I moved to Toronto fresh out of art school. I had a degree in Illustration, a tiny bit of savings, and no knowledge whatsoever about the city or how to live in it. Navigating the art world was overwhelming - and living in Toronto was thrilling, but alien. I had trouble knowing how or where to meet new friends, not to mention colleagues and clients. I was unsure how my art fit in, which opportunities to engage with, or what resources were available. I did not feel sure of myself, and I did not feel at home.

It wasn’t until I found Akin Lansdowne that I started to thrive as an artist and feel like I was part of a real arts community. From when I joined Akin Lansdowne in 2013 until I left in 2018 I found myself connected to a group of artists and peers in ways I never expected. I not only made new friends but I also developed professional relationships - finding mentors, clients, and professional development opportunities.

Tucked away at the quiet intersection of Wade Ave and Paton Road right beside the train tracks ,I fell in love with 87 Wade Ave the first day I visited. It is an unassuming building full of character. I loved the creak of the floorboards, the smell of the wood and the coffee roasting downstairs at Alternative Grounds (another tenant that had to leave the building due to an unmanageable rent increase). I found the meandering corridors and the soaring ceilings romantic and inspiring. Within the studio space itself I felt cozy, comfortable and inspired. My studio was small, but it was all I needed to create.

*My first studio space at Akin Lansdowne in 2013 - it was 36sf*

Over time I started developing a studio practice and meeting my studio mates and getting involved with Akin events and programming. We saw so many incredible events come through our space. From intimate gatherings for artists to show and share their work, to large public parties, fun creative crafting workshops and more. Some of my favorites were the Earth Day Community Cleanup where a bunch of us gathered at the studio and then cleaned up the neighborhood, and the Akin Skillshare Series of workshops where artists and creative business owners met in the studio space to share skills and resources. I also loved it when some of us got together to paint the Akin Lansdowne Art Library and fill it with donated books.

Here are some photos I have collected over the years:

Before and after: painting the Akin Lansdowne Art Library together!

The studio all decked out for a celebration

My studio mate and friend Samar Hejazi explaining her work in her studio at an Akin Show and Tell event

One of the many wonderful pot luck feasts we hosted in the studio kitchen

The first big open studio event at Akin Lansdowne

The crowd gathering outside the studio for our Earth Day Community Clean Up

Unfortunately, like so many other creative spaces in Toronto, Akin Lansdowne will be closing it’s doors in January 2020. Gentrification has set in and the rent prices in the building have sky-rocketed. Akin cannot afford to keep renting space in the building, so Akin Lansdowne will be no more. I will forever be grateful for my time spent in that space - creating, thinking, mingling, learning, eating, laughing, listening and playing.

Thankfully Akin has worked closely with the artists to relocate them to other Akin studios - so the community has not dissolved but just dispersed to other Akin locations. Akin has many amazing locations - each with their own charm, but Akin Lansdowne will forever be my favourite and hold a special place in my heart. It was my home away from home, my workshop, my office, my peaceful place. I want to thank everyone who made Akin Lansdowne a magic place: the Akin staff, the studio mates who came and went over the years, the studio dogs who kept us company, the neighbours in the building who shared space with us, and the residents and businesses in the neighbourhood who were a part of our larger community. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!

There will be an Akin Lansdowne Farewell Party on January 31, 2020 at from 8PM until late for those who wish to honour Akin Lansdowne’s legacy by celebrating together. Stay tuned to Akin (social media, newsletter, this blog) for more information!

About the author:
Jen Pilles is a freelance illustrator, graphic designer, plein-air painter, self-publisher, and emerging comic artist. After joining Akin in 2013 as a member she began working for them in 2015. After 3 years of experience as a studio manager at 5 of Akin’s locations (Lansdowne, King, Ossington, Richmond and MOCA) she now serves the Akin community as the Studio Operations Manager. www.jenpilles.com