Winter 2010/11 Volume 17, issue 4 - 401 Richmond

newsthis street was madefor walkin’After seven years of waiting for our very own sidewalk,the city has finally broken ground on Richmond St. ThisOctober the crew arrived and quickly began pullingup an entire lane of Richmond on the north side of ourbuilding to make way for a new sidewalk replacingthe temporary walkway created by concrete barriers.The barriers were put in place when safety concernswere raised with the city about people edging theirway along the building amidst racing traffic when theydiscovered the sidewalk ended unexpectedly. Aftermany negotiations with the city (including insistenceon our part that trees be included in the new build) itis all coming to fruition. The finished sidewalk will bea generous walkway that will claim some space fromRichmond St. where each of the three lanes are largerthan standard. This will make space for trees, and createa comfortable passageway for pedestrians. The sidewalkwill extend all the way to Spadina reclaiming the lay-byparking in front of the restaurants west of 401 Richmond.If you want to be able to see our sidewalk construction inprogress you can visit our photo blog The Sidewalk Filesat: thesidewalkfiles.blogspot.com/oxygen airOxygen Design Agency (Studio 430) has flexed theircreative muscles and ventured into the world of musicwith a new website devoted to DJs called Oxygen AIR.The site allows DJs to upload their mixes and listeners tolisten to the music online anytime, for free. The goal isto expose listeners to more great artists and see if AIRcan become a playground for DJs to share what theydo. Oxygen is imagining how they can “redesign whata design agency ‘does’” by playing with new ideas andexpanding how people interact with their company. Youcan check out Oxygen AIR at: www.oxygen.caBreaking ground onRichmond Street forthe new sidewalkOxygen AIR’s “organic”turntable graphicerin mackeen2

simon glasson thecoversimon glass at gallery 44Simon Glass’ (Studio 359) exhibition Jeremiah 4:23-27 at Gallery 44 (Studio 120) is a suite of printsthat depict landscapes shot in Israel and Palestine (West Bank) in 2008. The landscapes are placesthe prophet Jeremiah may well have traversed between Jerusalem and Egypt. Although this passage isnot documented Simon imagines Jeremiah in these places and explains that “as with history and memory,speculation is as compatible with belief as it is with doubt.” Jeremiah 4:23-27 shows at Gallery 44 fromJanuary 7 to February 12. www.simonglass.ca www.gallery44.orgTOP: Simon Glass’ At Rosh ZoharWorld Literacy of Canada’s (Studio 236) Kama Reading Series gets underway this January 26 with authors (above fromleft to right) Tarek Fatah, Linda McQuaig, and Bob Rae. On the eve of its twentieth anniversary, the reading series celebratesthe pleasure of reading, writing, and living with books and profits from the event directly fund the organizations literacyprojects and programs. Visit www.worldlit.ca for more information or to purchase tickets.3

tenant profileTextile ArtistKerry CroghanFounding MemberCathy Langcontemporary textile studio cooperative:Creating Pathways Studio 109We met with two of the Contemporary Textile StudioCo-operative’s (CTSC, Studio 109) founding membersCathy Lang and Rachel MacHenry on a sunny day inNovember and chatted while textile artist Kerry Croghanfelted wool in the background. It was evident immediatelywhy artists would enjoy working in the co-op’s space.Not only is it clearly outfitted with all the equipmentnecessary for textile based work of all stripes, but it alsohas the well-worn feel of a space where art makinghappens every day. The energy is inspiring.The CTSC took shape in 2006 when the idea of starting aco-operative coincided with the opportunity to rent spaceat 401 Richmond. The timing was just right. To Cathy andRachel it felt like a sign that it was meant to be. The nextsteps involved looking at other models of membershipbasedfacilities (like neighbours Open Studio) andhammering out the legal aspects of incorporating as aco-operative. As one of the few craft-based artist-runco-operatives in Toronto CTSC was and continues to bea trail-blazing group. Cathy explains “we were intent ontrying out the co-op model very specifically, pushing someof the boundaries, and creating a textile printing studiothat was affordable to a small group of artists.”The CTSC recently reached a goal set back in 2006 –they received approval for operational funding through theOntario Arts Council as an artist-run centre. As Rachelexplains, “the OAC actually changed their criteria slightly sothat we could be considered for funding – something thatbenefits other artist-run centres as well by providing a newmodel for consideration.” This funding will not only openup some possibilities for development now that runningthe co-op won’t rest purely on volunteer energy, but alsohelps to further legitimize textile-based art. Rachel, whoalso teaches at Sheridan College, suggests that “textilestoday is uniquely situated between art, craft, and design.Internationally it’s a really vibrant area at the moment with alot of artists rediscovering craft and reconnecting to traditionsof making with threads that connect to sustainability, localism,and people producing their own goods.”The co-op not only provides a workspace for itsmembers but reaches out to a broader community ofstudents and the general public through classes andworkshops. As Cathy points out, “we wanted to makepathways for people who were really interested intextiles.” The education piece of what they do has nowalso expanded to include workshops with internationalvisiting artists and partnerships with organizations likethe Textile Museum of Canada.The co-op has met its objective of filling the gap betweenlearning and arts practice. CTSC member Kerry’stestimonial is perfect evidence: “if this studio didn’t exist,I would be one of those artists out on my own strugglingto find a space. For me the co-op represented a verysmooth transition in my work from school to practice.”www.textilestudio.ca4

spotted & applauded401 richmondNuit Blanche 2010, October 1Open Studio’s Associate DirectorSara Kelly and Director Heather WebbJanet Bike GirlMan with theYellow Typewriter,Martin ReisBelowUrbanspaceProperty GroupLeasingAdministratorMichael SiklosAboveAcademy ofSpanish DanceRightTrinity-Spadina MPOlivia ChowAt A Space Gallery........................................................................................................................................Kristen Fahrig and the Director of Communicationsfor the Hockey Hall of Fame Ron Elliskristen fahrigMultidisciplinary artist Kristen Fahrig(Studio 394) was one of seven artists toreceive the Victor Martyn Lynch-StauntonAward from the Canada Council for theArts for 2011. The award worth $15,000recognizes outstanding mid-career artists inseven different disciplines. This award willallow Kristen to keep working on large scalesculptural pieces like the goalie she createdwith Steve Waters (The Taylor Group) forthe Hockey Hall of Fame that was unveiledon November 5. Visit Kristen during theArtists Open Studio, December 10 and 11(see listings for details).Kristen Fahrig5

listings December 2010 to February 2011The Listings Board is your opportunity to communicatewith other tenants and keep them informed about what ishappening in your organization. If you are having a sale,exhibition, or event you would like advertised, email detailsto update@401richmond.net. Listings are open to all tenants.DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: Friday February 25, 2011GALLERY DIRECTORYA Space Gallery (Studio 110)Contact 416-979-9633 www.aspacegallery.orgGallery 44 Centre for Contemporary Photography (Studio 120)Contact 416-979-3941 www.gallery44.orgOpen Studio (Studio 104)Contact 416-504-8238 www.openstudio.on.caPrefix Institute of Contemporary Art (Studio 124)Contact 416-591-0357 www.prefix.caRed Head Gallery (Studio 115)Contact 416-504-5654 www.redheadgallery.orgTrinity Square Video (Studio 376)Contact 416-593-1332 www.trinitysquarevideo.comUrbanspace Gallery (Studio 117)Contact 416-595-5900 www.urbanspacegallery.caVtape Video Gallery (Studio 452)Contact 416-351-1317 www.vtape.orgWARC Gallery/Women’s Art Resource Centre (Studio 122)Contact 416-977-0097 www.warc.netWynick/Tuck Gallery (Studio 128)Contact 416-504-8716 www.wynicktuckgallery.caYYZ Artists’ Outlet (Studio 140)Contact 416-598-4546 www.yyzartistsoutlet.orgEXHIBITIONSJANUARY 5 – 29Red Head GalleryLynn KellyJANUARY 6 – FEBRUARY 12Open StudioJosé Chán, Alec Dempster & Daniel González: MexicoInside OutLiz Menard: Wilderness and the CityGroup ExhibitionOpening: Thursday January 6, 6:30–8:30 pmJANUARY 7 – FEBRUARY 12Gallery 44Simon Glass: Jeremiah 4:23-27Vitrines: Reena Katz: Cumulative Debris Index,Volumes 16 – 18 (un-acting, un-making, un-smashing)Opening: Friday January 7, 6 – 9 pmJANUARY 22 – FEBRUARY 20Wynick/Tuck GalleryGerald FergusonCo-curated by Charlene DaignaultFEBRUARY 4 – APRIL 23Prefix ICARabih Mroué: The Inhabitants of ImagesOpening: Saturday February 5, 2–5 pmFEBRUARY 5 - 26Red Head GalleryPeter Dykhuis: Crosshairs and CheckerboardsOpening: Saturday February 5, 2–5 pmFEBRUARY 17 – MARCH 26Open StudioKristie MacDonald: Home and AwayTheresa MorinGroup ExhibitionOpening: Thursday February 17, 6:30–8:30 pmFEBRUARY 26 – APRIL 2continues to DECEMBER 18Vtape Video GalleryMid-Life Shelf LifeCurated by RM Vaughan for Vtapecontinues to JANUARY 15Wynick/Tuck GalleryGreg Curnoe: Original CopyCo-curated by Rebecca TuckDECEMBER 1 – 18Red Head GalleryGroup Show: Red Dot 2010DECEMBER 2 – 18Gallery 44Steven Beckly: We, Ourselves, and UsOpening: Thursday December 2, 6 – 9 pmDECEMBER 18 – JANUARY 29Urbanspace GalleryOswaldo de León Kantule: Spirit CitiesWynick/Tuck GalleryDoris McCarthyMARCH 2 – 29Red Head GalleryJanet BellottoMaheen Abdullah at Gallery 44, partof CAMERALINKS (February 17 to 26)MARCH 4 – APRIL 16Gallery 44Thomas Kneubühler & Bertrand R. Pitt: Being There6

José Chan at Open Studio, part of MexicoInside Out (January 6 – February 12)eventsDECEMBER 2 – 11Gallery 44Wall to Wall: Annual Holiday Photo Show and SaleOpening: Thursday December 2, 6 – 9 pmDECEMBER 2 – 18Open StudioAnnual Artist Proof SaleOpening Night Fundraiser and Open House: ThursdayDecember 2, 6–9 pm, PWYC (suggested donation $10)Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, noon–5 pmSale continues through December 18DECEMBER 9 – 12401 Richmond Street West401 Artisans MarketplaceThis year marks the 18th anniversary of our festive four-daymarketplace – we are hosting a fabulous group tenants andlocal artisans who are dedicated to craft making at its finest.Come see some of the best the city has to offer.Find unique gifts including: pottery, jewelry, hats, bags, homeaccessories, talismans, textiles, bath products, stained glass,pies and preserves, among many more.Free Admission. Café + ATM on site. Door prizes.For a complete list of participants and events visitwww.401richmond.netDECEMBER 10 & 11401 Richmond Street West401 Artists Open StudioArtists who work out of 401 Richmond Street West open theirdoors to the public – meet the artists and see their work in acasual atmosphere.Opening: Friday December 10, 6–10 pmSaturday December 11, 12 – 6 pmFor a complete list of participating artists visitwww.401richmond.netJANUARY 20 & FEBRUARY 3Prefix ICAUrban Field Speakers SeriesJanuary 20Lecture by Alfredo Jaar, moderated by Rafael GoldchainFebruary 3Lecture/performance by Rabih Mroué, moderated byElle FlandersDoors at 7 pm, Lecture at 7:30 pmTickets available at the doorInquiries: Tamara Toledo 416.591.0357FEBRUARY 17 - 26Gallery 44CAMERALINKS 2011: From the Ground Up!Opening: Thursday, February 17, 3–6 pmRETAILGwendolyne Hats Boutique (Studio 433)Gwendolyne’s Boutique is more than unique hats, bags andaccessories. It’s a cozy shop for the season. Experience Ateliershopping at its finest. Come to the top floor by the roof garden.Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, noon–6 pmwww.gwendolynehats.com7

press check6 HEATHER DUBBELDAMDubbeldam Design Architects (Studio258) got top billing in The Globe and Mailreal estate spread on the HarbourfrontCentre’s Building Partners exhibition.The firm created an interactive space thatallows people to manipulate the designelements to their liking exploring therelationship between Architect and client.The installation called pull.push.slide.pivot.lift.tilt.turn will be showing untilJanurary 2, 2011.OPEN STUDIO 6Open Studio’s (Studio 104)Printopolis internationalprintmaking symposiumtook over R.M. Vaughan’sentire Saturday reviewin The Globe and Mail(October 23). Vaughangave suggestions for whichparticipating exhibitions tocheck out and discussedOpen Studio’s role inhighlighting printmakingas an important part ofcontemporary art.66 401 RICHMONDToronto Star visual arts criticMurray White offered his take onthe role that major arts institutionsin Canada play in fostering localtalent in his article What’s Wrongwith this Picture? His position onToronto and its lack of support forhomegrown artists was clear andwe are flattered that amongst hisrather critical account he stated that“401 Richmond stands out as a loneartistic haven.” Thanks Murray!lisa steele 6Eye Weekly’s feature onthe epic exhibition Traffic:Conceptual Art in Canada1965 – 1980 includedVtape’s (Studio 452) LisaSteele. The artist received aspecial mention from CuratorBarbara Fischer for her 1972video work Juggling.68

THE back page Studio 260winnie truong, OCAD Career Launcher Prize RecipientIf you’d like to be on THE BACK PAGE, please submit your drawing, painting, illustration, photograph or architectural plans at300 dpi as a photoshop or illustrator file on cd or dvd disk. Please include a word file with your name, the title of the project, yourwebsite, your studio address and a brief description of 50 words (maximum) on the disk. The best entry will be chosen for eachissue. Disks will not be returned. This space is to showcase the talent in the building. It is not for advertising an event or sale.9

Richmond401 Richmond Street West, Studio 111Toronto, ON Canada M5V 3A8www.401richmond.netupdate