Old East Villager
January-February 2026 Issue 15
The Pillars of O.E.V by Mystic Wisdom Tea and Bookshop As 2026 dawns, the heavens appear to confirm a budding resurgence stirring in Old East Village. Early January moves through the influence of Capricorn, emphasizing structure and responsibility, while late January and much of February carry an Aquarian current that awakens imagination and collective vision. Through an astrological lens, these months invite both grounding and innovation, two forces that form the foundation of a sustainable rebirth. Those qualities are personified in the pillars that have been erected just east of Adelaide on Dundas Street. Through the window of the Mystic Bookshop, we watched Clayworks Ceramic Arts Learning Centre bring those pillars to life, hands pressing colour into concrete, art meeting architecture. To many, they are merely neighbourhood markers. Yet to eyes attuned to spiritual symbolism, they represent much more: the ancient Pillars of Initiation standing at the gateway to awareness. In esoteric traditions, pillars guard the threshold between worlds. In Tarot, they flank the High Priestess, signalling balance between light and shadow, seen and unseen. Passing between them symbolizes entry into deeper understanding, a movement from old ways into conscious rebirth. For Old East Village, too, these new structures mark initiation: a collective journey from hardship into reinvention. Their beauty demonstrates what can happen when community, creativity, and craft align with intention. Most locals have rejected the notion that London is “Canada’s Zombie Capital,” a label unfairly cast upon our city, obscuring its true spirit. Words shape energy, and identities take form around how we speak about ourselves. The proprietors and patrons of the Mystic Wisdom Tea and Bookshop have been applying that truth, sweeping, scrubbing, and tending the area around Dundas and Adelaide. Quiet acts of appreciation, because how
we treat our surroundings mirrors how we see ourselves. If we don’t want to inhabit decay, we must live restoration. This spirit of reclamation shines in new partnerships around tourism, and in our diverse arts and business communities. Visitors aren’t drawn by attractions alone, but by Old East Village’s authenticity, the pulse of real people writing our own story. What others may view as London’s “weak link” is, in truth, the seedbed of transmutation, a mirror reminding the broader city that compassion and creativity are inseparable from progress. Astrologically, the months ahead indicate accelerating mo- mentum. A mid‑January New Moon in Capricorn will be ground- ing, seeding intentions that honour discipline, infrastructure, and long‑term care. As February unfolds during the Sun’s passage through Aquarius, a lunation coloured by Virgoan themes high- lights healing, cleanliness, and community service, the perfect energetic backdrop for restoring spirit through mutual support. The cosmos, urging us to rebuild our roads and facades, as well as our collective sense of belonging. Old East Village stands between two pillars, past and future, shadow and light, ready once again to cross a new and exciting threshold. HOME ABOUT TEAM PARTY CATERING CAREERS CONTACT ORDER ONLINE
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by Nicole Borland Hot Tips
Now that the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is behind us… we have the rest of winter to contend with. So, whether you have some lofty New Year’s resolutions to keep or just want to have some fun and stay out of the cold, let’s look at some engaging indoor activities you can do right here in Old East Village. Junction Climbing Centre (1030 Elias Street)
This tried and true OEV fa- vourite is London’s largest, full-service rock climbing gym that’s open to all skill levels. From kids to adults, Junction offers programs, lessons, party packages and more! If you’re looking for a different way to get active in 2026, this is just the ticket. Get more info
The Factory (100 Kellogg Lane) You know it and you love it – The Factory is Canada’s largest indoor adventure park offering high ropes courses, trampolines, an arcade and more! If you haven’t yet been, now is the time because there’s no better way to get active and be entertained – little kids and big kids alike! Visit thefactorylondon.ca for further details and pass information. BMO Centre Walking Track (295 Rectory Street) The BMO Centre is a multi-purpose establishment that offers a 400 metre indoor walking track that is free and open to the public (Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9 am to 1 pm) year-round. What better way to get your steps in during the dead of winter or get moving on a lunch break without even leaving the neighbourhood! See bmocentrelondon.com/track for full details.
at junctionclimbing.com. School of Hip Hop (760 Little Simcoe Street) School of Hip Hop blends breaking, MCing, DJing, and graffiti to compose several programs and services for children, teens, and adults. This new year, learn something brand new or indulge an undiscovered passion by checking out their Sunday drop- in classes (kids six and up) starting January 11 and running until February 22. Check out their website for more details at schoolofhiphop.ca.
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Old East Villager Jan-Feb 2026 • Page 3
What’s Up in OEV Community Art Mornings at Honey Dip • Tunes for Tots at DoughEV • Playgroup at Boyle • The Jingle Run
Old East Villager Issue #14 Jan-Feb 2026 Your local community connector The 100% locally owned and produced OEV Villager is published five times a year with thousands delivered free to area residences, set out at local venues, and posted online at www.villagerpublications.com Publisher: Barb Botten P.O. Box 134, Lambeth Station Ontario N6P 1P9 Barb@villagerpublications.com 519-282-7262 Managing Editor: Marty Kolls Marty@villagerpublications.com All articles by Marty Kolls unless noted otherwise. Advertising : Marty Kolls Marty@villagerpublications.com Graphic Artist: Cathy Wood Copyright @ 2015 Villager Publications. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Publisher. Information presented has been compiled from sources believed to be accurate at the time of printing however the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Do you have an Old East Village Neighbour of Note? Do you do cultural cooking? We’d love to hear from you. Contact Marty at Marty@villagerpublications.com Cover photo and article suggestions welcome! www.villagerpublications.com Local climbers compete to qualify for the Provincial championships at Junction Climbing.
Page 4 Old East Villager Jan-Feb 2026
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Stories from Frank Risdale Sitting down for a hot coffee with Frank Risdale on a cold morning is not just a great way to interview a friend and Old East neighbour, it’s a history lesson on London’s music scene. Frank has lived an iconic life as a musician, and when you get into the details of his stories, you start to feel like you’re in a movie where all of the backdrops are super familiar. Frank grew up in London on Mount Pleasant, learning to play music quite young. He soaked up what he could from his older brother, who was taking guitar lessons with the notable Edith Hill Adams, Tommy Hunter’s teacher. Because his parents had an upright piano, he also taught himself how to play that. After watching some fellow classmates get up to play in front of a crowd, he realized it wasn’t so much about the skill of playing, but ‘getting up to play – that’s the real thing’ as he says. including warehouses downtown, like Chas Chapman Book Binding factory on York Street. It was a big deal when they were asked to play at his Grade 8 graduation from Ryerson Public School (now Old North Public School). Using a Fender Hot Rod amp purchased from John Bellone’s and a modified stereo for a second one, his band, The Clutch , rocked out to Get off of My Cloud to an audience that went wild. Sadly, one of the Grade 8 teachers didn’t think fondly of the ‘rock n’ roll’ and denied them their encore by dropping the curtain. While attending H.B. Beal, his music world expanded, and he and his bandmates (some old, some new) continued playing and writing music. He would switch up instruments depending on who was playing and what was needed. They would play at events and ultimately made their way around most of the local venues, often playing at the York Hotel, later known as Call the Office, or the Victoria Tavern, a well-known spot in SOHO (also known as the ‘Bucket of Blood’, aptly named for the doctors and nurses who would wander over after their shifts at the old Victoria Hospital on South Street). By the time he was in grade six, he was forming bands with his friends and making music with whatever instruments they could come up with, including tuning the strings down on guitars to make a bass. He and his bandmates would practice in various spots,
Uranus is inducted into the London Music Hall of Fame.
and they began playing together. They returned to London and formed their band Uranus with musicians Jerry Fletcher and Dexter Beauregard playing all over Southwestern Ontario. They were picked up by Trilogy Records out of Toronto and lived the dream of a touring band in a van, travelling across the country. Playing several shows a week, they built up a reputation and found themselves on tour with Ronnie Hawkins. You can well imagine the stories of being on the road as a group of 20-year-olds playing rock n’ roll in the 70s. Frank continues to play music around town, both entertaining folks on his own or with his group The Stetson Brothers , and has a catalogue of memorized music that is longer than his arms and legs combined. Playing music with him is a treat, and if you get the chance to sit and chat with him, you’ll get great accounts of all the places and characters over the years, like when Old East was home to a bar called the Flying Fish, but dubbed the ‘Flying Fists’, or ‘Flying Chairs’, depending on the night. Or how the Blue Boot downtown, known for its bluegrass music, eventually turned into a punk bar (possibly by Frank’s doing), becoming the beloved Cedar Lounge. The stories are endless and a true testament of London’s music scene for blues, country, rock n’ roll, punk, and so much more.
Blue Boot/Cedar Lounge at 369 Talbot Street
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To advertise here, please contact Marty@villagerpublications.com After some time living and making music in Toronto, Frank was introduced to Jack Whiteside, another well-known Londoner, Frank Risdale, Jack Whiteside; Steve Alfred; Jerry Fletcher and Tim Woodcock – the first formation of the band Uranus.
Old East Villager Jan-Feb 2026 • Page 5
Dogs of OEV by Shelley Long Do you make New Year’s resolutions? The tradition is over 4,000 years old, beginning with the ancient Babylonians whose year began in mid-March when the crops were planted. At a 12-day festival, they crowned their king and made promises to pay their debts. In Rome, Julius Caesar established January 1st as the beginning of the New Year, named for Janus, the two-faced god who the Romans believed looked back at the previous year and ahead to the future. They offered sacrifices and promises of good behaviour for the coming year. New Year’s Resolutions continued into the Middle Ages, and by the 17th century, making resolutions (and breaking them) was common practice in North America. In the 1900s, resolutions tended to be religious or spiritual. Most resolutions made now tend to focus on self-improvement – get more sleep, drink less, eat healthier, spend less, etc. Given that dogs primarily live in the present (although they may have some ability to think into the future) and don’t have
Alejandro: I resolve to eat more treats and to respect others’ personal space. the ability to self-reflect on their behaviour in the way humans do, the chance of your dog heading into the new year with a list of things they want to change is unlikely. Besides, dogs are already perfect, right? I asked the owners of a few dogs in the neighbourhood to imagine what resolutions their canine companions might make for 2026.
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Tara: I resolve to try to stop eating things off the street.
Mushu: I will work on being less dramatic.
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Page 6 Old East Villager Jan-Feb 2026
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Growing Chefs! Ontario: An interview with founder Andrew Fleet, and this great non-profit organization educating kids right here in OEV What is your history with food and the food industry? I started working in restaurants when I was 16 and continued for the next 15 years, cooking, serving and managing in restaurants from London to Vancouver. It was in Vancouver, when working under Chef Robert Clark in the Kamboulis restaurant group, that my passion for food and food education was sparked. Going through his OceanWise training program helped me to understand how much our personal food choices impact the communities we live in - socially, economically and environmentally. Chef Clark really advocated for people to learn about their food and make informed choices. What was the reason for starting Growing Chefs! Ontario? Growing Chefs! was started by Merri Schwartz, who at the time was Chef Clark’s pastry Chef at C restaurant. That is where I met her. I got involved with Growing Chefs! in Vancouver, and she was kind enough to let me see if it would work here in London. When you cook, you utilize science, math, history, geography, language, art, etc. – sometimes all in the same recipe! It’s such a fantastic example of how concepts in nearly every subject apply to our day-to-day lives. For me, cooking brought learning to life in a way I had never felt before. What were the first projects Growing Chefs! worked on here in London Ontario? In 2008, we launched what is now called the Growing Chefs! in the Classroom Project at Tecumseh Public School. That program is still offered to three to five schools every year. Every classroom in the participating schools gets to have two cooking experiences right in their classrooms guided by the Growing Chefs! team. These experiences are different for each age group with activities ranging from stir fry competitions, canning and preserving, and even edible art. We also piloted and launched what is now our Growing Communities Program in 2009. This program is available to community agencies across the City who can bring our Chef team in to design and deliver cooking and gardening programs for their own clients. We bring the ingredients, equipment and expertise to run the programs. It continues to be run in partnership with over 35 community groups, delivering programs to thousands of children and families every year.
What is the connection to Growing Chefs! and OEV? I lived in OEV for over 12 years. My wife grew up in this neigh-bourhood too, and my family still lives here. Growing Chefs! headquarters is just at Maitland and King, and we have our Food Education Centre at The Western Fair in the new Grove building. OEV is where our roots are (pardon the pun), and we are very proud of that! What are some of the successes for Growing Chefs! since it started? Honestly, the biggest success I think we’ve ever had is watching participants from our programs grow into adults who know more about food than the average Canadian and care about how the choices they make impact the world around them. But also – we were honoured to receive two awards at the Excellence in Agriculture Awards this year (2025) – The Agriculture Education award and the Minister’s Choice award, which is the top award and was personally presented to our team members by the Ontario Minister of Agriculture! It is really nice to be recognized for so many years of work and dedication to this work. What are some projects Growing Chefs! has been working on recently? Our new program, Learn to Grow, Grow to Give, is a one-acre farm that we started on the new WSIB property out on Tartan Drive. On the farm, we offer Agri-education programs and experiences for children and all of the food we grow through those programs is given directly (and anonymously) to food- insecure families through school support counsellors and neigh- bourhood resource centres. We only broke ground in July 2025 and were still able to grow over 7,000 lbs of food this summer! Next year is going to be very busy! We’re so excited!
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Message from the Mayor by Mayor Josh Morgan mayor@london.ca 519-661-4920
Looking ahead to early 2026, we’ll continue to advance revitalization work in OEV, support safer and more accessible public spaces, and build on the progress made along Dundas through community partnerships. I remain inspired by the creativity, resilience and leadership that define this neighbourhood. Wishing you and your loved ones a warm, hopeful and con- nected start to the new year. Together, we’ll make 2026 another strong chapter for all of London. Mayor Josh Morgan
Happy New Year, OEV! As we step into 2026, I want to take a moment to thank your incredible community for everything you contributed through- out 2025. Whether it was supporting local businesses, taking part in neigh-
bourhood cleanups, attending community markets, or adding your voice to revitalization conversations, your spirit helped shape a stronger, brighter, more connected Old East Village. Since we last spoke, winter has shown up early and often. The cold has settled in, and I know you’ve felt it while walking down the street, visiting the markets, or making your way to local shops and cafés. City crews are working hard throughout Old East to keep streets, sidewalks, cycling lanes and bus stops safe and accessible during the heavy winter stretch. As we deal with the toughest weeks of winter, I also want to highlight the City’s expanded warming centres and winter response programs. These services are essential to ensuring our most vulnerable residents have access to warmth, safety and support during extreme cold. Old East Village has long been a compassionate and engaged part of our city, and your ongoing commitment to caring for every neighbour is something I’m deeply grateful for.
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Art History in East London East London has been a hub of activity for artists for many years. Certainly, the lower cost of rent in the past lent itself to the fringe-y and artsy way of life and provided the existence of art studios and workspaces. The combination of this with some other pivotal points of importance explains why this end of town has some of the city’s great art history. We have to acknowledge the importance of H.B.Beal Secondary School and its BealART program (though technically just on the edge of East London). Not only has it produced some of Canada’s well-known artists, but when it began, it brought in incredible teachers to run the program who were professional and exhibiting artists themselves. Opened in 1912 as the London Technical and Commercial High School, its founder, Herbert Benson Beal, saw the need for a technical school in the area. In 1927, Mackie Cryderman began teaching vocational art, and after WWII, the program known as BealART was put in place with the help of John O’Henly and Herb Ariss. This new fine art program would be the first of its kind in Southwestern Ontario. Programs at H.B. Beal were available both during the day and at night, opening up options for those who were looking for post- graduate studies. The BealArt program in particular, offered, and still offers immersive studio courses, which make it unique. Specializations available in painting, printmaking, ceramics, textiles, photography, and commercial design grew to include programs in film/animation and 3D that the school offers today. When schools across the country were eliminating their wood- working and home-economics programs, Beal maintained its interests in providing technical courses that ultimately kept them
in the game for practical education options for students. Many students completing the BealArt program would be allowed to take more advanced courses in their first years of university since the fundamental skills were already under their belts. Another interesting point of art culture in East London is the use of studio spaces or ateliers that have been used by artists for many decades. Some may know of the spaces that have been available on the south side of the tracks off of Rectory St., or spaces that were used on Princess/Elias where the St. Vincent de Paul exists now. One such space that has seen many great artists over the years, above McCulloch’s Costume on Dundas, is called the Artworks.
To advertise here, please contact Marty@villagerpublications.com Joseph Hubbard has been managing the studios for 25 years, and while visiting the space, you feel like you’re walking through some incredible London art history. Joseph came to the city via Montreal, but originates from Chicago. He taught at Beal, and when he arrived the Fanshawe art program had only just opened, and Western’s studio program was just in its infancy. He has great stories of his time at Beal and the fellow artists and teachers he worked with. His mixed media, large-scale pieces in ceramic, metal, and found items are both eye-catching and thought- provoking. He cares very much for the art scene in London and continues to foster this passion while managing the studios. An artist who captures incredible colours in her studio is Angie Quick. One of Canada’s great up-and-coming artists, her large-scale pieces have been exhibited all over the country. Her art pushes boundaries with colours and depictions of the messiness of life, while challenging the clichés that exist at this time in the world. Angie has been at the Dundas studio for a few years and hopes that the neighbourhood will be able to hold on to these sacred spaces for artists to work.
Page 10 Old East Villager Jan-Feb 2026
As the artists and the art awareness continue to build the intrigue of the art scene in London, Ontario, so do other businesses that support them. Strand Fine Art Services on Florence Street is another great example of the hidden treasures of East London. Devoted to the art world, Bill and Andrew have been framing and installing art for over 40 years. Andrew worked at the London Regional Art Gallery (now Museum London) during the 80s and has great stories from this very vivid time in London’s art scene. Although Bill and Andrew worked in Toronto briefly as framers and installers for many collections, they were happy to discover their space here in Old East when they returned in 2008. If you’ve never visited the gallery, you absolutely should. Once a factory for women’s stockings, the gallery’s unassuming entry will transport you to a collection and workspace like any major art hub in the world. The space invites you to feel that one’s time appreciating art is the reason why people pursue it. They host regular showings of both local and well-known art and artists, and have great memories of their time working with folks who have made London their home base, either short-term or permanently.
resides on Elias St., hosting artists from all over the country throughout the year as well as workshops and events that keep the scene hopping.
We couldn’t go on about art in East London without mentioning The Embassy Cultural House and Forest City Gallery as well. The Embassy’s work, alongside its well-known Embassy music ve- nue, supported artists since the 1980s and has been foundational in establishing the art scene here in Old East. The Forest City Gallery, Canada’s first artist-run centre, made its way through se- veral locations in London but now
There are many other contributions to the art scene in London that must be appreciated, and many have history here in Old East as well. Recognizing the connection to the neighbourhood is something of great pride, a privilege to be close to and take advantage of when you can. Page 10: Angie Quick Studio, The Artworks, Strand Page 11: Joseph Studio, Joseph Sculpture
All ages, all art abilities! Come try a different activity each week and play with SATURDAYS 10:30AM - 12PM DROP INS WELCOMED JAN 17 TO FEB 28 TH TH IN OEV @ DOUGHEV 621 DUNDAS ST, UPSTAIRS COMMUNITY ART MORNINGS
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Old East Villager Jan-Feb 2026 • Page 11
Sir Adam Beck Collegiate Institute: An East London Legacy by Joshua Klar First named Sir Adam Beck Collegiate Institute, London’s newest high school opened its doors on January 4, 1927, fulfilling a long-held dream of East Villagers for a modern collegiate to serve their community. The official opening ceremony followed on February 22, 1927, featuring a formal address by the Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario and the unveiling of a bronze plaque honouring Sir Adam Beck. The school was built on a 20-acre lot on Dundas Street, offering sports fields considered unrivalled in the city. The property was purchased by the School Board from the Ontario government through the efforts of Sir Adam Beck himself. Naming the school in his honour served as a memorial to one of London’s most distinguished citizens.
The Original School The original building was impressive for its time, containing 17 standard classrooms, three fully-equipped science classrooms, a library, a cafeteria and lunch room, administration offices, a gymnasium and a large auditorium. The auditorium was considered one of the finest in London, equipped with a modern stage, advanced equipment, and excellent acoustics. Safety was also a hallmark of the design; the building was constructed of fireproof brick, with four double exits and four stairways. Heating was provided by two large low-pressure boilers, with each classroom equipped with a thermostat-controlled radiator— luxurious compared to the wood or coal stoves still common in schools at the turn of the century. Later, an addition expanded the cafeteria, gymnasium, and added nine more classrooms.
Sir Adam Beck: Father of Hydro Beck was a significant figure in London’s history. Known as the father of hydro, he championed the use of hydroelectricity as a public power source. A former Mayor of London and the city’s Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for nearly two decades, Beck played a pivotal role in shaping Ontario’s energy future. In 1906, he introduced legislation to create the Hydroelectric Power Commission of Ontario, following his investigation into transporting electricity from Niagara Falls to Southwestern Ontario. He served as chairman of the commission until his death in 1925, leaving behind a transformative legacy.
Closing and Transformation The school continued to operate until June 1982, when declining enrolment led to its closure. That spring, a large three-day reunion brought together former students and staff to celebrate the school’s legacy. Highlights included a parade from the fairgrounds to the school, featuring Miss Canada, a former student at Beck. In 1983, more than 80% of the school’s interior was demolished, and the building was converted into the Administration Offices of the Thames Valley District School Board. Today, it continues to serve as the board’s head office, preserving the site’s connection to education in London. All photos courtesy
of the London Room, London Public Library. Left column:
Renovations. Right top to bottom: Sir Adam Beck School in 1928; Library; Auditorium.
Page 12 Old East Villager Jan-Feb 2026
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Quick and Easy Pasta for a Cold Night by Nicole Borland We continue our cooking journey in search of simple, easy-to- prepare dishes using ingredients made right here in Old East Village. In this edition, we’re taking a look at the many butcher shop options found at The Market and in particular, in-house made sausages. Why sausages? Because it’s the new year, and you probably had an indulgent holiday season and want something quick and easy that can be enjoyed any night of the week. So, we present sausage and kale pasta (a very creative name), quite possibly the easiest pasta dish that does not skimp on flavour. Whether your go-to is The Butcher’s Wife, The Village Meat Shop, The Butcher’s Blend, or Country Style Meat, you’re sure to find a delicious option that will work perfectly for this recipe (The Corner Deli deserves a shoutout because it’s wonderful, but cured sausages wouldn’t quite work here).
and kale skillet, increasing the heat to medium. Add the pasta water and parmesan, mixing everything
to combine, stirring/ folding continuously until there’s a saucy gloss on the pasta (about 2 mins). Enjoy! Note: If you’re meat-free, veggie sausage or quartered mush- rooms work well, just add additional olive oil.
Ingredients 1 tbsp of olive oil 4 medium to large sausages (Italian recommended) 1 large white onion 4 cloves garlic 1 tbsp of chili flakes (optional) 1 bunch of kale (chopped) 1 tbsp tomato paste ¼ - ½ cup of parmesan (freshly grated) 4 cups pasta (of your choosing - short, ridged recommended) ½ cup pasta water ½ cup of parsley (chopped, optional) Salt and pepper to taste Directions Remove sausages from their casing and break into bite-sized pieces. Fry in olive oil over medium heat in a preheated skillet until cooked through and browned, remove and set aside. In the same skillet, add the onions and cook until softened. Add the garlic and tomato paste (add chili flakes here if using). Stir to combine and cook for 2 to 3 mins. Reduce heat to low, add the kale and stir all ingredients to combine. Return the sausage to skillet. Add pasta to boiling salted water and cook to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain pasta and immediately add it to the sausage
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Old East Villager Jan-Feb 2026 • Page 13
What’s Happening at...
ART COMP 2026: A Global Stage for Bold Creativity ART COMP is back for its fifth year, and the 2026 competition promises to be its most inspiring edition yet. What began as a platform to spotlight creative talent has grown into a global movement that champions artistic expression, sparks meaningful conversation, and challenges both artists and audiences to expand their understanding of contemporary art. With participants from around the world, a remarkable $200,000 CAD prize pool, and after its fifth year over, ART COMP will have given $1 million dollars in prizes. ART COMP 2026 stands as one of the most dynamic and influential art competitions in the international creative community. Whether you are a seasoned professional, an emerging artist find- ing your voice, or a creator exploring new horizons, ART COMP in- vites you to share your work, connect with global audiences, and contribute to an ongoing dialogue about what art means today. Submissions are open at artcomp.awardsplatform.com until February 1st, 2026. CREATE • CONNECT • CHALLENGE: These three words embody the foundation of ART COMP, guiding the experience for artists and audiences alike. CREATE: ART COMP is, above all, a celebration of creativity. Artists are encouraged to take risks, push boundaries, and pro- duce work that reflects their unique voice and vision. The com- petition welcomes a wide range of artistic disciplines, allowing creators from every background to share pieces that are bold, thoughtful, experimental, or deeply personal. Creativity flouri- shes here without limitation. CONNECT: One of ART COMP’s greatest strengths is its ability to bring people together. Through public voting, online engagement, and the diverse range of submissions, participants become part of a vibrant global community. The competition creates opportunities for artists to reach new audiences both locally and internationally while offering viewers a chance to discover emerging voices and respond to work that resonates with them. These connections help foster dialogue, build networks, and highlight the shared human experience expressed through art. CHALLENGE: ART COMP challenges artists to elevate their craft and viewers to expand their perspectives. The competition aims not only to reward technical excellence but also to inspire
conversation and critical thought. ART COMP encourages both creators and audiences to engage deeply with the work, explore new ideas, and consider the impact art can have on culture, community, and personal expression. Celebrating Creativity With $200,000 in Prizes: One of the defining features of ART COMP 2026 is its significant commitment to supporting artists financially. A total of $200,000 CAD in prizes has been allocated for the competition, making it one of the most substantial offerings in the art sector. Panel’s Choice Award – $100,000 CAD: The Panel’s Choice Award is determined by a distinguished group of art professionals who bring expertise, perspective, and a deep understanding of con- temporary creative practice. Their selection will recognize work that demonstrates artistic depth, originality, and the ability to provoke thought or emotional connection. This prestigious prize highlights ART COMP’s dedication to recognizing exceptional talent. People’s Choice Awards – $100,000 CAD Total: The People’s Choice Awards place the power of selection directly in the hands of the public. This interactive component allows viewers to participate by voting for the artworks that inspire them most. Prizes include: 1st Prize – $50,000 CAD, 2nd Prize – $30,000 CAD and 3rd Prize – $20,000 CAD. This dual prize structure, which combines expert adjudication with public engagement, reinforces ART COMP’s mission to celebrate artistic excellence while en- suring the community remains at the heart of the experience. Be Part of ART COMP 2026 Now is the time to step forward. Whether you are submitting your first piece or returning for another year, ART COMP 2026 offers an opportunity to share your vision with the world, engage with fellow creatives, and take part in a transformative artistic experience. Visit artcomp.ca to learn more. 2025 Art Comp winners: Rebecca Clouâtre and Juliana Saavedra (People’s Choice 1st and 2nd Prize), Craig Guthrie (Panel’s Choice) and Opeuemi Olukotun (People’s Choice 3rd Prize).
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Old East Villager Jan-Feb 2026 • Page 15
In Memoriam OCT 31, 2025 - NOV 1, 2025
Nice Gnawing You
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