The Art of the Danforth is happening and it’s going to be awesome. There was such an amazing turnout at the last meeting/update that they ran out of chairs. There will be more than 50 unique displays and performances. You can see a summary of the art walk activities here and get your first look at the participating artists. There are a number of fun community workshops happening in March, plus a handful of (still fun, but involving a bit of work) volunteer positions. If you are interested in any of this or want to know more contact Cindy at info@artofthedanforth.com
Also – DECA is planning an event for Saturday, April 23rd to help kick off this amazing event. It involves using building your own instruments, having a parade and eating delicious apples and drinking hot apple cider. Do you want to help organize it? Contact me – Natasha – natasha.granatstein@gmail.com
Art of the Danforth Volunteer Opportunities
| # people
Needed |
Title | hours | does what | qualifications |
| 5 to 20 | Photographers | as few or as many as you wish | Take photos of neighborhood to be assembled into photo mosaics. Create something big with others – professional photographers will work with you with tips & suggestions! First meeting Mar 4! Click here for details. | interest in photography, a digital camera nice but we may be able to provide disposables for those without |
| 6-20 families | Family Art Participants – all invited, especially parents/caregivers with their children | One 2 hour workshop. | Drawing and painting colorful human silhouettes and cloth flags. | Enjoys art. Young children must be attended by responsible adult. Available at workshop times listed on website: |
| 4 to 10 | Contributors to “Danforth East Stories & People” | min participation 2 hour workshop | Finding materials (photos, newspaper articles, writing, other pieces) that recollect stories from iconic buildings such the Roxy / Allanby Theatre, Linnsmore and Crossroads Taverns. Assisting artist in assembling these items into a display Click here for a list of workshop dates. | Knowledge, experience or interest in this neighborhood, willingness to share, artistic spirit a plus |
| 2 to 5 | Coroplast silhouette creators | 2-6 hours | Working with designers to create 2 dimensional life-size figures, cutting shapes out of corrugated plastic, mounting and/or installation Click here for a list of workshop dates. | A steady hand to cut with blades or a jigsaw. For those interested in assisting with the conceptualization, training in art and computer graphics is required |
| 1 to 2 | Materials Purchaser | Intermittent trips | Picking up materials to be used in workshops. | Willingness & availability |
| 1 to 3 | Flag Seamstress | 2-8 hours (not really sure!) | hemming strips of cloth for flag display | Sewing machine & ability to use it! Thread and material provided. |
| No limit | Brochure Distributor | as few or as many as you wish | Dropping off brochures in stores & residences in area, early – mid April | some time to kill, ability to walk comfortably |
| 2 to 6 | Display Installation/ Dismantling | 2-6 hours
April 22, 23, May 2 |
Helping artists install and dismantle displays | Physical strength, technical / mechanical aptitude |
| 1 | Someone with a van or truck | Intermittent times in March & April | Picking up & delivering (with help!) materials | Use of a truck or van capable of holding lumber or 4 x 8 sheets of coroplast |
| 24 | Event hosts | At least 2 – 3 hour shifts, Assorted times 10 am – 7 pm, April 23 – May 2 | Manning hospitality stations along walk route, answering questions | Friendly, interest in community, access to a cell phone very handy |
As well, Henry Wong has joined the Art of the Danforth team and will be helping out as Event Coordinator from now until May. You can reach him at henry@artofthedanforth.com
From Cindy: Thank you to everyone who has helped out so far. It continues to be an inspiring experience meeting so many talented, committed and interesting people who live in this neighbourhood (good-looking too…is that slathering it on too thick? I can’t help it I love you guys!). Really, it’s worth coming out to the meetings, if only to meet some of the fantastic people who care about this ‘hood.