With our series of Live Events, our intent is to activate our public space and create opportunities for our community not only to discover and enjoy amazing artistic performances, but also to connect and spend quality time together, in our local park. Jamii Events Concerts, theatre performances, dance shows, and more! Through our array of live events, we aspire to activate both our community space, The Jamii Hub, and our public space, David Crombie Park with The Kisanii Hub, in order to provide our community members with opportunities to not only experience outstanding artistic performances but also to foster connections and cherish quality time together. 2025 EVENTS JOY IN THE PARK: MELTEMI ORCHESTRA May 16, 2025 David Crombie Park (Across Market Lane Public School) MORE INFO JOY IN THE PARK October 4, 2025 David Crombie Park MORE INFO JOY IN THE PARK: NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY June 21, 2025 David Crombie Park MORE INFO JOY IN THE PARK: CELEBRATING CULTURES June 27, 2025 David Crombie Park MORE INFO JOY IN THE PARK: MARKET ST July 19, 2025 Market St. MORE INFO PAST EVENTS October 2024 Joy in the Park: Moskitto Bar MORE INFO May 2024 Joy in the Park: Fórro MORE INFO May 2023 Svaha MORE INFO June 2021 Écoute pour voir MORE INFO Aug and Oct 2020 Hisia MORE INFO October 2019 I am me. I am heart MORE INFO August 2024 Joy in the Park: SummerWorks MORE INFO December 2023 Mudlark MORE INFO 2021 and 2022 LuminUs MORE INFO Mar - Apr 2021 Allegra MORE INFO August 2020 Lua Shayenne Dance MORE INFO August 2019 I am me. I am home. MORE INFO June 2024 Joy in the Park: Celebrating Cultures MORE INFO September 2023 Flamenco on The Esplanade MORE INFO Aug to Sep 2021 La Bulle MORE INFO March 2021 Red Rhythm & Blues MORE INFO 2020 Itinerant performances MORE INFO July 2019 Drag Queen Story Time MORE INFO June 2024 Joy in the Park: National Indigenous Peoples Day MORE INFO July 2023 To My Past Present and Future MORE INFO July 2021 Becoming Garden MORE INFO March 2021 Giizhig MORE INFO Summer 2020 Wind Stories MORE INFO SEE MORE

The Jamii Hub turns into a painting sanctuary once every month on Thursdays! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / THURSDAY CREATING / PAINTING NIGHTS / PAINTING PERSPECTIVES - FEBRUARY 2025 CREATING Thursday 7 pm Painting Nights PAINTING PERSPECTIVES February 2025 February 6, 2024 Facilitator: Curtia Wright Perception shapes how we interact with others and form relationships. Our past experiences influence how we view ourselves and those around us. However, perceptions based solely on appearances can often misrepresent our authentic selves, leading to inner conflict and turmoil. This workshop, led by artist Curtia Wright, is an opportunity to explore our truths and reconcile with our past. On a canvas, participants will begin by drawing a rough outline of their profile. Using a single color, they will paint both inside and outside the outlined shape with abstractions, symbols, and text to create a base or underpainting that reflects how they believe others perceive them. Once the underpainting has dried, they will use multiple colors to paint a representation of how they positively view themselves. This layer will incorporate expressive colors to depict the figure and background, conveying feelings of self-empowerment and positivity. Participants may allow parts of the underpainting to show through, symbolizing the process of overcoming negative perceptions to embrace their true selves. With Curtia’s guidance, this workshop is designed to help participants move beyond negative perceptions while fostering self-positivity. It also introduces the artistic technique of underpainting as a powerful method of self-expression. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Afnan Yakot, Ghader Bsmar, Hadeal Karrar Curtia Wright Curtia Wright is a multidisciplinary Fine Artist, Mural Artist and Arts Educator based in Toronto, Ontario. She received her BFA at OCAD University in the Drawing and Painting program in 2015. Her murals fuse elements of fantasy, sci-fi and surrealism with vibrant transportive colours used to animate their environments. Her work uses the human figure to showcase narratives often centering around her lived experience. The work she creates looks at mental health, metaphysics, and the ephemerality of dreams and memory through a sci-fi lens. She has collaborated on public art projects with Community organizations, Commercial and Private mural commissions across Canada and Internationally. Photo Credit: Unknown

2018 At Heart (Docu film) 2018 Citizens of The Esplanade Premiered Nov 2018 - Toronto, CA Awards: Best Editing, short documentary film category - Five Continents International Film Festival (Venezuela) - 2019Best Cinematography, short documentary film category - Five Continents International Film Festival (Venezuela) - 2019Award of Merit - IndieFest Film Awards (USA) 2019 OFFICIAL SELECTION: Alternative Film Festival (Canada)Docs Without Borders Film Festival (USA)Five Continents International Film Festival (Venezuela)IndieFEST Film Awards (USA)Diversity Feedback Film Festival (Canada) Canadian Diversity Film Festival (Canada) Project Genesis: In 2018, more than 150 Esplanadians of all ages (people who live, work, study and play in The Esplanade neighbourhood – downtown Toronto) embarked, with a team of artists, on a co-creative process to produce a participatory community-engaged docu-film. At Heart, Citizens of The Esplanade shines a light on our neighbourhood, the St Lawrence, and invites people to reflect on the values that drive community development and city planning. Artistic team: Producer: Isorine Marc Film director: Ayelen Liberona & Joseph Camí Assistant Project Coordinator: Yasmin Harris, Afsheen Chowdury, Nadifa Daud Mohamed Creative Process MARCH 2018: A total of 39 people joined a series of circle discussions to share personal stories or stories from our community which we feel are untold, silenced or represent a challenge. MAY 2018: A series of exciting workshops during which 32 people brainstormed, shared ideas and took artistic directions for the film with a creation of a series of shots. FILM PRODUCTION - JULY & AUG 2018: More than 100 people stepped in front of the camera as talents of our project. Another 20 people worked long hours behind the camera to bring this project to life. EDITING & POST-PRODUCTION: SEPT & OCT 2018 PREMIERE OF THE FILM - SOLD-OUT Nov 26, 2018 - Berkeley Theatre SECOND SCREENING: Nov 28, 2018 - Performing Arts Lodge

Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects INDOOR ACTIVITIES / WEDNESDAY SEWING / HOODED SCARF - SEPTEMBER 2024 SEWING Wednesday 7 pm Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects September 2024 HOODED SCARF Sept 4 - 11 - 18 - 25, 2024 Artist: Anita Boey This September, we invite you to participate in our exciting new series of sewing workshops, themed “Storybeing.” This concept, introduced by lead artist Nova Bhattacharya, reflects the idea that “art making is embodied storytelling.” Nova’s vision of “Storybeing” emphasizes that we are all living dynamic stories as the main characters in our own narratives. Our Sewing Facilitator, Anita Boey, has designed a Hooded Scarf made from repurposed sari and wool. This elegant scarf wraps around the neck while providing protection for the head. Much like a storyteller revealing layers of a narrative, this scarf unfolds to showcase intricate details and diverse characters within its design. Create Your Own Customized Hooded Scarf Participants will have the opportunity to create their own Hooded Scarf. We will provide a selection of fabrics to choose from, and we encourage participants to bring any special fabric that holds personal meaning. For this project, participants will need 2 meters of thick, yet soft fabric (imagine a cozy scarf). For novice sewers, our dedicated Sewing Workshop Assistants, Shaimaa and Ghader, will guide you through the fundamental skills of operating a sewing machine, starting with a simple yet captivating scarf without the hood. SHOWCASE YOUR WORK Sewing participants are highly encouraged to attend the “Saturday Mingling” event at Jamii on September 28th. This will be an opportunity to showcase your Hooded Scarf 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 Wednesday, September 4 Introduction to the theme of “Storybeing” and its inspiration for the Hooded Scarf design. Participants will choose their fabric, transfer the pattern pieces onto their fabric, and cut their fabric. Wednesday, September 11 Sew the outer and lining of the hood. Wednesday, September 18 Sew the outer and lining of the scarf and piece together the hood and scarf. Wednesday, September 25 Add finishing touches to the Hooded Scarf. Conclude with a Storytelling Fashion Show! SEWING WORKSHOPS FOR SEPTEMBER IS NOW FULL. PLEASE JOIN THE WAITLIST THROUGH THE BUTTON BELOW AND WE WILL GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU IF ANY SPOTS BECOME AVAILABLE. REGISTRATIONS WILL OPEN FOR WEDNESDAY SEWING OCTOBER WORKSHOPS ON SEPTEMBER 15 AT 12 PM. PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE AND REGISTER FOR THE UPCOMING MONTH. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PROJECT PARTICIPANTS WORK ON IS DIFFERENT EACH MONTH. 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

The Jamii Hub turns into a niche artistic sanctuary once a month on Tuesdays! In June, join us to step into the world of braid hair and sweetgrass with our workshop led by Shelly Ann Mc Leod. INDOOR ACTIVITIES / TUESDAY LEARNING / NICHE ARTISTIC PRACTICES / BRAID HAIR AND SWEETGRASS - JUNE 2024 LEARNING Tuesday 7 pm Niche Artistic Practices Braid Hair and Sweetgrass June 2024 June 4, 2024 Workshop Lead: Shelly Ann Mc Leod Here comes a unique opportunity to learn how to braid hair and sweetgrass! Join us on Tuesday, June 4th at 7pm at The Jamii Hub to learn not only how to braid hair and sweetgrass, but also the cultural significance of this practice in Trinidad and Tobago and other cultures, including Indigenous peoples in Canada. Artist Shelly Ann Mc Leod, born in Trinidad and Tobago, grew up learning how to braid hair and sweetgrass from a young age. Now a professional dancer and teacher, Shelly Ann finds in braiding spirituality, esthetics and practicality. Beautifully relating to this month's theme of Connectedness by our lead artist Nickeshia Garrick, this workshop guided by Shelly Ann explores the similarities between a practice from the Caribbean and Indigenous peoples here. Heads-up: We will be on a break in July and August. Jamii's indoor activities & workshop series will commence in September 2024. REGISTER NOW! Photos by Isorine Marc, Shelly Ann Shelly Ann Mc Leod Born on the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago, Shelly Ann began formal dance training at age 11 with Les Enfants Dance Company. She has traveled the Caribbean representing Trinidad and Tobago at various dance festivals. After expansive dance training, she then took her pedagogy to Seneca College, York University Campus as Dance and Movement Professor in August 2016, and Movement Professor at Toronto Film School in January 2018. She is now the Dance and movement Educator at Emery Collegiate Institute. Instagram 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. REGISTER NOW 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

The Jamii Hub turns into a painting sanctuary once every month on Thursdays! In May, participants will create brilliant abstract acrylic pour artwork on canvas boards with the lead of Andrew Patterson. INDOOR ACTIVITIES / THURSDAY CREATING / PAINTING NIGHTS / ACRYLIC POURING - MAY 2024 CREATING Thursday 7 pm Painting Nights ACRYLIC POURING May 2024 May 9, 2024 Facilitator: Andrew Patterson What happens when different colours come together? They can create beautiful, unexpected new visions! Using a variety of colours of their choosing, during this workshop, you will create brilliant abstract acrylic pour artwork on canvas boards. Artist Andrew Patterson will suggest colours that work well together, and demonstrate some basic pouring techniques for people to experiment with. These works will stand on their own as vibrant abstracts, or can even be used as the background for further experimentation! Register now to enjoy pouring acrylic! REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by May Roots Andrew Patterson Andrew Patterson is a Toronto-based artist and designer working to challenge myths and ideas regarding identity. In particular, his work focuses on the subject of mixed-race identity and the spaces where it overlaps; culturally, ethnically, and socially. What similarities and differences do we emphasize, and why? And what bridges might be discovered and formed by those who occupy those spaces in between? These are the questions he hopes to explore and answer, often through portraiture, abstraction, and decorative/geometric symbolism. We need new fiction. Instagram Photo Credit: Unknown

The Jamii Hub turns into a crafting sanctuary twice a month on Thursdays! In March, you are invited to learn how to paint talevera tiles led Alejandra Higuera. TALEVERA TILES - MARCH 2024 INDOOR ACTIVITIES / THURSDAY CREATING / CRAFTING NIGHTS / CREATING Thursday 7 pm Crafting Nights TALEVERA TILES March 2024 March 14 - 21, 2024 Facilitator: Alejandra Higuera In Crafting Nights in the month of March, we delve into the rich history of Talevera Tiles, a tradition steeped in artistry and community. Talevera Tiles traces its roots back to a small village where artisans discovered a unique method of crafting vibrant and intricate tiles. Talavera pottery originated in Spain. From the 11th century through 1492, Muslims from northern Africa, commonly referred to at the time as Moors, spread the techniques and designs of Islamic lusterware pottery as they inhabited various regions of the Iberian peninsula. Over generations, this tradition evolved into a cherished communal practice, where each tile became a canvas for stories, culture, and shared experiences. Today, we revive this timeless tradition in our community. This workshop is not just about painting tiles; it's about weaving the threads of our stories into a mosaic of shared history. So, let your creativity flow, embrace the spirit of Talevera Tiles, and let's together create masterpieces that will tell our stories! Reserve your spot now. Photos by Afnan Yakot Alejandra Higuera Alejandra Higuera (she/her) is a queer multidisciplinary, visual storyteller focusing on creating poetic visuals through different mediums: video, illustration, animation, embroidery, and projection. Her work focuses on themes of migration, feminism, memory, grief, ritual and being a solo parent by centering the intricate stories of immigrant, queer, and BIPOC resilience, exploring how healing leads us to re-imaging ourselves. As a Latinx artist, Alejandra supports our ever-changing identities, resisting homogenization through a decolonizing lens. Alejandra spends a lot of her time being curious: making up songs and languages, learning about plants, drawing, and being creative with her seven-year-old kiddo. Instagram Photo by Ana Higuera

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY CELEBRATIONS / 2020 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY Jamii's Annual Celebrations 2nd Year 2020 2nd Annual National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations June 21, 2020 David Crombie Park On June 21st, it was our deepest honour to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day in David Crombie Park. We were blessed with drumming, singing and dancing by Blackfoot Standing, Michele Perpaul, Bri Briskool Marie, Nimkii Osawamick, Danny Mckenna, and Maria Bonaparte. We are grateful for a beautiful audience to celebrate with us, and glad everyone kept their physical distances with one another. The event was co-presented with Canadian Stage and supported by Ontario Arts Council and Canada Council for the Arts. Photos by Gillian Mapp

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / LAINI / BECOMING CLUB LAINI Youth Wednesday & Thursday After School A Jamii initiative to encourage girls and young women to explore art and leadership! BECOMING CLUB June & July 2021 - Ages: 11-13 yrs old Led by Ayelen Liberona A Rite of Passage, Connection & Collective Creation. "Becoming Garden" was a journey through art, music and imagination to explore our stories and why we tell them. A unique opportunity to dream with and learn from professional artists, earth workers, story weavers and mystery makers. Participants were invited to play, dig in, grow wings and dance with their shadow. Becoming Club participants were also part of the creation and performance of the "Becoming Garden: Cultivating Gratitude; Composting Grief; Harvesting the Mystery" - a performance that premiered on The Esplanade on July 15-17, 2021. 10 participants - 43 hours of workshops Ayelen Liberona is a multifaceted dancer, filmmaker, culture maker and community weaver. She is the co-founder of The Wandering Eye, where she creates award winning films and site-specific experiences as powerful tools for transformation and social justice. She is also the co-founder/director of Becoming Praxis, an organization committed to developing Open Source Ritual Architectures and Pedagogies that re-story our relationship to land and to each other. 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 / THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS - FEBRUARY 2025 DISCOVERING Tuesday 7 pm Book Club THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS February 2025 February 4, 2025 Facilitator: Eshe Mercer-James This month, as part of Jonelle Sills' theme “Mirrors,” Jamii’s Book Club will explore Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking-Glass . Following Alice’s journey into a mirror wonderland, we’ll explore the theme of reflection and ask ourselves: What’s in your looking-glass world? The book is in the public domain and is easily accessible online , at libraries, or in bookstores. We invite you to read it and join our discussion, facilitated by literature professor Eshe Mercer-James. REGISTER NOW! 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. She is excited to share her passion for literature with the Jamii community! Photo Credit: Ghader Bsmar

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY CELEBRATIONS / 2021 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY Jamii's Annual Celebrations 3rd Year 2021 3rd Annual National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations June 21, 2021 at 4 pm David Crombie Park - The Esplanade & Princess St On Monday, June 21st, Jamii initiated a story-sharing circle in David Crombie Park, with the intent to acknowledge National Indigenous Day and honor the Indigenous peoples on whose land we currently reside. Jim Adams, Jamii co-President and a member of the Tkaronto Indigenous arts community for many years, and the whole Jamii family, invited community members to listen and reflect as guest Indigenous artists share stories with us. Guest artists include Kim Wheatley, Sue Croweagle, Jennifer Alicia, Leonard Benoit, and Aria Evans. It was an honor for Jamii to welcome such respected guests in our community. The event was supported by Canadian Heritage and Canada Council for the Arts | Conseil des arts du Canada. Photos by Delphy Photography

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

The Jamii Hub turns into a crafting sanctuary twice a month on Thursdays! In April, you are invited to learn natural beauty care for skin and hair led Muna Elbadri. AFROCENTRIC SELF-CARE - APRIL 2024 INDOOR ACTIVITIES / THURSDAY CREATING / CRAFTING NIGHTS / CREATING Thursday 7 pm Crafting Nights AFROCENTRIC SELF-CARE April 2024 April 18 - 25, 2024 Facilitator: Muna Elbadri April 18 Making Juices and Wellness Shots Join us for a very special “crafting session” as we learn how to make homemade juices and wellness shots incorporating African native fruits and plants such as baobab and sorrel (hibiscus), as well as ginger and lemon. These homemade concoctions are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that support gut health and overall wellness. Participants will also learn about the importance of gut health and the lymphatic system, as well as the benefits of various natural ingredients. All ages, genders and levels are welcome, regardless of where you are on your wellness journey. Jamii provides all supplies. April 25 Natural Beauty Care for Skin and Hair Waleed Abdulhamid is bringing to you yet another unique crafting session led by Muna Elbadri! In this crafting session, we'll delve into the world of natural beauty care, focusing on skincare and haircare using wholesome, natural ingredients. Participants will learn the importance of gut health for the skin and the benefits of ingredients including saffron, coconut oil, cloves, sea moos, rosemary and fenugreek. We will explore how to harness the power of these ingredients to create homemade skincare and haircare products that nourish and beautify. All ages, genders and levels are welcome, regardless of where you are on your wellness journey. Jamii provides all supplies. Photos by Afnan Yakot Muna Elbadri Muna Elbadri is the co-owner and operator of Esra’s in the heart of Moss Park. She has a passion for holistic wellness and learned the art of herbal medicine from her grandmother whose ancient wisdom has been passed down through generations from Sudan. Muna’s journey has taken her far and wide, particularly through the vibrant landscapes of the Caribbean, where she soaked up traditional healing practices and herbal remedies. Her shop Esra’s is more than a juice bar, but a community hub dedicated to empowering individuals to take charge of their physical and mental well-being through mindful dietary choices. Instagram Photo Credit: Unknown

The Jamii Hub turns into a creative writing sanctuary on Sundays! Led by Carolina Leité, join us to explore the concept of Forró, weaving our personal experiences into poetry and spoken word. INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CREATIVE WRITING / FORRO - FEBRUARY 2024 VERSIFYING Sunday 7 pm Discover your unique poetic voice! February 2024 FORRÓ February 4 - 11 - 18, 2024 Facilitator: Carolina Leite In the inaugural session of our Sunday Versifying series, we'll briefly explore the concept of Forró, weaving our personal experiences into poetry and spoken word. Participants will delve into the world of Northeast Brazilian music, gaining insights and unlocking creativity through the art of storytelling. REGISTER NOW Photos by Shaimaa Yakout Carolina Leite Toronto-based creative. Originally from Brazil, Sao Paulo. Creative writing & music representative. MILKNDHONEY's Career started when she landed a scholarship in Toronto through a poetry contest that took place in Brazil, 2015. Since then, she has volunteered in Festivals with Manifesto and Uma Nota Culture, conducted creative writing workshops with OCASI and pitched her point of view in regards to emerging artists in Toronto with Shifter Magazine. Currently, MILKNDHONEY is part of Mar Aberto, an Afro-Brazilian Drumming group based in Toronto while developing her exclusive music and entrepreneurial career. Instagram Photo by Ana Higuera

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Zaynab Wilson Singer & Musician website Zaynab Wilson is a wayfaring multi-instrumentalist who transmutes stories of growth and progress into songs. Born in Montréal and raised in a Trinidadian steelpan-playing family band, she sculpts an original soundscape combining intrinsic ancestral Afro-Caribbean rhythms and her soulful vocalization of the inward and outward journeys. She continues the tradition of blending music and family- community. << BACK TO ARTISTS

This mural was co-created by 16 local youths Community Projects/ MURALS/ BASKETBALL COURT MURAL BASKETBALL COURT MURAL David Crombie Park This mural was co-created by 16 local youths A group of sixteen youth from The Esplanade studied local and international murals, shared their values and ideas, consulted with the community, created a design, and spray-painted the basketball court wall to create the Crombie Park Basketball Court Mural. The mural design process started in April 2014 and included reaching out to the community and encouraging all neighbours to share their own design suggestions to feed the creative process. The mural was unveiled on July 19th with performances by The Fairest and Best, and Rated X Dance Crew. The mural has since gathered international recognition and has been featured in films, commercials, music videos and more! CREDITS: Lead Artist: Shalak Attack Assisting Artists: Julian Periquet & Bruno Smoky Curator: Isorine Marc Coordination and Community Outreach: Zoie Browne Rights Owner: Jamii Esplanade Participating Youths: Afnan, Anthony, Delina, Edan, Farid, Hanna, Jennaiya, Karen, Molly, Mumina, Nada, Noel, Raecheal, Tyson, Yasmin and Yossef. Initiated and produced by Jamii Esplanade © Jamii Esplanade COMMERCIAL USE FORM

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Sharon Zarita Adhiambo Writer website Sharon Zarita Adhiambo is a Kenyan arts administrator, consultant and creative leader whose heart beats for holistic development of people and communities through artistic experiences. Zarita has worked in the arts sector in Kenya and Canada producing projects centered on self expression, social integration, and cultural celebration. Her work is grounded in creating barrier-free spaces where everyone can explore the artist in them while remaining authentic in their identity and stories. Apart from being an arts worker, she strengthens the industry as a mentor and advocate for arts progression. Zarita holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Arts Administration from Humber College and is currently the Arts Program Officer at Assembly Hall, City of Toronto. She is also the founder of Sekoya East Africa, a non-profit that provides emerging crafters and other artists in Kenya accessible professional development resources and mentorship to advance their careers locally, produce artwork with a global influence and have a peer community to belong to. Since 2019, she has worked with Jamii in various capacities and projects with the most recent being The Little Esplanade. She is delighted to join Jamii’s community this March as a guest curator alongside other incredible artists.   << BACK TO ARTISTS

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / LAINI / STORYTELLING & SONGS LAINI Youth Wednesday & Thursday After School A Jamii initiative to encourage girls and young women to explore art and leadership! STORYTELLING & SONGS November 2021 - Ages 14-17 Led by Jonelle Sills This series of workshops, led by celebrated Opera signer Jonelle Sills, were designed as weekly sessions meant to build communication skills specific to the medium of song. Participants enjoyed spending time together learning developing their musical and creative talent. Jonelle is one of Canada’s 30 hot classical musicians under 30 for 2020 by CBC Music. Jonelle was a member of the Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists Program with Vancouver Opera in 2022. In the fall of 2020 Miss Sills made her debut with the National Arts Centre Orchestra singing Samuel Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915 and Carlos Simon’s Portrait of a Queen with text by Courtney Ware Lett. 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

The Jamii Hub turns into a crafting sanctuary twice a month on Thursdays! In February, you are invited to learn how to punch needle led Alejandra Higuera. PUNCH NEEDLE - FEBRUARY 2024 INDOOR ACTIVITIES / THURSDAY CREATING / CRAFTING NIGHTS / CREATING Thursday 7 pm Crafting Nights PUNCH NEEDLE February 2024 February 8 - 22, 2024 Facilitator: Alejandra Higuera Join artist Alejandra Higuera for an engaging Punch Needle Workshop. Explore the delightful world of expressing yourself through thread and needle in a fun and creative way. During this workshop, participants will craft decorative pieces for their homes, enjoying a learning environment tailored to their pace. By the end of the session, everyone will leave with their own unique piece—a tangible creation from an inspiring day of artistic exploration. Photos by Afnan Yakot Alejandra Higuera Alejandra Higuera (she/her) is a queer multidisciplinary, visual storyteller focusing on creating poetic visuals through different mediums: video, illustration, animation, embroidery, and projection. Her work focuses on themes of migration, feminism, memory, grief, ritual and being a solo parent by centering the intricate stories of immigrant, queer, and BIPOC resilience, exploring how healing leads us to re-imaging ourselves. As a Latinx artist, Alejandra supports our ever-changing identities, resisting homogenization through a decolonizing lens. Alejandra spends a lot of her time being curious: making up songs and languages, learning about plants, drawing, and being creative with her seven-year-old kiddo. Instagram Photo by Ana Higuera

Winter 2024 Community Projects/ Photo Exhibits/ THE PACT THE PACT Winter 2024 Winter 2024 Exhibited at The Jamii Hub (264 The Esplanade) Since 2022, a group of about 15 girls and young women from The Esplanade has traveled to Farming Futures Coop near Madoc, ON, where they are led by both Jamii and the Becoming Praxis teams for five days of artistic adventures on the land. During this immersive week, the participants, guided by a professional artist, harvest food from the garden, swim in the river, walk through the forest, share stories around the fire, and engage in arts projects. In 2024, the group embraced the challenge of creating a photo exhibition exploring the meaning of friendship. Participants chose the theme, took the photographs, curated the collection, and crafted their own artistic statement, which includes the exhibit’s powerful title:  The Pact.  This project reflects what friendship means to them. Unveiled on Thursday, November 28, 2024 On display from November 2024 to February 2025 CREDITS Producer: Jamii and Becoming Praxis Lead Artist: Nilaya Sabnis Artistic Advisors: Ayelen Liberona, Isorine Marc Photographers: Chloé, Aéla, Santana, Jacqueline, Trinity, Kandi, Ruby, Mila, Garesah, Zélia, Maryam, Lisa, Sanaa and Ariya. Youth support: Karen Lam Coordination & Hearth Care: Lindy Zucker, Angell Owens ARTISTIC STATEMENT BY LEAD ARTIST NILAYA SABNIS: In our week together, I learned a lot about friendship watching the way these incredible girls looked out for each other, tried new things in a new land, played together, and shared an experience that none of us will soon forget. They showed me that friendship is indeed a pact, a decision, a promise, sometimes unspoken, but always shown. Friendship is making sure that everyone gets a cookie before anyone takes seconds. It’s walking the youngest across the field to the outhouse so she doesn’t feel alone and scared. Friendship is noticing when someone is struggling and offering your help. It’s braiding bracelets in the dome, and each other’s hair by the river. Friendship is encouraging someone when they’re trying something new. It’s holding hands on slippery rocks and making sure no one is left behind. Friendship can be quiet, or it can be rowdy. It lasts through laughter and through tears. Friendship is the comfort of knowing you are not going through anything alone. And this is exactly the story these girls have so beautifully told through this series of images, each one unique and true to the vision of artist who made it. It was a privilege to show them basic photography techniques and watch them take it on as their own. I am so proud of them for learning a new language in such a short time and using it to tell this story. But above all, I'm so grateful to them for reminding us all what friendship truly is.  ARTISTIC STATEMENT BY YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHERS: Friendship is like juice boxes. I give you one now because you’re thirsty, and when I’m thirsty, you’ll have one for me too. We share, we care, and we’re here for each other. There are some basics about friendship: trusting each other and creating a space to share our true feelings. You tell each other things you wouldn’t tell anyone else. Respect, care, and support are key. Friends can laugh with each other in a genuine way, tease each other for fun, and know how everyone is feeling. We make sure everyone is included and having a good time. Friendship is also about finding compromises that work for everyone when we don’t agree. Friendship can be complicated. Sometimes, things don’t go right the first time, and you mess things up. But friendship can be wonderful if you work hard at it. One of the most important things about friendship is believing in one another—when we encourage each other, we can do great things that make us feel stronger. Friendship is precious: it’s joyful, warm, and priceless. You’re never alone, with friends who check in on you every day to make sure you’re okay. Older friends show me respect and care, which makes me feel great. We care for each other, and we make sure it’s safe for everyone. Friendship is something you can’t take away. You’re there for your friends, not just in joyful times but also when they’re down, sad, or angry, or feeling anything else. You support them and encourage them to look on the bright side. Friendship brings happiness all around. In the end, friendship is life. Friendship is love. Friendship is happiness for all. And really, making new friends is easy—kindness is the way to go. Be kind to the people you meet because they could become friends who share some of the most wonderful experiences that might transform your life.

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Michael Caldwell Dancer, Choreographer, Artistic Director website Michael Caldwell (he/him) is a choreographer, performer, curator, artistic director, producer, and arts advocate, based in Tkaronto, Canada. 
 Garnering critical acclaim, his choreography has been commissioned/presented throughout Canada at major festivals, in traditional venues and in site-responsive and community-engaged contexts. Michael’s most recent choreographic work responds to the 'site' in as many ways as can be conceived, and subverts traditional modes of viewing. He recently premiered ‘Two x 30’ - a large-scale performance/sound work as part of ArtworxTO: Toronto's Year of Public Art, and is currently working on two collaborative multidisciplinary performance projects. Caldwell is a two-time K.M. Hunter Charitable Foundation Artist Award finalist. 
 Michael has performed/collaborated with over 55 of Canada's esteemed performance creators/companies, working internationally and performing across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. His performances have earned him two (2) Dora Mavor Moore Awards for outstanding performance in dance. 

 Currently, Michael serves as Artistic Director at SummerWorks in Tkaronto, and as Programming Advisor for Festival of Dance Annapolis Royal, in Nova Scotia. Most recently, as Creative Director: Programming at Generator, he led the reimagination of the overall governance structure of the organization, moving towards a co-leadership framework. Previously, Michael played a pivotal role in the growth and development of Fall for Dance North, serving as Executive Producer for eight years. He has also previously guided projects with CanAsian Dance, Dusk Dances, Older & Reckless, and Kaeja d’Dance’s ‘Porch View Dances’. In addition, he acts as a consultant with various arts organizations and as a mentor to many emerging artists/curators in the Tkaronto arts community.
 With a bachelor’s degree in film/art history from Syracuse University in upstate New York, and professional dance training at Dance Arts Institute, Michael now serves as President of the Board of Directors at The CanDance Network. << BACK TO ARTISTS

Spring 2022 Community Projects/ Photo Exhibits/ SEEING EVERGREEN SEEING EVERGREEN Spring 2022 Spring 2022 To know a forest you start with roots. Exhibited at The Esplanade & Frederick St. David Crombie Park "Seeing Evergreen" is the title of a photo exhibition that offered 12 participating older adults the opportunity to connect with local youth and share their story through a series of one-on-one conversations. The youths, who are part of Jamii’s Laini initiative (mentoring young women in leadership), were invited to design and create an exhibition of portraits that encapsulates these older adults' stories through words and photography. The creative process was facilitated by co-leaders Maysam Ghani and Ana Higuera. Unveiled on Saturday, April 2, 2022 On display Early Spring to Summer 2022 As part of CREDITS Produced and presented by Jamii @jamiiesplanade Created, curated and designed by Jamii’s Laini youth: Dani Gakumba, Aela Kuria, Sophia Leopold-Muresan, Gennavive Marshall, Tenzin Paldon, Pushpa Saha, Anhar Salem, Morgan Tortolo, Zhenmei Wong-Ward, Nancy Hydee Lanuza Villatoro Creation process facilitation: Ana Maria Higuera and Maysam Ghani Photography: Ana Maria Higuera Project Management: Maysam Ghani Project Direction: Isorine Marc Graphic Design: Iris Unlu Illustrations: Juliana Bandeira Process facilitation guidance: Usha James Presented as part of Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival Supported by: RBC Foundation, TD Ready Commitment, Rama Gaming House, Government of Ontario’s Reconnect Festival & Event Program and Canada Healthy Communities Initiatives. Community Partner: St Lawrence Community Recreation Centre Jamii Statement: As one might imagine, this past winter has been especially hard for many of the seniors in our neighbourhood. Jamii's intention is to feature the voices and stories of local seniors and invite them to take a central seat in our community as we share moments of their journeys, aspects of their resilience, and the richness of their stories. This project offered 12 participating seniors the opportunity to connect with a local youth and share their story through a series of one-on-one conversations. The youth, who are part of Jamii’s Laini initiative (mentoring young women in leadership), were invited to design and create an exhibit of portraits that encapsulates these seniors' stories through words and photography. Our group of Laini youth conceived, curated and designed this exhibit. They wrote each piece of poetry, conceived the concept for each illustration, chose the exhibit title, location, display, and also wrote, through group collaboration, the poetic “Seeing Evergreen” artistic statement. The youth, guided by the artistic leadership of Ana Maria Higuera and Maysam Ghani, embarked on a series of 10 workshops, one-on-one conversations with their “grand-parent”, and photo-shoot sessions to create their portraits. The youth exercised creative leadership skills through exchanging ideas, perspectives and opinions, while delving deeply into the “why” and "how" of honouring the stories of their community members. We are extremely proud to carry their voices and to present this exhibit to everyone in David Crombie Park this Spring. Staying true to the heart of Jamii’s mission, we hope this project will contribute to enhancing social cohesion in our community during this heightened time of isolation. We hope this project gives the opportunity to create new memories for all who took part in this journey, and that we are successful in nurturing the seeds of leadership for this brilliant and passionate group of Laini youth. To Carol-Anne, Chet, Ilse, Joel, Nancy, Naomi, Stella, Victoria, Vivienne, Wajdan, and our two participants who would like to remain unnamed: we thank you for being brave and being a part of this project, sharing your story with all of us. It takes a lot of courage, and trust and we do not take this for granted. To Aela, Anhar, Dani, Gennavive, Morgan, Nancy, Pushpa, Sophia, Tenzin, Zhenmei: your future is bright, we are extremely proud of you, and we will always be there for you wherever life may take you next. Artistic Statement by the 10 young women who conceived, designed and created this exhibition: In our busy lives, we look over many things. Passing other humans without a thought. Forgetting those in our community who are closest to us. Everyone becomes a stranger. We close before we open. Judgement starts before the story begins. Assumptions are made, taking away worth from those we see as burdens. We are in danger of missing without shooting, losing without playing, and we live without meaning. Or do we? “Seeing Evergreen” is an exhibition that explores and builds bridges between generations. From feeling unseen to being seen. From the invisible to the cherished. People’s value in society does not decrease as age increases. We never stop learning and growing; and like a forest, we form an ecosystem. We are one, intertwined and interconnected – one generation with the next. With this exhibit, our intent is to share and bring to light the value of the “grand-parents” of our community, the lessons they can give, and their perspectives on life. Connecting conversations to preserve stories. They are the roots of the community, the seeds that grow and make the Esplanade what it is. Roots hold trees through the storms of time, and as younger generations we can only learn from those who are grounding us. Saplings cannot grow, flourish and mature without the protection of trees, sheltering them from the harshness of outside forces and teaching them how to be. Evergreens are timeless, just like the knowledge the grandparents of our community share with us. We must make connections, from young to old - like a forest of evergreens, we are forever growing together. Seeing Evergreen on Media CANADIAN STAGE Jordana Franklin has interviewed Isorine March, the director of Seeing Evergreen and Maysam Ghani, the manager and one of the facilitator of Seeing Evergreen, and Ana Higuera, photographer and the other facilitator of Seeing Evergreen. The interview published on Canadian Stage's website and newsletter and can be read here: Canadian Stage THE BRIDGE Seeing Evergreen was highlighted on the April 2022 issue of a local newspaper, The Bridge an be read here: Artistic Team: Maysam Ghani Ana Maria Higuera Juliana Bandeira Maysam is a Muslim settler with Palestinian and Syrian roots, who was born and raised in Tkaronto (Toronto) in the Esplanade community - Jamii’s home community. She is a graduate with a degree in Global Development Studies and Bachelor of Education with specializations in First Nations, Metis and Inuit studies, and History from Queen’s University. Maysam is an aspiring educator, a published emerging poet, and community organizer. She specializes in teaching and working with youth deemed “at-risk” through her work with Roots and Wings Kingston, Family and Child Services, and award-winning Toronto District School Board Oasis Alternative Secondary School. Ana Maria Higuera is a self-taught photographer and videographer who captures the poetry, raw beauty and extraordinary of the everyday, focusing on nature, women and community initiatives. Juliana Bandeira is a Latin American visual artist and graphic designer from Brazil. She has been living in Toronto since 2016 when she started studying Graphic Design at George Brown College. Her works involve everyday themes, body investigations and feminine/feminist experiences. Besides daily visual explorations, she loves black coffee, music and cooking. Supported by:

2011 - present International Arts Experience 2011 - present With dance/theatre company CORPUS With the support of individual donations from The Esplanade community, Maysam, Pauline and Kai were offered the amazing opportunity to travel to the other side of the planet with professional artists, attending international arts events (festivals, showcases, community performances, workshops...). The three youth joined the company on tour alongside Isorine Marc. These life-changing experiences were unique cultural and artistic opportunities to explore, learn and grow. Upon their return to The Esplanade, Maysam, Pauline and Kai shared their experiences with their families, classmates and the local community-at-large. A lot of gratitude to all the donors who brought these experiences to life. Kai - 2017 - South Africa Pauline - 2015 - China Maysam - 2011 - Cambodia

The Jamii Hub turns into a niche artistic sanctuary once a month on Tuesdays! In March, join us to learn Balkan & Middle Eastern Rhythms led by Jaash Singh. INDOOR ACTIVITIES / TUESDAY LEARNING / NICHE ARTISTIC PRACTICES / BALKAN & MIDDLE EASTERN RHYTHMS - MARCH 2024 LEARNING Tuesday 7 pm Niche Artistic Practices Balkan & Middle Eastern Rhythms March 2024 March 19, 2024 Workshop Lead: Jaash Singh Join acclaimed percussionist Jaash Singh and learn how to groove to a series of exciting Balkan and Middle-Eastern rhythms. Jaash will be leading the workshop on a darbuka, however any hand drum will work, such as frame drums and cajóns. We will work on creating a short composition together and perform at the Saturday Mingling event on March 23rd! *If you don’t have a drum, Jamii will provide them. Please let us know when you register for this workshop. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Iris Unlu Jaash Singh Jaash Singh is a multifaceted percussionist who grew up as a self-taught drummer in Toronto’s heavy rock, punk and metal scene through the late 90s and early 2000s. Through dance accompaniment at Roula Said's dance studio, he found his way into the world of world music, dance and theatre. These days, Jaash specializes in Middle-Eastern, Eastern European, Spanish and Roma traditional folk music styles for dance, live performance, television and theatre, and continues to study in Eastern Europe and Turkey. Jaash is the darbouka player for the Lemon Bucket Orkestra, Ventanas and Zephyr. Instagram Photo Credit: Paula A. White

2 INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SATURDAY MINGLING / MIGRATION - MARCH 2024 MINGLING Saturday 7 pm Monthly Community Gathering: A night filled with music, dance, and other art forms! MIGRATION March 2024 March 23, 2024 Lead Artist: Tamar Ilana Gather at Jamii for a lively Saturday evening at our 'Saturday Mingling,' curated by Tamar Ilana, this month’s programming lead. Explore and celebrate the artistic creations, join in for music, dance, and community connections. An enriching night of shared creativity awaits! REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Jae Yang Tamar Ilana 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. Instagram Photo by Sabrine S. Hakam

EMERGING ARTISTS Jamii's RBC Emerging Artist Program DARWIN PETERS, VISUAL ARTS LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITH JAMII I really enjoyed the people, the scenery and the neighborhood of The Esplanade as I made this community my second home, and now, every day I miss Toronto. The Mashkiki mural was special to everyone around the community as they walked by and witness the creative process or attended the unveiling event. The mural had brought everyone in awe and has been an unforgettable experience for me. SEE PROJECT SEE ARTIST'S PAGE 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. FUNDERS:

The Jamii Hub turns into a painting sanctuary once every month on Thursdays! In February, participants will paint a Northern Brazilian landscape with the lead of Julian Periquet. INDOOR ACTIVITIES / THURSDAY CREATING / PAINTING NIGHTS / NORTHERN BRAZIL LANDSCAPE - FEBRUARY 2024 CREATING Thursday 7 pm Painting Nights NORTHERN BRAZIL LANDSCAPE February 2024 February 15, 2024 Facilitator: Julian Periquet In this session, we invite participants to craft a step-by-step painting of a Northern Brazilian landscape. Participants will be learning how to blend with pastels and accompany with acrylic paint. After each session, take home your masterpiece and cherish the memories of a delightful evening at Jamii. No experience is required – just a passion for art and a willingness to explore! REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Afnan Yakot Julian Periquet Marc Julian Periquet is a proud Canadian Filipino born and raised in the downtown core neighbourhood, The Esplanade. He established an addiction to the art world at an early age. More so from the encouragement and creative techniques his father Ernesto instilled in him. Many of his weapons of mass creation vary from pencils to pens, markers to charcoal, acrylics to pastels, spray cans and more. Hands on with all purpose materials, Julian doesn't shy away from making an everyday object come to life artistically. New ventures such as live painting and set building have given Julian an opportunity to work with various creatives. Working well under pressure and inviting new challenges will always be an ever growing trait on his journey. Instagram Photo Credit: Unknown

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY CELEBRATIONS / 2023 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY Jamii's Annual Celebrations 5th Year 2023 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

4 INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SATURDAY MINGLING / ROOTS - MAY 2024 MINGLING Saturday 7 pm Monthly Community Gathering: A night filled with music, dance, and other art forms! ROOTS May 2024 May 25, 2024 Lead Artist: Takako Segawa Come together at Jamii for our 'Saturday Mingling' on May 25th at 7pm with live music, dancing, food and arts. Takako Segawa, our lead artist and curator for "MAY at Jamii" will host the event! With a feel of a community party, we'll share food together, enjoy Takako's dancing, surprise performance by fellow community members and live music by Germaine (vocals), Martin (keys) and Rebekah (guitar). The music will be a fusion of three different musical worlds, with the band members each bringing their own flair to create soul/ R&B/ folk covers of songs we know and love, and with some of Germaine’s original music. We promise an evening filled with shared creativity and camaraderie! REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Jae Yang Takako Segawa 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. Since 2020, she join Emiko Tanaka’s team and established Yosakoi team Ottawa brunch. Instagram Photo by Sabrine S. Hakam

d6c0229c-7b8a-4ea8-948f-4634639d38fb < Back Wawa and Michipicoten Firts Nation Wawa & Michipicoten First Nation SEPT 2020 3rd VISIT In the Fall of 2019, Jamii visited Wawa and invited locals to create visual portraits of fellow neighbours, friends or family member. Altogether, 21 beautiful portraits were created. Following the creation of this series of portraits, Jamii came back to Wawa in September 2020 to exhibit this collection of portraits, along with portraits created in Toronto, Wolfe Island and Pikangikum. Along with this unique exhibit, Jamii invited local artists to bring a selection of these portraits to life through music, dance, storytelling, and drumming; A whirlwind of stories and a unique way to share and celebrate each other stories. ARTISTS: Damian Binda, Isabella Imperatori, Joanne Poisson, Sheila Rodger, Brian Lachine, Mirinda Patterson and Samatha Stewart. Host: Nadine Kwissiwa. Tech: Marty Rodger. Ambassador: Darren Marshall. In partnership with the Municipality of Wawa and Wawa Colab and supported by Ontario Arts Council and Canada Council for the Arts. Photos: Kylie Marie (Inspired Moments Photography) Wawa & MIchipicoten First Nation NOV 9-18 2019 2nd VISIT 2019 JOURNAL: It has been quite an amazing week in Wawa & Michipicoten First Nation. We have created 22 portraits of people from the community made by fellow community members, and in the creative process, more than 50 people were involved. On November 16th, about 60 people joined us at the LakeView Hotel to celebrate this success. (see photos below by Kristen Sabourin). It is humbling to witness people coming through and opening up to each other, especially when they haven't previously met. To say the least, this has been an amazing and moving journey.We are grateful for the support of many partners who greatly contributed in bringing this project to life: Canada Council for the Arts Ontario Arts Council Toronto Arts Council Superior Children Centre Wawa EarlyON Child & Family Centre Wawa Goose Seniors Club Michipicoten High School Michipicoten First Nation CSC Nouvelon A special thank you to all those who participated in this project, included but not limited to: Marilyn Perkovich-Farand, Pauline Dawson, Robin Marshall Davidson, Thelma Joyce Smitham, Carol, Matt Larrett, Chief Patricia Tangie, Lucille Vachon-Case, River Lise Berry, Brian Outinen, Doris Jacques, Jacob Larrett, Melina DeSaulnier, Elma Spooner, Hamza Khan, Kayley East, and Isabella Impératori. Last but not least, thank you to amazing artists Kara Spencer and Dan Bergeron; our community ambassador Darren Marshall, Jamii's President Georgia Reynolds, and the amazing amazing Robin Marshall Davidson. Isorine Marc and the Jamii team are grateful. Thank you Wawa, Ontario. Michipicoten First Nation & Wawa Sept 21st to 25th 2018 1st VISIT 2018 JOURNAL (Oct 1st 2018): Our visit to Michipicoten First Nation and Wawa was yet another soul-enriching journey. On our way to the two communities, we visited the Twilight Resort, Chippewa Falls, Old Women Bay. We then discovered Mr Vallee Park and Anderson Lake, Hawk Junction, Michipicoten High School, Lions Park, Superior Childcare Centre, the local North of 17 and Embassy restaurants (both meeting places in the community), the Lady Dunn Health Centre, Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre, Michipicoten First Nation Community Centre, Sandy Beach and much more. We were blessed to meet Brian Outinen who shared with us his knowledge of pictographs and local legends. Isabeau Allard from the township of Wawa shared with us some insight on the township efforts to bring people together through the new strategic plans. Nancy Auclair told us about Indigenous youth and the importance of finding one’s sense of identity. Nathalie Scully gave us a tour of her camp and told us about Hawk Junction history that was once thriving with the passenger trains, which no longer runs thus reinforcing isolation. Carolle Beaulieu-Pitre showed us her community project of organic farming at the Flying Geese Farm. We also met as a larger group composed of Paula Valois, Amanda Gautier, Brian Lachine, George Brousseau, Jessie Labonte, Maury O’Neil, and Beverly Boyd to discuss how each local organizations are contributing to the overall health of both communities and are linked together, what makes us proud of both Michipicoten First Nation and Wawa, and what are some of the untold & silenced stories of these two communities. Special thank you to Robin Marshall for welcoming us to her community. Previous Next

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Sharon Liboi Singer website Liboi is a Nairobi-based Singer/ Songwriter who uses her creative ability to express the human experience, question humanity and improve the well-being of the deprived in society. Liboi is also a filmmaker, community journalist and project coordinator. Liboi is a strong proponent for social change, culture, and mental awareness. She does African Contemporary music which is a blend of traditional music with elements of popular African genres. Through her music, Liboi has been able to embrace diverse themes from hope, mental health, life, love, patriotism, tribalism, peace, immigration and social ills. She has performed at many events including Unplug Fest: A wellness and revitalization festival, Usawa Festival, and Fete De La Musique at Alliance Francaise Nairobi among others. She has also been in Artist Residencies like Look Me In The I: Co-creation, installation and performance show in Nairobi, Kenya and Into The Mirror: Co-creation, installation and performance show in Rome, Italy. Liboi has also made musical tours in Tanzania, Norway and Spain. She has been featured in ‘From The Margins Album’- an album by Dorphan, a Kenyan poet and ‘Art Continues Album’- an album by Pawa254. << BACK TO ARTISTS

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Andrew Patterson Visual Artist website Andrew Patterson is a Toronto-based artist and designer working to challenge myths and ideas regarding identity. In particular, his work focuses on the subject of mixed-race identity and the spaces where it overlaps; culturally, ethnically, and socially. What similarities and differences do we emphasize, and why? And what bridges might be discovered and formed by those who occupy those spaces in between? These are the questions he hopes to explore and answer, often through portraiture, abstraction, and decorative/geometric symbolism. We need new fiction. << BACK TO ARTISTS

< Back Cocoa and Paint Jamii is hosting a series of FREE “Cocoa and Paint” workshops for people of ALL ages in our community. 2022 - March 30 – April 6 – April 13 (3 evenings) Funded by Rama Gaming House As a group, alongside artist Alison Garwood-Jones, we will be painting the same image individually as a group while enjoying a cup of hot cocoa. Alison will go through a step-by-step process on how to paint the chosen image. This will allow participants to learn new painting skills, while also putting those skills to practice in real-time! The paintings will be an urban scene, a floral painting, and lastly a portrait which is all beginner-friendly. The sessions will also include a healing element as we will explore and express emotions through being intentional with our choice of colours, brush strokes, and technique in addition to our group discussions. Alison Garwood-Jones is a Toronto illustrator and writer who makes art because it lifts her spirits and changes her sense of what's possible. It's a message she likes to share with others. Participants have the option to either commit to all three paint nights or just attend one. The workshops will be on Wednesdays from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm on March 30th, April 6th, and April 13th, 2022, at the St. Lawrence Community Center. FREE - No previous painting experience needed. To register, click below: http://www.jamii.ca/register

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Nickeshia Garrick Dancer, Choreographer, Director website Nickeshia Garrick is a settler on the stolen land of Tkaronto and has performed on this land for over 25 years. They are unapologetically a Black, Queer Artist, who believes in the healing power of breath through raw emotion and movement. Nickeshia received their dance training at the NYIDE (New York Institution of Dance and Education), National Ballet School of Canada (Tkaronto), Toronto Dance Theatre (Tkaronto), and Simon Fraser University (Vancouver). Nickeshia is a Dora Mavor Moore, winning and multi-nominated artist who holds a BFA in Dance from Simon Fraser University and is a Movement Teacher at the Toronto Film School. << BACK TO ARTISTS

2021, 2022 < Back to Events LuminUs CREDITS: WITH THE SUPPORT OF:

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Kristi Heath Stilt Walker website Kristi Heath has been creating and performing stilt characters since God was a baby. Her performing career has taken her around the world and includes stints with Cirque du Soleil, Second City and three World Expos. << BACK TO ARTISTS

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

Summer 2023 Community Projects/ Photo Exhibits/ CALYX CALYX Summer 2023 Summer 2023 As part of Jamii's 5th Annual Celebrating Cultures Event Exhibited at The Esplanade & Berkeley St David Crombie Park Much like the protective green layer around a flower bud, this exhibit, titled Calyx, is a testament to the power of flourishing creativity and blossoming ideas. Designed and created by 15 Esplanadians, under the artistic leadership of Sabrine S. Hakam. Unveiled on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 On display from June to November 2023 In Partnership with As part of CREDITS Created, curated and designed by community members: Maryam Alireza, Dani Gakumba, Sabrine S. Hakam, Aéla Kuria, Zélia Kuria, Sophia Leopold-Muresan, keiron, Isorine Marc, Nadifa Daud Mohamed, Faith Ssempiira, Francesca Ssempiira, Ruthmarie Williams, Shaima Yacout, Afnan Yakot, Eva Zolfaghari Artistic Concept: Sabrine S. Hakam Creation Process Facilitation: Sabrine S. Hakam Photography: Sabrine S. Hakam, Dani Gakumba Project Management: Nadifa Daud Mohamed, Maryam Alireza Project Direction: Isorine Marc Graphic Designer: Iris Unlu Collective Artistic Statement: Much like the protective green layer around a flower bud, our exhibit, titled Calyx, is a testament to the power of flourishing creativity and blossoming ideas. Together, we envisioned, designed, and created an exhibit that nurtures budding talent and passion. The entire process was an opportunity to explore different aspects and expressions of our own personal identities. Through this exhibition, mostly composed of self-portraits, we explore how, both individually and as a group, we relate to society and its pressures. In juxtaposing strong images, we demonstrate how one can decide to see beauty in the world or run away from it. In sharing the intimate stories and learnings that inspired our portraits, we found many bridges to connect us. Creating this exhibit was an act of love for ourselves and our communities, and, in some cases, a lesson on choosing your perspective on life and offering words of wisdom. Artistic Statement by Sabrine S Hakam: In 2022, I started work on ‘Power in Portraits’, a creative project that uses portraiture to explore different facets of BIPOC, postcolonial, and Third Culture identities. As an art form, portraits demand we consider not only how we see ourselves but also how we wish to represent ourselves to the world. Therefore, power exists in the freedom and ability to control our own representation. The ‘Power in Portraits’ workshops, in partnership with Jamii, provided a space for participants to explore portraits as a tool for self-expression, representation and empowerment. These workshops were a unique opportunity for me, as an artist and educator, to both learn from and nurture the creativity of others and invite them to channel their imagination through my artistic method. The results are striking, shocking, beautiful and, most importantly, they represent the power of collaboration, dialogue, mutual appreciation and respect. Calyx is built around teamwork and the free exchange of ideas and while each portrait represents a unique point of view, the exhibit itself represents our work as a group, a team, a creative collective - a Jamii. Click HERE to more information about photographer Sabrine S. Hakam Photo exhibition and unveiling event (Celebrating Cultures) supported by:

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY CELEBRATIONS / 2024 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY Jamii's Annual Celebrations 6th Year 2024 6th Annual National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations June 21, 2024 David Crombie Park Jamii's 6th Annual Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations took place on June 21st in David Crombie Park. Attendees enjoyed a taste of Indigenous food, a captivating dance performance by Tribal Vision Dance, and explored a cultural market featuring Indigenous vendors. Jamii also unveiled a photo exhibition by photographer Maddy King and presented paintings by artist Amberlee King, both from Pikangikum First Nation, who visited Toronto for the occasion. Not only Tribal Vision Dance performed " Visions of Turtle Island" for the general public in the evening, but during the day, they performed for over 300 students from Market Lane Public School. Tribal Vision Dance, a family troupe from the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, brought a high-energy show to share First Nations history and traditions, fostering a deeper appreciation for First Nations culture. The performers explained the history and significance of each dance, introducing the audience to the powwow culture of North American Indigenous people. The cultural market featured jewelry by Theresa Burning, fashion and streetwear by Neechi by Nature, ribbon skirts and accessories by Laura Martin, beads and accessories by Nunny Pelletier, and beadwork and candles by Rikki Singleton. The evening also highlighted Jim Adams, a multidisciplinary artist and educator who combines Indigenous knowledge with contemporary art and science. With a rich cultural heritage connecting to the Swampy Cree, Innu, and Mohawk, as well as Welsh and Kent roots, Jim shared his unique perspective, drawing from his grandfathers' traditions as hunters and gatherers with deep ties to the land and its significance. Jim hosted the event and led a round dance with everyone involved. This special evening brought the community together to celebrate, learn, and appreciate Indigenous culture and peoples. Photos by Jae Yang

The Jamii Hub turns into a creative writing sanctuary once a month on Tuesdays! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CREATIVE WRITING / CREATIVE WRITING FROM THE HEART - MARCH 2025 DISCOVERING Tuesday 7 pm Creative Writing March 2025 WRITING FROM THE HEART March 18, 2025 Facilitator: Damilola Olajire (SmilingPen) Writing has the power to uncover the stories we carry and turn them into art. "Creative Writing from the Heart" is a hands-on workshop designed for anyone, whether you're an emerging writer, someone exploring self-expression, or just curious about putting your thoughts into words. Led by poet Damilola Olajire (SmilingPen), this session will guide you through writing exercises that help translate real-life experiences into creative works. With thoughtful prompts, you'll have the space to reflect, experiment, and craft a piece that is uniquely yours. Sharing is optional, but for those who do, it’s an opportunity to connect with like-minded people and hear different perspectives on storytelling. By the end of the workshop, you'll leave with a completed piece of writing, fresh inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling. Creative Writing is part of Jamii's March Cycle evolved around lead artist Sharon Zarita Adhiambo’s theme "Grounded", which includes workshops like Monday Dancing, Tuesday Culture Cloths, Tuesday Book Club, Wednesday Sewing, Thursday Crafting, Thursday Painting, and Friday Singing. “Through these workshops, we let art and community exchanges guide the discovery of what grounds us, or what we need to find grounding on, and pass this discovery to someone else's journey.” - Sharon Zarita Adhiambo. REGISTER NOW Photos by Shaimaa Yakout, Hadeal Karrar Damilola Muyideen Olajire Damilola Muyideen Olajire, famously known as SmilingPen is a Professional Writer, a Spoken Word Artist, a Storyteller, a Community Project Expert, among many others. He is also the founder of Maryam Olayinka Olajire Foundation (MOOF), one of the fastest-growing public health organizations, back home in Nigeria, that advocates and promotes a good health care system for the common people of the community. Damilola hails from Lagos state (Nigeria) and had his formal education both in Nigeria and in Istanbul, Turkey. As a young immigrant in his 30’s, he has risen to become one of the most recognized African contemporary poets in Canada. Having performed at numerous art and poetry events, he is determined to continue speaking power from the heart, preaching love, hope and peace to the world using poetry. It’s also worth mention that Mr Olajire will be publishing his debut book soon. Damilola, or SmilingPen will fondly say, “I know my dreams are bigger than me, but they’re not impossible”. Photo by Grizzly Visualz

Summer 2023 Community Projects/ Photo Exhibits/ MASHKIKI MASHKIKI Summer 2023 Summer 2023 As part of Jamii's 5th Annual Celebrating Cultures Event Exhibited at The Esplanade & Princess St. David Crombie Park "With this photo exhibition, I intend to capture the essence of life medicine and the human experience and I aim to create each photograph as a unique moment frozen in time, a tiny fragment of a larger story waiting to be told." - Morningstar Quill, photographer. All photos were taken in Pikangikum First Nation. Unveiled on June 21, 2023 On display from June to November 2023 In Partnership with As part of CREDITS Photographer: Morningstar Quill Curator: Isorine Marc Graphic Designer: Iris Unlu Additional Photo Editing: Sabrine S. Hakam Additional Coordination: Vanessa Hazel Artistic Statement by Morningstar Quill: With this photo exhibition, I intend to capture the essence of life medicine and the human experience and I aim to create each photograph as a unique moment frozen in time, a tiny fragment of a larger story waiting to be told. Through this exhibition, you will experience a glimpse into what life medicine means to me and people in Pikangikum First Nation. For example, culture serves as a powerful medicine for individuals and communities, providing identity, pride, and connection to roots. Family is a vital source of great health, fostering love, trust, and emotional support. With nature and wildlife, one can connect to something greater, and nurture empathy for other living beings. I capture a sewing sessions with young women from Pikangikum making Ribbon Skirts: such activity supports social connections, fostering a sense of community and shared interests. Last but not least, sports and games are a powerful medicine for physical and mental health. Not only it contributes to overall well-being and positive emotions, but laughter and friendship are medicine. This exhibition is an invitation to explore what is your own medicine and what you need to heal and take care of your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Most of all, let them remind you of the infinite possibilities that lie within each and every one of us. All photos were taken in Pikangikum First Nation. Click HERE to read more about photographer Morningstar Quill Supported by:

EMERGING ARTISTS Jamii's RBC Emerging Artist Program MORNINGSTAR QUILL, PHOTOGRAPHY LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITH JAMII Booshoo, my name is Morningstar Quill. This summer, Jamii displayed my photos in Toronto, as part of the Mashkiki exhibition in partnership with Contact, Photography Festival. I had the honour of working with and getting to know photographer Sabrine S. Hakam during my week-long stay in The Esplanade neighbourhood. Between visits of artistic institutions, Sabrine and I had the opportunity to work together to produce an image of two women of various ethnic backgrounds coming together and are able to become friends - a self-portrait. I've gained a great deal of knowledge from Sabrine and her photographic work, and I believe she has gained the same. For me, Jamii adds to my experiences and helps me make a name for myself and my art so that maybe someday I'll be able to walk through doors. SEE PROJECT SEE ARTIST'S PAGE MORNINGSTAR QUILL: 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. FUNDERS:

2021 OUTDOOR EVENTS / WAYO / WAYO 2021 WAYO 2021 JAMII'S 2ND ANNUAL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL WAYO was a three-day children’s festival that gave attendees an intimate multi-arts experience through a timed journey of performances through The Berkeley Castle and Canadian Stage’s Berkeley Theatre. The 2nd annual festival welcomed 300 audience members through this parkour festival experience. "Wayo was the ultimate compensation for all the live art children and young audiences have been deprived off lately. Empty lawns, parking lots, staircases, building corners were all designed and utilized as COVID-safe outdoor stages. For the second year, Jamii has successfully offered the arts in a palatable and personal way to young audiences at Wayo Children's Festival.” -Sharon Zarita, Arts Administrator and Writer An artistic footprint for Esplanadian families to encounter Written by Sharon Zarita August 22nd, 2021 "Wayo, a children’s festival produced and presented by Jamii, was the ultimate compensation for all the live art children and young audiences have been deprived off lately. The three day festival gave attendees an intimate multi-arts experience through a journey of performances at Berkeley Castle and Canadian Stage’s Berkeley Theatre. Curated to reflect its Swahili meaning of footprint, eight stages with different groups of artists awaited to gift the attending families a lasting creative mark for the summer. At each stage, the attendees had three minutes of a solo performance, and thereafter engaged by ring masters in an informative post-show analysis. Empty lawns, parking lots, staircases, building corners were all designed and utilised as COVID-safe outdoor stages. Attendees were invited to the parkour by the bleating sounds of CORPUS “Les moutons” sheep. The children look on as a shepherd strolls by the shed to feed the sheep and are left to their own imagination in this display of real life characters in theatrical costumes. “I think that one is a person because he has a beard,” a 5 year old whispers to the dad who challenges her guess with a reminder that goats have beards too. Next they are ushered to a henna booth for a culturally inspired keepsake on their palms. Each child gets to pick a design and while it’s being drawn they are informed on the origin of henna. As the henna dries up, a soft violin tune begins to play in the background which they can’t resist but follow it. The violinist, Saraphina Violin, is joined by lollipop lyra performers Aelxandra Legendre and Eman Hillawi, whose snake-skin costumes in a calming blue hue make the children gasp. Here, they come in close proximity with artistic elements like sounds, movement, set up, wardrobe - and are able to internalize it all without distractions often found in crowds when this performance happens on large platforms. As it ends two sets of claps fill the empty lawn, and even though the artists are used to a more fulsome standing ovation the looks on their faces say this personal performance was just as delightful." "If a dollar was donated for every time a child mentioned the next stage as their favourite Jamii would already be planning next year’s festival. They participate in a giraffe trivia show by Kristi Heath, then are tasked with a toss game to put a ring around the giraffe’s neck. It rebirths zoo experiences they love and have missed. The next three performances happen in the Berkeley Theatre, starting with a powerful percussion and opera duet in the Baillie Theatre by Jonelle Sills, Sergio Xocolate and Suzanne Roberts Smith. At an outdoor corner naturally decorated with a wall plant, they engage with a flamenco dance by Carmen Romero, accompanied by cellist George Crotty. They are offered a toy bird needing a home to take care of. Afterwards, they get to dance and sing along to West African beats and chants of Lua Shayenne and Cécé Haba. As each family takes their turn to be front row guests to these performances, one cannot help but appreciate how the festival has introduced the community to artistic spaces within the neighbourhood that are inaccessible to some. The festival wraps up with a ride on Kisanii Hub, Jamii’s mobile theatre. It cycles around the empty Canadian Stage parking lot, celebrating how this experience has enabled young audiences to experience and enjoy live arts within a COVID world. On their way out, they choose a book to take home from a collection of BIPOC authors. Tayaa, 10 years and Nazaree, 12 years both pick “Amina’s Voice” saying it feels like the girl with curly hair on the cover was calling to them. The two applaud the festival for combining different cultural genres and art forms making them feel like they were on an art tour around the world. Parents in attendance appreciated how this will have a positive effect in the creative development of the children. For the second year, Jamii has successfully offered the arts in a palatable and personal way to young audiences at Wayo Festival. Huge appreciation to them for this much-needed artistic experience." Sharon Zarita is a Kenyan arts administrator at Lakeshore Arts and Editor-in-Chief of Sekoya Magazine, the premier East African crafts and culture publication. Supported by August 19 to 21 LOCATION Berkeley Castle & Berkeley Theatre CREDITS Featured Artists (in order of appearance): Corpus, Saraphina Violin, Alexandra Legendre, Veronica Lee, Kristi Heath, Jonelle Sills, Sergio Xocolate, Suzanne Roberts Smith, George Crotty, Carmen Romero, Lua Shayenne, Cécé Haba. SUPPORTERS AND PARTNERS The Berkeley Castle, Canadian Stage, Canada Council for the Arts, Government of Ontario, and Indigo, Love of Reading Foundation JAMII TEAM Isorine Marc (Artistic Director), Jasmin Linton (Event Manager), DeeAnn Hagler Sagar (Philanthrophy Manager), Amye Sagar (Production Assistant), Cynthia Ruso (Coordinator), Iris Unlu (Graphic Designer) WAYO STAFF Afnan, Tereka, Asmaa, Maha, Alysha, Akram, Ammar, Usama, Rayan, Maram & Anhar. All staff at Canadian Stage, lead by Leslie Hernandez, who helped us onsite Photos by: Jae Yang

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Ayelen Liberona Dancer, filmmaker website Ayelen Liberona is a multifaceted dancer, filmmaker, culture maker and community weaver. She is the co-founder of The Wandering Eye, where she creates award winning films and site-specific experiences as powerful tools for transformation and social justice. She is also the co-founder/director of Becoming Praxis, an organization committed to developing Open Source Ritual Architectures and Pedagogies that re-story our relationship to land and to each other. << BACK TO ARTISTS

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Svetlana Bassauer Fashion Designer website 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. << BACK TO ARTISTS

This mural was created from a local community initiative, in the youth lounge of the St Lawrence Community Recreation Centre. Community Projects/ MURALS/ JUST IMAGINE JUST IMAGINE St Lawrence Community Centre This mural was created from a local community initiative, in the youth lounge of the St Lawrence Community Recreation Centre. ARTISTIC STATEMENT BY LEAD ARTIST, ANDREW PATTERSON: “Just Imagine” is the culmination of weeks of work by the young boys of The Esplanade. This project asks us to reflect on the concept of local community through the lens of imagination. A series of group brainstorms produced playful imagery, from dinosaurs to superheroes, engaging in activities dear to the young minds they sprouted from. Vibrant scenes bursting from colourful comic panels beckon us to imagine where our community came from, and where we might go in the future. From prehistoric ping-pong players through David Crombie raising the foundations of The Esplanade neighbourhood to super-powered basketball and beyond, imagination and creativity will guide us forward and always toward a stronger Esplanade community! ARTISTIC STATEMENT BY THE CO-CREATORS OF THE MURAL, BOYS OF THE ESPLANADE NEIGHBOURHOOD: Our “Just Imagine” mural is a creative expression of our collective minds. Throughout the making of this mural, we had a unique opportunity to interact imaginatively, deepen our friendships, and create new ones. The mural makes this youth space more welcoming and calming. It also gives us a sense of ownership in this shared space. When looking at the mural, it shocks us on how we transformed our thoughts and imaginations into a visual imagery. We were able to tell the story on how we imagine The Esplanade in the past, future, and present with dinosaurs coming before us, to an unexpected visit from spiderman in the future, to our love of basketball and skateboarding representing our present childhood. CREDITS: Lead Artist: Andrew Patterson Curator: Isorine Marc Project Lead: Afnan Yakot Coordination and Community Outreach: Afnan Yakot, Osman Mahmud Participating Youths: This project is co-created by 13 youths, local to The Esplanade neighbourhood Design: Ayan, Dandino, Dario, Kashous, Mohamed, Raheim Painting: Abdu, Adel, Ali, Anees, Ayan, Carter, Dandino, Dario, Javardo, Kashous, Mohamed, Quinci, Raheim Initiated by Jamii, St. Lawrence Community Recreation Centre Advisory Council Produced by Jamii Esplanade Approved by the City of Toronto With community outreach support from UNO Funded by The Kiwanis Foundation TD Bank City of Toronto Main street Innovation Fund COMMERCIAL USE FORM

The Jamii Hub turns into a niche artistic sanctuary once a month on Tuesdays! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / TUESDAY LEARNING / NICHE ARTISTIC PRACTICES / COMING SOON - September 2024 LEARNING Tuesday 7 pm Niche Artistic Practices Coming Soon! September 2024 September 10, 2024 Workshop Lead: Stay tuned We are currently working on the content for this program and will update this page as soon as we are ready to share the exciting happenigns with you! Please stay tuned. REGISTRATION SOON! Photos by Iris Unlu The artist's bio coming soon! Stay tuned.

The Jamii Hub turns into a creative writing sanctuary on Sundays! Led by Patrick De Belen, join us for a series of creative writing and storytelling workshops inspired by this month's theme of "Migration". INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CREATIVE WRITING / MIGRATION - MARCH 2024 VERSIFYING Sunday 7 pm Discover your unique poetic voice! March 2024 MIGRATION March 3 - 10 - 17, 2024 Facilitator: Patrick de Belen For 3 sessions in March, award-winning poet, filmmaker, and storyteller Patrick de Belen will be facilitating a series of creative writing and storytelling workshops inspired by this month's theme of "Migration". Participants will explore different poetic styles through a collection of writing activities and prompts, and experiment with rhythm and rhyme, and the art of spoken word poetry. If you are interested in uncovering your own story, learning to craft a spoken word piece, space to poetically reflect and journal, and potentially developing some public speaking and performance techniques along the way, this workshop series is for you! REGISTER NOW Photos by Shaimaa Yakout Patrick de Belen Patrick de Belen is an award-winning poet, filmmaker, educator and storyteller of many other mediums. His poetry, films and other projects often explore themes of mental illness, the Filipino-Canadian experience, social justice, youth empowerment and advocacy, grief and healing. He is most known for his poetic collaborations with the Toronto Raptors, the NFL, CBC, his 2 spoken word EPs and multiple cine-poems and independent films he wrote and directed himself. When he isn’t onstage, or writing, he is an educator and youth mentor, partnering with many institutions like addiction centres, mental health focused organizations, libraries, schools, jails and more - advocating for storytelling opportunities and platforms in as many spaces as possible. Instagram Photo Credit: Unknown