The program is designed with three S’s in mind: Self-Expression, Skill Building and Self-Directed Work.

Self-Expression
People experiencing homelessness, addiction and mental health issues deal with isolation, shame and oppression on a regular basis. The arts can empower people to believe that their voice actually matters. We encourage self-expression while being careful to respect that this can lead people to a very vulnerable place. As so as people reach this place, we have to ensure that our commitment to walk alongside people holds true. Certainly I have seen this at work in my own life. Through art exploration we are encouraging one another to connect to our “whole” self, meaning that we become free to give voice to our emotional, spiritual and physical needs. And through all of this we hope to create a sense of belonging.

Skill Building
Community Artists run workshops about different mediums including silk screening, painting, jewelery making, and photography. With the help of two young women from the Ontario College of Art and Design we focus on providing good instruction. It has been beautiful to watch our folks get excited about learning something new. In an ongoing way we are assessing what mediums people are most engaged with and attempt to plan workshops accordingly. In an effort to expose people to a cross-section of culture in Toronto, we are beginning to offer field trips to galleries. In fact, there will be a group wandering over to an exhibit at The Gladstone Hotel next Tuesday.

Self-Directed Work
We have been encouraging people to self-direct their work by providing open studio time at both locations on a weekly basis. And in everything we encourage a sense of play in order to provide relief from the pressures of life. I find this to be especially true on Thursdays, when Sketch (a working arts studio for street involved youth) joins us in the PNC space for an Open Studio for all ages. People eat really great food, sew, knit, paint, jam, sculpt…the energy is LIVE.

I’m certain that the same energy is going to invade 41 Britain Street on May 10th. That evening we are celebrating the art created by our communities. People are generously putting their work up for sale- a portion of the sale will go to PNC and The Gateway, while the remainder will go directly to the artist. Please come.

I’m positive you will see a whole lot of happy dancing going on.