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
Monday, March 24, 2008
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
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
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
***
***
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 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!
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
***
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
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