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

Akin St Clair / Akin Vitrine
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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

Akin St Clair / Akin Vitrine

 

Available Akin Studios across Toronto!

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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. 

 

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. 

 

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. 

 
 
 

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.  

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!  

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!

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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! 

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.

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

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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: 

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!

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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.

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.

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.

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

Meet the 2024 Career Launcher Award Winners in their Akin studios

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Image Description: Headshots of Shannon Sandwell and Meera Dinh. The text “2024 Akin Career Launcher Award Recipients”, the Akin and OCADU logos appear on the left hand side above a pink and blue background.

 

As our 2024 OCADU Career Launcher Award winners settle into their Akin studios, we caught up with them to learn a little more about them, and to see what they are working on. 

The Career Launcher award is a collaboration between OCADU and Akin, which gives two graduating OCAD students $2,000 towards Akin studio membership and $450 for a booking at Akin’s Remote Gallery.  This year's recipients of the award are Meera Dinh, who has moved into Akin Richmond-Bathurst, and Shannon Sandwell, settled into Akin Niagara. 

Shannon Sandwell 

Shannon Sandwell is a Canadian figurative painter based in Toronto. Their work focuses on community and connection intertwined with popular and sub-cultural imagery. Using a collage style of painting Shannon’s work creates narratives that exist out of regular time and space to emphasize platonic intimacy and the human desire to be close with one another.

 

Shannon Sandwell sits on a rolling chair in their studio. They have short blonde hair, tattoos and are wearing a white t-shirt and gray shorts with sandals. Behind them, large bright figurative paintings hang on the wall.

 


“I paint large-scale figurative works with acrylic. Collaging references from life and my communities with references from pop/subcultures to create new moments of connection that exist out of time and space while utilizing scale to defamiliarize these moments of platonic intimacy. The scale and cropping of the images in my paintings disorient the viewer- forcing them to engage and seek the connections within the compositions. This act of seeking allows the viewer to feel connected to the anonymous community before them. The collaging of images will enable me to work in complex compositions, steering away from the monolithic individual. I am searching for ways to bring visual sovereignty and joy to figurative work and seeking out ways in which humans seek connection with one another to survive.”

 

Several paintings of Shannons sit against the wall and hang above.

 

“I have been working on a collection of paintings for an upcoming show! It is smaller than most of my work, but I have enjoyed having the space to work on multiple 4' by 3' canvases simultaneously. The studio space to jump from painting to painting has been very helpful.”

 

Shannon Sandwell sits on a rolling chair in their studio. They have short blonde hair, tattoos and are wearing a white t-shirt and gray shorts with sandals. Behind them, large bright figurative paintings hang on the wall.

 

“I am very neurotic about using a fresh palette. I use only the primaries plus white and mixed while painting. This requires me to constantly reset and start fresh after my palette has gotten wild. Another ritual for my work is documenting community when I find myself in it. Constantly using my phone to take reference photos on the go. I am also asking consent of those in my communities that I end up photographing for paint reference.”

Find more of Shannon’s work here

Meera Dinh 

Meera Dinh 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.

“My work explores the deep connection between the soul and the psychological challenges that come with being in a female body. I’m fascinated by how these forces shape identity and the constant struggle to understand my own nature. My oil paintings focus on capturing that in-between space—the line between the conscious and subconscious mind—by blending personal symbols, memories, and a touch of the erotic.

 

Meera Dinh sits on a chair inside her studio. Meera has long black hair and is wearing blue jeans and a black and brown floral tank top. Beside her is a large easel holding a circular canvas. Behind her are drawings posted to the walls. The large window in her studio looks out to a cityscape. Books rest on the windowsill.

 

I often pull from my subconscious, letting spontaneous ideas and images surface, which I then transform into visual stories. My work involves a lot of introspection as I explore themes like societal expectations, emotional vulnerability, and the absurdities we all face in life. Each painting feels like a moment of confrontation but also liberation, a chance to express emotions I’ve been holding onto.

Stylistically, I love combining figurative realism with surreal elements, allowing me to play with the boundaries between control and chaos. I use oil paints to build layers that reflect the complexity of these ideas. Lately, I’ve been incorporating themes of female identity merging with animal forms to symbolize primal instincts and transformation.

At the core, my art is very personal. It’s a space where I can reveal my own vulnerabilities and challenge societal norms, inviting viewers into an intimate conversation about identity and self-expression.” 

 

Meera Dinh sits on a chair inside her studio. Meera has long black hair and is wearing blue jeans and a black and brown floral tank top. Beside her is a large easel holding a circular canvas. Behind her are drawings posted to the walls. The large window in her studio looks out to a cityscape. Books rest on the windowsill.

 

“Since moving into my Akin Richmond-Bathurst studio, I feel incredibly fortunate to have found such an inspiring space. Located in the heart of Toronto’s most artistic area, the studio is everything I could have hoped for as a painter—housed in a charming brick building with serene views and surrounded by a vibrant community of talented artists. This environment has pushed my practice forward, allowing me to learn from others and grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. It feels like the ultimate artist’s dream space, a sanctuary where creativity thrives.

This studio has given me the solid foundation to continue my artistic journey beyond graduation. It’s more than just a workspace; receiving this space has been a life-changing award. It’s given me the confidence that I’m on the right path and reminds me to keep going, no matter the challenges. The opportunity to work here has been a significant turning point, motivating me to push my work further and explore new directions.

I’m currently preparing for a group show at Remote Gallery with Ellie Hsu and Ariadna Mavila de la Rosa. Our exhibition, which will take place either later this year or early next year, explores the theme of female identity merging with animal forms. It’s a deeply personal project for me, and the space has given me the room to fully explore these ideas through oil painting, my primary medium. It has allowed me to experiment with new techniques and materials, bringing these concepts to life in ways I hadn’t imagined.

In addition to the upcoming show, I’ve also been applying for exhibitions and residencies. Thanks to this studio, I can develop new works and expand my portfolio in ways that will sustain my practice for years to come.”

 

Meera Dinh sits on a chair inside her studio. Meera has long black hair and is wearing blue jeans and a black and brown floral tank top. Beside her is a large easel holding a circular canvas. Behind her are drawings posted to the walls. The large window in her studio looks out to a cityscape. Books rest on the windowsill.

 


“My creative process often begins in brief moments of detachment, where I drift away from the present reality. During these times, vivid and symbolic images emerge deep within my subconscious—like seeing myself on a steak plate or catching a distorted reflection of myself in the mud at a TTC subway station. These metaphorical visions communicate with me in ways I don’t fully understand, but I can sense their emotional weight.

When these images surface, I instinctively sketch them in my notebook without overthinking, almost like a child doodling. After this initial sketching, I take photos of myself as a reference for the paintings, using my own body to capture the forms and poses I want to explore further. At this stage, I feel the intensity of the images, though their meaning is still elusive. From there, I move into painting, which allows me to spend long periods with these images, slowly unravelling their deeper significance. Immersing myself in the painting process—often for hours—I engage with the forms I’ve created until their meaning becomes clearer. Along the way, I also research the themes and symbols that arise, drawing from journaling, music, poetry, philosophy, and literature that delve into the space between conscious thought and intuition. Inspiration often strikes when I’m in this liminal space, exploring and observing the images as they evolve. Through this process, my art starts to reveal naked truths I often hide behind the everyday roles and performances of life. In many ways, my art understands me better than I understand myself, and through it, I discover deeper layers of my identity.

Additionally, my cats, Bob and Moxie, are a huge motivation source for me. I always keep their picture in my studio; whenever I feel down or exhausted, looking at them lifts my spirits and reminds me to keep going.” 

Find more of Meera’s work here

Chris Gardiner’s Three Favourite Things about being a member at Akin Niagara!

Akin Niagara
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We took some time to chat with Akin Member Chris Gardiner about our newest West-End location, Akin Niagara. Continue reading below to find out Chris’ three fabourite things about being a member:

1. The enormous potential the outdoor space has. There seems to be room outside for almost anything: outdoor sculpture, plaster casting, working on a large canvas, using smelly solvents, cooking encaustic, spraying, pouring, etc. Safe outdoor use for Acrylic Paint: 1.7 degrees to 37.8 degrees Celsius!

Image Description: Outdoor patio with table and umbrella in the center, bbq in the back left and benches and window to the right.

2. The nearby area. It’s vibrant. There’s always a lot of energy, and things to see. I am also close to art supplies stores, hardware, groceries, etc. 

 

3. Torin the Studio Manager. He's very friendly, and good at bringing us together as a community of artists. He's one of those magnetic personalities that you like to be around. I'm also a big fan of musicians that go through art schools. 

Image Description: Image of the facade of the building that Akin Niagara resides in. It is a 5-storey building red brick on the right side and covered in white concrete on the left side. The photos os taken in spring so there are many green trees. a teal blue graphic border surrounds the photo with graphic pops if pink. The Akin logo live atop the image and the words “Akin Niagara!” sit below.

Chris’s studio at Akin Niagara

Image Description: Chris’s studio at Akin Niagara features a grey chair positioned against the left wall, beneath a thin shelf. The walls to the left and back are adorned with several paintings. 

Chris Gardiner’s two-dimensional work combines elements of Geometric Abstraction, Neo-Dada, and Art Informel. Whether he focuses on a process of drawing that emphasizes spontaneous/gestural qualities of the artistic process; collage that creates unexpected juxtapositions, a sense of irony, or a disruption of the viewers' expectations; or in painting where precise shapes and forms are arranged in deliberate and structured ways. Gardiner’s work challenges viewers to question their assumptions about the nature of art, and invites them to engage with the work in unexpected and thought-provoking ways. In metaphorical terms it’s Free Jazz meets Professional Wrestling.

See more of Chris’s work at www.chrisgardinerart.net and @gardinerartdotnet

Chris’s paintings in his studio at Akin Niagara

Image Description: Several paintings hanging in Chris’s studio made of black, white or red lines.

Chris Gardiner, Bars and Toner 2023, Oil on Canvas, 32"x42"


Image Description: Painting with multiple vertical black and white bars, one small red horizontal bar in the lower right hand corner and several red strokes in the top left hand corner.

Akin Niagara is located at 289 Niagara Street just south of Queen Street West and in close proximity to Trinity Bellwoods Park. Akin Niagara features rooms with large windows which get ambient daylight and an outdoor patio space exclusively for Akin Niagara members’ use.

All memberships include taxes, 24/7 access, wifi, utilities, insurance, shared storage facilities, restroom and kitchen access, communal workspaces, common area cleaning, connection to a community of artists and more!

  • Shared Memberships: $78/month
    • Access to shared working areas and storage

  •  Dedicated Memberships (your own studio):
    • Private and semi-private options
    • Sizes range from 40 sqft at $252 per month to 117 sqft for $551 per month. 

Visit www.akin.art for more info.
Link in Bio to view all currently available studios.

Contact us at info@akincollective.com to book a studio tour!