Submitted by Iris Unlu on behalf of the Social Committee
On October 5th, we held our first Journée Blanche at Woodsworth, and what a day it was! It was a chance for our community to come together and showcase the incredible talents of our members. From paintings and photos to puppets and films, the range of creativity on display was amazing.
We faced a few unbelievably unexpected hiccups, including a power outage, an elevator breakdown, and a moving day in the midrise, but we pulled through thanks to the hard work of our volunteers and the patience of everyone who came. I can’t thank everyone enough for their efforts. Please read carefully the list below – this is how much work and how many volunteers go into creating an event of this size:
- Event Planning: Carol Pasten, Iris Unlu, Su Allison Lenk
- Artist Management: Carol Pasten
- Event Communication, Promotion, Graphic Design (posters, pamphlets, and exhibitions): Iris Unlu
- Equipment and Supplies Procurement: Carol Pasten, Iris unlu
- Delivery of Journée Blanche Pamphlets and Flyers to All Units: Geoff MacDonald, Jane Rubel, Raul Cano Arana, Ruth Millard
- Postering: Iris Unlu, Lalo Nixon-Pasten
- Press Release: Frank Lenk
- AV System Setup: Court Elliott, Iris Unlu
- Exhibition Installations: Carol Pasten, Nas and Oreste from Maintenance
- Event Preparation: Aaron Lenk, Carol Pasten, Cheryl Piccattoli, Daphne Dutton, Iris Unlu, Jane Rubel, Jill MacDonald, Jude Johnston, Larry Jackman, Nicole Ramsay, Sal from the Office,
- Event Catering for Artists & Volunteers: Nicole Ramsay
- Exhibition Material Contribution: Carol Pasten, Iris Unlu, Jill MacDonald, Su Allison Lenk, Tallulah Montegue,
- Public Tour Guides: Jane Rubel, Nicole Ramsay
- Event Day Volunteers: Aaron Lenk, Alec Jackman, Carol Pasten, Dan Yaron, Gordon Taylor, Iris Unlu, Jane Rubel, Jennifer Ramsay, Jill MacDonald, Jude Johnston, Lalo Nixon-Pasten, Larry Jackman, Linda Garande, Lisa Harris Williams, Matthew Starritt, Meghan McCormick (1AF), Nas, Nicole Ramsay, Richard West, Shirley’s friend Megan,
- Partnership: Jamii (Afnan Yakot, Ghader Bsmar, Hadeal Karrar)
Every single one of these people made all the difference, and we definitely could have used even more volunteers for the bigger tasks.
We’re also incredibly grateful to the talented artists who shared their work with us. Your creativity and passion were truly inspiring, and it’s clear how much talent we have in our co-op. Thank you for trusting us to protect your art and for being vulnerable by showcasing it with the whole community. It takes courage to put yourself out there, and we appreciate it more than words can say. Here are their names:
- Aaron Lenk, Graphic Artist
- Alec Jackman, Illustrator
- Anne-Maree Williams, Wreath Maker
- Barbara Landry, Author & Poet
- Carol Pasten, Painter
- Daphne Dutton, Painter
- Della Milley (In Loving Memory), Painter
- Dionyse McTair, Photographer
- Frances West, Painter
- Gordon Taylor, Poet
- Ian Kamau, Documentary Filmmaker
- Kate Welsh, Visual Artist
- Lalo Nixon-Pasten, Filmmaker
- Matthew Starritt, Woodworker
- Nas Filho, Photographer
- Nell Coleman, Theatre Puppet-maker
- Sana Ehva Majola, Visual Artist
- Shirley Imaizumi, Visual Artist
- Su Lenk, Painter
- Tallulah Montegue, Painter
- Wanda Yuen, Culinary Artisan
This event has been a powerful reminder of why co-op housing matters. Getting to know one another on a deeper level wouldn’t be possible to this extent anywhere else. I didn’t realize the depth of talent among members until preparations for Journée Blanche brought it to light. It’s changed how I see our community and underscored just how important it is to come together like this.
