me more than helping me since finishing work takes me a while.”

Image Description: A close-up photos of Artist Theresa Hopkins’ installation, Kiddo, hanging in the Akin Virtine Gallery. The beads are white with pink clouds, with blue beaded tassels hanging from the bottom. Blue beading across the white and pink sky read “chin up kid’. 

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

Honestly most of art happens away from the canvas. It’s easy to berate yourself for not “working” on your work when I think in actuality, we are constantly working on work by just living our lives. I don’t try to limit myself to only mediums I’m comfortable in. I find it helps me to make art that “doesn’t have a purpose” it’s in those moments when I can really experiment. 

As in regards to self-care I think it’s important to have a healthy community that can be a sounding board for ideas. Take criticism graciously and always ask questions to yourself. Give yourself time and show up for yourself.

Is there an artist you'd like to go back in time to meet? Or someone you'd love to invite to dinner right now? Who is it and what would you ask them about?

TH: “Not really, most of the artists I like are here, now.” 

What are some of the benefits of being in the studio for you? What brought you to Akin?

TH: “I love having a community around that inspires me. Seeing other artists in different phases of their practice gives me hope for the future of the arts in this city. Working at Akin has given me purpose like no other, and being able to serve a community I’m a part of is extremely fulfilling. 

I joined Akin after a 3 year hiatus of making or showing my artwork. I had convinced myself for a number of years that being in survival mode and putting all my effort into working to pay rent was top priority. I decided one year to make a painting for a friend and needed a place to work. I ended up joining Akin and it’s one of the best decisions I could of made for my practice.”

What are you NOT very good at? What do you WANT to be good at? 

TH: “Wish I was better at attending art shows, it seems like I only get out when someone I know is involved. I’ve made this a goal of mine for the upcoming seasons!” 

Check out Kiddo at the Akin Vitrine Gallery, 1747 St Clair Ave W, viewable 24/7 from the sidewalk, on till January 30th, 2024. 

See more of Theresa Hopkins’ art @Thopkinsart

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Akin St Clair / Akin Vitrine

 

Available Akin Studios across Toronto!

Hello artists, makers, inventors, and creators! Here’s a snapshot of some of the move-in ready studios that Akin has available across the city. 

If you see anything you like please reach out to info@akincollective.com and we’ll connect you with the Studio Manager for a tour of the space. Please share this post if you know anyone in need of a space to work!

Akin Niagara - 289 Niagara Street

With a prime, central west-end location (and its own private outdoor patio!), Akin Niagara is just steps away from Queen Street West and Trinity Bellwoods Park. While there is no kiln on site, Akin Niagara members have the benefit of a ceramics firing pick-up and drop off service hosted by the kiln operator at Akin St Clair. You can have your ceramics picked up in your studio, fired at Akin St Clair, and delivered back to you. Akin Niagara is one of Akin’s more intimate studio locations with a supportive, tightly knit community of artists. 

NIA 19: 59 square feet, $342/month.

NIA 09: 75 square feet, $406/month

Akin Queen East -  429 Queen Street East

Your east-end creative space! Between Parliament St and River St, Akin Queen East is an entire three floor building of bustling artistic energy and a growing community of artists. The building itself is beautiful; an old, architecturally intriguing building with skylights that shine light all the way down to the lower level, due to its open concept design. Ceramicist members can fire their creations across the street at the Lost and Found Project Space with a 20% discount. 

QUE 08: 33 square feet, $226/month

QUE 37: 37 square feet, $243/month

Akin Yonge-St Clair - 1 St Clair Ave W 

Unique for its many private studio spaces, views of the cityscape and convenient mid-town location, Akin Yonge-St Clair is filling quickly! This studio is loaded with big windows, tons of natural light and a mix of open spaces and small, intimate rooms within a larger office building. With 5 units throughout the building (each with their own kitchen) there is a wide array of studio styles to choose from. Located right at the corner of Yonge and St Clair, this mid-town location is as central as it gets. 

YON402K2: 53 square feet, $309/month

Akin Davisville - 224 Merton Street 

At Akin Davisville, the artists have the whole three-storey building to themselves. With two large kitchens, six gender-neutral bathrooms, a big comfy common room, an elevator, parking, and huge windows, Akin Davisville is home to dozens of artists in the Mount Pleasant and Yonge-Eglinton area.  

DAV-33: 39 square feet, $252/month

Akin Davisville Shared Member Area

Shared Memberships at Akin Davisville provide access to two bright studio areas, one on the first floor and one on the second, providing space to work privately or alongside your studio mates. Members can leave their art supplies in the storage areas so no need to bring supplies back and forth from home. Plus, the Akin Davisville shared area boasts the biggest easel at Akin!  

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Shared Memberships are available at all of these locations for $80/month. 

All prices include HST and all memberships include: 

• 24/7 access

• wifi

• utilities

• insurance

• shared storage facilities

• restroom and kitchen access

• communal workspaces

• common area cleaning

If you don’t see the size or style of studio that you’re looking for listed above there are more studios available at Akin's 8 locations ranging from 25 square feet ($191/month) to 382 square feet ($1,255).

Email info@akincollective.com for more information, or to book your tour today! 

Bring your creative vision to life at Remote Gallery this winter with extended 2024 pricing!

At Remote Gallery, our 2024 pricing is available through February 2025! Centrally-located at 568 Richmond Street West, Remote is perfect for your winter pop-up, art market, exhibition, or holiday gathering. The gallery is a 300 sqft, street level venue with gallery lighting, floor to ceiling windows, polished concrete floors and occupancy for up to 40 guests.

Why Now?
Reserve your dates in December,January and February to lock in our current pricing before it increases in March 2025. Akin members enjoy an additional 10% off December rentals!

Currently Available Dates:
December 2-4, 8-9, 16-31
January 1-22
February 1-19

Create memorable moments in a space built for art and community! For bookings and more details, reach us at gallery@akincollective.com

Image Description: a photograph of Remote Gallery with bright light coming through the window. The space is empty with dark floors and bright white walls. Overtop of the photo is decorative snowflake drawings around the corners.

Get in touch to reserve your dates and start planning! 

Remote Gallery set up for a presentation

Remote Gallery set up for a workshop

Exhibition by Christian Tauro

Installation by Ron Nguyen 

Installation by Renato Baldin

Image Description for the images above: a slideshow showing 5 photos of Remote Gallery in various configurations including set ups with tables and chairs, an exhibition with people in attendance throughout the space, and installations with various artwork and objects on the walls and in the space.

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

Akin Queen Open Studio: A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community

On October 12th, we had the pleasure of opening our doors to the community for the Akin Queen East Open Studio, and we couldn't be more grateful to everyone who came and made the event such a success!

A huge thank you to our amazing Akin members for showcasing their work and welcoming visitors with such warmth and enthusiasm. The sense of community was palpable, and it was wonderful to see so many meaningful connections made throughout the day.

We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Nurielle Stern of Lost and Found Gallery and the artists from the 1-800-INF-ERNO exhibition for collaborating with us for the day. They truly added another layer of inspiration and we’re so glad to have shared this special occasion with them.

Lastly, a big thank you to all of our guests! Whether you’re an artist, an art lover, or simply curious about our space, your presence and support mean the world to us. It was fantastic to meet so many new faces, and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future— Until then, enjoy the photos from the Open Studio! 

Image Descriptions: a slideshow of images showing artists and guests at Akin Queen East during the open studio. There are different people who are talking to each other, smiling, and looking around the studios. Artwork and art materials can be seen in the studio space including paintings, sculptures, and textile works. 

List of participating artists: 

• Kris Cvetković

• Sarah Lawson

• Christine Li

• Jenny Misener

• Wendy Robertson

• Ashley Snook

• Mïka Tremblay

As well as the artists featured in the 1-800–INF-ERNO installation at The Lost and Found Gallery: Micki-Lee Smith & Zakriya Bashir-Hill, in collaboration with Diana Lawryshyn, Pratap Mathews, & Yun Young Lee. Also featuring paintings by Diana Lawryshyn.

Thank you! 
Love, Akin 

Call for Artists! Documentary focused on Environmental Art Activism!

Artterra is seeking Canadian artists whose work explores the powerful connection between art and environmental activism for an upcoming full-length documentary. The project will delve into how art not only raises awareness but also drives action on critical environmental issues. Whether the approach to activism is subtle or bold, artists with stories to tell are encouraged to apply.

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Who Are They Looking For?

Artists from all visual disciplines—painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, and mixed media—are welcome. The focus is on art that delivers a strong environmental message, reflecting both the challenges and beauty of the natural world.

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Why Environmental Activism?

In the face of climate change and environmental degradation, art holds a unique ability to influence public perception and inspire real-world action. The documentary aims to highlight how art can raise awareness, build community, and propel the movement toward sustainability.

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Why Participate?

This project offers artists an opportunity to have their work showcased globally, alongside compensation for their story rights and an honorarium. Participants will also benefit from:

• Sharing their story and amplifying the message of their art.

• Potential speaking opportunities surrounding the documentary’s release.

• Access to professional photo and video materials for their own use.

Image Description: Mural artist Kari Morgan painting a wall in shades of blue and black, with the words “Watch the Teaser” and a play button graphic.

For more information and to watch the teaser,
visit artterra.ca