Toronto Craft Alert » Activism

TCA POSTCARDS FROM THE ROAD: Harriet Tubman Quilt at the Reginald Lewis Museum, Baltimore, Maryland

tara — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:39:05 +0000

There is a long history of quilting in Maryland, from the Amish quilts of Southern Maryland to the spectacular Baltimore album quilts of the 1800s. I spotted a few quilts at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History a few weeks ago, among them was this quilt commemorating the inspiring life of the abolitionist Harriet Tubman, made in 2002. On a related note, for some unbelievably interesting reading, do a quick online [...]

IT CAME FROM THE FORUM: Affordable Artist Space – Aardvark Collective

jen — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:56:58 +0000

Affordable artist space can be so hard to find in Toronto’s totally inflated real estate market, so kudos to the Aardvark Collective for taking action to provide an accessible option.

Artist Studio/Non-Profit Activist space for rent
Aardvark Collective is seeking artists, activists, non-profits and any other suitable organizations or groups to rent a large warehouse space. Our aim is to provide affordable, non-profit space for artists and activist organizations.

Regenesis is a social justice and environmental non-profit dedicated to collective economics, activism and the arts. Aardvark’s mission is to
facilitate [...]

CRAFTIVISM: ArtsVote 2010 priorities

jen — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:40:38 +0000

As a member of the ArtsVote Facebook Group, I received the note below from them outlining their campaign priorities for 2010. Really interesting to note that Toronto’s arts and culture funding ($18 per Torontonian) falls significantly below Vancouver ($26) and Montreal’s ($33). Shame shame.

Looking forward to the ArtsVote Report Card in Sept. to help me decide how to vote!

*******

Hello Artsvote Fans, Folks and Friends,

ArtsVote Toronto 2010 is working to elect candidates who are committed to making Toronto a world-class hub for arts and culture. The highly anticipated ArtsVote Report Card, to be [...]

CRAFTIVISM: Operation Sock Monkey, Sock-Monk-a-thon (January 19)

jen — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:15:04 +0000

Operation Sock Monkey, Sock-Monk-a-thon
Tuesday, January 19, 2010 / 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Where: Streetknit‘s current publicist. Streetknit is such a great and effective local craftivist org that I wanted to share his plea for someone to take the reigns from him. Please read on and consider his request if you are somone with mad PR skills or looking to gain more experience in this area….

Hi Streetkniters,

For the past three years I have been Streetknit’s volunteer publicist. Sadly, time and energy are pushing me to simplify my commitments. I’ll miss it. It is a great project and it needs someone [...]

CRAFT THEORY: “Making” a political statement: what is craftivism anyway?

jen — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:02:14 +0000

Lots of exciting editorial developments are brewing behind the scenes here at TCA, and we’re excited to introduce this new feature, Craft Theory, where the meatier (tofuier?) dimensions of craft culture are unpacked by TCA writers.

Please read on for an exploration of the contentious (it’s true!) term “Craftivism” by Nicole Dawkins, who currently has her own craftivist works on display at Come as You Are until the end of July.

Revolutionary Knitting Circle Workshop presented as part of Super String, curated for Stride Gallery by Anthea Black. Photo courtesy of Stride [...]

CRAFTIVISM: World Wide Knit in Public Day (June 13)

rosalyn — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:28:44 +0000

The Naked Sheep is hosting a World Wide Knit In Public Day Event at The Beach. On June 13th starting at noon until we just can’t knit anymore.

Location: the bottom of Glen Manor Road, just south of Queen East (map)

All fibre enthusiasts are welcome – knitters, crocheters, spinners. The cost is free, we just ask folks to RSVP to ensure we have enough refreshments and snacks.

Naked Sheep site: www.nakedsheep.ca
WWKIP site: www.wwkipday.com
Press Kit: www.wwkipday.com/wwkip_day_2009_press_kit.pdf

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS: Barb Hunt

jen — Fri, 29 May 2009 11:30:24 +0000

by Tara Bursey

antipersonnel, knitted yarns, detail landscape.

Barb Hunt is a Newfoundland-based artist and educator, whose work I was lucky enough to be introduced to by a beloved teacher in art school a few years ago. Her political and often poignant work employs craft processes to explore rituals of mourning and address the devastation of war.

You refer to your work as influenced by the history and customs of Newfoundland. Can you talk a bit about the role of craft in both Newfoundland’s [...]

CRAFTY CHAT: Interchange: Craftivism (June 5)

jen — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:06:45 +0000

Cat Mazza Nike Blanket Petition 2003. Photo Jill Kitchner

I am excited to announce that I will be moderating a discussion on Craftivism – loosely defined as activism through craft – at the Textile Museum on Friday June 5th. This Interchange is associated with the show currently on at the Textile Museum featuring the work of mama craftivist Judy Chicago (When Women Rule the World) and a companion show curated by Allyson Mitchell which brings together craft artists who are influenced by the [...]

GET SCHOOLED: How to Use knitPro with Cat Mazza (June 6)

jen — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:49:33 +0000

Seminar: How to Use knitPro with Cat Mazza Saturday June 6, 10:00am – 3:00pm

knitPro is a web application that translates digital images into knit, crochet, needlepoint and cross-stitch patterns. Artist Cat Mazza will discuss its history and political relevance, and, following a demonstration, she will lead participants in using knitPro to create their own knitted or cross-stitched pieces. Cat’s work is currently featured in the exhibition She Will Always Be Younger Than Us on at the TMC until September 7, 2009.

Cost: [...]

CRAFTIVISM: Craft supplies sought for hospital donation project

jen — Thu, 21 May 2009 16:47:00 +0000

Erica wrote us to request that we put out a call for donations to support her project to create decorated terracotta pots, plaques, and baskets with her photos to give to hospitals, doctors and parents who have suffered the loss of a child. She recently lost a baby born at 17 weeks and has launched this project as a way to cope and give thanks and support to others in similar situations.

To read about her personal experience, visit her website Nichole Noelle, and to see the work she [...]

CRAFTIVISM: Operation Sock Monkey Needs YOU!

rosalyn — Sun, 17 May 2009 17:28:23 +0000

Calling all Craftivists and Sock Monkey enthusiasts!!!

OSM has just received a request from Clowns Without Borders South Africa for 100 sock monkeys A.S.A.P!!!!
The Clowns have begun the implementation of a residency program with a focus on the magical and therapeutic powers of the sock monkey, which means they need a veritable army of sock monkeys, pronto!

If you or someone you know likes to make sock monkeys, please consider creating one for this important and excellent cause. OSM will provide materials and instruction if [...]

CRAFTY CONTEST: Fashion Targets Breast Cancer Design Contest (May 19)

rosalyn — Wed, 13 May 2009 03:21:12 +0000

The Fashion Targets Breast Cancer Design Contest is calling on all designers and aspiring designers to create a T-shirt inspired by the iconic “target” symbol that represents their take on the issue of breast cancer and how it affects them. The target symbol was originally designed by Ralph Lauren and acts as a reminder for women to “target” their breast health. Visit www.fashiontargets.ca for a look at the target design.

Entries are due to Rethink Breast Cancer by Tuesday, May 19th at 5 p.m. and finalists will be [...]

TORONTO BLOG ROLL: spring-tinted news from around the GTA blogosphere

jen — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 22:21:06 +0000

Clockwise: Scallop Skirt tutorial on fieldguided, Fabric Egg tutorial on Kindred Crafters, Lovely bookmark on g*uknit, Cave exhibit by Shary Boyle on Tara Bursey‘s blog.

I took a leisurely tour of a bunch of local crafty blogs today and found there to be a lot of news worth sharing here – so I figure it’s about time for a Toronto Blog Roll post.

Some great tutorials posted by fieldguided (scalloped skirt), Kindred Crafters (patchwork easter eggs), and tea and laundry (terrariums).

HELP WANTED: Job Posting for Interim Director @ Gallery 1313 (deadline April 20)

rosalyn — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 02:19:03 +0000

Gallery 1313, an artist run centre located in the heart of Parkdale, is seeking an Interim Director for the summer of 2009.

Responsibilities include:

* Supervising and assisting with the installation of exhibitions twice monthly in Gallery 1313′s three on-site spaces
* Administration duties related to artist contracts and membership
* Attending to day-to-day operations and maintenance of the gallery
* Supervising and delegating tasks to volunteer interns
* Writing and distributing media releases and archiving press clippings
* Documenting exhibitions
* Organizing and attending opening receptions for exhibitions [...]

SHOP CRAFTY: Women’s Day Sale/Fundraiser @ N-R & Co. (March 7 &8)

jen — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 14:42:58 +0000

Saturday March 7th & Sunday March 8th:

3rd Annual Intl. Women’s Day (weekend) SALE & Fundraiser
@ nathalie-roze & co. (11am to 6pm Sat., 12 – 5pm Sun.)

1015 Queen St. East at Pape in Leslieville

To celebrate International Women’s Day and help women in our community, N-R & Co. is hosting a sale & toiletry-drive – everything will be 10% off, including both new & sale stock, for this two-day sale to benefit the Red Door Shelter (a portion of sales will be [...]

EXHIBITION/CRAFTY CHAT: Judy Chicago-orama at The Rouge Concept Gallery & The Textile Museum (February 2009)

jen — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 14:13:39 +0000

An exciting time for feminist artists and fans of politically engaged art: plenty of opportunity to meet Judy Chicago and see her work & inspired works in town this month and beyond!

1. Textile Museum of Canada

February 11 to September 7, 2009
55 Centre Avenue (Dundas St. W & University Ave., St. Patrick subway)
Toronto, Ontario

Join us for the opening reception
Wednesday February 11, 6:00 to 8:00 pm

When Women Rule the World
Guest curated by Allyson Mitchell

When Women Rule the World: Judy Chicago in Thread

Living legend of feminist art, Judy Chicago’s place on [...]

HELP WANTED: Job Posting for Market/Gallery Facilitator @ SKETCH (deadline: February 13)

jen — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:06:12 +0000

SKETCH is a community arts initiative in Toronto that engages youth living street-involved and homeless in personal and social change. SKETCH conducts a progressive learning framework through art-making in a multi-discipline studio environment and in the community. Currently based in downtown Toronto, SKETCH has been developing its concept of community development and youth engagement through arts and culture since 1996. SKETCH creates environments for youth to express themselves, learn and exchange skills, participate and become leaders in the broader community.

We are currently seeking a Market/Gallery Facilitator Associate Artist, [...]

Intern Top Picks No. 3

nightjar books — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 02:13:40 +0000

Time for another update from the TCA interns! Here are our top picks for Feb 1st! Enjoy.

Amy says:

Image by Mina Perhonen

Mina Perhonen
I just discovered this today! Textiles, clothing, general perfection.

Venus Zine
The greatest magazine, since it features a combination of feminism, arts, crafts, and music. What more can you ask for? Check their DIY section for info about crafters and handmade projects.

Japan Craft Journal
Very simple, organic crafting with Japanese fabrics + papers.

The Selby
Okay. Probably everyone [...]

EXHIBITION: Housepaint Phase 2: Shelter (now-July 5)

jen — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 16:01:00 +0000

Works (left to right) by ELICSER, EVOKE and EGR.

The ROM’s Institute for Contemporary Culture presents Housepaint, the first exhibition on the subject of street art in a major Canadian museum.

Drawing attention to issues of poverty and homelessness, this ground-breaking exhibition is a collaboration between ten street artists in memory of the former residents of Tent City.

Each artist has painted a colourful canvas house in their personal, exuberant style. In addition, [...]

CRAFTIVISM: Artists Against War – Crafty Fundraiser – TONIGHT!

jen — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 22:22:00 +0000

If you’re looking for something fun & good-for-the-world to do tonight, we’ve got a great option for ya:

Come out and get some great deals on local art + craft while supporting an important and local peace activist group, Artists Against War.

Includes work by:
Ben Oakley
Nightjar Books
Anatomy Of A Skirt
Nesting Emily
Molly Crealock
and [...]

CRAFTIVISM: Weekly StreetKnit SnB in the Annex (Sundays)

jen — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 01:20:00 +0000

The snow is on the ground. The weather outside is frightening. Fresh baked knits so inviting.

This is a reminder that, yes, Streetknit is still here and going strong. And it’s time to start pouring in those projects to our drop-off points. The shelters need them.

AND ANNOUNCING . . .

THE FIRST WEEKLY STREETKNIT SNB STARTS IN THE ANNEX!

In super news: Teresa Young, our super-powered, oft-times knit instructor/facilitator/
emissary/go-to woman, is convening the [...]

CRAFTIVISM: Donate your yarn and needles (or skilz) for Sistering’s stich and bitch program

angelune — Mon, 05 May 2008 21:12:00 +0000

I received notice from TCA reader Jill Thorp Shepherd about a great new initiative kicking off on May 9th - she will be facilitating a Stitch and Bitch for homeless and under housed women on a volunteer basis at Sistering in Toronto.

Jill is super excited to share such a great, meditative, community building activity with women who need a bit of support and friendship.

As the project has no budget, Jill [...]

CRAFTIVISM/EXHIBITION: playing doctor by shannon gerrard

angelune — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:27:00 +0000

The installation PLAYING DOCTOR brings together various components of Shannon Gerard’s multimedia project, BOOBS & DINKS: Early Detection Kits.

The softness and humour of PLAYING DOCTOR aims to eliminate some of the fear surrounding self-exam of one’s own precious privates. The nature of this project changes as viewers experience it. At first the kits seem like cute and hilarious toys (tee hee, boobs and dinks!) but then as people play with them, read the booklets and find [...]

CRAFTIVISM: spring sock monk-a-thon

angelune — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:24:00 +0000

Spring Sock Monk-a-thon

Saturday April 5th is the Spring Sock-monk-a-thon, a craft- for- a- cause event where you can learn to make a sock monkey and donate your firstborn to a small South African. All materials are provided- though donations of materials are always appreciated! Funky socks, stuffing, buttons and embroidery thread are all ingredients for monkey making. Join us from 1-4 pm for good crafting and great karma. For loacation info, please contact lindsey@operationsockmonkey.com or check out www.operationsockmonkey.com.

CRAFTIVISM: good catch power down for earth hour

angelune — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:31:00 +0000

Good Catch Activities Day
11am to 10pm
Theme: “Power Down”
March 29th from 8pm to 9pm

This is part of an international movement to reduce power consumption. Good Catch hosts an activities day for the Parkdale Community to come together to learn, create and educate ourselves about the power of becoming less energy dependent. Prizes to be won. Activities for all the family. Drum / Music Circle at 8pm [...]

CRAFTIVISM/BUY LOCAL: women’s day fundraiser sale at nathalie-roze & co. POSTPONED TO MARCH 15TH

admin — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 23:02:00 +0000

DUE TO THE, LIKE, 8TH STORM OF THE CENTURY, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO SATURDAY MARCH 15TH.

Always active in local charities, Nathalie-Roze is hosting a sale THIS SATURDAY (International Women’s Day) to raise funds and collect donations for the Woodgreen Community Centre. Do good while shopping indie and mowing down on cupcakes by The Dessert Lady!

Pendants by Venessa Yanow

CRAFTIVISM: willowdale candidates stitch n bitch!

admin — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:49:00 +0000

Hi Streetknit folk, sympathisers, and the curious,
There is a bi-election going on in Willowdale. We at streetknit may well be inviting the candidates out to learn to knit and do something candidates of all four parties don’t do very often while all in the same room together: directly address their positions regarding Toronto‘s homelessness and the need for social housing.

It’s the first ever political all-candidates stch n’ btch that we know of, and it will be [...]

CRAFTIVISM: swap for queen st. fire victims

admin — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 16:24:00 +0000

Fabric Swap at Sew Be It for a good cause…

Fabric Swap Party

After a winter of hibernation and crafting, many of you have boxes and boxes of leftover or unused fabric. We have a way for you to clean out your unwanted fabric supply and have a heart. Fellow artisans and fashionistas can come find fabric, get rid of fabric and have a great time raising funds for some people who have lost a lot [...]

CRAFTIVISM: the good revolution survey

admin — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 20:03:00 +0000

This survey is from my friend Laura who I met through this biz class I’m doing. I really respect her project idea and hope some of you will take her survey. Plus, FREE MONEY!

Dear Friend,

I am writing to let you know about an exciting project I’m working on called The Good Revolution. The goal is to unite and inspire individuals who are looking for a feeling of purpose and connection in their day to day life, and to create a strong and vibrant community of socially conscious [...]