Toronto Waterfront Marathon Cheering Site GET INVOLVED / MARATHON / 2017 MARATHON CHEER 2017 October 22 Toronto Waterfront Marathon Cheering Site On Oct 22nd, Jamii spearheaded the St Lawrence Market Neighbourhood Cheering Site. We were awarded 2nd prize for Best Cheering Site, which was shared with Friends of Berzy Park and Princess Gardens. The programming included a 1km Family Fun Run attended by over 100 participants, steel band players, stilt walkers, and a crafts table. We thank New Balance for their shoes donation which were offered to participants to the 1 km Family Fun Run. Supported by:

The Jamii Hub turns into a crafting sanctuary twice a month on Thursdays! LINE DRAWING AND CARD MAKING - FEBRUARY 2025 INDOOR ACTIVITIES / THURSDAY CREATING / CRAFTING NIGHTS / CREATING Thursday 7 pm Crafting Nights LINE DRAWING AND CARD MAKING February 2025 February 13 - 20, 2025 Facilitator: Vicky Wang and Danika Lorèn LINE DRAWING PORTRAIT Arti st: Vicky Wang Thursday, February 13 at 7pm Join Vicky for an engaging workshop exploring the art of reflection through blind contour drawing exercises. Guided by the theme of mirrors, participants will discover how this intuitive art style helps us see ourselves and our communities in a new light. Together, we’ll explore our perception through bold lines and celebrate our uniqueness and stories, as we create meaningful, expressive art portraits. This workshop will take place on February 13, at 7 p.m. at The Jamii Hub. FOR FEBRUARY 13 SELF-REFLECTION THROUGH CARD MAKING Arti st: Danika Lorèn Thursday, February 20 at 7pm A mirror allows us to see ourselves literally, and this workshop is all about how visual art can act as a metaphorical mirror, revealing the unseen parts of ourselves. Together, we will explore art as a medium for self-reflection using a combination of self-portraiture, collage, and intention-setting. Participants will create a three-part card as a creative reflection tool. On the front, we will make self-portraits—either drawn or collaged—focusing on our outer selves without using any words. Inside the card, participants can choose one of several reflective exercises: writing a letter to themselves, making birthday wishes for their future selves, or crafting a mood-board forecast of their hopes for the year ahead. Finally, on the back of the card, we’ll draw or write something we want to leave behind or shed as we move into our next chapter. This workshop is as much about what we are creating as it is about how we approach creative philosophy, and how we can learn about ourselves through observing our own creative instincts. This workshop will take place on February 20, at 7 p.m. at The Jamii Hub. FOR FEBRUARY 20 Photos by Hadeal Karrar Vicky Wang Vicky Wang is an artist specializing in line art portraits. Her art is marked by her signature style of fun and flowing lines that reflect her zest for life, joyful spirit, and love of human connection. Her continuous lines are a deliberate choice, leaving no room for doubt or hesitation. She started her business “A Portrait By Vicky” to spread the joy of her portraits with the people around her. What began as a pandemic project in 2020 has now expanded to drawing portraits of hundreds of people all over the world. She loves engaging with the people she’s drawing, and the surprise delight that arises when they see their portrait for the first time. It is a joy and honour for her to share the uniqueness and beauty she sees in each human face through her art, giving others the opportunity to see themselves in a new light. Danika Lorèn Danika Lorèn is a multidisciplinary creator and musician. Though their primary field is music/theatre, Danika has honed many creative skills including visual art, paper craft, beadwork, sewing, and construction. Prioritizing sustainability, most of Danika’s creative endeavours aim to recycle materials into both practical things as well as works of art.   Photo Credit: Unknown

Make shadow puppets with Kristine White. Explore storytelling through silhouette cut-outs, jointed figures, and creative light play. SILHOUTTE PUPPETS AND STORYTELLING INDOOR ACTIVITIES / THURSDAY CREATING / CRAFTING NIGHTS / CREATING Thursday 7 pm Crafting Nights SILHOUTTE PUPPETS AND STORYTELLING May 2025 May 15 - 22, 2025 Facilitator: Kristine White Create your own world of light and shadow at this month's Crafting Night sessions with artist Kristine White. Inspired by Jamii’s May theme of "Small & Mighty," you will design and build your own silhouette puppets, bringing small paper figures to life through the playful power of storytelling. During the workshop, you will learn how to craft detailed shadow cut-outs of people, nature, and scenic elements. You will also explore techniques for making jointed paper puppets and experiment with different sources of light to create dynamic effects. Whether you attend one or both sessions, you will have the chance to bring your own imaginative characters into motion. Kristine White brings a rich background in collaborative art-making, working across shadow, light, live performance, and installation to tell vivid, visual stories. Her warm approach invites participants of all experience levels to explore creativity through hands-on making. No prior experience needed. Come curious and ready to play with light and imagination! For those who want to take their experience further and share their puppet creations, we invite you to join Saturday Mingling on May 24, a lively evening of artistic sharing where community members and artists come together to celebrate the creative journey. Spots are limited, so be sure to register today! Click the button below to register for Crafting Night #1 on May 15, at 7 p.m. Click the button below to register for Crafting Night #2 on May 22, at 7 p.m. This Thursday Creating - Crafting Night 1 & 2: Silhouette Puppets and Storytelling workshop is part of Jamii's May cycle, guided by lead artist Heidi Chan, and centred around the theme of Small & Mighty. Through these workshops in dancing, painting, crafting, sewing, singing, and creative writing, we will reflect on how these ancient teachings resonate with our modern lives, connecting us to nature, the cycles of life, and our community. “This is an invitation to reinterpret the meaning of Small & Mighty, finding the joy and value in doing one thing, but doing it well by slowing down and zooming in.” - Heidi Chan. Photos by Afnan Yakot Kristine White Kristine White (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist who works across the mediums of shadow, light, live performance and installation to tell visual stories. Her work is always collaborative, and has been created in relationship with musicians, dancers, theatre-makers, academics, and communities. Photo Credit: Unkown

Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects INDOOR ACTIVITIES / WEDNESDAY SEWING / MIGRATION WRAP TOP - MARCH 2024 SEWING Sunday 11 am Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects March 2024 MIGRATION WRAP TOP March 3 - 10 - 17 - 24, 2024 Artist: Anita Boey The theme of the month at Jamii is “Migration” - Migration indicates movement from one place to another one, with intention and hope. For this month’s Sunday Sewing, artist Anita Boey offers participants two options: one for beginners, with the making of a shawl, and another, for more experienced sewers, a “Migration Wrap Top”. The wrap design intends to represent ourselves in the multiple cultures that form our identity. Sizes are adjustable, and at the end of these workshops, you'll take pride in wearing your finished garment. Fabric and materials will be provided, but you are also welcome to bring your own fabric to represent your culture(s). You would need 1.5 yards of cotton fabric for these projects. Here is the plan for March: March 3 : Introduction (design of the wrap top and how it tells the story of migration), transferring pattern pieces onto fabric of choice and cutting. March 10: Sewing outer layer and lining of wrap top. March 17 : Sewing wrap top together and hemming. March 24 : Adding finishing touches and ending with a fashion show! While intermediate participants work on their wrap tops, Shaima, our host will teach basic sewing skills to the beginner participants and empower them to take on simple projects and make basic functional pieces. Please commit to completing your projects as we aim to minimize fabric waste. Choose to be part of our community for the entire year or select specific projects that resonate with you. REGISTRATIONS CLOSED Photos by Anita Boey Anita Boey Business Professor by day, sewist by night. Anita is a passionate sewist with a deep interest for sustainability and creativity. As an advocate for reducing waste and embracing eco-friendly practices, I utilize rescued materials in my sewing projects. I hope that my sewing serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty that can emerge from diverted waste, while inspiring others to join me in the quest for a more sustainable world, one stitch at a time. Instagram Photo Credit: Unknown

Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects INDOOR ACTIVITIES / WEDNESDAY SEWING / TWO-TONE DRESS WITH BELT - NOVEMBER 2024 SEWING Wednesday 7 pm Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects November 2024 TWO-TONE DRESS WITH BELT Oct 30 - Nov 6 - 13 - 20, 2024 Artist: Anita Boey Join us in a new series of sewing workshops this November (starting on October 30th as our first session). Our theme for this month is “Return”, which is Lead Artist, Razan Samara’s vision of being away from our homeland, yet remaining steadfast to preserving one's cultures, traditions, and the longing to return to the familiar. Sewing Facilitator, Anita Boey, has designed a Two-Tone Dress with Belt, which showcases the stark contrast between traditional (patterned fabric) and contemporary (black fabric) elements. The wearer expresses a deep desire to preserve their cultural identity and a longing to “return” to their roots. Additionally, the combination of different fabrics and colors pays homage to the traditional practice of intentional mending, historically done to extend the longevity of family heirlooms and costumes. This practice symbolizes a commitment to sustainability and the passing down of garments to future generations. The belt holds the significance of bridging both the traditional and the present together. Join in to create your own customized Two-Tone Dress with Belt. Jamii will provide a selection of fabric for you to choose from, and we also welcome you to bring fabric that means something special to you. For this sewing project, you’ll need 3 meters of fabric (1.5 meters for each side of the dress). Note about Color Harmony: Ensure the colors of the fabrics complement each other well. If the traditional fabric has patterns, the modern fabric should be solid to balance the design. For novice sewers, Ghader, our dedicated Sewing Workshop Assistant, will guide you with the fundamental skills of operating a sewing machine while delving into a simple yet captivating belt. Let's stitch away our Wednesdays together in a warm and encouraging atmosphere. By the end of this workshop series, you'll not only have a garment to treasure but also the pride of mastering new sewing skills! Lesson plan: 1) Wednesday October 30th – Introduction to the theme of “Return”, and how it inspired the design of this Two-Tone Dress with Belt. Participants will choose their fabric, transfer the pattern pieces onto their fabric and cut their fabric. 2) Wednesday November 6th – Sew the front panels and back panels of the dress. 3) Wednesday November 13th – Sew the front to the back of the dress, hemming the neckline, armholes and length of the dress. 4) Wednesday November 20th – Sewing the belt and adding finishing touches to the outfit, and end with a Fashion Show! Sewing participants are highly encouraged to attend November’s “Saturday Mingling” event at Jamii, to show off their Two-Tone Dress with Belt to the rest of the Jamii community! REGISTRATIONS CLOSED Photos by Ghader Bsmar, Anita Boey Anita Boey Business Professor by day, sewist by night. I am a passionate sewist with a deep interest for sustainability and creativity. As an advocate for reducing waste and embracing eco-friendly practices, I utilize rescued materials in my sewing projects. I hope that my sewing serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty that can emerge from diverted waste, while inspiring others to join me in the quest for a more sustainable world, one stitch at a time. Instagram Photo Credit: Unknown

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Nova Bhattacharya Dancer website Nova Bhattacharya is an award-winning, barrier-breaking, artist and cultural leader based in Tkaronto. Her creations are filled with lush, vivid images that invite the viewer on a journey of imagination. Her creative inspiration is found in her hybridity of born and raised in Canada-Bengali-ness, and immersion in global movement traditions that are carried in bodies of the diaspora. She’s always been a rebel breaking rules, reinterpreting traditions, and reinventing rituals. In 2008 she founded Nova Dance a space for creation, conversations, and collaborations. << BACK TO ARTISTS

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SPECIAL EVENTS / THE FRENCH WINE RAFFLE SPECIAL EVENTS Fundraising Support Jamii's Free Arts Programs! THE FRENCH WINE RAFFLE June 4-30, 2025 From Isorine, Jamii's Founder and Alchemist, Dear Neighbours, I recently traveled back to the South of France, to the village where I grew up. Just a few minutes away, in the charming village of Saussines (Hérault), lives my mother’s best friend, Claudine. When I told her I wanted to bring back some beautiful wine to share with my neighbours on The Esplanade/St Lawrence, she immediately said: “You have to try my friend Marc Paul's wine, he makes the best in the region!” Marc runs a small, family-owned vineyard – petit domaine familial  – with just 18 hectares. The vines are spread across six nearby communes, growing on a rich variety of soils: argilo-calcaires , argiles blanches , and éboulis calcaires , with some parcels even classified as "AOP Grés de Montpellier". Marc’s son, Sylvain, has recently taken over the winemaking tradition, a legacy that has been in the Paul family since 1720. The wines are crafted with care: all grapes are hand-harvested in small crates to avoid crushing, and in the cellar, gravity is used to move the wine gently. The process is eco-conscious, with pneumatic pressing, stainless steel tanks, and minimal additives, some cuvées even use indigenous yeasts or are made without added sulfites. Here’s the exciting part: I’ve brought back an exclusive bottle of this wine which you can't find anywhere in Canada! We're raffling them off to raise funds for Jamii’s community programming and we’d love for you to join in. Raffle runs from June 4th to June 30th   – get your tickets for a chance to win one of these rare wines: Marcel  – a bold, rich red. Très concentré, with ripe fruit and jammy notes (cherry, blackberry). Perfect for a special evening. Cuvée des Amis  – a dry, aromatic white (Sauvignon, Roussanne). Fruity and fresh, ideal for apéro, with sea food, or cheese. Winners will be drawn on June 30 – just in time to toast Canada Day with something truly special! Your support helps Jamii continue to bring vibrant, inclusive programming to our community. Thank you for being part of this journey and I’m thrilled to share a little taste of my home with you. Warmly, Isorine Terms and Conditions Eligibility This raffle is open to individuals who are 18 years of age or older and reside in Canada. Jamii employees and affiliates involved in organizing the raffle are not eligible to enter. Entry Method Participants must purchase raffle tickets to enter. There is no limit to the number of tickets an individual may purchase. All ticket sales are final, and no refunds will be issued. Prizes The prize is a bottle of Marcel red wine. The prize is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or any other alternative. The winner must accept the prize as awarded. The winner must be able to pick up the prize at The Jamii Hub (264 The Esplanade). The prize is not available for shipping. Draw Date & Winner Notification The raffle draw will take place on June 30th at 1:00 pm (EST) either digitally through an online randomizer or manually. The winner will be selected randomly from all eligible entries. The winner will be notified via email within 48 hours of the draw. If the winner does not respond within 7 days of notification, a new winner may be selected. The organizer has the right to change the raffle draw time if necessary. General Conditions By entering the raffle, participants agree to comply with these terms and conditions. The organizer reserves the right to disqualify any entrant who violates these terms or engages in fraudulent behaviour. The organizer’s decisions regarding the raffle are final and binding in all matters. Privacy We respect your privacy. Any personal information collected during the raffle will be used solely for the purpose of administering the raffle and notifying the winner. Personal information will not be shared with third parties without consent. GET YOUR TICKETS NOW Photos by Murphy Owusu

Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects INDOOR ACTIVITIES / WEDNESDAY SEWING / QUILTED PILLOWCASE SET - MARCH 2024 SEWING Sunday 11 am Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects March 2025 QUILTED PILLOWCASE SET February 26 - March 5 - 12 - 19, 2025 Artist: Anita Boey In March at "Wednesday Sewing" we are making together a Quilted Pillowcase Set with the leadership of Anita Boey and support from Ghader Bsmar. Quilted Pillowcase Set This March, our theme is "Grounded" , curated by lead artist Sharon Zarita Adhiambo . As Zarita describes, “being grounded  is a shared reflective experience of what we hold onto—within or around us—that sustains our personal journeys, making life’s phases fruitful while refreshing those around us.” To bring this theme to life, sewing facilitator Anita Boey  will guide participants in creating a Quilted Pillowcase Set . Why a pillow? Because it offers comfort, a place to rest, and a sense of home—where we return to, find shelter, and feel grounded. You'll have access to a curated selection of fabric from Jamii, and we will provide poly fill, but you’re welcome to bring your own. Each pillow insert and quilted pillowcase  will require 1.5 yards of fabric  plus poly fill . Throughout the workshop, sewing workshop assistant Ghader Bsmar will support you in mastering sewing machine basics while working on this engaging and meaningful project. Join us in a warm and encouraging space where creativity, skill-building, and connection thrive. By the end of the series, you'll leave not only with a beautiful Quilted Pillowcase Set but also with newfound sewing skills and community! Workshop plan: February 26  – Introduction to Grounded  and the inspiration behind the Quilted Pillowcase Set. Participants will choose fabric, transfer pattern pieces, and cut fabric. March 5  – Sew the pillow insert and enjoy stuffing it with poly fill. March 12  – Sew the quilted pillowcase top. March 19  – Assemble and finish the pillowcase. Let’s stitch together and create something both meaningful and practical. See you on Wednesday evenings! Sewing participants are highly encouraged to attend “Saturday Mingling” event at Jamii, to show off their mirror bag to the rest of the Jamii community! The capacity for this workshop series is 16 people without a machine, and we can accommodate 4 more people if they bring their own sewing machines. While you are only required to register for the February 26 session, participants are expected to join all four sessions on March 5, 12, and 19 . If you register for the February 26 session, you do not need to register again for the sessions on March 5, 12, and 19. New registrations will not be accepted throughout the month. We expect a high number of registrations, so please let us know immediately via email at info@jamii.ca before Monday, February 24 at 12 PM if you foresee that you will not be able to join all four sessions , so another participant from the waitlist can take your spot. We apologize if the workshop is filled before you register. REGISTRATIONS CLOSED Photos by Ghader Bsmar, Anita Boey Anita Boey Business Professor by day, sewist by night. I am a passionate sewist with a deep interest for sustainability and creativity. As an advocate for reducing waste and embracing eco-friendly practices, I utilize rescued materials in my sewing projects. I hope that my sewing serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty that can emerge from diverted waste, while inspiring others to join me in the quest for a more sustainable world, one stitch at a time. Instagram Photo Credit: Unknown

OUTDOOR EVENTS / JOY IN THE PARK: SUMMERWORKS - 2024 Joy in the Park: SummerWorks August 2024 David Crombie Park - Lower Jarvis St & The Esplanade On August 1st and 2nd, Jamii joined forces with SummerWorks to celebrate Emancipation Day as part of "Joy in the Park" with live performances by CinnaMoon Collective (Nickeshia Garrick and Irma Villafuerte), Rudy Ray Trio Band, and Maulid Owino. Hosted by Brayden Cairns, the event included face painting and henna for the young attendees, making it a memorable community gathering. The Rudy Ray Trio Band kicked off the evening at 6 pm and 7 pm with dynamic and soulful performances. Led by exceptional trumpet player Rudy Ray, known for his virtuosic technique and expressive tone, the trio captivated audiences with unique interpretations of gypsy jazz. Guitarist Jared Higgins and bassist Max Simpson complemented Rudy’s trumpet, creating a vibrant sound that breathed new life into jazz classics. At 6:30 pm, the dance duet "Surrendered Spirits," choreographed and performed by Nickeshia Garrick and Irma Villafuerte, unfolded on stage. This powerful piece explored the artists’ reflections on childhood, familial displacement, and their identities as children of marginalized, racialized, and immigrant families. With emotional depth and physical virtuosity, the performance took the audience through moments of collective breath, care, and ancestral healing. The evening’s final performance featured Maulid Owino at 7:30 pm, a talented dancer from Kenya who was invited to Toronto following Jamii’s recent trip to Kenya. Alongside his solo piece, Maulid surprised the audience with a collaborative performance with Nickeshia Garrick. Known for his work with the Flat Dance Company in South Africa and for his internationally recognized dance films, Maulid brought a unique and powerful presence to the celebration. The event charmed attendees and added a joyful spark to the mid-summer evening, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. Supported by Artist Line-up: CinnaMoon Collective (Nickeshia Garrick & Irma Villafuerte), Rudy Ray Trio Band, Maulid Owino PHOTO CREDITS

Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects INDOOR ACTIVITIES / WEDNESDAY SEWING / PATCHWORK PADDED TOTE BAG - MAY 2025 SEWING Wednesday 7 pm Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects May 2025 PATCHWORK PADDED TOTE BAG April 30 - May 7 - 14 - 21, 2025 Artist: Mariam Ahmad Patchwork Padded Tote Bag This May, join us for a cozy and creative sewing series where you'll be guided through making your very own patchwork padded tote bag, a functional and usable piece that’s all your own. Led by sewing facilitator Mariam Ahmad, this 4-part series is all about slowing down and reconnecting with the art of honing in and creating something unique. Inspired by the theme of Small and Mighty , we’ll take our time learning the basics of patchwork, a technique rooted in care, patience, and resourcefulness. We will all be working with fabric scraps collected to form our own textiles, giving new life to leftover materials and practicing care in how we create. Every stitch becomes part of the story, a reminder that small pieces, when thoughtfully brought together, can build something strong, functional, and meaningful. Whether you’re new to sewing or looking for a fun and beginner-friendly project, this workshop will guide you through all the steps of designing, sewing, and finishing your padded tote bag. You’ll have a mix of colourful fabric scraps to choose from to create your patchwork design, but you’re also welcome to bring your own fabrics to personalize your bag even more. Week 1 — Introduction to patchwork, fabric selection, assembling and sewing patchwork Week 2 — Cutting patchwork textile pattern for bag and start sewing padding to self Week 3 — Sew outer shell of bag, including pockets, strap etc Week 4 — Finishing sewing the bag and attaching lining, show off your bag! By the end of this series, you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind tote bag that tells a story — stitched slowly and intentionally by you. This is a beginner-friendly, welcoming space for anyone looking to learn new skills, meet new people, and connect with sewing as a mindful, creative practice. REGISTRATIONS CLOSED Photos by Ghader Bsmar, Anita Boey Mariam Ahmad Mariam Ahmad is a BIPOC artist who learned to sew as a child on hand-pedalled Singer machines alongside her grandmother. Her work blends her Eastern heritage with ancestral textile traditions, creating romantic silhouettes that carry a sense of nostalgia. Beyond sewing, Mariam explores her artistic passions through photography and web design. As a mother, she draws inspiration from motherhood and her love of literature, infusing her creative journey with depth and meaning. Photo Credit: Unknown

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Nicola Pantin Dancer website Nicola Pantin is an independent dance artist, choreographer and dance instructor based in Toronto, Canada. << BACK TO ARTISTS

The Jamii Hub turns into a niche artistic sanctuary once a month on Tuesdays! In April, join us to learn making waist beads led by Eleshia Thomas. INDOOR ACTIVITIES / TUESDAY LEARNING / NICHE ARTISTIC PRACTICES / WAIST BEADS - APRIL 2024 LEARNING Tuesday 7 pm Niche Artistic Practices Waist Beads April 2024 April 9, 2024 Workshop Lead: Eleshia Thomas Come to The Jamii Hub to create your waist beads! At this workshop led by jewelry crafter Eleshia Thomas, we will be diving into the culture of waist beads, where it started to present day. As a participant, you will learn to use the bead-making tools while tuning into your spiritual intent during the creative process. At the end of the workshop, you will leave with a beautiful piece of adornment to wear and display and to stay in tune with the intention of your creation. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Isorine Marc Eleshia Thomas has been handcrafting jewelry in the community for 4 years and is the owner of La Mermaid Noir Urban handcrafted jewelry. Her goal is to empower the collective to be their own creatives and to explore the realm of their inner creativity through the use of multi mediums. Her passion and creativity is inspired by the patterns and feelings that color the world and through her internal realm of creativity. Photo Credit: Unknown

The Jamii Hub turns into a creative writing sanctuary once a month on Tuesdays! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CREATIVE WRITING / CRYSTAL CLEAR CONVERSATIONS - FEBRUARY 2025 DISCOVERING Tuesday 7 pm Creative Writing February 2025 CRYSTAL CLEAR CONVERSATIONS February 18, 2025 Facilitator: Joshua "Scribe" Watkis In this creative writing workshop led by Joshua “Scribe” Watkis, we’ll explore the art of framing self-talk through poetry. Together, we’ll craft poems that serve as both affirmations and challenges, designed to inspire personal growth. By learning to view ourselves honestly, we uncover the potential for creating profound poetry, and by practicing healthy self-critique, we enhance our ability to set and achieve goals with clarity and purpose. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Shaimaa Yakout, Hadeal Karrar Joshua “Scribe” Watkis Scarborough-born poet Joshua “Scribe” Watkis has performed spoken word and Hip-Hop across Canada; opening for Hip-Hop legends like Saukrates and The Roots. He was a four-time finalist at the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word, winning the national championship in 2019. The two-time Tedx speaker has authored two chapbooks (Tethered and Black Blossom/Harsh North), and was featured on the first Spoken Word Audiobook on Audible: Power In Poetry; Moods That Move. Most recently, he co-curated and hosted ‘The Old Black Maple’, for the NAC’s debut Hip-Hop Theatre Festival. Additionally, Scribe is also an arts educator and mentor, sharing his story to help others share their own; in their words, out loud. Photo Credit: Unknown

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Karen Lam Acting, Visual Arts website Karen Lam was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. She has starred in the short film "SOLITUDE" (2021) that was nominated in the NYC Film Festival, and a finalist in Beyond the Curve International Film Festival. She was also one of the actors of Jamii's Unlocked (2020). In 2023, Karen performed in Mudlark, presented to 400 spectators in David Crombie Park, produced by Jamii. << BACK TO ARTISTS

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY CELEBRATIONS / 2025 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY Jamii's Annual Celebrations 2025 - 7th Year! On June 21, 2025, we were thrilled to host Jamii’s 7th Annual National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration in David Crombie Park — and what a beautiful evening it was! The event featured the powerful performance of Aqua Nibii Waawaaskone with their band, Red Rhythm & Blues. Accompanied by the talented violinist Brittany Iwanciwski and gifted singer-songwriter Leah Holtom, their music became a symbol of reconciliation on our shared lands, creating a space for healing. In essence, it was soul music made of magic. As part of the celebration, Jamii also honoured its long-standing relationship with Pikangikum First Nation by unveiling a new photo exhibition by Kurri Quill. Titled “Mong'Kah'Job” , the exhibition invited us to see the people of Pikangikum — individuals of all ages navigating their own life journeys — while celebrating their culture and way of being. Kurri’s message was a quiet yet powerful invitation to grow closer, bridge gaps in understanding, and honour the dignity of every story captured through his lens. “Mong'Kah'Job” encouraged us to see one another more fully. The event was guided by Suzanne Smoke, who shared with us Indigenous rhythms of tradition, joined by Dakota Myran’s hand drumming and Abby Myran’s beautiful dance, and offered a beautiful opening and closing ceremony and talks. The celebration also featured face painting with Linda Epp, crafts with Sun Raven Arts, and delicious food by Tea & Bannock. We came together for the food, the music, the dancing, and above all - the joy. Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating Indigenous voices, artistry, and community. Photos by Laura Dittmann

In the context of the 40th Anniversary of the site-plan approval of The Esplanade (St. Lawrence),  we wanted to celebrate this shared common place we all call home. We decide to share the inspiring and moving stories of 40 fellow Esplanadians. Each of these stories is a component of an ensemble - a vital piece of a patchwork that composes the intangible cultural heritage of our Esplanadian community. Patchwork Village 2016 THE FORTY STORIES

The Jamii Hub turns into a singing sanctuary on Fridays! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / FRIDAY SINGING / EXPLORING SINGING AND DEEP REFLECTION - OCTOBER 2024 SINGING Friday 7 pm Explore singing in a community sing-along! EXPLORING SINGING AND DEEP REFLECTION October 2024 October 11 - 18 - 25, 2024 Facilitator: Victoria Sawal Multi-disciplinary artist, Victoria Sawal, will be leading three vocal workshops on Fridays in October at The Jamii Hub, focusing on the often ignored aspects of vocal performance, and the relationship between singing and deep reflection. Participants will explore their own authentic singing voices through a series of activities and practices that connect to their body, mind and soul - learning how singing can be an exercise in courage. Experimenting with genres like alt-rock, R&B and OPM (Original Pilipino Music), Victoria will share techniques and knowledge gained from a lifetime of singing and performing, while capturing the pure joy of a family karaoke party. Come celebrate TEKA LANG with Victoria through October with vocal workshops for all levels in a fun and supportive environment. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Mariana Hernandez Victoria Sawal Victoria Marie Sawal is a Filipina-Canadian actor, singer, dancer and multi-faceted creative force. With over a decade of experience in performance, Victoria strongly champions Filipino culture in the arts, and everything else she does. From stage to screen, Victoria brings emotional honesty, an intense dedication to her craft, and a deep understanding of human connection. Photo Credit: Unknown

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Takako Segawa Dancer website Takako is contemporary dancer, choreographer and performer. Born in Kochi, Japan, she trained in both traditional arts and contemporary Japanese movement styles. Takako graduated from Nippon Sports Science University, and is a certified professional dancer from the London Contemporary Dance School. Takako’s 20-years career includes performances throughout Europe, North America and Asia. Takako also choreographed WA! in 2019 for the Yosakoi team premiered in Kochi Yosakoi dance festival. << BACK TO ARTISTS

December 8 & 9 < BACK TO EVENTS Mudlark Outdoor Show Friday & Saturday, December 8 & 9, 2023 6pm & 7pm The Esplanade & Berkeley St Embark on a whimsical journey with Mudlark, a theatrical shadow puppetry performance of a young girl who seeks a place to call home among the enchanting stories of the Esplanade neighbourhood. Experience her navigation through time, witnessing the land's resilience and ever-evolving history. Discover the warmth of a home, dream of the future alongside her, and add your unique touch to this immersive and interactive show! “Mudlark” promises a show that merges music, dance, and shadow puppetry, was conceptualized by artists with the creative contributions of Esplanadians of all ages who attended multiple workshops to create music, contribute to the storyline, and craft shadow puppets. Dress warmly and be part of this celebration of The Esplanade's rich tapestry! Join us for an unforgettable storytelling experience on Friday, December 8th or Saturday, December 9th for an outdoor performance, a 30-minute journey into our neighbourhood's past, present and future. WHEN | Fri, Dec 8 & Sat, Dec 9 at 6pm & 7pm WHERE | David Crombie Park (The Esplanade & Berkeley St) CREDITS: Artistic Direction: Isorine Marc Musical Direction: Aline Morales, Lauren Barnettt Shadow Puppetry: Brescia Nember Reid Creative Consultant: Sarah N. Ahmad Scene 1 written by Mahlikah Outten Scenes 2 to 6 written by Sharon Zarita Adhiambo Performers: Aline Morales, Lauren Barnett, Brescia Nember Reid, Troy Feldman, Karen Lam, Nickeshia Garrick, Mahlikah The Moonrise Poet Production: Maria Paula Triviño, Iris Unlu, Yusra Yacout, Afnan Yakot Funders:

The Jamii Hub on The Esplanade is home to a new dance form guided by Toronto dance artists each month. Join our dance workshops and enjoy being around a community! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / TUESDAY DISCOVERING / BOOK CLUB / HAFEZ POETRY - MAY 2024 LEARNING Tuesday 7 pm Book Club HAFEZ POETRY May 2024 May 21, 2024 Facilitator: Eshe Mercer-James The 14th-century Persian lyric mystic poet Hafez has resonated with audiences from his time and place into our own. Reading him through the translations of late 19th century British writer, political officer, and archaeologist Gertrude Bell, offers a stepping stone on the journey from his roots to ours. With the poems "Arise, Oh Cup-Bearer" and "Singer, Sweet Singer," we will explore translation, transculturation, and the joy of living. After you register, The Jamii Team will send you digital copies of the two poems that we will be focusing on during this session. If you need printed copies, stop by The Jamii Hub at 264 The Esplanade, between 9am and 5pm on weekdays to pick up a printed version. If you would like to explore more of Hafez's work, Eshe recommends "The Gift" collection, which you can find at independent bookstore Queen Books . Mention that you are a Jamii Book Club participant to receive a 10% discount. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Afnan Yakot, Maria Trivino, Sarah N. Ahmad, Jeeya Gandhi Eshe Mercer-James Eshe Mercer-James has taught literature courses at both York and Trent Universities, and also works with the Canadian Language Museum. Her PhD dissertation, Framing Standard and Dialect in Black Women’s Novels (2021), was nominated for the Mary McEwan Memorial Award, a prize for feminist scholarship. Photo by Isorine Marc

Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects INDOOR ACTIVITIES / WEDNESDAY SEWING / MOTHERLAND CIRCLE TOP - APRIL 2024 SEWING Sunday 11 am Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects April 2024 MOTHERLAND CIRCLE TOP April 7 - 14 21 28, 2024 Artist: Anita Boey Join facilitator Anita Boey celebrating the Pan-African movement, and learn about the profound influence of African cultures on the global stage through the sewing of a Circle Top. A key element in the theme of Motherland is the importance of collectiveness and celebrating the “we” in life. Your Circle Top will tell the story of togetherness and collectiveness. You are invited to choose one of the colourful and vibrant Ankara fabric (African Wax Print Fabric) that Jamii provides, and sew away with Anita.  In the first session, April 7, you will be introduced to the theme, choose your fabric, transfer the pattern pieces onto your fabric and cut! In the second session (April 14), you will be sewing the circle hem and neckline of the top. In the third workshop (Apil 21). You will be sewing the four keyholes of the top. Finally, in the fourth session (April 28), you will be sewing the belt, adding finishing touches to the top and end with a fashion show. For novice sewers, Shaimaa Yakot, our dedicated Sewing Workshop Assistant, will guide you with the fundamental skills of operating a sewing machine while delving into a simple yet captivating project. REGISTRATIONS CLOSED Photos by Isorine Marc Anita Boey Business Professor by day, sewist by night. Anita is a passionate sewist with a deep interest for sustainability and creativity. As an advocate for reducing waste and embracing eco-friendly practices, I utilize rescued materials in my sewing projects. I hope that my sewing serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty that can emerge from diverted waste, while inspiring others to join me in the quest for a more sustainable world, one stitch at a time. Instagram Photo Credit: Unknown

The Jamii Hub turns into a singing sanctuary on Fridays! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / FRIDAY SINGING / RETURN - NOVEMBER 2024 SINGING Friday 7 pm Explore singing in a community sing-along! RETURN November 2024 November 8 - 15 - 22, 2024 Facilitator: Natalie Fasheh Over three sessions, participants will explore the theme of "return" in relation to Palestinians; their displacement, hopes and wishes of return, and right of return. Participants will learn a song in Arabic relating to the theme. We will have some dialogue about the theme, and through vocal improvisation activities, and engaging singing and harmony warmups, we will also incorporate our collective learnings of "return" into a song. We will have the chance to share these songs in the Saturday mingling event on November 23! REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Jeeya Gandhi, Mariana Hernandez, Hadeal Karrar Natalie Fasheh Natalie is a Palestinian artist and social impact leader in Toronto. She works with communities as an arts administrator, choir conductor, teaching artist, composer, and writer. She is deeply committed to decolonial and pluralistic art. She is also a community organizer, and leads the protest choir Sumudna صمودنا. Natalie has worked with arts organizations as a producer, and consultant for their strategic plans and programming, from an equity and justice lens. Photo Credit: Unknown

Watch the shared memories Jamii has created in The Esplanade community with The Esplanade community! COMMUNITY PROJECTS / Partnerships EVENT VIDEOS Take a look at shared memories we have created with Esplanade community! The Portrait of Darwin Peters In this video, Darwin shares an intimate approach to his painting work, his inspiration and his hopes. Having faced not only challenges but traumatic experiences in his life, Darwin finds purpose in painting and sharing his artwork with others. You can find more about the event here: Pikangikum Filmed and Edited by Isorine Marc / Additional Editing by Iris Unlu 3rd Annual Wayo Children's Festival! Jamii's Wayo Festival is an invitation to uncover a world of wonders for children and their families. Take a look at this short video of Wayo, took place in August 2022, with a voiceover of Aéla and Zélia, two children participants of Wayo! You can find more aboutthe event here: 3rd Annual Wayo Children's Festival Filmed by Ana Higuera / Edited by Recro Digital Marketing Live at the Kisanii Hub as part of ON Culture Days “Live at the Kisanii Hub” brought arts to The Esplanade as a part of the Ontario Culture Days Regional Hub Program and made The Esplanade Toronto Downtown's only festival hub in 2022! You can find more about the event here: ON Culture Days Video: Recro Digital Marketing Live at The Kisanii Hub Featuring "Echoes" Jamii has developed a cultural experience curated by the Jamii team and the Japanese community in the Esplanade to invite Esplanadians to explore different aspects of Japanese culture through arts. Along with the dance piece of Echoes, The Kisanii Hub also featured live music, Japanese calligraphy, brush ink painting, and origami at the event. You can find more aboutthe event here: Echoes Video: Recro Digital Marketing 1,000 Origami Cranes in the Making 50 members of our community came together to create 1,000 origami cranes which were sent to Japan in commemoration of the 77th year of the Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Each crane strung is a symbol of hope and a sign of friendship between the Esplanade community and しいの実シアター (the Shiinomi Theatre) community in Japan. You can find more about the event here: Celebrating Cultures Video: Recro Digital Marketing Live at The Kisanii Hub Discover Dance Featuring Nova Dance This special edition of Discover Dance featured award-winning artist Nova Bhattacharya. With Nova, we discussed the personal and dynamic elements of dance and the process of artistic creation, with a focus on Nova Dance new piece; "Svāhā!". Audiences were invited for a deep dive into South Asian culture with music, dance workshops, talks, and henna! You can find more aboutthe event here: Discover Dance Video: Recro Digital Marketing Live at the Kisanii Hub Celebrating Cultures On June 27, we gathered in our park and celebrated all that defines our unique and infinite identities: Culture! For a beautiful moment, we took a breath and moved to the rhythms and sounds from various parts of the world - connecting with one another through our cultural traditions and ancestral teachings. You can find more about the event here: Celebrating Cultures Video: Recro Digital Marketing Live at The Kisanii Hub Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, Jamii hosted an array of Indigenous artists and mediums. From live music, and traditional dance and music with EJ Kwandibens and his daughter Sagatay, to drumming, photo exhibit unveiling and panel discussions, hosting by Jim Adams - our community was graced with stories of Indigenous resurgence, resistance and joy. You can find more about Jamii's 2022's and previous years' celebrations here: Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations Video: Recro Digital Marketing Live at the Kisanii Hub Featuring Twox30 On June 9th to 11th, Esplanadians gathered in our park spaces to pause, listen, and reflect on our connections with one another and the spaces between us. Through movement, live music, old-school typewriter poems, animated and folklore stories and face painting, people were invited to connect with one another. A gentle way to explore Jamii's 2022 theme: "Water is Memory" You can find more about the event here: Twox30 Video: Recro Digital Marketing Live at The Kisanii Hub Featuring CORPUS' Divine Interventions Five goddesses descended from the heavens to offer Esplandians some blessings! In May 2022, Jamii had the pleasure of hosting the world premiere of Corpus Dance Projects 's Divine Interventions, a musical outdoor processional performance, that took place throughout The Esplanade! We are excited to share a glimpse of the event with you! You can find more about the event here: Divine Interventions Video: Dawar Naeem Video: Dawar Naeem Live at the Kisanii Hub Featuring ApHeart "ApHeart" is a performance by Moonhorse Dance Theatre that Jamii was delighted to present in our community on May 13th and 14th as part one of Jamii's "Live at the Kisanii Hub" series of local events. Esplanadians joined us on May 13th and 14th in David Crombie Park for breathtaking musical performances by Red Rhythm and Blues and Robert Scott, dance performances of "ApHeart" by Moonhorse Dance Theatre and local older adults, captivating storytelling by Jim Adams and Sarah Abusarar, mesmerizing face painting by Linda Epp, and last but not least, high energy hosting with our MC Monica Garrido. You can find more about the event here: ApHeart The Unveiling of Seeing Evergreen Jamii unveiled a photo exhibit, Seeing Evergreen, in David Crombie Park on April 2, 2022. At the unveiling, our host Monica Garrido guided audience members experience with speechees from artists and participant youth and seniors of Seeing Evergreen, henna art and face painting for the young ones, as well as live music by Tennyson King, a singer-musician from Hong Kong and Canada. You can find more about the project and the unveiling here: Seeing Evergreen Video: Dawar Naeem

The Jamii Hub turns into a creative writing sanctuary once a month on Tuesdays! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CREATIVE WRITING / TEKA LANG (JUST WAIT) - OCTOBER 2024 DISCOVERING Tuesday 7 pm Creative Writing October 2024 TEKA LANG (JUST WAIT) October 22, 2024 Facilitator: Patrick de Belen In the “TEKA LANG: Creative Writing Workshop”, poet, storyteller and lead curator Patrick de Belen will be guiding participants as they explore and practice different poetic styles originating from the Philippines. From the “Tanaga”, to the “Balagtasan” and epic poems, poets and writers of all levels will be invited to create their own pieces, and learn about how these styles of poetry have been used as a form of reflection, revolution and rest. Come and join us for a beautiful creative writing workshop on Tuesday, October 22nd at 7pm at the Jamii Hub with Patrick. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Shaimaa Yakout Patrick de Belen Patrick is an award-winning poet, filmmaker, educator, and storyteller across many mediums. His work often explores themes such as mental illness, the Filipino-Canadian experience, social justice, youth empowerment, advocacy, grief, and healing. He is best known for his poetic collaborations with the Toronto Raptors, the NFL, CBC, as well as his two spoken word EPs and numerous cine-poems and independent films that he has written and directed. When he isn’t on stage or writing, Patrick serves as an educator and youth mentor, working with institutions such as addiction centers, mental health organizations, libraries, schools, and even jails—advocating for storytelling opportunities and platforms in as many spaces as possible. Photo Credit: Unknown

Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects INDOOR ACTIVITIES / WEDNESDAY SEWING / BUCKET HAT AND BANDANA - OCTOBER 2024 SEWING Wednesday 7 pm Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects October 2024 BUCKET HAT AND BANDANA Oct 2 - 9 - 16 - 23, 2024 Artist: Anita Boey Create Your Own Customized Bucket Hat and Bandana! Join us in a new series of sewing workshops this October! Our theme for this month is “JUST WAIT” or “TEKA LANG”, which is Lead Artist, Patrick D.B.’s way of encouraging participants and audiences to take a second, to contemplate, to reflect, to meditate, to slow down and learn more about Filipino arts. Sewing Facilitator, Anita Boey, has designed a circular Bucket Hat with Bandana for this theme. The cyclical nature of waiting—rather than following a linear path—is embodied in the process of making this bucket hat. There are no straight lines in its construction; instead, circular stitches hold the hat together, serving as a reminder to move slowly through our daily activities. In a world that pushes us to take the fastest and most direct route, it’s in the moments of slowness and quiet reflection that we truly appreciate the beauty around us. The process of crafting this bucket hat compels us to slow down, with each stitch following a curved line. Additionally, the inclusion of a bandana around the neck pays homage to Patrick’s Filipino heritage and fashion style. Join in to create your own customized Bucket Hat and Bandana. Jamii will provide a selection of fabric for you to choose from, and we also welcome you to bring fabric that means something special to you. For this sewing project, you’ll need two types of fabric: a thicker fabric for the outer layer of the hat, and a lining fabric for the inside of the hat and bandana. You’ll need about 1 meter of each fabric. For novice sewers, Ghader, our dedicated Sewing Workshop Assistant, will guide you with the fundamental skills of operating a sewing machine while delving into a simple yet captivating bandana. SHOWCASE YOUR WORK Sewing participants are highly encouraged to attend the “Saturday Mingling” event at Jamii on October 26th. This will be an opportunity to showcase your Bucket Hat and Bandana to the rest of the Jamii community. Let’s stitch our Wednesdays away in a warm and encouraging atmosphere. By the end of this workshop series, you’ll not only have a garment to treasure but also the pride of mastering new sewing skills! Workshop Schedule 1) Wednesday October 2nd – Introduction to the theme of “JUST WAIT”, and how it inspired the design of this Bucket Hat and Bandana. Participants will choose their fabric, transfer the pattern pieces onto their fabric and cut their fabric. 2) Wednesday October 9th – Sew the outer layer and lining of the bucket hat. 3) Wednesday October 16th – Sew the bucket hat together. 4) Wednesday October 23rd – Sew the bandana and adding finishing touches to the hat, and end with a Fashion Show! REGISTRATIONS CLOSED Photos by Isorine Marc, Anita Boey Anita Boey Business Professor by day, sewist by night. I am a passionate sewist with a deep interest for sustainability and creativity. As an advocate for reducing waste and embracing eco-friendly practices, I utilize rescued materials in my sewing projects. I hope that my sewing serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty that can emerge from diverted waste, while inspiring others to join me in the quest for a more sustainable world, one stitch at a time. Instagram Photo Credit: Unknown

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SPECIAL EVENTS / AN EVENING WITH DAVID CROMBIE SPECIAL EVENTS Fundraising Celebrating the history of our neighbourhood AN EVENING WITH DAVID CROMBIE December 5, 2024 - 6:30pm On December 6th, we were honoured to host former Mayor David Crombie at The Jamii Hub for a remarkable discussion about the triumphs and legacy of the St. Lawrence neighbourhood, also known today as The Esplanade. (The area originally designated as the St. Lawrence neighbourhood is what we now call The Esplanade, while today’s St. Lawrence neighbourhood covers a much larger area.) Moderated by Sarah N. Ahmad, the evening shed light on the history of this groundbreaking urban project, its foundational values, and the community-driven vision that shaped it. A standout takeaway? The pivotal role of community consultations, where neighbours shaped their collective future. These efforts led to special housing allocations, fostering micro-communities like the Centre d’Accueil Héritage for Francophone older adults. Joining Crombie were guests Vincenzo Pietropalo and Frank Lewinberg, who shared insights into their upcoming book about The St. Lawrence—Housing for All —set to be released in Fall 2025. The event doubled as a fundraiser, and we’re thrilled to share that we raised $6,000—all of which will go toward free 2025 programming at The Jamii Hub! A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, to David Crombie for his generosity, and to Jae Yang for the photos that beautifully captured the evening. Thank you to Jonelle Sills and Timothy Cheung for their striking opening and closing performances, to the St. Lawrence Market for supporting Jamii and providing us with delicious charcuterie platters. Thank you to Collective Arts for sharing their craft beers, adding a perfect local touch for participants as they listened to Former Mayor David Crombie’s engaging talk. Last but not least, to the Jamii team for organizing nothing less than an outstanding event! Here’s to creating new memories and building on the legacy of a vibrant, inclusive community! OOPS, THIS EVENT IS OVER Photos by Jae Yang David Crombie, Speaker David Crombie is a Canadian politician and public servant, best known for serving as the Mayor of Toronto from 1972 to 1978. A respected leader, Crombie was influential in championing urban renewal and environmental conservation during his tenure. After his time as mayor, he continued his work in public service as a Member of Parliament and later as a Cabinet Minister under Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Crombie's commitment to sustainable development and community-focused urban planning has left a lasting impact on Toronto and Canadian politics. Frank Lewinberg, Guest Speaker Frank Lewinberg is the co-founder of Urban Strategies. His groundbreaking publications in particular the Reurbanization of Metropolitan Toronto have shaped the discussion on urban matters in Toronto. Frank has been privileged to work throughout Canada, US, England, and South Africa. He is responsible for the master plans of the St Lawrence neighborhood, the CAMH redevelopment and the new CIBC head office straddling Toronto’s main rail line. His continuing interest in affordable housing has led to his examination of the St Lawrence neighbourhood as a guide to our collective futures Vincenzo Pietropaolo, Guest Speaker Vincenzo Pietropaolo is a photographer and writer. His lifelong mission has been to document social justice and human rights issues. He has distinguished himself as a photographic bookmaker, having published over a dozen volumes, in which he often combines photographs with his own original writing. In his most recent book, Toronto as Community: Fifty Years of Photographs (2023), he traces life in his adopted city through a social justice lens. Pietropaolo has held over 100 exhibitions across Canada and in Europe, Latin America, and the United States. His photographs are in the collections of the National Gallery, the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, which features his work in a permanent exhibition. His most recent book is Toronto as Community, a personal view of Toronto through photographs and short stories. He is the co-author (with Frank Lewinberg) of the upcoming book, Housing for All: How Toronto Built the St Lawrence Neighbourhood. Sarah N. Ahmad, Moderator Sarah N. Ahmad is a Toronto based urbanist and a passionate supporter of community arts and public spaces. Sarah works as a Public Art consultant and has recently worked with Jamii to advance arts based programming and projects both inside the Jamii Hub as well as in David Crombie Park.

2023/09 < Back to Events Jamii Party Community Gathering September 23, 2023 The Jamii Hub The end of Summer, going into Fall, and we felt like celebrating: We threw a Jamii Party for the community, and everyone was invited! We had a great time on September 23rd with music, dance, food, and even a raffle to win a bike! It was a great opportunity to acknowledge all those who contributed to making what Jamii is, from the team members, the Board of directors, and all those who worked behind the scenes to create magic. We shared some tasty food, good music, and plenty of room to dance at The Jamii Hub! CREDITS: Organized by the Jamii Team! WITH THE SUPPORT OF:

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Waleed Adbdulhamid Musician website Waleed Abdulhamid is a Canadian Multi-instrumentalist; Composer; Vocalist; Music and Film Producer, known for his striking vocals, innovative bass technique, and his speed and precision on percussion. He has been an active member of the Toronto music scene since his arrival, in 1991 from Sudan, where he began to perform as early as six years old. He is the recipient of the Canadian New Pioneer Award; African Tama Award; Reel World Film Festival Award and Canadian Film Board of Excellence Award. In addition, he has not only received other international awards, but was also twice honoured with a DORA Award. << BACK TO ARTISTS

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY CELEBRATIONS / 2023 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY Jamii's Annual Celebrations 2023 - 5th Year! 5th Annual National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations June 21 at 6 pm David Crombie Park - The Esplanade & Princess St You are invited to join us for an unforgettable celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day in David Crombie Park! Host Jim Adams will take you on a journey of uncovery with the unveiling of a photo exhibition by Morningstar Quill (from Pikangikum First Nation), singing and drumming by Circle of Cedar Singers, the unveiling of a new mural on the exterior wall of the St Lawrence Community Recreation Centre by artist Darwin Peters (from Pikangikum First Nation) and tasty food by Tea-N-Bannock Restaurant. The evening is an opportunity to celebrate the work of Indigenous artists, discover new artworks for our shared space, and deepen your knowledge of Indigenous peoples and their rich culture. Photos by Jae Yang

2023/12 < Back to Events Mudlark Live Event December 8 & 9 David Crombie Park On December 8th and 9th 2023, audiences embarked on a whimsical journey with Mudlark, a theatrical shadow puppetry performance of a young girl who seeks a place to call home among the enchanting stories of the Esplanade neighbourhood. Spectators experienced her navigation through time, witnessing the land's resilience and ever-evolving history. They discovered the warmth of a home, dreamt of the future alongside her, and added their unique touch to this immersive and interactive show. “Mudlark” is a show that merges music, dance, and shadow puppetry, conceptualized byprofessional artists with the creative contributions of Esplanadians of all ages who attended multiple workshops to create music, contribute to the storyline, and craft shadow puppets. Thank you to all 400 who attended our performances of Mudlark! A series of performances presented in partnership with Canadian Stage! CREDITS: Artistic Direction: Isorine Marc Musical Direction: Aline Morales, Lauren Barnett Shadow Puppetry: Brescia Nember Reid Creative Consultant: Sarah N. Ahmad Scene 1 written by Mahlikah Outten Scenes 2 to 6 written by Sharon Zarita Adhiambo Performers: Aline Morales, Lauren Barnett, Brescia Nember Reid, Troy Feldman, Karen Lam, Nickeshia Garrick, Mahlikah The Moonrise Poet, Hafsa Ismail With performances by community members: Nesrin, Keiron, Kolpana, Norita, Production: Maria Paula Triviño, Iris Unlu, Yusra Yacout, Afnan Yakot With creative contribution of community members and Downtown Alternative School students. WITH THE SUPPORT OF:

The Jamii Hub in The Esplanade, Toronto is home to creativity on Thursdays! From painting nights to diverse crafts, explore artistry monthly or occasionally! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / THURSDAY CREATING / Painting Nights CREATING Thursday 7 pm Painting Nights WHEN | First Thursday of each C ycle from 7pm to 8:30pm (Check upcoming dates below) WHERE | The Jamii Hub @ 264 The Esplanade AGE GROUP | All Ages - Children under 12 are welcome when accompanied by an adult FREE ADMISSION | REGISTRATION REQUIRED | NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NEEDED Immerse yourself in the joy of painting at Painting Nights as part of Jamii's Thursday Create workshop series, our monthly haven for art lovers! Whether you are a seasoned painter or just starting, everyone is welcome. Each night unveils a unique artistic theme, providing a canvas for exploration and creativity. Guided by a step-by-step process, these evenings offer a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for everyone to unwind and express themselves through art. Join us for a harmonious blend of relaxation and artistic exploration every month! REGISTRATION IS CLOSED May 2025 CHARCOAL AND HARD PASTEL DRAWING May 8, 2025 Facilitator: Erica Whyte MORE INFO November 2024 ANCESTRAL VISIONS November 7, 2024 Facilitator: Ibrahim Abusitta MORE INFO May 2024 ACRYLIC POURING May 9, 2024 Facilitator: Andrew Patterson MORE INFO April 2025 EXPLORING THE CHAKANA April 10, 2025 Facilitator: Andre Mandela Lopez MORE INFO October 2024 TEKA LANG October 10, 2024 Facilitator: Ephraim Velasco MORE INFO April 2024 MOTHERLAND April 11, 2024 Facilitator: Julian Periquet MORE INFO March 2025 PAINTING GROUNDING AND RENEWAL March 6, 2025 Facilitator: Seema Anwar MORE INFO September 2024 EXPLORING KAPWA September 12, 2024 Facilitator: Blessyl Buan MORE INFO March 2024 FLAMENCO March 7, 2024 Facilitator: Julian Periquet MORE INFO February 2025 PAINTING PERSPECTIVES February 6, 2024 Facilitator: Curtia Wright MORE INFO June 2024 ACRYLIC PAINT AND SAND June 6, 2024 Facilitator: Julian Periquet MORE INFO February 2024 NORTHERN BRAZIL LANDSCAPE February 15, 2024 Facilitator: Julian Periquet MORE INFO Calendar Pay it Forward! At Jamii, it is important that all programs are free so that everyone can participate without facing financial barriers. To operate, Jamii relies on funding from government, foundations, corporations, and individual donations. Thank you for considering making a donation in whatever amount is meaningful to you and paying it forward for the next person. Frequency One time One time Monthly Monthly Yearly Yearly Amount $25 $25 $50 $50 $100 $100 $250 $250 $500 $500 Other Other 0/1000 Comment (optional) Donate $25 Monthly No events at the moment UPCOMING DATES

This mural was created from a local community initiative, in the context of Jamii's celebration of Indigenous artists, and the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association’s 40th Anniversary. Unveiled on June 21, 2023. Community Projects/ MURALS/ MASHKIKI MASHKIKI St Lawrence Community Centre This mural was created from a local community initiative, in the context of Jamii's celebration of Indigenous artists, and the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association’s 40th Anniversary. Unveiled on June 21, 2023. ARTISTIC STATEMENT BY DARWIN PETERS, ARTIST FROM PIKANGIKUM FIRST NATION: The turtles represent life from the new to the old, and the journey from the beginning to the end. The turtles also represent the land we live on, where everything grows, flourishes and thrives, like the fish. Not only do the fish provide the food we eat, but they also represent friendship: they come along together, they make mischief together, and they become like family when they are forming a pack. The roots at the bottom of the tree are going in different directions, then they grow stronger, and at the end, the roots become floral. This symbolizes my life: all the struggles I have been through, how I grew stronger from them, and how I found a light through the arts and became the artist I was meant to be. I hope that people can be whoever they want to be and be where they want to be. The birds on the tree branches are watching the sun and then the moon. Every time I go to sleep, I see the moon. Every time I wake up, I see the sun and I am thankful to see yet another day. I wish that everyone can feel gratitude for each new day. Everywhere I look in this community (The Esplanade), I see different faces, races, cultures, languages and religions, and that makes me happy. It shows me how life can be when we are around each other. This is how I represented this community with the birds living in the tree. In the canoe, you can see the thunderbird beings, with their pet fox. The thunderbird in the middle points in the direction where to go next. As a family, they paddle on their journey through life and bring light into their community. I hope I contributed to this community by bringing colours here. When thunderbirds are finished with their work, they bring in other people to see what they’ve made. This is a metaphor for my life as well. The stars represent our ancestors shining bright light on us and they give us directions for the North, South, East and West, so that we can follow each star we see in the sky. The feathers are there for the loved ones we lost too soon and we carry in our hearts. The butterflies can fly wherever they want to be; they are free. Someone from the community also suggested they represent transformation through healing. The three leaves have a meaning of new beginning, new life, and a new chapter starting. June 21, 2023 DARWIN PETERS: Darwin Peters is a talented painter and muralist based in Pikangikum First Nation. His paintings are sold around the world and one of his biggest murals, aside the ones he has made at the Eenchokay Birchstick School in Pikangikum, is located in downtown Toronto, on the south wall of the St Lawrence Community Recreation Centre at the heart of The Esplanade for hundreds to enjoy every day. CREDITS: Lead Artist: Darwin Peters Supporting Artists: Andrew Patterson, Kseniya Tsoy Additional Painting Support: Karen Lam, Zenzele Harris Curator: Isorine Marc Co-Producers: Jamii, the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association Artistic Inspiration and Contribution: Residents of the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood, students of the Market Lane Public School Special thanks: Suzanne Kavanagh, the Jamii Team, the Jamii Board of Directors and the SLNA Board of Directors Sponsored by: Emblem Developments The St Lawrence Market Neighbourhood BIA Jamii Public Funders: Canada Council for the Arts Toronto Arts Council RBC Foundation Rama Gaming House Approved by the City of Toronto COPYRIGHTS @darwinpeters2023 Contact: info@jamii.ca COMMERCIAL USE FORM

2021/08, 09 < Back to Events La Bulle Aug 31 to Sept 5, 2021 Berkeley Castle Courtyard700 spectators A visually stunning and poetic solo performance from the minds of David Danzon and Carolin Lindner. La Bulle featured a one-of-a-kind bubble tent and its sole inhabitant: Pierrot, the iconic dreamer. Confined together, they live in transparent symbiosis. In this theatrical setting, there is nowhere to hide - an absurd situation, fully exploited with humour by a lucid and lunar Pierrot. La Bulle is nominated for the 2022 Dora Awards by Toronto Alliance of Performing Arts in the categories of "Outstanding Achievement in Design" (Scenic Design: David Danzon and Carolin Lindner) and "Outstanding Production" (CORPUS presented by Théâtre Français de Toronto and Jamii). CREDITS: CREDITS FOR LA BULLE: Conceived, directed and designed by David Danzon & Carolin Lindner (CORPUS) Co-presented with Théâtre français de Toronto and Jamii Performed by David Danzon Costume Design by Françoise Autran ABOUT CORPUS: Co-founded in 1997 by Sylvie Bouchard and artistic director David Danzon, CORPUS is known for its precise and surrealist humour that combines movement with theatrical imagery. CORPUS’ unique and engaging performances are presented in both traditional and unusual locations for large and diverse audiences. A huge thank you to the production team: For CORPUS: Janin Goldman, Paulina Speltz, Jeff Souzy, Deanna Gene. For Théâtre français de Toronto: Karine Ricard, Ghislain Caron, Manuel Verreydt, Sandra-Emily Veilleux, Hadrien Volle. For Jamii: Isorine Marc, Jasmin Linton, DeeAnn Sagar, Cynthia Ruso, Tereka Smith, Ammar Salem, Iris Unlu. For Berkeley Castle: Linda Leistner and Melody Arnold. WITH THE SUPPORT OF:

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / LAINI /ACROSSDIMENSIONS LAINI Youth A Jamii initiative to encourage girls and young women to explore art and leadership! MURAL PROJECT July 2025 Lead Artist: Jieun Kim Supporting Artist: Tina Abdelbasit Jamii Team: Isorine Marc, Iris Unlu, Yusra Yacout, Afnan Yakot, Karen Lam, Tyson Hubschmann Participants - Design: Aéla, Daniela, Dario, Faith, Francesca, Jacqueline, Jada, Kandi, Lisa, Lucky, Maryam, Maya, RuthMarie, Santana, Zélia Participants - Painting: Aéla, Daniela, Dario, Faith, Francesca, Jacqueline, Jada, Kandi, Lisa, Lucky, Maryam, RuthMarie, Santana, Sitara, Suhanna, Zélia In July 2025, sixteen youths from The Esplanade neighborhood came together to create a mural at the St. Lawrence Market, under the guidance of established artist Jieun Kim and emerging artist Tina Abdelbasit. The mural, titled Across Dimensions and unveiled on July 19th, explores the theme of living together while coming from different spaces, with our beloved market at the heart of it all, a central gathering place in our shared community. The participants were involved in every step of the process, from the initial design brainstorming to the final unveiling of the mural. ARTIST STATEMENTS: By Participants As young artists from the Esplanade, we came together to imagine a universe that reflects our own - one filled with diversity, beauty, and connections. Our mural, Across Dimensions, is a galaxy where every planet, alien-astronaut, and sparkle represent the people in our neighbourhood. The St. Lawrence Market is at the heart of our mural, just like it’s at the heart of our community. It’s where people meet, share stories, shop, and connect. For many of us, it’s a place of nostalgia - something that’s always been there, holding us all together like gravity in our own local galaxy. Every detail in the mural expresses a part of who we are. From the planet with purple trees that symbolizes our personal growth, to the swan planet that represents beauty and protection, each element was designed by us, with care and imagination. Even the alien with the tentacles at the top of the mural is a symbol - a quiet protector, watching over our cosmic community. We see ourselves as small sparks in the vastness of the universe and together, we shine. By Jieun Kim: This mural is the result of a joyful collaboration with the local youth. Over the course of two weeks, we held workshops to explore what community, diversity, and what shared spaces mean to us. Together, we imagined something playful and unexpected: what if St. Lawrence Market existed in outer space? The design began with simple sketches. Birds representing freedom, planets symbolizing diversity, and the sun and sky as expressions of joy. These ideas grew into a vibrant, imaginative mural that feels like looking through a portal into another world. By Tina Abdelbasit: St. Lawrence market is a source of joy and a symbol of togetherness for the community and this mural is a way for that joy to be reflected. The participants were able to channel their positive memories and associations into the design growing their sense of community pride. Through the process of painting the mural, they were able to share this pride with the rest of the community. Photos by Laura Dittmann, Akram Yacout, Isorine Marc Jieun Kim, a Korean-born street artist based in Toronto, draws inspiration from Korean folk arts and the natural world to create imagined landscapes in her work. With international exhibitions and a focus on community, she co-founded KJ Bit Collective, fostering collaboration through murals and local street art events. Tina Abdelbasit is a Sudanese painter based in Toronto where she is currently undergoing her undergraduate degree at York University in visual art. Her work is heavily inspired by her relationship with her family and all the different cultures she was exposed to growing up in the middle east. Tinas paintings often draw from her real life or childhood memories and focus on representing human beings beyond what is on the surface. Photos by Laura Dittmann

2023 OUTDOOR EVENTS / WAYO / WAYO 2023 WAYO 2023 JAMII'S 4TH ANNUAL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL Wayo 2023 was a five-day children’s festival from August 9th to 13th 2023, which took place at the heart of The Esplanade neighbourhood, in partnership with Berkeley Castle and Canadian Stage. With hundreds attending, the festival was a huge success. The uniqueness of the Wayo Festival resides in its concept. The festival is a parkour-like series of artistic experiences that invites groups of audience members to discover performative live installations through two heritage buildings at 2 Berkeley St (Berkeley Castle), 26 Berkeley St (Canadian Stage/Berkeley Theatre). At the 4th Annual WAYO Children's festival, young adventurers and their parents were invited to explore the 5 elements: water, fire, earth, air and love! With this series of mesmerizing dance and musical performances, every turn revealed a new and exciting surprise throughout Berkeley Castle and Canadian Stage. "A Children's Festival on The Esplanade: Wayo" By Sharon Zarita Every summer The Esplanade’s non-profit arts organization, Jamii, gives children and their families a multi-arts experience through WAYO Children’s Festival at Berkeley Castle and Canadian Stage. WAYO gets its name from ‘footsteps’ in Swahili. This year it had children journeying through elements of earth, fire, wind, water, and love expressed as performing art pieces. In groups, children and their parents start this hour-long adventure at the earth footstep. Earth which is embodied by a stilt walker whose reindeer horns, leaf belt and butterfly wings combine into a glorified character that magnifies our planet’s beauty. The stilt walker’s stage is a tree with musical wind chimes which are irresistible to a 3-year-old within the group, Hayun. By standing bare feet on the grass and giving the tree gifts of soil the children are reminded to be present and take care of this land. When they are invited to close their eyes and listen to the heartbeat of the earth distant drumming emerges. One by one they open their eyes to the sound of an Indigenous drummer. A unison moment of stillness indicates their awareness of how sacred this drumming and singing is. The next song starts with who lives in a pineapple house and all the children chorus spongebob! A fascinating rendition of SpongeBob SquarePants by indigenous drumming and cheery chants follows. The final honour to earth is an Ojibwe directional song. As it ends and they head off to discover the fire footstep a parent asks the artist what miigwetch means. I marvel how artistic spaces enable reconciliation through interaction with Indigenous culture and language. The soothing sound of cello playing ushers fire and the children follow the music. Without being told they take spots on furnace-themed mats, eyes glued to the cello. The cello player inserts a poetic verse with a riddle that all the children solve by shouting fire. These chants invite a circus artist with fire-lit rods who is accompanied by gasps of oooh and ahhh with every stunt. The rods are moved gracefully and brought closer to the children who seem tempted to touch, including Hayun sitting very close to her brother at the front. They cheer loudly at the end and quickly stand to discover the next footstep. An indoor cool room with colourful drapings made out of sarees, an opera singer and piano playing usher in wind. A dancer characterizes the sarees making them create a path the children follow to an inner opening. The group is captured in a theatrical opera and dance performance which has pauses of sighing, breathing and wind whistles. Everyone joins in the rhythm and breathes out at the right cue. A reminder to take a wellness moment and appreciate the life within us. Harun moves closer to the pianist and the month-old babies in the room are alert throughout. The footstep of wind builds anticipation of the upcoming discoveries. A colourful mural of water animals on their path gives a hint of the next footstep. They walk into Berkeley Theatre where water bubbles float the air and steelpan music creates an ambience of playfulness. The middle of the room has a huge round bubble whose fabric is removed by a stilt walker to reveal a human sleeping in it. You can almost feel the curiosity of the children rise as the person awakens and tries to move out of the ball. This becomes a comical interactive performance where the artist and his young audience try to connect through the ball without words but guided by the sounds of the steelpan. The natural way water strengthens our humanity is shown with every scene. Doors open to the footstep of love where a wedding film is playing and whispers fill the room when they realize the film is shot in their neighbourhood, The Esplanade. An artist in a ceremonial gown emerges singing and drumming, ushering in the celebratory mood in the film. A dancer joins and the audience claps loudly. Shakers are passed, confetti is thrown, a group dance starts, joy fills the room as people experience an imagination of the film in person. What a perfect way to end this journey of live performances and arts experiences! The final footsteps are at a craft table where attendees decorate pots and take seeds to grow at home. They get their faces painted with some of the elements and get festival pictures as keepsakes. You can hear them reliving their favourite moments of the performances with each other. This local arts festival has evidently made their day. Hayun picks a pot and chooses pebbles but her hands are too tiny to hold the glue. I offer to help then realize English is not her first language and she had experienced WAYO by the borderless power of art. We craft in silence as I admire how art is a shared element for human connection. Supported by August 9 to 13 LOCATION Berkeley Castle & Berkeley Theatre CREDITS Presented and Produced by Jamii In Partnership with Canadian Stage and Berkeley Castle Artistic Direction and Concept: Isorine Marc ARTISTS Performing Artists: Sue Croweagle, Samantha Thornton, Jaime Kearns, Yvonne Ng, Midori Marsh , Nikitha James, Suzette Vidale, Edz Gyamfi, Miss Coco Murra, Carolina Rojas, Aline Morales, Maya Hall, Daniel Hamin Go, Linda Epp, Troy Feldman, Caitlin Morris-Cornfield Fire Performer Assistant: Christene Fenton WAYO STAFF Jamii Production Team: Jonelle Sills, Iris Unlu, Isorine Marc, Maryam Alireza, Afnan Yakot, Yusra Yacout, Osman Mahmud Tech and Support Team: Rahma, Hadeal, Mumina, Omar, Karen, MJ, Sabrine, Nada, Amir, Amir, Mira, Mahmoud, Zahra Omar Special thanks to our volunteers: Aela, Francesca, Zhenmei, Heidi, Jumanah, Maryam, Alina, Gennavive, Stella Photos by: Jae Yang

Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects INDOOR ACTIVITIES / WEDNESDAY SEWING / AGUAYO MINI PURSE - APRIL 2025 SEWING Wednesday 7 pm Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects April 2025 AGUAYO MINI PURSE April 9, 16, 23 Artist: Anita Boey Welcome to April’s sewing series, where we’ll guide you through creating your very own Aguayo Mini Purse using the beautiful, traditional Aguayo fabric from the Andes. Led by Sewing Facilitator Anita Boey, this 3-part series will introduce you to the fascinating process of working with hand-picked Aguayo fabric, traditionally woven from llama, alpaca, or sheep wool and full of vibrant colours. The Aguayo fabric, used by Andean communities across Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, and Argentina, has been brought to us through Carolina’s friends in Chile, and in this workshop, you’ll learn to craft a functional and stylish mini purse. Whether you’re new to sewing or looking to refresh your skills, this hands-on workshop will guide you through the steps of cutting, sewing, and finishing your purse. You’ll have a selection of Aguayo fabric to choose from, though you’re also welcome to bring your own fabric (just half a yard will be enough for this project). Ghader, our dedicated Sewing Workshop Assistant, will also be on hand to help you get comfortable using the sewing machine and assist with any sewing questions. The series will take place over three Wednesday evenings: April 9 – Introduction to the theme of the Chakana, and how it has inspired the design of the Aguayo Mini Purse. You’ll select your fabric, transfer the pattern, and prepare your materials. April 16 – Sew the purse and strap. April 23 – Add the finishing touches, including button snaps, and complete your project. By the end of this workshop series, you’ll have a unique and functional Aguayo Mini Purse to treasure, along with new sewing skills and connections with fellow participants in a supportive, creative environment. For those who want to take their experience further and display their creations, we invite you to join Saturday Mingling on April 26, a lively evening of artistic sharing where community members and artists come together to celebrate the creative journey. This Sewing workshop is part of Jamii's April cycle, guided by lead artist Carolina Rojas, and centred around the theme of the Chakana—an ancestral Andean symbol representing the connection between the spiritual, earthly, and inner realms. Through these workshops in dancing, painting, crafting, sewing,singing and creative writing, we’ll reflect on how these ancient teachings resonate with our modern lives, connecting us to nature, the cycles of life, and our community. “This is an invitation to reinterpret the meaning of the Chakana, connecting its ancient wisdom with our modern experiences.” – Carolina Rojas. REGISTRATIONS CLOSED Photos by Ghader Bsmar, Anita Boey Anita Boey Business Professor by day, sewist by night. I am a passionate sewist with a deep interest for sustainability and creativity. As an advocate for reducing waste and embracing eco-friendly practices, I utilize rescued materials in my sewing projects. I hope that my sewing serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty that can emerge from diverted waste, while inspiring others to join me in the quest for a more sustainable world, one stitch at a time. Instagram Photo Credit: Unknown

OUTDOOR EVENTS / SVAHA - 2023 Svaha May 2023 "Svāhā!", a celebration of dance as a revitalizing ritual that brings us closer together. Created by award-winning Nova Bhattacharya , Svāhā! was an offering of movement, music, colours and sensations that happened May 26th - 28th. It embodied the transformative power of dance, expressing the uniqueness of the individual and the value of community. Bringing together dancers from a varying dance forms and cultural backgrounds, Svāhā! asked how can we be better together? “I am inspired by the eloquence of the human body and the intelligence of the senses. The potential for dance to stimulate people emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually drives my commitment to creating dances that exalt the human spirit and express ideas that words cannot.” ~ Nova Bhattacharya This dance performance included a warm-up with the professional dancers, and a series of dance workshops (cypher) led by Mel Hart so that everyone could join the dance with us. As a perk, our little ones were treated to facepainting with local artist Linda Epp. Founded by Nova Bhattacharya in 2008, dance company Nova Dance brings new ideas to dance, re-inventing the possibilities of the art. The company breaks down conventions and encourages new talent with the best and most exciting in performance the world over. Nova Dance works with artists from many art forms and a multitude of backgrounds to create a community that celebrates the life-force of dance in our lives. Nova Dance exists to bring contemporary Canadian dance towards a new future. Embracing diversity as creative inspiration for a body of work that has garnered awards, national and international recognition, and most importantly made connections with audiences and communities. Find more on their website: https://www.novadance.ca/company-biography CREDITS: Director: Nova Bhattacharya Dancers: Mellisa Hart, Candace Kumar, Neena Jayarajan, Rajvi Dedhia, Nova Bhattacharya Facepainting: Linda Epp Sewing: Diséiye Thompson Organized by the Jamii Team Produced by Jamii Supported By: PHOTO CREDITS

We engage community members of all ages in all kinds of creative projects such as Queens of The Esplanade, Feetprint, Patchwork Village and Forty-One. We usually start a project with one simple idea, and invite everyone to contribute and shape it. Those experiences are nothing less than transformative and memorable for all participating. COMMUNITY PROJECTS Making art, making impact Community Projects We engage community members of all ages in all kinds of creative projects such as Queens of The Esplanade, Feetprint, Patchwork Village and Forty-One. We usually start a project with one simple idea, and invite everyone to contribute and shape it. Those experiences are nothing less than transformative and memorable for all participating. Unlocked 2020 READ MORE I am Me. I am Heart 2019 READ MORE At Heart (Docu film) 2018 READ MORE Forty-One 2015 READ MORE Catwalkers 2013 READ MORE Wind Stories 2018 - 2019 - 2020 READ MORE Choir in the park 2019 READ MORE Feetprint 2017 READ MORE Queens of The Esplanade 2015 READ MORE International Arts Experience 2011 - present READ MORE Toronto Waterfront Marathon 2019 - present READ MORE I am Me 2018 - 2019 READ MORE Patchwork Village 2016 READ MORE Basketball Court Mural 2014 READ MORE

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / LAINI / FASHION SHOW LAINI Youth Wednesday & Thursday After School A Jamii initiative to encourage girls and young women to explore art and leadership! FASHION SHOW January to April 2023 - Ages 13-15 Led by Sveltana Bassauer One of the things we love doing and that holds a place of importance in our work, is to continue finding new ways to connect and engage with the girls and young women in the Esplanade community and instill in them leadership skills and experiences through arts projects. After a few creative months led by fashion designer Sveltana Bassauer and with the precious nurturing of Nadifa Mohamed, on Saturday April 29th, the LAINI teens presented their first fashion show: "Throwback to the 90's" The teens went through the full fashion experience. They began with creating vision boards and designs, transformed thrifted clothes into 90 styles, had a photo shoot and organize the show itself. During the show, parents, friends and community members saw the exhibit, enjoyed 90's songs sung by LAINI teen Janessa, and had snacks including Dunkaroos! Artist and video created by Svetlana Bassauer Svetlana is a professional fashion design modeler and marketing director turned textile crafts course creator. She specializes in educational classes for children and youth, creating experiences aimed to inspire and enrich kids' learning journeys. She truly believes that it is the art and the experiences around it that become fundamental to how we perceive the world and interact with it. Every new discovery, from seeing art to learning it's history, sewing a Christmas tree ornament or creating your very own toy from scratch, opens a new perspective of the world and the beauty it holds in every corner. It is the kind of beauty that we carry within ourselves and put into everything that we do, making the world a more connected, bright, and beautiful place. Photo Credit: Unknown

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Yvonne Ng Dancer website Born and raised in Singapore, Yvonne Ng, B.F.A., M.A., is choreographer and artistic director of tiger princess dance projects (TPDP). TPDP’s repertoire includes Yvonne’s works and commissioned works. Creating original roles for Bill James, José Navas, Dominique Dumais, Marie-Josée Chartier, Stephanie Skura, Deborah Hay and Tedd Robinson, TPDP has toured to Singapore, Europe, Australia, China, Canada and the USA. Yvonne is also a certified Open Source Forms© and Dance for Dementia (Baycrest NBS Sharing Dance) teacher with training in Partners for Youth Empowerment, Dance for PD™ and functional anatomy with Irene Dowd. A recipient of 2022 Walter Carsen Prize for Excellence in Performing Arts, 2017 Muriel Sherrin Award, Jacqueline Lemieux Award, K.M. Hunter Artist Award, New Pioneers Arts Award, Chalmers Arts Fellowship, Soulpepper’s Community Artist Award and Ontario Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts – New Talent. << BACK TO ARTISTS

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Tamar Ilana Flamenco Dancer & Singer website Tamar Ilana is a Toronto-born multifaceted artist who grew up on stage singing in multiple languages, touring internationally and dancing flamenco since a very young age. Of Jewish-Indigenous-Romanian-Scottish descent, Tamar sings in 20 languages and is most influenced by the Sephardic and Flamenco traditions. Tamar’s music and fierce talent reflect her personal and cultural history growing up in multicultural Toronto; accompanying her ethnomusicologist mother, Dr. Judith Cohen, on village fieldwork expeditions and on stage as a child; and living in Ibiza, Barcelona, Paris and Seville as a teen and young adult. Drawing on these experiences, Tamar founded her world music project, Ventanas, in 2011 with whom she has released three albums and been nominated for four Canadian Folk Music Awards including Best Traditional Singer. Tamar has collaborated with such renowned artists as Anna Colóm, Jesse Cook, Briga, Eliana Cuevas, Lenka Lichtenberg, Jaffa Road, Sultans of String, the Lemon Bucket Orkestra, and Ahmed Moneka. A highly sought-after flamenco dancer and singer, Tamar performs with the Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company, and at the Academy of Spanish Dance. Tamar has also been featured in award-winning, innovative international musicals in New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, the UK and Germany. In 2020, Tamar co-founded the presenting arts organization FabCollab, and has since presented over 100 BIPOC women and minority artists at venues such as Koerner Hall and the Aga Khan Museum. << BACK TO ARTISTS

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Morningstar Quill Photographer website Morningstar Quill is a self-taught photographer who has developed a unique style and approach to photography through years of experimentation and exploration. Born and raised in Pikangikum, she discovered her passion for photography at a young age and has been refining her skills ever since. Without formal training in photography, Morningstar turned to books, online tutorials, and experimentation to hone her craft. She spent countless hours studying the work of other photographers, analyzing their techniques and styles, and incorporating what she learned into her own work. Morningstar's work is characterized by capturing just anything nature and wildlife. She has a keen eye for capturing the essence of detail, whether it be landscapes, portraits, or street photography. Morningstar Quill continues to push the boundaries of her craft, always experimenting with new techniques and approaches to capture the world around her. She remains committed to her passion for photography and looks forward to sharing her unique perspective with the world for years to come. << BACK TO ARTISTS

Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects INDOOR ACTIVITIES / WEDNESDAY SEWING / FREE STYLE - FEBRUARY 2024 SEWING Sunday 11 am Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects February 2024 FREE STYLE February 4 - 11, 2024 Artist: Anita Boey Explore the art of sewing in our weekly workshops. Whether you're a novice or an experienced hand, join us for hands-on sessions guided by skilled instructor Anita Boey. Acquire essential sewing skills, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and relish a supportive environment. We provide fabric, and you're welcome to bring your own. Come with your curiosity, and let's sew together! Please commit to completing your projects as we aim to minimize fabric waste. Choose to be part of our community for the entire year or select specific projects that resonate with you. REGISTRATIONS CLOSED Photos by Isorine Marc Anita Boey Business Professor by day, sewist by night. Anita is a passionate sewist with a deep interest for sustainability and creativity. As an advocate for reducing waste and embracing eco-friendly practices, I utilize rescued materials in my sewing projects. I hope that my sewing serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty that can emerge from diverted waste, while inspiring others to join me in the quest for a more sustainable world, one stitch at a time. Instagram Photo Credit: Unknown

The Jamii Hub turns into a crafting sanctuary twice a month on Thursdays! (RE)WEAVING - OCTOBER 2024 INDOOR ACTIVITIES / THURSDAY CREATING / CRAFTING NIGHTS / CREATING Thursday 7 pm Crafting Nights (RE)WEAVING October 2024 October 17 - 24, 2024 Facilitator: Norwin Anne (Re)Weaving is a workshop that intends to revive and promote the art practice of weaving, but with modern methods using found and discarded materials. Led by artist Norwin Anne, participants will learn how to weave a new textile and create their own tapestry using fabric scraps on a repurposed frame. Join Norwin and our community in exploring the art practice of weaving. This activity, in connection to Patrick's October theme “TEKA LANG”, will be a mindful creative exercise that also prompts participants to reflect on how textiles / clothing are made to encourage a slow and conscious fashion mindset. All materials will be provided. Participants can bring additional scrap fabric and wood frames (or photo frames with backing and glass removed) if they have some lying around at home! Participants can choose to registe r for one or both workshops. Join us on Thursday, October 17 and 24 at 7pm at The Jamii Hub! FOR OCTOBER 17 FOR OCTOBER 24 Photos by Hadeal Karrar, Afnan Yakot Norwin Anne Norwin Anne is a Filipinx multidisciplinary artist, (re)maker, and eco-culture communicator. They have a waste-conscious approach in their creative practice and always prioritize using discarded materials or random found objects. After experimenting with various ways to use salvaged textiles in their work, they were inspired by traditional weaving techniques in the Philippines and have been exploring the art form as a way to (re)connect to their cultural roots. Photo Credit: Unknown

The Jamii Hub on The Esplanade is home to a new dance form guided by Toronto dance artists each month. Join our dance workshops and enjoy being around a community! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / TUESDAY DISCOVERING / BOOK CLUB / CONNECTEDNESS - JUNE 2024 LEARNING Tuesday 7 pm Book Club CONNECTEDNESS June 2024 June 18, 2024 Facilitator: Eshe Mercer-James For June Book Club, Eshe Merce-James invites you to look at variations on folklore as examples of cultural connections across borders and oceans. As a group, we are reading 4 to 5 stories about different Central American folkloric tricksters, with a focus on characters who are building or defending a home, connecting home and land together. Eshe is keeping a surprise reading for the group, exploring a Breb Rabbit story. Join us on Tuesday June 18th for a beautiful evening with Eshe! REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Jeeya Gandhi Eshe Mercer-James Eshe Mercer-James has taught literature courses at both York and Trent Universities, and also works with the Canadian Language Museum. Her PhD dissertation, Framing Standard and Dialect in Black Women’s Novels (2021), was nominated for the Mary McEwan Memorial Award, a prize for feminist scholarship. She also has a longstanding interest in Brazilian culture, and spent a month in the northeast part of the country to experience the Festa de São João festival (also known as Festa Junina). She is excited to experience some of that energy in Toronto. Photo by Isorine Marc

The Jamii Hub on The Esplanade is home to a new dance form guided by Toronto dance artists each month. Join our dance workshops and enjoy being around a community! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / TUESDAY DISCOVERING / BOOK CLUB / CORDEL LITERATURE - FEBRUARY 2024 LEARNING Tuesday 7 pm Book Club CORDEL LITERATURE February 2024 February 6, 2024 Facilitator: Eshe Mercer-James Embark on a literary exploration of Cordel literature with us—an intricate blend of oral and written traditions from 19th-century northeastern Brazil. Discover how this dynamic form supports and empowers marginalized folk cultures of the region. Cordel spread through the nation as these groups searched for economic opportunities in the big cities, and is now both an officially recognized Brazilian cultural heritage product and a developing genre in contemporary Brazilian culture. We'll delve into the works of Salete Maria, a Cordelista, Feminista e Libertária, challenging traditional norms in this historically male-dominated endeavor. Join us for a concise yet captivating evening at the intersection of cultural heritage and contemporary expression. You don’t have to know Portuguese to enjoy this session. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Isorine Marc Eshe Mercer-James Eshe Mercer-James has taught literature courses at both York and Trent Universities, and also works with the Canadian Language Museum. Her PhD dissertation, Framing Standard and Dialect in Black Women’s Novels (2021), was nominated for the Mary McEwan Memorial Award, a prize for feminist scholarship. She also has a longstanding interest in Brazilian culture, and spent a month in the northeast part of the country to experience the Festa de São João festival (also known as Festa Junina). She is excited to experience some of that energy in Toronto. Photo Credit: Unknown

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Roxanne Brathwaite Miniature Artist website As a child, Toronto-based maker Roxanne Brathwaite loved to play with her dollhouse. More specifically with what adorned its interior—Roxanne threw out the dolls and played with the furniture. That fascination with furniture continued into adulthood. In 2015 she began an apprenticeship with master upholsterers and eventually started the company Hollis Newton. When the first Covid lockdown forced her to shut down production, she rediscovered miniatures and quickly became immersed in the miniature-making community. Roxanne creates miniature spaces that are rich in textures and design history. But her objective is always to create a warm, inviting and safe environment––someplace where the only rules are: come in peace, take off your tiny shoes and use a tiny coaster. Her miniature spaces have also become an artistic medium to raise awareness on social issues such as intimate partner abuse, Dementia, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Roxanne was a Season 1, CBC Gem “Best In Miniature” contestant. Her work has appeared on CityTV’s Cityline and CBC Arts, in Shrunk Magazine, Designer’s Today Magazine and the Toronto Star. She has exhibited her miniatures in window installations with DesignTO. Roxanne is a 2023 International Guild of Miniature Artisans (IGMA) scholarship recipient << BACK TO ARTISTS

The Jamii Hub on The Esplanade is home to a new dance form guided by Toronto dance artists each month. Join our dance workshops and enjoy being around a community! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / TUESDAY DISCOVERING / BOOK CLUB / THINGS FALL APART - APRIL 2024 LEARNING Tuesday 7 pm Book Club THINGS FALL APART April 2024 April 16, 2024 Facilitator: Eshe Mercer-James Reserve your spot and let the captivating journey begin! Whether you're a seasoned book club enthusiast or a beginner, all are welcome to partake in Jamii's Book Club! In April, embark with us on a literary journey with 'Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe (first published in 1958) – a novel depicting pre-colonial life in Igboland (modern-day southeastern Nigeria) and the subsequent arrival of European missionaries and colonial forces in the late 19th century. Uniquely and richly African, the novel reveals Achebe's keen awareness of the human qualities common to people of all times and places. Join us in reading this book, and participate in an enlightening conversation led by the passionate literature professor, Eshe Mercer-James. Jamii does not provide the book, you can find it at the Toronto Public Library or retailers. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Ghader Bsmar and Isorine Marc, Jeeya Gandhi Eshe Mercer-James Eshe Mercer-James has taught literature courses at both York and Trent Universities, and also works with the Canadian Language Museum. Her PhD dissertation, Framing Standard and Dialect in Black Women’s Novels (2021), was nominated for the Mary McEwan Memorial Award, a prize for feminist scholarship. Photo Credit: Unknown

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Diséiye Thompson Fashion Design + Sewing website Born and raised in Nigeria, Diséiye from an early age was drawn to the craftsmanship of tailoring, learning from her mother’s tailor to repurpose scraps of fabrics into garments for their siblings. Moving to Toronto at 15, Diséiye studied Contemporary Arts at Ryerson University and classically trained in design at The Toronto Academy of Design, graduating in 2016 showcasing her graduate collection at Toronto Fashion Week as well as Fly Beyond Cancer Benefit raising funds for survivors. << BACK TO ARTISTS

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / LAINI / WISDOM RIPPLES LAINI Youth Wednesday & Thursday After School A Jamii initiative to encourage girls and young women to explore art and leadership! WISDOM RIPPLES November & December 2021 - Ages 14-20 Led by Gillian Mapp & Isorine Marc Inspired by our 2020 theme "Water Is Memory", "WIsdoM ripples" features the work of three Toronto-based photographers: Roya DelSol, Brianna Roye and Zahra Siddiqui. This exhibit was curated by 9 young women of our community, under the leadership of Gillian Mapp and Isorine Marc. "Water, like memory, has a rhythm; it ripples in water like time and music on a page. A souvenir from a trip taken long ago. The scents from childhood. The familiar sound of laughter from your loved ones. Memories from the past rushing in and out like waves, crashing and flowing like a storm of culture." Curation process: Our group of young women curated this exhibit and crafted its title and artistic statement. They were initially presented with 30 photos, 10 by each of the three photographers. Through a series of 8 workshops, under the artistic leadership of Gillian Mapp and Isorine Marc, they worked together to select 10 photos only. Through the exchange of ideas, perspectives and opinions, they explore the “why” and "how" to present this exhibit to their community and to you. - Photo Credit: Unknown