This exhibition includes artwork created in the Canvas for Change program, geared to high school students from across Simcoe County who recognize themselves as Black, Caribbean, African, Black Canadian, African American, or of mixed-race descent. Under the guidance of Toronto-based artist mentor Ashante Blackwood, three workshops were hosted on the process of conceptualizing, communicating, and visually representing ideas that are unique to the participants’ own stories and perspectives.
Organized by Making Change in partnership with the MacLaren Art Centre.
Much appreciation is extended to Alectra Utilities for making this program possible, in acknowledgement of Black History Month.
Ashante Blackwood is a 27-year-old fine artist and model based in Toronto. She specializes in portraits and concept art; her work captures the beauty and struggles of her culture and the process of her growing up insecure about things that identify her as a black woman. Ashante is a full-time artist/business owner who has always had love for fashion and art, she believes art has no limits so why should she? Just like her work she likes to be creative with her fashion looks and art. Being a plus-size model and full-time artist is the dream and goal of hers. The bodies of works produced tell a story of her finding her purpose and finally learning to embrace as well love the features that make her the highest level of beauty from her ancestors. Her goal is to one day open her own gallery/space for art, fashion, music, and events to showcase Toronto’s greatest undermined talent.
