Of openings, artists and a metamorphosis: Connexions Summer 2004

At the Centre

First artists enjoy Jean Simpson studio

If you're an artist, you need a few basics before you can begin. You need an idea, your tools and a place where you can create. For some artists who have nowhere to create, a studio is just a dream. As of May 2004, eight artists who receive services from CAMH have brought their paint brushes, their creativity and their ideas to the Jean Simpson Studio, a self-managed studio at the Queen Street site, that will over the next year, serve 22-29 artists. Chosen by a panel of their peers, the artists will work along side each other in a shared environment for three to four months at a time. The next group of artists will start in August.

"I am thrilled to see the studio come to fruition," says Lisa Brown, Director of CAMH's Workman Theatre Project (WTP). "This outstanding professional studio space will be safe as well as exciting and will make a wonderful legacy for Jean Simpson, who was so supportive of clients and the arts at CAMH as well as the partnership with WTP." WTP is a not-for-profit arts company that's been operating for 15 years and works in partnership with CAMH.

The makings of the studio

Jean Simpson

Officially opened on June 30 at the same time as the Being Scene Art Exhibition (see below), by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Honourable James K. Bartleman, the Jean Simpson Studio has provided a professional and functional space for artists to create their work since May. The inspiration for the studio, announced in 2003, came from CAMH President and CEO Paul Garfinkel as a way to honour retiring Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Jean Simpson who always thought of our clients first. CAMH and the WTP are proud to play a part in helping artists have free studio space.

The studio is located in the airy, natural light-filled area in the second floor balcony overlooking the mall in the Community Centre building at the Queen Street site.

This space was used in the past as studio space, but it has been re-designed with artists in mind as a place where they can create larger works of art.

The studio program offers support, community leadership and opportunities for education.

The studio is available from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. For more information, contact Cheryl Saracini at 416-535-8501, ext. 3164.

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