JANUARY

15

BOOK LAUNCH: QTPOC Histories: Marvellous Grounds

Hosted by Venus Envy Ottawa Tuesday January 15 6:30pm
Free!
For the launch, we'll be joined by all three editors of this anthology: Jin Haritaworn, Ghaida Moussa & Syrus Marcus Ware. This event will be hosted by Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah.
About the book:
The first collection of its kind to feature the art, activism, and writings of QTBIPOC in Toronto, Marvellous Grounds tells the stories that have shaped Toronto’s landscape but are frequently forgotten or erased. Responding to an unmistakable desire in QTBIPOC communities for history and lineage, this rich volume allows us to imagine new ancestors and new futures.

About the Space:
Venus Envy is a physically accessible space. We have an automatic door, no steps and a gender inclusive bathroom big enough for most mobility devices.
We use foldable, plastic chairs for our workshops. We have three softer chairs that we're happy to reserve if you get in touch with us before the workshop.
We do sell some scented products so we're unfortunately not able to make this a scent-free space. However, we do ask that guests refrain from wearing strongly scented products.

ASL:
We're happy to book ASL interpretation by request! Please get in touch with us in advance of the workshop if you would like us to book interpreters. At minimum, we will need one week's notice, but the earlier you can make your request, the better.

Children:
Your kids are welcome to join us for this event! We'll have a blanket and toys set up on the floor where young children can play. There is no age restriction in place in order to enter Venus Envy.

JANUARY

18

EXHIBITION OPENING

Presented by SPAO Centre Gallery in PARTNERSHIP WITH Qu’ART

RAH: #oreo_liveitwhite - EXHIBITION OPENING, FRIDAY JANUARY 18, 6-9PM, SPAO CENTRE GALLERY, 77 Pamilla St. OTTAWA, ON, ACCESSIBLE

Artist talk at 6pm, Reception at 7pm and remarks at 7:30pm

January 18, 2019, from 6 pm to 9 pm, join us at the SPAO Centre (77 Pamilla St.) for an artist talk and the opening reception of #oreo_liveitwhite, featuring the work of Rah, an Iranian-Canadian artist from the Ottawa/Gatineau region. A media and performance artist, Rah developed the character of Oreo to address contemporary political issues and to stimulate dialogue surrounding racism and white privilege. In her new work, Rah uses social apps as a “relational sketchbook” where she performs as Oreo to critically examine nationalism in the digital age by appropriating hashtags, visuals and symbols used by nationalists from around the world. With this exhibition, Rah inspires an urgent consideration of the ethics of engagement on network technologies. Rah will present an artist talk at 6 pm, in collaboration with Capital Rainbow Refuge, an organization that works with LGBTQ communities to sponsor sexual minority refugees. Following Rah’s presentation, there will be a reception at 7 pm, with remarks at 7:30 pm.

#oreo_liveitwhite continues until Saturday March 9. It is free and open to the public Wednesdays through Saturdays between 12 and 5 pm, or by appointment. The SPAO Centre Gallery is fully accessible. 

SPAO is located at 77 Pamilla Street, Ottawa, Ontario, in Little Italy. Street parking and paid lots can be found nearby. 

Phone: (613) 562-3824 / E-mail: admin@spao.ca

HOURS 10AM - 4PM, Monday to Friday

GALLERY HOURS The SPAO Centre Gallery is open Wednesday to Saturday, 12-5, or by chance. Holiday exceptions apply, and hours are subject to change without notice. There is no admission fee and the gallery is wheelchair accessible.