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.