Call for Submissions: Paint the Junction 2019

Inviting people to paint the Junction during the 8th Annual Junction Summer Solstice Festival on Saturday, June 22nd 2019 and then to participate in ARTiculations Summer 2019 Group Exhibition.

Proudly part of the Junction Solstice Festival.

Exhibition to follow July-August 2019. Dates to be confirmed shortly.

Online registration closes June 20th. In-store registration available on June 21st and 22nd.

Registration Fees:

ADULT: $25 + hst until June 21, 2019. $30 + hst as of June 22,2019.

YOUTH & SENIORS (under 18 and over 65): $20 + hst until June 21, 2019. $25 + hst as of June 22, 2019.

$15 + hst for additional submissions )up to 3 works total)

Registration fees are non-refundable, no exceptions. Please ensure you can participate on June 20th between 1-7pm.

Registered participants will be given a 25% off purchase of a painting/drawing support for use in the competition. This can be redeemed between June 13-20, 2019 with proof of registration.

AWARDS

• Under 18 Aware

• People’s Choice Award

• Jurors Choice Award

Guest Jurors to be announced.

Zach Atticus solo exhibition 'Perennial' - this weekend at REMOTE Gallery

‘Perennial’ is a solo exhibition of paintings and drawings by Zach Atticus of Akin Dupont happening this weekend at REMOTE Gallery. Akin invites you to join Zach for the opening night reception on Saturday evening.

SHOW HOURS:
May 25th 5-9pm (opening reception)
May 26th 12-6pm

REMOTE Gallery
568 Richmond St W, Toronto

About Zach Atticus:
Zach Atticus is an artist and OCADU graduate based in Toronto. Zach grew up with a love of art that was passed down to him from his mother and learned much of his craft from a childhood batman colouring book. In kindergarten, Zach received animal crackers as compensation for a drawing of a brontosaurus, becoming his first commissioned piece. Today, Zach is a freelance artist and illustrator. His preferred mode of creating has evolved from drawing brontosauri with crayons to a more cultivated approach of oil painting and multi media illustration. www.zachatticus.com

Opening Today! Satisfaction Guaranteed by Stephanie Avery

Satisfaction Guaranteed: Paintings by Stephanie Avery
Where: Flying Pony Gallery, 1481 Gerard Street East
When: May 3 - 31
Opening Reception: May 4, 4 - 7
Interactive workshop: May 12, 1 - 4. Come make some AdHacks of your very own!

Join Akin MOCA member Stephanie Avery for an exhibition of her ongoing 'AdHack' painting series. Stephanie uses reclaimed magazine ads as her canvas, painting her own whimsical additions directly onto them to critique and subvert the duplicitous aspects of consumer culture. ‘AdHack’ shifts the traditionally passive viewer/advertiser relationship into something much more active and empowering. By using humour and absurdity to co-opt advertisements, viewers gleefully disengage from the original narratives. 'AdHack' is a fun and engaging way to inspire critical thought/dialogue about advertisements and the role they play in our everyday lives.

Stephanie Avery is a Toronto-based interdisciplinary artist. Focusing on themes of play, discovery, identity and memory, Stephanie uses humour and absurdity to intervene with familiar objects and imagery to give them new meanings and narratives. Her goal is to inspire new perspectives and initiate critical dialogue about elements of contemporary culture that are often taken for granted.

In Between Land an Exhibition by Jieun June Kim

Opening tomorrow, Friday, January 4th at 6PM, the latest collection of work by Akin MOCA member Jieun June Kim will be on display at North York Central Library for the month of January.

In her work, Jieun creates fantasy worlds where strangers live. This imaginary world is a peaceful and safe place for everyone. Take a sneak peak at the new collection in the video below.

Exhibition: In Between Land

Location: North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge Street, Toronto

Opening: January 4th at 6PM

Exhibition Dates: January 4-18th 2019.

Jieun June Kim (b. Seoul, Korea) is a painter and muralist who lives and works in Toronto. She studied at the Washington University in St. Louis, graduating in 2012. In her painting Kim explores different ideas of “home” using colorful patterns and dynamic natural forms. Jieun June Kim has exhibited her work at numerous art galleries in North America and S. Korea. Since moving to Canada in 2016, her works has been shown at multiple art galleries in Toronto. Also Kim has been commissioned to paint a mural for Dundas West BIA(2017).

VISION: Exploring the Unconscious Mind →

VISION is a multi-disciplinary visual and media arts collaboration exploring the unconscious mind's ability to blend possible with the impossible. VISION is an institutionalized opportunity reclaimed to carve necessary space for the nuanced expression of black artists and celebrates our ability to create unique cultural landscapes when shared dreams manifest into places of belonging. 

When: September 27th-30th

Opening Reception: September 27th, 7-11PM

Panel Discussion: TBA

Where: The White House Studio Project, 277 Augusta Avenue, Toronto

Accessibility: Access to gallery floor is limited to a flight of stairs and thus not fully accessible.

Featurning artists Charmain Lurch of Akin Sunrise, Curtia Wright of Akin King, DREEEM, and James Hewitt. Curated by Leone McComas of Akin MOCA.

This exhibition is part of "In Space", a curatorial series focused on the experiences of disenfranchised peoples within social, political and physical spaces. Organized by The White House, "In Space" was conceived of by Sandra J. Manilla and co-produced by Nathaniel Addison, Stephanie Avery, and Leone McComas.

Panel Discussion (TBA)

A roundtable of black creatives will discuss the role of space in the legitimization of their work and the expectations attached to institutionalized recognition – considering how we can re-claim these opportunities to represent the diverse POC creativity. Details to be announced.

VISION is funded and made possible by Toronto Art Council, Canada Council of the Arts, and is sponsored by Wysp Creative (wysp.ca). Thank you! 

Akin St. Clair Mural Unveiling →

Join us this Saturday, September 29th to celebrate the new mural by artist Luvsumone at Akin St. Clair.

When: September 29th, 1-4PM.

Where: Akin St. Clair, 1747 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto.

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MORE ABOUT THE MURAL PROJECT:

As new members to the St. Clair West community, it is clear that this neighbourhood is in the process of changing rapidly. We at Akin believe it’s important that new changes are guided by the existing community. In partnership with StreetARToronto - a program of the City of Toronto, Transportation Services Division, Akin is excited to unveil the new mural by artist Luvsumone.

ARTIST STATEMENT FROM LUVSUMONE:

This work is inspired by the potential of the St. Clair Gardens neighbourhood and it’s residence. Each of the portraits are of children who pass our building every day. The mythical animals and location represent the infinite possibilities of an unknown future and a time of great change. Change that with guidance could mean exciting and unimaginable things for this neighbourhood and it’s residence.

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Luvsumone’s work reflects his personal experimentation and evolution of what graffiti is to him. The urban phenomenon of "graffiti" has grown and changed so much over the years and Luvsumone is somewhere in the mess. He grew up a purist in the game, so he don’t use tape, stencils, projections, brushes or chalk. Everything is done freehanded on the spot with the spray can. However, being a millennial and growing up with the age of the internet Luvsumone’s style has been influenced by so many other forms of media and artists all over the world. He does his best to break or bend the "rules" of tradition graffiti murals and pushes the boundaries of what graffiti means. Luvsumone believes this is crucial to the development and growth of our culture and future.

Inside Insight at Gallery 1313 →

Inside Insight
Featuring Lina Faroussi, Irit Epstein, Elham Hazfi

Exhibition: Sept. 12 – Sept. 23
Opening reception: Thursday, Sept. 13, 6:30–10 pm
Gallery 1313, Toronto

Three women artists from diverse backgrounds who uprooted themselves from their respective homes share their experiences of transition and change. The artists portray different perspectives of being in a new environment: the gateway to hidden worlds; a trail of images representing a nomadic journey; and how internal channels are developed by the challenges of change.

The artwork does not tell a story, but encourages imagination and involvement, providing the viewer with an intangible, emotional experience. Since transition and change are a universal occurrence, the work invites the viewer to step away from their familiar environment and see the human experience with a new point of view.


Lina Faroussi was born and raised in Syria, then moved to Egypt to continue her bachelor degree in commerce. Lina’s passion for art began at an early age. She studied visual art during her years in Egypt, Dubai, and in Toronto, where she has lived since 2008. She continued to work on her dream of becoming a visual artist, exhibiting in many different group and solo shows throughout the Middle East, Europe, Canada, and the United States. During the past few years, she has received multiple art awards in Canada and abroad.
lina.faroussi@gmail.com
www.linaartgallery.com

Irit Epstein was born in Israel. She relocated to Toronto in 2010. She studied fine arts for five years at the Academy of Art (HDK) in Berlin, Germany, receiving a Masters of Fine Arts. Additionally, Irit completed a Masters degree in Art Therapy at New York University. She has exhibited her work in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Israel, Germany, Italy, Mexico, USA, and Canada.
iriteps@gmail.com
www.iritepstein.com

Elham Hazfi was born in Tehran, Iran. She migrated to Toronto, Canada in 1998. Her background is in science with a Masters degree in molecular science from Ryerson University. Elham is a self-trained artist. She has had several group and solo exhibitions in Toronto. Her paintings have been selected to be exhibited in several art festivals. She currently works at her studio in Toronto.
ehazfi@gmail.com
www.elhamhazfi.com

Akin Vitrine Gallery + Andrew Kennedy →

We are excited to introduce our Akin Vitrine Gallery artist, Andrew Kennedy. Andrew has been an Akin Dupont member since 2016, and his piece ‘Fighting Alone’ will be on exhibit in our galleries located at 1485 Dupont and 1747 St. Clair Avenue West for the months of July and August respectively.

His installation ‘Fighting Alone’ explores issues surrounding human agency, individual dignity, and political demoralization. What might be more important; the group someone belongs to, or their capacity as an individual? Whose job is it to ‘fix’ the problems of our society; is it the citizen or the politician? Can human beings who tend to find meaning in life through their realization as an individual, also find meaning in group responsibility? The viewer is encouraged to bring their own thoughts and beliefs when considering the installation. After all, there are no ‘hard truths’ when contemplating the ephemeral atmosphere surrounding the current human condition.

Andrew V. Kennedy was born in New York, NY, and currently lives and works in the greater Toronto area. He received a BFA in Illustration from Rhode Island School of Design, and an MFA in Painting from Brooklyn College. His work has always been centered around the dignity of the individual, and their life in society. Issues of politics, modernity, sociology, and our ‘inner lives’ can also be seen in his work. Kennedy’s exploration of these issues began with simple portraiture; but eventually grew to include the use of text. His work has been exhibited both in New York City, and Toronto, ON.

‘Fighting Alone’ will be on view for the month of July in our Dupont Akin Vitrine Gallery, located in the Clock Factory Building at 1485 Dupont Street (entrance on Campbell Avenue). Find Akin Studio 215 on the second floor and follow the sign into the hallway around the corner. The building is open from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

The exhibition will then travel to the Akin St. Clair Vitrine Gallery and be on view for the month of August at 1747 St. Clair Avenue West. Gallery is street level and can be viewed at any time.

Art Ignite Presents 'Metamorphic Reflections' - Free Portrait & Glass Painting Workshops

Art Ignite is a non-profit community arts organization that provides free or low-cost visual art workshops and exhibitions catering mainly to the Flemingdon Park community in Toronto. Many of Flemingdon Park’s residents are new immigrants living in low-income households with limited access to art activities. Led by professional artists, these activities aim to transform community spaces into creative hubs where residents can unleash their imaginations, connect with their community, gain skills, and become leaders of change.

You are invited to participate in a series of workshops on Portrait and Glass Painting from April 10-May 15, 2018 at the Flemingdon Park Library. 

The workshops will begin with an introduction to portraiture and glass painting. Participants will then engage in one-on-one discussion with they photograph each other. These photographs will then be used to paint each other's portraits on mirrors. We hope to the conversations and paintings that result from this project will change the way we view our community members and break through the socially constructed biases we have about others.

This workshop is open to all LGBTQ+ and allies. All levels are welcome, especially beginners. To find out more or register, email Tasneem@artignite.ca.

Date: Every Tuesdays from April 10 to May 15, 2018
Time: 4-7pm
Place: Flemingdon Park Library’s Glass Room (main floor)  29 St Dennis Drive

This project is funded by Ontario Arts Council.

The Artist Project opens this Thursday featuring work by many talented Akin artists!

This year The Artist Project contemporary art fair Feb 22-25 at the Better Living Centre and will feature work by over 250 incredible artists from Canada and abroad including some Akin Collective studio members!

Today only you could win two free passes to the early access preview party which is happening on Thursday! Follow us on Instagram and comment on the Artist Project post we put up today with which friend you'll bring along and at the end of the day we'll pull a name from a hat! 

Click here to visit the Instagram post and participate in the ticket giveaway competition. 

The Artist Project is a four day contemporary art fair. From collectors and curators, to gallerists and designers, visitors can explore and discover works of art from over 250 top contemporary artists from Canada and abroad. This is a unique opportunity to meet and buy art directly from artists. We encourage you to check out the fair this week and while you are there please visit our talented Akin artists and chat with them about their artwork! 

Kayla Polan of Akin Dupont - Booth U-6 (UNTAPPED Emerging Artist)

Monique Resnick of Akin Lansdowne - Booth U-15 (UNTAPPED Emerging Artist)

Nancy Bennett of Akin Sunrise - Booth 514

Laura Kay Keeling of Akin Dupont - Booth I-11

Nicole Krstin of Akin Dupont - Booth 812

Chris Harms of Akin Dupont - Booth 340

SHOW SCHEDULE:
Thursday February 22: Opening Night Party  7-10 PM
Friday February 23: 11 AM-10 PM
Saturday February 24: 11 AM-8 PM
Sunday February 25 11 AM-6 PM

Art Propagandha Show 2 featuring work by Akin St Clair artist Stanislav Plavcic

You are invited to attend the opening party of Art Propagandha Show 2 at 2381 Dundas Street West on Saturday, February 10, 2018 featuring new work by Akin St Clair artist Stanislav Plavcic. Doors open @ 5:00 PM, the party runs from 7pm until late.  The show runs until February 22, 2018.

'Clear Enigma' by Eloisa Morra of Akin Lansdowne in the Akin Vitrine Gallery

Akin Collective + Akin Projects are excited to present our 2018 programming in two Vitrine Galleries at our St. Clair studios and Dupont studios. These miniature galleries will feature the diverse talent of our studio members with travelling installations rotating each month. Each artist will be featured for the first month at Akin Dupont and second month at Akin St. Clair.

Our February/March exhibit features the work of Akin Lansdowne member, Eloisa Morra. Eloisa’s work deals with the problems of perception in figurative painting and the inclusion of multiple narratives in a picture.
 
As Philip Guston once wrote, “A good painting should be a clear enigma”. How can the artist create a visual alphabet, avoiding both the trivialization of reality of naturalism and the stillness of the symbol? Clear Enigma presents an imagined space where two different creatures — the Eye and the Duende — meet, exploring the multiple feelings and stories generated by their encounter. 
 
‘Clear Enigma' 
Mixed Media
Variable Dimensions
 
The exhibition runs for the month of February in our Dupont Akin Vitrine Gallery, located in the Clock Factory Building at 1485 Dupont Street (entrance on Campbell Avenue). Find Akin Studio 215 on the second floor and follow the sign into the hallway around the corner. The building is open from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday. To arrange a viewing outside of those hours please contact us at info@akincollective.com
 
‘Clear Enigma’ will then travel to the Akin St. Clair Vitrine Gallery and be on view for the month of March at 1747 St. Clair Avenue West. Gallery is street level and can be viewed at any time.
 
To contact the artist:
Instagram: eloisa_morra

For more information about our artists and our programming join us on Instagram @akinvitrine.

Storefront Gallery on the Danforth: Rebekah Andrade

Akin Dufferin member Rebekah Andrade has enough work to fill a small store. And so she has. Filling it with her paintings in a last-minute turn of events, she has transformed the empty storefront, formerly a shoestore at 348 Danforth Ave, into a small gallery full of bright beautiful art for the next ten days. 

The venue, owned by Thomas Walsh a local businessman, was only going to be empty for a short period but within a matter of days Rebekah had a working title (taken from a recent piece in the show) and complete collection ready. '' It was a challenge'', she says, ''but I'm so happy I did it!'' Rebekah says the titles of her paintings arise from a self-reflective and humorous take on life, with pieces like We Drank We Laughed and So Tender And Delicate. 

Coming from Northern BC, Rebekah Andrade finished her BA at Emily Carr in 2012 and has since exhibited across Canada and internationally. Her most recent formal exhibition, a group show, is still up at Sussex Contemporary in Ottawa. Check out her pop-up featuring IT WAS NEVER ABOUT YOU and chat with Rebekah until January 31, most days (except christmas) 11-7 pm at 348 Danforth Ave. 

Shanna Van Maurik interviewed on Hayley's World

Our very own Shanna Van Maurik of Akin Dupont was recently featured on Hayley's World , the blog of infamous and influential Canadian fashion designer Hayley Elsaesser. 

In the interview, Shanna talks about her work, inspiration, fashion and of course SCUMLAND:

“Everyone in Scumland is kinda gross, imperfect and a second-rate version of their real world selves. I’ve always felt a little bit out of place and I think that’s part of where being an artist comes in. I love doing things with my hands and creating. If you can’t afford something or something isn’t given to you, you can make what you have special as long as you’re creative. If you don’t fit into this world, make your own. ”

— Shanna Van Maurik for Hayley's World

Spark Box Studio Summer Artist Residency 2017

Spark Box Studio Residency is now accepting Summer 2017 applications!

Artists-in-residence stay in a charming country farm house located by historic Prince Edward County, Ontario, surrounded by the beautiful landscape of rural Ontario. Each resident is given studio space and access to our printmaking equipment. Trained technicians work at the studio to assist residents.

This is an opportunity to focus on a new body of work, meet practicing artists. Spark Box Studio’s Artist Residency Program provides live/work space to accommodate both emerging and professional printmakers, photographers, painters, illustrators, and writers. Artists-in-residence have access to our professional studio and resources. The Residency Program affords artists with space and time to support the advancement of their careers and to strengthen their practice.

Interested artists may apply to live and work at Spark Box from one weekend to 2 months.

For additional information, please contact Chrissy Poitras, Executive Director at chrissy@sparkboxstudio.com or 613.476.0337

Penelope Smart  Jon Claytor | WATCHERS Our days are dull, and spent waiting for the age of affordable space travel: that time when we’ll be able to reach out and rub the galaxy. Jon Claytor, The Night Watch, 66" x 83", acrylic and oil stick on canvas, 2014. Jon Claytor Watchers new large-scale paintings on view in Toronto as part of special travelling exhibition 87 Wade Avenue #302 Toronto, ON (access via main entrance) Thursday, May 21  11 AM - 4 PM preview, by appointment please 5:30 PM - late public opening  performances and readings by: Cappa Chow Michael Feuerstack  Erin Orsztynova Ian Roy and others Friday May 22 viewing available, by appointment please Print catalog available including exhibition text by Lindsay Bird. *** To see more works in the show please click here   For all inquiries and to book an appointment please contact Penelope Smart penelope.smart@gmail.com 647.459.5880

Penelope Smart #penelopejsmart Copyright © 2015 Penelope Smart, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you're interested in in updates from Penelope Smart. Our mailing address is: Penelope Smart 1086 Queen Street West Toronto, On M6J 1H8 Canada

ANAHITA AZRAHIMI: THE BIG SALE

Kasper Sonne

Check out more here.

Elizabeth McIntosh at Diaz Contemporary

More info here.