It began with an email. Hannah Vanderkooy, a story producer on 100 Huntley Street, reached out having noticed that The Dale was doing an art show at a local gallery near the beginning of December and pitched the idea of doing a segment on it. “Do you think anyone in your community would be willing to be a part of a story?” I felt hopeful some would be, and so happily agreed to have a bigger chat.

We talked through the idea and came up with a plan. I was excited that this would be an opportunity for some of our community member artists to share about their work and artistic process. I began to ask people if they wanted to be interviewed. To my delight, four people (the number we were hoping for) said yes.

Shoot day was December 4th, the day before our opening reception at Gallery 1313. Hannah and her crew arrived in Parkdale and began to set up the lights and cameras. I was interviewed in the morning, followed by Dylan, James, Grizz, and Robert. The crew did an amazing job of shooting at various locations throughout the day: 201 Cowan Avenue, around the neighbourhood, at the home of Grizz, and finally at the gallery.

What isn’t shown on camera is me standing or sitting in the background during each community artist’s interview. The truth is, I cried nearly the whole day. I was moved as I got to listen to each of my friends answer questions about their art and The Dale. Due to the length of the finished program, much of what I heard had to end up on the cutting room floor. Their words though are stored up in my heart.

I have a lot to process about the events of 2024. As I sit here on the cusp of a new year, I can’t help but share about this meaningful experience. Thank you to everyone who made it possible, and for sensitively sharing the story. I look forward to increased art-making opportunities for The Dale community, and to possibly seeing pieces line even more gallery walls.

To view the segment click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1enhKcCdVZY