Tuesday, September 9, 2008

OPV: SECRETS ... Nuit Blanche full artist list announced

The Octopus Project is thrilled to announce the full list of artists for the Nuit Blanche Independent Project component of our SECRETS show, taking place on October 4, 6:52pm - 7am. We will be showing the work of our largest group this time, 105 artists in total! Keep checking our website or our blog for updates ... www.octopusproject.ca

Elle Alconel
Audrey Alfred-Duggan
Andrew Alfred-Duggan
Kim Baker
BeneCorpo
Traven Benner
Andrea Blonde
Monica Bodirsky
Paul Brandejs
Chris Brett
David Brown
Steve Brugmans
Mark Byk
Susan Card
Nan Carson
Adrienne Cohen
Amy Collier
Chris Crewe
Graham Curry
Ilana Divantman
Robyn Drage
Natalie Drajewicz
Martina Edmondson
Moudu Ekhar
Susan Ellis
Damon Erickson
Alicia Fahey
Lizbet Franka
Elana Freeman
Tim Freeman & Ginette Mohr
Val French
Beth Frey
Sean Frey
Frodo
Raul Galvez
Foster Gauley
Sue Goldstein
Melanie Gordon
Anthony Grandy
Ilse Gudino
Martha Heder
Chelsee Hennebury
Sarah Hopen
Shelagh Howard
Tammy Hoy
Bryce Huffman
John Hyslop
Tania Natasia Maria Iskiw
Uros Jelic
Jeremy Kaposy
Noah Kenneally
Tanya Kirouac
Ed Kotanen
Fleur-Ange Lamothe
Frank Lemire
Elsha Leventis
Jodi Lewis
Wendy Lilly
Pam Lostracco
Joan Malcolmsen
Barbara Mann
Carol Matson
Catherine Matyskiel
Brian Mayer
Steven McCabe
Mori McCrae
Catherine Mellinger
Sandy Middleton
Michelle Morinaga
Haruna Murota
Lisa Murzin
Renée Nault
Deborah Nolan
Alex Nursall
Elizabeth Nutting
Tracy O'Duinn
Agata Ostrowska
Dave Pijuan-Nomura
David Rayfield
Terence Reeves
Karen Roberts
Maud Rostaing
Deanna Scriver
Patricia Seeley
Alison Shields
Ann Shier
Lisa Smolkin
Anna Sorensen
Ben Stansfield
Jessica Sturrup
Olena Sullivan
Karen Taylor
Mark Tearle
Sarah-Jane Thiessen
Chris Tsirbas
Teresa Van Neste
Najma Velshi
Velta Vikmanis
Carmen Wagner
Kevin Wilson
Emi Yano
Hailey Yates

octopusprojecttoronto@gmail.com

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Octopus Project V: SECRETS ... a whisper of Nuit Blanche

Hi everyone,

To put out a whisper of what is to come of Octopus Project V: SECRETS before Nuit Blanche, we will be exhibiting the work of 16 of Artscape's Case Goods artists at Balzac's Café in the Distillery District from Sept 9 - Oct 4. Balzac's Café's artspace has been dedicated to showcasing the work of Artscape's Case Goods artists since January 2008, and we are pleased to be utilizing this space to launch our show.

The following artists will be showing work as part of Octopus Project V: SECRETS at Balzac's Café ...
Traven Benner
David Brown
Susan Card
Robyn Drage
Melanie Gordon
John Hyslop
Tanya Kirouac
Ed Kotanen
Elsha Leventis
Carol Matson
Catherine Mellinger
Agata Ostrowska
Ann Shier
MJ Steenberg
Chris Tsirbas
Marjolyn Vanderhart

Stay tuned for more Octopus Project V: SECRETS news as we prepare for our Nuit Blanche exhibit.

Balzac's Café
55 Mill Street, Distillery Historic District
Building 60

Best,
Catherine & Melanie
co-facilitators
www.octopusproject.ca
octopusprojecttoronto@gmail.com

Friday, June 27, 2008

Octopus Project IV: ONE RIDE ONLY ... full artist list

Octopus Project IV: ONE RIDE ONLY
July 19-20
49 artists, 2 days, 1 image

We are pleased to announce the full artist list for the upcoming Octopus Project IV: ONE RIDE ONLY!

Andrew Alfred-Duggan
Audrey Alfred-Duggan
Kim Baker
Traven Benner
Paul Brandejs
David Brown
Susan Card
Amy Collier
Liz Coucean
Sarah Crover
Justine E. Dart
Darrin Davis
Natalie Drajewicz
Moudu Ekhar
Susan Ellis
Alicia Fahey
Val French
Michelle Furlong
Sue Goldstein
Melanie Gordon
Ilse Gudino
Sarah Henriques
Bryce Huffman
Blair Kelly
Ed Kotanen
Fleur-Ange Lamonthe
Pam Lostracco
Catherine Matyskiel
Brian Mayer
Catherine Mellinger
Sandy Middleton
Michelle Morinaga
Sarah Mousseau
Renée Nault
Deborah Nolan
Elizabeth Nutting
Tracy O'Duinn
Rey Ortega
Joya Paul
David Rayfield
Hannah Reim
Karen Roberts
Maud Rostaing
Ann Shier
Anna Sorensen
Olena Sullivan
Mark Tearle
Velta Vikmanis
Nancy Joy Wilson

Monday, May 26, 2008

Octopus Project IV: ONE RIDE ONLY ... Spark Announced!

Thank you all so much for your support of Octopus Project III: PUSH/PULL, we are ecstatic at how the show came together and the wonderful traffic we had throughout the weekend. We have uploaded a web gallery of images from the weekend, which can be viewed at www.octopusproject.ca/octopusproject3

A enormous thanks as well to all those that volunteered during the weekend, we could not have run the opening or the exhibit as smoothly without your help.

And now on to the next spark!

The spark for Octopus Project IV is "ONE RIDE ONLY" and this time around we chose to base the theme on an image which served as our inspiration to pass on to our Octopus Project community. Please find the image attached, and feel free to take from it what sparks you, the colours, the text, the date, the image, anything that speaks to you.

Show details are as follows ...
Octopus Project IV: ONE RIDE ONLY
Saturday July 19 - Sunday July 20
Opening reception will be help on Saturday July 19 (times to be announced)

The fee to participate is $15.00, and we will be limiting the number of participating artists to 100, with one piece per artist only. Maximum size per piece will again be 30 x 30 inches. Please do keep within this limitation to help us in hanging the work.

We have been thrilled with your enthusiasm, support and talent and look forward to seeing the show evolve and further grow as we continue with the Octopus Project! A special note as well that we have had some artists tell us they have not been receiving our e-mails. We ask that all of you add the octopusprojecttoronto@gmail.com e-mail to your address books in order to ensure we are not sent to your junk mail, and thus making sure you all get show information etc.

If you would like to participate in the Octopus Project IV: ONE RIDE ONLY, please confirm back to us by JUNE 22.

The OCTOPUS PROJECT seeks to …
• Provide an outlet for artists to keep making art by offering a challenge to create (a "spark") based on something we may not usually be inspired by.
• Bring playfulness back into art and the art process.
• Offer an avenue to reconnect with the sparks that fuel creativity.
• Create a shared visual representation of diversity within unity through one theme with many different voices.

WHO … You. Painters, sculptors, photographers, printmakers, storytellers, musicians, performers, puppeteers, writers, poets,
potters, glass artists, beaders, sewers, quilters, doll makers, dancers. Anyone who uses creativity as an outlet, who uses creativity to express themselves and wants to share that with others in an environment of community, collaboration and support. Note that if you are a performer or dancer, please speak with us about how we can accommodate your submission, as we want all art/creative forms to be included.

WHAT … A collective show, running for one weekend, every eight weeks based on one image, sent out as a "spark" to our mailing list. Artists are to create 1 piece each, either individually or in collaboration, with maximum dimensions of 30 x 30 inches.

WHEN ... Participants must confirm they will be submitting a piece to the show by JUNE 22. The drop off times will be 1-2 days before the event and will be sent out to participants in advance. The show will take place July 19-20, with opening reception time to be announced.

WHERE … 55 Mill St., The Case Goods Warehouse in the Distillery District, Studio 410 (home of Melanie Gordon Photography) and 4th floor studios.

HOW … By e-mailing us at octopusprojecttoronto@gmail.com and including your name, contact info (including phone number please) and mediums you work in (all of them). We are asking for a participation fee of $15 to cover the cost of installation and production (flyers etc.) All works will be for sale and artists will receive 100% of the sale price. If you do not wish to sell your pieces, you can specify this with us.

Welcome to the Octopus Project, we look forward to playing with you all!

Regards,
Catherine Mellinger & Melanie Gordon
co-facilitators

Octopus Project IV: ONE RIDE ONLY ... Spark Announced!

Thank you all so much for your support of Octopus Project III: PUSH/PULL, we are ecstatic at how the show came together and the wonderful traffic we had throughout the weekend. We have uploaded a web gallery of images from the weekend, which can be viewed at www.octopusproject.ca/octopusproject3

A enormous thanks as well to all those that volunteered during the weekend, we could not have run the opening or the exhibit as smoothly without your help.

And now on to the next spark!

The spark for Octopus Project IV is "ONE RIDE ONLY" and this time around we chose to base the theme on an image which served as our inspiration to pass on to our Octopus Project community. Please find the image attached, and feel free to take from it what sparks you, the colours, the text, the date, the image, anything that speaks to you.

Show details are as follows ...
Octopus Project IV: ONE RIDE ONLY
Saturday July 19 - Sunday July 20
Opening reception will be help on Saturday July 19 (times to be announced)

The fee to participate is $15.00, and we will be limiting the number of participating artists to 100, with one piece per artist only. Maximum size per piece will again be 30 x 30 inches. Please do keep within this limitation to help us in hanging the work.

We have been thrilled with your enthusiasm, support and talent and look forward to seeing the show evolve and further grow as we continue with the Octopus Project! A special note as well that we have had some artists tell us they have not been receiving our e-mails. We ask that all of you add the octopusprojecttoronto@gmail.com e-mail to your address books in order to ensure we are not sent to your junk mail, and thus making sure you all get show information etc.

If you would like to participate in the Octopus Project IV: ONE RIDE ONLY, please confirm back to us by JUNE 22.

The OCTOPUS PROJECT seeks to …
• Provide an outlet for artists to keep making art by offering a challenge to create (a "spark") based on something we may not usually be inspired by.
• Bring playfulness back into art and the art process.
• Offer an avenue to reconnect with the sparks that fuel creativity.
• Create a shared visual representation of diversity within unity through one theme with many different voices.

WHO … You. Painters, sculptors, photographers, printmakers, storytellers, musicians, performers, puppeteers, writers, poets,
potters, glass artists, beaders, sewers, quilters, doll makers, dancers. Anyone who uses creativity as an outlet, who uses creativity to express themselves and wants to share that with others in an environment of community, collaboration and support. Note that if you are a performer or dancer, please speak with us about how we can accommodate your submission, as we want all art/creative forms to be included.

WHAT … A collective show, running for one weekend, every eight weeks based on one image, sent out as a "spark" to our mailing list. Artists are to create 1 piece each, either individually or in collaboration, with maximum dimensions of 30 x 30 inches.

WHEN ... Participants must confirm they will be submitting a piece to the show by JUNE 22. The drop off times will be 1-2 days before the event and will be sent out to participants in advance. The show will take place July 19-20, with opening reception time to be announced.

WHERE … 55 Mill St., The Case Goods Warehouse in the Distillery District, Studio 410 (home of Melanie Gordon Photography) and 4th floor studios.

HOW … By e-mailing us at octopusprojecttoronto@gmail.com and including your name, contact info (including phone number please) and mediums you work in (all of them). We are asking for a participation fee of $15 to cover the cost of installation and production (flyers etc.) All works will be for sale and artists will receive 100% of the sale price. If you do not wish to sell your pieces, you can specify this with us.

Welcome to the Octopus Project, we look forward to playing with you all!

Regards,
Catherine Mellinger & Melanie Gordon
co-facilitators

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Octopus Project III: PUSH/PULL artist list!

65 artists, 3 days, 1 theme
Octopus Project III: PUSH/PULL in conjunction with Doors Open Toronto and Open Doors at the Case Goods Warehouse is pleased to announce our artist list!

Kim Baker
Traven Benner
Allison Billings
Andrea Blonde
Mike Bolwell
Paul Brandejs
David Brown
Maihyet Burton
Nan Carson
Po Chun Lau
Neil Collyer
Darrin Davis
Natalie Drajewicz
Moudu Ekhar
Sue Ellis
Damon Erickson
Laura Fetterley
Milo Flores
Elana Freeman
Tim Freeman & Ginette Mohr
Val French
Heather Gentleman
Sue Goldstein
Melanie Gordon
Johan Hallbert-Campbell
Martha Heder & Naomi Heder
Laurel James
Ed Kotanen
Fleur-Ange Lamothe
Sara Lauzon
Michael Lewis
Sophia Lin
Elisha MacMillan
Catherine Mellinger
Shara Mohamed
Renée Nault
Deborah Nolan
Elizabeth Nutting
Tracy O'Duinn
Dave Pijuan-Nomura
Lisa Pijuan-Nomura
Corin Pinto
David Rayfield
Karen Roberts
Patricia Seeley
Afsaneh Shafai
Anne Shier
Lisa Smolkin
Fiona Smyth
Anna Sorensen
M.J. Steenberg
Nebojsa Stojkovic
Natasa Stojkovic
Janine Stoll
Jessica Sturrup
Sam Sueshi Miya
Olena Sullivan
Denis Taman Bradette
Teresa Van Neste
Stephanie Vegh
Laura Vegys
Alexei Vella
Najma Velshi
Emi Yano
Hailey Yates
Zotz* Collective

We are also pleased to announce that Janine Stoll will be performing at our opening on Friday May 23rd from 7-10pm. Performances will take place between 8-10pm.

More announcements and the press release with flyer to be out soon!
For more information about the show, to be held May 23-25, please contact us at octopusprojecttoronto@gmail.com

Have a sparkling day,
Catherine & Melanie
Octopus Project Co-Facilitators

Monday, March 24, 2008

Octopus Project III: PUSH / PULL

Thank you to all of the artists who participated in Octopus Project II: ONCE ... and thank you to Ed Kotanen and David Rayfield for graciously allowing us the use of their studio to house our expanding show.

We have uploaded a gallery of images to our website. We look forward to seeing the show come together in May!

The spark for Octopus Project III is "PUSH / PULL" in honour of Doors Open Toronto, during which time the show will be hosted.

Show details are as follows ...
Octopus Project III: PUSH / PULL
Friday May 23rd - Sunday May 25th
Opening reception Friday May 23rd in the evening (time to be confirmed later).

Due to the amazing growth of the show and thus the work involved, we have increased the participation fee to $15.00. Also due to the growth of the show, and the space we have available, we will be limiting the number of participants to 100, and the number of entries per artist or collaborative team to one submission/person or team. As per our last show, the maximum size per piece will again be 30 x 30 inches. We have been thrilled with your enthusiasm, support and talent and look forward to seeing the show evolve and further grow as we continue with the Octopus Project. Many great possibilities and sparks are to come!

If you would like to participate in the Octopus Project III: PUSH / PULL, please confirm back to us by APRIL 20th.

The OCTOPUS PROJECT seeks to …
• Provide an outlet for artists to keep making art by offering a challenge to create (a "spark") based on something we may not usually be inspired by.
• Bring playfulness back into art and the art process.
• Offer an avenue to reconnect with the sparks that fuel creativity.
• Create a shared visual representation of diversity within unity through one theme with many different voices.

WHO … You. Painters, sculptors, photographers, printmakers, storytellers, musicians, performers, puppeteers, writers, poets,
potters, glass artists, beaders, sewers, quilters, doll makers, dancers. Anyone who uses creativity as an outlet, who uses creativity to express themselves and wants to share that with others in an environment of community, collaboration and support. Note that if you are a performer or dancer, please speak with us about how we can accommodate your submission, as we want all art/creative forms to be included.

WHAT … A collective show, running for one weekend, every eight weeks based on one image, sent out as a "spark" to our mailing list. Artists are to create 1 piece each, either individually or in collaboration, with maximum dimensions of 30 x 30 inches.

WHEN ... Participants must confirm they will be submitting a piece to the show by APRIL 20th. The drop off times will be 1-2 days before the event and will be sent out to participants in advance. The show will take place May 23 - 25th, with opening reception on the evening of May 23rd, as part of the Doors Open Toronto weekend.

WHERE … 55 Mill St., The Case Goods Warehouse in the Distillery District, Studio 410 (home of Melanie Gordon Photography) and 4th floor studios.

HOW … By e-mailing us at octopusprojecttoronto@gmail.com and including your name, contact info (including phone number please) and mediums you work in (all of them). We are asking for a participation fee of $15 to cover the cost of installation and production (flyers etc.) All works will be for sale and artists will receive 100% of the sale price. If you do not wish to sell your pieces, you can specify this with us.

Welcome to the Octopus Project, we look forward to playing with you all!

Regards,
Catherine Mellinger & Melanie Gordon
co-facilitators

Friday, March 14, 2008

News for the Week!

Some gorgeous news for the week as people are supporting us in our adventure and we are getting ready for the show!

We have been asked to speak about the Octopus Project on air for LES ARTS ET LES AUTRES on CBC Radio (franco) on Wednesday March 19th at 12noon. Our interview is slotted for 12:20. The show will air on 860AM, as well as on Rogers Cable channel 942, as well as aired on Sirius Sateline Radio online, channel 138.

We have also been featured in the RED LETTER by Lisa Pijuan-Nomura ... see the link below!

RED LETTER

On to the show!
Catherine & Melanie

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Octopus Project II: ONCE ... Artist List Announced

We have confirmed 62 artists will be participating in the Octopus Project II: ONCE ... show, running March 22-23!

Please find below to be our artist list for the ONCE ... show (in alphebetical order)
Agata Ostrowska
Alexei Vella
Amanada Joy Harding
Andrew Duggan
Ann Shier
Anthony Joseph
Audrey Alfred-Duggan
Blayne Collins
Anthony Brennan
Bryce Huffman
Carole Cooper
Carole Greaves
Carole Ferrari
Catherine Mellinger
Corin Pinto
Daniel James Wright
Darrin Davis
David Brown
Dave Nomura
Deborah Nolan
Denis Taman Bradette & Maiyhet Burton for BENECORPO
Ed Kotanen
Elana Freeman
Emi Yano
Fiona Smyth
Gwendolyn Soliman
Hailey Yates
Hannah Reim
Heather Kent
Jessica Rose
Justine E. Dart
Joya Paul
Julia Petrisor
Laura Fetterly
Lisa Pijuan-Nomura
Lucy Rupert
M.J Steenberg
Maneu Jakym Tataryn
Marjolyn Vanderhart
Matthew Billington
Melanie Gordon
Melinda Reild
Najma Velshi
Nan Carson
Nebrojsa Stojkovic
Neil Collyer
Noah Kenneally
Olena Sullivan
Patricia Seeley
Paul Brandejs
Po Chun Lau
Rachelle Elie
Renee Nault
Sarah Hopen
Shelly Herring
Sue Ellis
Sue Goldstein
Tracy O'Duinn
Traven Benner
Velta Vikmanis
Zotz Collective

Monday, February 4, 2008

Octopus Project in the Red Letter

Lisa Pijuan-Nomura has included the Octopus Project in her February 2008 Red Letter! See the article here

***
The OCTOPUS PROJECT seeks to provide an outlet for artists to continue making art by offering a challenge to create. The challenge is issued as a "spark", an idea or image, sent out every eight weeks for interpretation by the artists. The interdisciplinary community of Octopus Project artists creates a shared visual representation of diversity through one theme with many voices.

The Octopus Project was founded by Toronto textile artist Catherine Mellinger and Toronto photographer Melanie Gordon.

In order to see some of the images from the first Octopus Project go to The Octopus Project website.

What is the Octopus Project and how did the idea originate?
Catherine: The Octopus Project is a bi-monthly art series that brings together artists of various disciplines, inspired by a single theme which is sent out as a "spark" (image or idea) every 8 weeks, with a 2 day show running at the end of those 8 weeks. The Octopus Project was something that I believe has been bubbling under the surface for both Melanie and I for quite some time. We both wanted to initiate something that sparked community & a reason to keep making art through all of the rest we need to do to keep ourselves going (financially etc.). For myself, in studying Creativity Coaching and the notions of support/mentoring/taking action, it became apparent to me that in many ways, we ourselves need to make things happen when we feel we are missing a piece to our puzzle, and that in doing so we can extend out that action to a community.

Who are the participants and what can we expect to see at the shows.
Catherine: The participants that have come on board are so diverse it's really wonderful. We have artists from many areas; sculpture, photography, mixed media, illustration, fibre art, collage, craft, painting, writing etc. We hope to also extend this out to performers as we grow as well, having a "live" component to our openings. At the shows, you can expect to see diversity in partnership with visual unity. We think you will see & feel play in the pieces that are shown and hope that it will allow some of our participants the permission to extend beyond their existing style & play a little with the ideas we present in our sparks. What I love most is that we have performers who are participating as visual artists, which for me feels like we are offering a unique element in that someone who may be a songwriter will show a painting, someone who paints may decide to sculpt which are works you may not get to see anywhere else.

What do you hope to achieve with this project?
Catherine: We are seeking to provide an outlet for artists to continue making art by offering a challenge to create (the "sparks). We hope to build an interdisciplinary community of artists that create with each show a shared visual representation of diversity through one theme with many voices. We would like to see the project grow and become a support network as well as arts network that will bring about new ideas, new collaborations. A support system and place where you can discuss whatever comes to mind about your work, show your work, talk about the process behind it etc. With so many amazing artists, we are certain there will be some really incredible exchanges of information, ideas, inspiration, even artwork amongst participants.

What are your muses and inspirations?
Catherine: The community of artists in Toronto is an inspiration. There is so much talent here! And it extends so far beyond Toronto. Our muses behind this project are any artists who create because they know they can't go on if they don't. Those that know they are making meaning for themselves with each new creation, so you see and feel a piece of their soul when you see their work. If it's possible for synchronicity to be a muse, then I would add that one to the list as well. Everything leads to something, just like what has led Melanie & I to be here, having met each other, and now creating this project.

Octopus Project II:
The spark for Octopus Project II will be sent out on January 27.
Exhibition of new work inspired by this spark will be shown on March 22-23.
If you would like to participate in Octopus Project II, please email us at octopusprojecttoronto@gmail.com
***

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Octopus Project II: ONCE ...

Spark #2 sent out today!

Octopus Project II:
ONCE ...

Participants must confirm with us that they are submitted work by Sunday FEB 24th by e-mailing us at octopusprojecttoronto@gmail.com

Get sparking!

Octopus Project I: PINK OCTOPUS webgallery!

Melanie has uploaded photos from the show this past weekend to a webgallery

Enjoy, and thank you to everyone that has supported us, both in participating and in attending! We look forward to the results of Octopus Project II!

Thursday, January 17, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Damon Erickson, the Octopus Project wordsmith has beautifully crafted with Melanie our press release which will be sent out today!

***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Octopus Project I: Pink Octopus

Toronto: January 26 and 27, 2008

25 Artists, 2 days, 1 theme
A two-day exhibition of new work by Canadian artists in various disciplines

In this first exhibition of the bi-monthly Octopus Project art series, the project brings together 25 artists of various disciplines. Artists will be showing new and original work in painting, drawing, photography, textile, and writing, inspired by a single theme--"Pink Octopus"--sent to the artists as a "spark" eight weeks in advance. Octopus Project I: Pink Octopus runs January 26-27, 11am-6pm in the Distillery Historic District, 55 Mill St., Case Goods Warehouse (Building 74) studio 410. Artists will be present during the opening reception on Jan 26, 2pm-6pm.


"Sending sparks to fuel creativity and community"

The OCTOPUS PROJECT seeks to provide an outlet for artists to continue making art by offering a challenge to create. The challenge is issued as a "spark", an idea or image, sent out every eight weeks for interpretation by the artists. The interdisciplinary community of Octopus Project artists creates a shared visual representation of diversity through one theme with many voices.

The Octopus Project was founded by Toronto textile artist Catherine Mellinger and Toronto photographer Melanie Gordon. Both Mellinger and Gordon will be showing work as part of the series, hosted this month by Melanie Gordon Photography.

Octopus Project II: The spark for Octopus Project II will be sent out on Jan 27. Exhibition of new work inspired by this spark will be shown on March 22-23. If you would like to participate in Octopus Project II, please email us at octopusprojecttoronto@gmail.com .

Octopus Project I: Pink Octopus
January 26-27, 2008 11am-6pm

Opening reception January 26, 2pm-6pm
Distillery Historic District
55 Mill St. Case Goods Warehouse, Building 74
Studio 410
Toronto, ON M5A 3C4
(416) 861-1011



Media Contact:
Catherine Mellinger
octopusprojecttoronto@gmail.com
(416) 456-4430

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

One 10 more Days!

As Melanie makes her way back from 6 weeks in Mexico, the two of us (by psychic connection it would seem) are working hard to get everything together for the first Octopus Project show! We are very pleased to have 25 artists all creating work based on the "spark" PINK OCTOPUS for the show which will run Jan 26 - 27th at Melanie's studio (55 Mill Street, Case Goods Warehouse, Studio 410).

We can't wait to put faces to names & see all the creations as the spark continue!

All About Octopus Project

The OCTOPUS PROJECT seeks to …
• Provide an outlet for artists to keep making art by offering a challenge to create (a “spark”) based on something we may not usually be inspired by.
• Bring playfulness back into art and the art process.
• Offer an avenue to reconnect with the sparks that fuel creativity.
• Create a shared visual representation of diversity within unity through one theme with many different voices.

WHO … You. Painters, sculptors, photographers, printmakers, storytellers, musicians, performers, puppeteers, writers, poets, potters, glass artists, beaders, sewers, quilters, doll makers, dancers. Anyone who uses creativity as an outlet, who uses creativity to express themselves and wants to share that with others in an environment of community, collaboration and support.

WHAT … A collective show, running for one weekend, every eight weeks based on one image, sent out as a “spark” to our mailing list.

WHEN … Our first “spark” will be sent out December 8, 2007. Our first show will take place, eight weeks later, on Jan 26 -27. We will then announce the next “spark” that weekend for the next show, to take place eights weeks after (and so is the pattern). Participants will have 4 weeks from the time we send the “spark” to confirm they will be submitting work to be included in the show and send us an outline of what they will be submitting to the show (rough outline, mentioning the medium their work will be in and rough size, no further details are necessary). Note that if you are a performer or dancer, please speak with us about how we can accommodate your submission, as we want all art/creative forms to be included. The deadline for work submission will be the end of week 6 (again, if you are a dancer or performer, speak to us more about this).

WHERE … The Case Goods Warehouse in the Distillery District, Studio 410 (home of Melanie Gordon Photography).

HOW … By e-mailing us at octopusprojecttoronto@gmail.com and including your name, contact info (including phone number please) and mediums you work in (all of them). We are asking for a donation of $8.00 to cover the cost of installation and production (flyers etc.) All works will be for sale and artists will receive 100% of the sale price. If you do not wish to sell your pieces, you can specify this with us.

Welcome to the Octopus Project, we look forward to playing with you all!

Monday, January 14, 2008

Octopus Project

As we start off the Octopus Project with our first show Jan 26 - 27th at the Case Goods Warehouse, Studio 410, we also launch our blog. We will be using this blog to keep Octopus Project members updated on the latest spark, show dates, show information etc. We look forward to posting every 8 weeks!