Access 2 Arts

Collaborative Printmaking Project

Join us for the closing reception, print sale, and book launch of "Impressions Together", the culminating exhibition and accompanying work from participating artists in the Access 2 Arts Collaborative Printmaking Project!

Exhibition runs: July 3 - 26 at 10C's First Floor Gallery (42 Carden St. Guelph)

Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Closing Reception, Print Sale, & Book Launch: July 26, 1 - 3 p.m.

Participating Artists included Natalie Bieniarz, Talia Baskin-Kesselman, Alec MacKenzie and Jennifer Misener-Mitton. Through the project the group was mentored in different printmaking processes, a body of work and writing personal artist biographies. All 6 artists worked together to each create a print series – collaborating on works together and helping each other discover their favourite parts of making art.

Please join us in celebrating the incredible body of work created during this project and the talented artists behind the work. The closing reception will also feature the unveiling of the Print Book from the project – which includes artist features, quotes and a selection of art from the project, curated by the artists and created with the help of PS Guelph.

A2A (Access2Arts)is an artist-run community project by local artists Ahmri Vandeborne and Paige Bromby. Through a series of programs and workshops, A2A seeks to provide accessible points of entry into the Guelph-Wellington visual arts scene by providing valuable mentorship, creative opportunities and professional development for artists with diverse abilities. Read below for more information about the project.

How it works

  • View of a printmaking table with red ink spread out, and tools beside the ink including a brayer and palette knife. Lined up against the brick wall are many inks and rags.

    Duration

    This project will run from April to June 2025. It will consist of three workshops exploring printmaking techniques and two open print studio workdays. View full details about structure of the program below.

  • Close up on hands pinning a piece of paper up to a wire rack with many prints hanging using clothes pins.

    Location

    Depending on the specific needs of participants, workshops may take place at Art Not Shame or other accessible spaces in Guelph. Artists will be required to find their own transportation.

  • Intaglio printing press

    Cost & Honourarium

    There is no cost to participate. Artists will be paid an honorarium of $200 (CAD) for their work’s public display in the art exhibition and print book.

  • Birds eye view of linoblock prints lined up on a table, beside a small portable Woodzilla printing press and dark red ink.

    Eligibility

    People 18 years of age or older, with developmental disAbilities and an interest in the arts are welcome to apply. Respite and support workers are welcome to join participating artists. Priority will be given to applicants who benefit from 1:1 support and folks in the Guelph-Wellington region.

Program Structure

A2A: Collaborative Printmaking Project will consist of three workshops exploring printmaking techniques including relief, monoprinting, and silkscreen, and two open print studio workdays where artists can continue the work on their projects and expand their creative practice. Workshops will be more structured, while artists can come and go as they please during open prints, based on their comfort levels.

The project will be tailored to the needs and interests of participating artists - we are able to provide various place based and individual supports to encourage artists to collaborate meaningfully in the art making. Please make note in your registration form of any accessibility supports and/or resources you may need and the A2A team is happy to accommodate and tailor the programming accordingly.

This project was designed in consultation with professionals in developmental services to support the artistic pursuits of artists of varying abilities in our community. The project delivery and outcomes will be co-created by facilitators and participating artists. 

Colourful fabric in strips, tied to string hanging against a white wall.

More About the Project and Team

The A2A team is passionate about making the arts industry more accessible and we are committed to providing this programming through a community care lens for all involved including artists, support workers, care takers, mentors, consultants, and collaborators. We believe that by creating a more inclusive and accessible space for diverse voices and ideas to be expressed through artmaking, we can strengthen the arts sector together.

Please reach out if there is anything we can do to support your experience with this program registration.

This project is generously funded by Barbara Salsberg-Matthews and Bruce Matthews through the Pay it Forward Arts Fund administered through Art Not Shame, and the City of Guelph’s Community Arts Micro Granting Program.