C/O @hamiltonartistsinc
Local artist-run centres remain committed to supporting community through global and local crises
From the climate change to war, homelessness to pandemics, there is no shortage of crises in the world. Community is crucial to not only navigating and surviving these crises, but also thriving in such times.
Over my last few years as part of the arts and culture team, I’ve seen how important not only art is for brining communities together, but also the artist-run centres that house these works.
Hamilton’s artist-run centres, including Hamilton Artist Inc. and Centre[3] for Artistic + Social Practice, are core components of not only the city’s arts community, but also the larger Hamilton community. These centres have been committed to holding space for community from the day they opened.
Art is something many turn to in times of crisis and these artist-run centres can act as waystations, holding space for this work and offering refuge and an opportunity to connect with others.
“A lot of times art is a way for people to reflect on what's going on around them. It's a way for them to cope and to grieve and to heal and to find hope. For a lot of folks, art is a way to find meaning but also, it's where they find survival and solace. An artist-run center is a way for people to come together around those sentiments and it's a way for us to gather but also share,” said Lesley Loksi Chan, artistic director of Centre[3].
Like everyone else, artist-run centres have been profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. They’ve had to close their physical location, shift their programming online and contend with the challenges each new wave brings. However, they have actively risen to the challenge, continuing to host thoughtful exhibitions and valuable programming while supporting artists.
For example, the Inc. has continued to support artists financially as they had prior to the pandemic, while also expanding their staff, keeping individuals employed throughout the ongoing crises.
“We've committed to finding experimental and innovative ways to pay artists. During this time, our artists fees and the amount of money we're pushing out into people's pockets has not decreased . . . Artists are also experiencing this crisis. Things like the housing crisis are affecting artists who are primarily renters and in a precarious position, so we want to find ways to support them,” explained Derek Jenkins, the executive director of the Inc.
Centre[3] has also worked to create new opportunities for artists through workshops and the opening of their new studio space this past November, while recognizing crises affect different people in different ways and as such, people will need support in different ways.
“As an artist run center it's really our responsibility to pay attention to those different types of effects that are being played out in the community and to really try to offer everyone the support that they need . . . even in terms of what does it mean to offer artistic support? For some people that is equipment; for some people, that is time and space; for some people it is moral support,” said Chan.
To offer the support the community needs, it’s important to understand the issues. The artists behind these centres are often politically and socially engaged individuals and they have been working on building an awareness and an understanding of these crises internally over the years through symposiums and workshops.
“We're constantly doing consciousness raising . . . when there was a fever pitch around helplessness and encampments and there was a lot of work being done in the city, but . . . we were in a position to understand our relationship to that work because we had been building this capacity internally,” explained Jenkins.
The housing crisis has been a concern for many in Hamilton these past few months. For the Inc., part of their response to this local crisis included issuing a statement in support encampment residents and Black housing advocates, following the violent actions of the Hamilton Police Service at the end of November.
“It's an act of solidarity. I think it's important, but it's not material, right? It doesn't actually impact people's safety in ways that are material and we do want to find ways with our internal
and external policies to support people and to make them feel safe and welcome in our community. . . We want to find ways we can contribute to the work people are doing to take care of their neighbors and actually do work to help our neighbors feel safe and feel supported,” said Jenkins.
There is a debate around the effectiveness of statements as a tool, as while they can be an opportunity to show support and share resources, they also run the risk of being performative.
Centre[3] also recently released a statement in solidarity with Ukraine, and both Jenkins and Chan spoke further about how the decision to issue a statement can be a difficult one.
“There’s so much conversation that goes into it...and I feel like [the statements] are there to actually encourage discussion,” said Chan.
Both viewed statements as an important way of showing support and solidarity but stressed that it cannot be the only action taken; it should be done in conjunction with other, including sharing resources and considering possible adjustments to internal policies.
There will never be any shortage of crises in the world, but one does not have to face them alone. Hamilton’s artist-run centres continue to support the community through these times and to holding space for conversation and connection.
“It's an important thing to remember...it’s not a one-way relationship and building those relationships and building and practicing good relations involves recognizing whole people, recognizing whole communities and our attachments [and] obligations to each other,” said Jenkins.
Yoohyun Park/Production Coordinator
Get into the winter spirit with these events during your break from school
With orange and red leaves falling off trees and midterms coming to an end just before exams, the winter season is quickly approaching. As the seasons change, winter seasonal and holiday events are coming back to the Hamilton area. For students currently living in and around campus, here are eight events to get you into the spirit of the season in December.
Winter Wonders at the Royal Botanical Gardens
From Nov. 24 to Jan. 9, Hendrie Park will be transforming into a wonderland at the Hamilton Royal Botanical Gardens — complete with festive lights and nature at every turn.
As you stroll through the gardens, there will be festive music as you go along the 1 ½ kilometre walk, which should take around an hour to complete. Student and youth admission is currently on sale at a discounted rate.
The Nutcracker
Ballet Jӧrgen will be carrying on the time-honoured winter tradition with this year’s production of The Nutcracker, held at the FirstOntario Concert Hall. Located at George Brown College, Ballet Jӧrgen is a Canada-wide touring company founded and directed by acclaimed choreographer Bengt Jӧrgen.
The show will feature costumes designed in collaboration with Kleinburg’s McMichael Canadian Art Collection and backdrops inspired by 20th century Canadian landscapes. Tickets are now on sale for the show on Dec. 4.
Centre[3]’s Small is Good Show and Sale
Centre[3]’s annual holiday show and sale will return this year after being postponed last year. The exhibition will run from Dec. 10 to 31 and it will feature a range of works from the artist-run centre’s members.
Ancaster Craft Show
Local vendors and small businesses will be gathering at the Ancaster Fairgrounds on Dec. 11 for the annual Ancaster Christmas Craft Show. Admission costs five dollars and provides community members with access to the mistletoe and tinsel lining the hall and all of the local vendors this year.
Holiday Night 2SQTBIPOC Market
The third and final event in Black Owned Hamilton’s Holiday Pop-Up series, their Holiday Night 2SQTBIPOC Market will be held on Dec. 4 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Side Door Bar. The market will feature Black, Indigenous and people of colour and queer vendors and is being held in collaboration with community organization Fruit Salad, which aims to expand space dedicated for 2SLGBTQIA+ women and gender nonconforming folks.
Cranky Celtic Christmas
The Westdale’s Hamilton Originals series is continuing with a holiday concert featuring Celtic Christmas tunes. The Westdale is a historical Hamilton theatre and registered not-for-profit charity located in the heart of Westdale Village.
Musicians Wendell Ferguson and Scantily Plaid will be performing, with the event hosted by Mike McCurlie. Though the concert will be happening in-person at The Westdale’s theatre, the entire event will be live-streamed over Youtube and Facebook. Tickets are on sale for the concert on Dec. 20.
Holiday Historic Cooking Workshop: Victorian Delights
The Dundurn National Historic Site is also offering a Holiday Historic Cooking workshop on Dec. 3 and Dec. 12. In Dundurn Castle’s 19th century kitchen, participants will learn how to prepare seasonal desserts from two Dundurn cooks.
Tickets are on sale now. Participants will be socially distant, masked and asked to show proof of vaccination before entering.
Christmas Tree of Hope Lighting
The City of Hamilton and the Downtown Hamilton BIA will light the city’s Christmas of Hope, in Gore Park, on Dec. 3 at 6:15 p.m. This year there will be both in person and virtual viewing options, with in-person attendees being asked to mask and maintain social distance.
Live on the stage in the park, Little Peter and the Elegants will kick off the event at 5:30 p.m., with a live stream being available from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. through Cable14’s website and 9000 CHML’s social media channels. There will also be ferris wheel rides in the park, starting on Dec. 3 and lasting until Dec. 23.
Proceeds from the event will go to the Children’s Fund to support families who may be struggling during the holiday season.
Students looking for opportunities to get into the winter spirit have many events in Hamilton to choose from this upcoming December. Take advantage of these opportunities as the semester comes to a close.
C/O Centre[3]
Centre[3] is opening a new studio to serve the Hamilton arts community
In our learning and community spaces, we have an obligation to ensure our online and physical environments are inclusive of individuals with disability. Now, Centre[3] for Artistic + Social Practice is expanding their services in the Hamilton arts community with the grand opening of their new studio space, designed to be wheelchair-accessible and inclusive of disabled community members.
Founded by Colina Maxwell and Katherine Zarull in 2004, Centre[3] first started as a print studio. It was conceptualized as a space where artists could create art together, though later they expanded their services to include education, gallery spaces and a wider range of studio equipment.
As a registered charity, Centre[3] is an entirely non-profit organisation. The cost of membership and access to facilities are entirely donation-based, allowing all members access to traditional studio spaces as well as screen printing services.
The name Centre[3] represents the organisation’s three major mandates: art, education and community. The number [3] also represents the three floors in their flagship building at 173 James Street North. The upper floor houses a high school program called Nu Steel, an alternative education program for print and media arts run in collaboration with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board. The middle floor is where gallery spaces are held and the basement level is where screen-printing happens.
The artist-run centre is led by staff and community members who are passionate about the arts and providing accessible services to the community.
“Centre[3] is unique in the fact that it is really trying to be accessible to everyone. We're not an exclusive organization but a community organization and I feel like art does bring us all together. When I drive around town I see a lot of graffiti and even that in a sense is bringing us together because it makes me think: who are these people? It’s really beautiful . . . and my wish is that artists come forward and have a place to be themselves and to be accepted,” said actress, producer and playwright Melissa Murray-Mutch, who currently serves on Centre[3]’s board of directors.
"We're not an exclusive organization but a community organization and I feel like art does bring us all together."
Melissa Murray-Mutch, An ACTRESS, PRODUCER AND PLAYWRIGHT, currentLy serving on Centre[3]’s board of directors.
The new studio space opening at 126 James Street North is a hub for three new studio facilities: audio, film and digital services. There is also a studio technician on-site, who can assist with recording, composing and more in the new studio space.
“Centre[3] is just thrilled to embark on this new journey of providing digital media services at our second location while ensuring accessibility. Colina Maxwell definitely made sure, thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation grant that we received, that it is accessible for all, so anyone is welcome . . . It’s a very proud project,” said Jeannie Kim, a local artist and administrative and sales coordinator for Centre[3].
"Centre[3] is just thrilled to embark on this new journey of providing digital media services at our second location while ensuring accessibility. Colina Maxwell definitely made sure, thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation grant that we received, that it is accessible for all, so anyone is welcome."
Jeannie Kim, a local artist and administrative and sales coordinator for Centre[3]
The new space was made possible in part thanks to the recent Ontario Trillium Foundation awarded to Centre[3]. After receiving the grant, David Hosten, one of Centre[3]’s board members, proposed the idea of starting a podcast but the organisation soon realized they lacked the proper space and resources to make it a reality. From there, the space at 126 James was conceived to address the organisation’s expanding needs and to better serve the community accessing their studio spaces.
“I'm especially proud of having a tiny hand in the podcast booth. I know a lot of people put together podcasts in their houses but there are limitations to doing it yourself. You've got to deal with sound and personally I have some equipment at home but I've had to deal with sound issues, family and all those sorts of things. Now people have a place they can go that’s super affordable,” said Murray-Mutch.
The grand opening happened on Nov. 12 during Art Crawl, consisting of a formal Ontario Trillium Fund recognition ceremony and opening to the public where artists were invited to try out the space for the first time. Donna Skelly, the MPP for Dundas-Flamborough, and Andrea Horwath, leader of the NDP party, were both present at the grand opening, The event was an opportunity for the public to experience the space and was held as a celebratory ceremony for the committee and studio members who made the opening possible.
For students, the current annual membership fee at Centre[3] is $35, aiming to provide services at a price point accessible to students. Memberships allow community members to receive access to the Centre[3] studios and enjoy member benefits, including access and discounts to artist talks, workshops and more.
“Centre[3] is all about accessibility and our price points are definitely going to be a lot lower [than other professional studios] because we have this in mind,” said Kim.
As a non-profit centre run by artists for the community, Centre[3] is dedicated to being an inclusive community space for engagement, for both students and the greater Hamilton arts community. They hope to expand their services and better serve the community through the opening of their new digital studio space.
By: Razan Samara
Inspired by Mexican-American heritage, Spanglish culture and the beauty of domestic space, ¡Pa’delante Mestizaje! makes its Canadian debut at Centre 3 Print and Media Arts.
Texas-based artist Wendi Ruth grew up in a world of blended cultures. Her environment was hybridized and communication was bilingual.
A recent graduate from Wichita State University’s School of Art, Ruth spent four months creating ¡Pa’delante Mestizaje!, Spanish for ‘Onward Mixed Race’.
Housed in Centre 3’s main gallery, the exhibition embodies nostalgia for one’s home, culture and family.
The theme of the show was partially inspired by Ruth’s grandmother’s constant reminders to never forget where she came from.
“I was a bit hesitant about talking about Hispanic art because once you are labeled that, then that’s all that you are,” said Ruth.
“I was really hesitant about that, [but] after thinking about what my grandmother told me, it didn’t matter… this is who I am and I don’t need to hide away from that. If people want to label me that, then okay, but that doesn’t limit me as an artist.”
The Centre 3 exhibit consists of two installments, Nuestra Yarda, Nuestra Tierra (Our Yard, Our Land) and Wall de Memorias (Wall of Memories).
Nuestra Yarda, Nuestra Tierra is where everything started. Growing up in a bilingual household, Ruth would refer to her yard as ‘yarda’ believing that it was a Spanish word.
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It wasn’t until she visited family in Mexico that she learned the commonly used word is not really Spanish, but rather Spanglish. Embracing her unique Spanglish culture, Ruth’s first piece is centered around the word ‘yarda’.
The piece is an installment displaying cacti, fruit, fauna and a ‘mowersito’ in a triangular yard, with the background adorned with tiny Aztec-inspired motifs.
Wall de Memorias was inspired by Ruth’s grandmother’s sacred wall that was composed of pictures of her children and grandchildren, as well as their accomplishments.
The piece is composed of fragments of Ruth’s own memories, as well as her family’s.
The piece depicts drawings of objects that were important to her and others could recognize and relate to, such as her grandmother’s rosebush, an Etch-a-Sketch and even her entire kitchen in a scene called "Lunch is Ready". This last scene was especially important to Ruth’s mother.
“[During my reception in Wichita] my friend came up to me and said ‘[Ruth], turn around, your mom is crying’ and I was like, ‘What? Why is she crying?’ It was just a huge response, and I hadn’t spoken to her about any of our memories… I wanted my work to touch people, I wanted it to speak to people but I didn’t expect anyone to cry and I didn’t expect it touch [my mom] so emotionally,” said Ruth.
Ruth hopes that by sharing her own cultural experience, she can touch others who identify themselves in that intersection between Spanish and English speaking cultures.
[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="32" gal_title="Wall of memories"]
“A lot of children are growing up in the Spanglish culture and are trying to find who they are. [The culture] is gaining momentum and popularity but it’s also making a root in history now. For me, it is about recognizing that [history and] our own experiences and sharing that with everybody else,” she explained.
Ruth hopes to continue sharing her narrative, but she also wants to continue to explore the idea of what happens when artwork is brought into a home, not just in a frame hanging on a wall, but rather in harmony with the personal identity of the space and individuals who live within it.
Her art portrays the memories, culture and people associated with domestic spaces, and so Ruth naturally envisions her art being displayed in that space, rather than just in a gallery.
¡Pa’delante Mestizaje! will be on display until Feb. 18 at 173 James Street North.
I’m not sure how relatable this experience is, but during our family’s Sunday morning breakfast ritual I would quite often find my mom poring over the weekly paper’s obituaries. The image of my mom choosing to begin her day learning about the last of someone else’s is both deeply perverse and darkly humorous. To my cynical teenage brain it seemed to be further evidence that my parents were from an entirely different world.
Artist Erika DeFreitas’s own version of this strange scene of morning ritual subversion provides the inspiration for an exhibit entitled “Deaths/Memorials/Births” that’s currently on display at the Centre3 gallery on James Street North.
“I remember asking my mom why she was reading the obituaries section of the newspaper and she said it was because she never knew who she was going to find,” DeFreitas said. “So I thought it was a little creepy and a little weird. But then I started reading the obituaries myself.”
Though DeFreitas was drawn to the obituaries in the same way as her mother, she’s still not really able to understand why. “I don’t know how to explain it. I was just looking for someone, not knowing if they were going to appear or not,” DeFreitas said. “It’s not that I was looking for someone I know to have passed away, but it was just the act of looking for someone.”
Looking for someone in the death notices seems almost morbidly ironic, but it actually makes weirdly perfect sense. People are often defined in death notices almost entirely by their relationships to others – as loving father, devoted wife or adored grandparent, for example. It’s like the people who write death notices are looking to reaffirm and reach out to the relationships in their lives.
“As I was reading, any sort of word that was interesting to me or that resonated me I would write down,” DeFreitas said. “My feelings were attached to certain words. They described how I was feeling when I was reading.” After deciding on a few words, DeFreitas would cut out the obituary but leave the borders of the notice intact. She then reattached the words she had chosen in their original location on the page, creating a series of incredibly evocative almost-poems told using the words of many peoples’ lives.
“After a while the whole thing became very bizarre to me,” DeFreitas said. “The newspaper is something that comes into many homes and many subway floors, but something as personal as an obituary is placed in this object that is then recycled. I guess that’s where I’m a little too sentimental. This is so weird but I remember getting angered that on the other side of the obituary notices would be advertisements. I started to take things personally.”
I too had my own personal experience with DeFreitas work, though in a much smaller way. I didn’t see the exhibit until after its opening during this month’s Art Crawl, but I’m glad that it was after the busy crowds had come and gone. There’s something about the work that invites you to spend time with it, to imagine the stories of people whose lives ended up becoming defined by words like “corrugated” and “typewriter table.” But perhaps more than anything else it made me think about the mortality of our own relationships – how the connections we make fade into a few words when they were once the novel of someone’s life.
“I think that’s something you question your whole life,” DeFreitas said. “When we’re out with friends, we’re always asking, ‘why don’t we do this more often?’”
Deaths/Memorials/Births is currently being shown at Centre3 gallery and will continue until April 13
