Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Toronto Junction Arts & Crafts Neighbourhood: Wise Daughters' Story: Part 4


This is a final article of the Wise Daughters' Story: why we choose to do it in the Junction; it follows Part 1 – It’s the Story, posted March 31, Part 2 – In the Zone, posted April 17, and Part 3 - A Genetic Predisposition, posted April 29, 2009.

Part 4 - The Junction Vibe

"Vibe" is a kind of funny retro word for a kind of funny retro neighbourhood. We’re post prohibition (at last) but pre-chain stores (let’s hope that day never comes). And we’re mid-cultural renaissance, in my opinion. There are artists and crafters lurking everywhere in the Junction. Since opening Wise Daughters 4 months ago, I have met dozens of the quirkiest, most creative, talented people you could possibly find anywhere. Some are subversive crafters, quietly doing their own thing at home and rather tentatively venturing into the world of craft shows or retail to see what the public thinks of their creations. Others are more established artists with an appreciative audience. I’ve lived here for 20 years, but hadn’t even realized just how determinedly and deeply creative my community was.

Our strip of Dundas is of course well known for its restoration and framing businesses and independent galleries. There is a newer reclamation theme travelling along the road, very much in keeping with the global interest in all things recycled, repurposed and green. This is the perfect place to find something fabulous made out of something rather worn and unloved. Which describes the Junction itself rather well. From the empty storefronts of a few years ago to today’s superb taste treats and shops full of unique merchandise, the Junction’s transition has been a joy to observe.

Anchored by the arts festival and delightful programming offered by the historical society and library, this community is blossoming culturally. In fact, there is so much going on, it’s hard to keep track of it all.

In the interest of further sharing information and promoting all the wonderful cultural activities in the Junction, the Junction Resident’s Association has proposed the launch of a new cultural subcommittee, which I am happily incubating. Let’s engage everyone who lives here in this cultural explosion!

To get involved, please email me at wisedaughters@sympatico.ca, or join the discussion group on the JRA website www.junctionra.ca. An initial meeting to discuss what this committee can be and do will be called in the near future.

2009 © Mary Breen
Owner of the Wise Daughters Craft Market

Wise Daughters Craft Market
Local handicrafts and do-it-yourself workshops

3079B Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON, M5P 1Z9
(facing Quebec Ave, just south of Dundas, behind Crema Coffee)
There is ample street parking on Dundas and Quebec.
Via TTC: Junction bus from Dundas West Stn,
Lambton bus (or 15 min. walk) from High Park Stn.
www.wisedaughters.com
wisedaughters@sympatico.ca
416-761-1555


Part 1 - It’s the Story
Part 2 - In the Zone
Part 3 - A Genetic Predisposition
Part 4 - The Junction Vibe

Screenshot: Junction Residents Association Toronto: Who wants a JRA cultural committee?Screenshot: Junction Residents Association: It's Your Junction
Discussion Topic: Who wants a JRA cultural committee?
Posted by Mary Breen
Credit: junctionra.com

You can share this discussion in two ways…
1. Share this link:
http://junctionra.ning.com/forum/topic/show?id=2385908%3ATopic%3A905
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Saturday, May 23, 2009

June Events and Workshops at Wise Daughters' Craft Market

Screenshot: West Toronto Junction Wise Daughters Craft Market Newsletter: News and Workshops, June 2009Screenshot: Wise Daughters Craft Market Newsletter, June 2009

Hello craft fans,

There is lots of great new stuff at the shop, and longer hours for your convenience.

Coming next month: Making Mosaics and Crochet 101, as well as the continuation of the Wo-Built Home Design Series.

Part 2 of the Redwood Shelter Fundraiser will be held June 13 from 9 - 2. All the remaining donated women's fabulous fashions we received for the Mother's Day Swap will be available for $10 per big bag full, as part of the Junction-wide yard sale.

There are still a couple of spots in Wendo's May 24 Moose Trophy Workshop and the May 26 Felt Flirt workshop - call now to reserve!

Read about Wise Daughters in the Toronto Star May 23 article by Rita Zekas!

Follow Wise Daughters on Twitter

Happy Spring!

Mary Breen, Owner
www.wisedaughters.com
New Summer Hours

Wise Daughters is open longer. New hours are:

Mon – Wed 10 – 6
Thurs 10 – 9
Fri 10 – 7
Sat 10 – 6
Sun 10 – 4

New Products

For the garden...

We have delightful concrete candle holders by Creations Diana and teacup bird feeders by Margrit Made it. Perfect for jazzing up large or small outdoor spaces.

For you...

Recycled is in.

Check out rings and earrings made by Shannon McMillan out of old computer keys. You can mix ‘n’ match to create your own message – how about “help” and “save”?

Or perhaps you’d like to sport some repurposed domino tiles by Tara Campbell of Odd Bird.

Another option – resin pendants filled with such unusual objects as Nerds candy, sequins and screws!

We’ve also stocked up for summer on the very popular fused glass jewellery by Leila Cools and beaded creations by Alida Lemieux, and added kids’ necklaces by Rima Macikunas of Undine. We continue to carry gorgeous silver jewellery by Claudia Ortiz of Warakusi.

Redwood Shelter Fundraiser, Part 2

The Mother’s Day Clothing Swap was a huge success! Wise Daughters received a mountain of fabulous fashions and raised far more money than anticipated. Because we had much more clothing than we could even display, there will be a Part 2...

June 13 from 9 - 2, as part of the Junction-wide yard sale, we'll put out all the rest of our donated women's wear. This time, just for fun, it'll cost $10 for all you can stuff into the biggest Wise Daughters paper bag. Once again, 100% of the proceeds will benefit the shelter.

June Workshops - Please pre-register

Wo-Built Home Design Series
Wise Daughters hosts the next two interactive talks on home design:
Wed, June 3, 7 - 9 pm
Planning a large renovation.
What do you need to know.
Wed, June 24, 7 - 9 pm
Conservatories, additions and more.
Each session $10.


Making Mosaics
Sun, June 7, 1 – 5 pm
Let colour and light inspire you - glass, tiles, ceramics and more. You can choose to make a mirror or wall piece.
$75 includes all materials and a follow-up 1 hour grouting session at a time suited to the group.

Crochet 101
Tues, June 9, 7 – 9 pm
Crochet is fun, portable and rewarding. Learn to master the basic stitches and read a simple pattern.
$45 includes a hook, instructions and lovely wool or cotton to complete one project.

Every Thursday, 7 - 9 pm is Sit 'n' Stitch night. No charge.
Drop in to knit, needlepoint, crochet or whatever you like to do, in the company of other crafty people! BYO mug for tea.

Visit www.wisedaughters.com for more workshop info, call 416-761-1555 to register for workshops.

If you know someone who would like to receive this information, please forward this post.

Wise Daughters Craft Market
Local handicrafts and do-it-yourself workshops

3079B Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON, M5P 1Z9
(facing Quebec Ave, just south of Dundas, behind Crema Coffee)
There is ample street parking on Dundas and Quebec.
Via TTC: Junction bus from Dundas West Stn,
Lambton bus (or 15 min. walk) from High Park Stn.
www.wisedaughters.com
wisedaughters@sympatico.ca
416-761-1555

links:
TheStar.com: Decor: Cool spots stick a sock (monkey) in it
Teatro Verde's new Yorkville digs and Wise Daughters Craft Market feature lots of fun finds

Toronto Junction Arts & Crafts Neighbourhood: Wise Daughters' Story
June Events and Workshops at Wise Daughters' Craft Market
May Events and Workshops at Wise Daughters' Craft Market
April Events and Workshops at Wise Daughters' Craft Market
March Events and Workshops at Wise Daughters' Creative Place

Friday, May 22, 2009

Knock on Doors in the Junction: Doors Open Toronto Weekend

Map: Doors Open Toronto in the Junction, May 23-24, 2009Map: Doors Open Toronto in the Junction, May 23-24, 2009
Credit: Toronto Star: Doors Open listings

Once a year Doors Open Toronto invites local residents, visitors and tourists to enter buildings, some rarely, if ever, open to the public, and explore their architectural, historic, cultural and/or social significance.

The sites participating in this year’s Doors Open Toronto in the Junction are:

38 - Congregation Knesseth Israel
56 Maria St., Toronto, ON M6P 1W2
TTC (nearest station) Dundas Street West / Runnymede; Bus: Runnymede bus/Dundas St. W.
Sat: NOT OPEN
Sun: 10 to 5
Architect and year: James A. Ellis, (Ellis & Connery), 1911
Known as "The Junction Shul," this red brick building features a traditionally elegant and decorative Eastern European interior. Guided tours.
Event information: One of the members of the congregation will explain the artistically painted religious murals adorning the walls and ceiling. A brief history along with a tour of the synagogue will be given.


57 - Fire Hall 423 - The Junction - NEW!
358 KeeleStreet, Toronto, ON. M6P 2K7
TTC (nearest station) Keele; Bus: Keele
Sat & Sun: 10 to 5
Architect and year: 1958
Behind-the-scenes tour, fire hall memorabilia from the Junction area.
Event information: Visitors will have a chance to look around an actual fire hall. There are three apparatus in the hall and each is unique in its function. There are also pieces of memorabilia from the Junction area that pertain to the Fire Service. All in all the hall makes a memorable visit. There is a garden in the back that is a must see.


102 - Riwoche Tibetan Buddhist Temple
28 Heintzman Street, Toronto Ontario, Toronto, ON M6P 2J6
TTC (nearest station) Keele Subway Station; Bus: Any bus heading north up Keele to Dundas St
Sat & Sun: 10 to 5
Previously the factory showroom of the Heintzman Piano Company. The large Buddhist shrine has demos of Tibetan music, art and culture.
Event information: Highlights of your visit will include volunteer guides to talk about the special features of a Tibetan Buddhist shrine and the traditional Tibetan Buddhist ritual instruments.


131 - Toronto Public Library: Annette Branch - NEW!
+ hosts free Lit City event
145 Annette Street, Toronto, ON M6P 1P3
TTC (nearest station) Keele Station; Bus: Annette Bus
Sat: 10 to 5 Sun: NOT OPEN
Architect and year: Ellis & Connery, 1909
West Toronto Junction Historical Society archives open, mini-tours of library.
10 a.m. to noon: Barbara Myrvold answers questions on the library.
2:30 p.m.: "April Showers Bring May Flowers" story time and craft program.
Event information: Sat. 2 - 3:15pm - reading and walk in the Junction - Judi Coburn reads from "The Shacklands" (YA) - having recently settled in the Junction area of West Toronto, young Jessie Robertson dreams of becoming a teacher, but she must take a factory job. Sat. on the hour, 10 a.m. to 4:00 pm, historical characters from the Junction's storied past will be brought back to life by members of the West Toronto Junction Historical Society. 10 a.m. to noon, Barbara Myrvold of Toronto Library will answer questions and share information about the history of this Carnegie library. "April Showers Bring May Flowers" storytime and craft program for children at 2:30 pm


141 - Toronto West Masonic Temple - NEW!
151 Annette Street, Toronto, Toronto, ON M6P 1P3
TTC (nearest station) Keele Bus: Annette Bus
Sat: 10 to 5 Sun: NOT OPEN
Architect and year: T. McEarchen, 1909
Self-guided tour of Temple, Masonic furniture, art and regalia. Learn about the world's largest fraternity.
Event information: Visitors to the Toronto West Masonic Temple will enjoy a self-guided tour that highlights many interesting elements of the building as well as Freemasonry in general. Masonic representatives will be on hand to answer questions and visitors will enjoy the rare opportunity to view an impressive collection of Masonic furniture, art and regalia. Learn about the origins of the world’s oldest fraternity, its guiding principles, and its history. A visit to the Toronto West Masonic Temple is a unique experience that should not be missed.
web site: www.riwoche.com


82 - Lambton House - is not so far from the Junction
4066 Old Dundas Street , Toronto, ON M6S 2R6
TTC (nearest station) Old Mill or Jane are closest stations; Bus: #30 Lambton bus stop Howland, #55 Warren Park Bus
Sat & Sun: 10 to 5
Architect and year: William Tyrrell, 1848
Hotel/tavern from 1847 to 1988 was owned by Father of Confederation, Sir William Pierce Howland. Canadian Wild Flowers (1866) by Catherine Parr Traill, illustrated by Agnes Moodie FitzGibbon on display.
Event information: There will be guided tours of the building. Local historians will be available. There will be displays about historic Lambton House and the Village of Lambton Mills as well as flora of the neighbouring Humber River - Canada's 26th Heritage River. On display- illustrations from "Canadian Wild Flowers" A copy of the book written by Katherine Parr-Traill and illustrated by Agnes Moodie Fitzgibbons in 1866.
web site: www.lambtonhouse.org

Come and have a great time, and please take lots of pictures.

What else can you see:

Door Opens Toronto Free Events: Knock on Doors in the Junction, by artjunction.blogspot.comPhoto: Doors Open Toronto: Knock on Doors in the Junction
2009 @ artjunction.blogspot.com

Monday, May 18, 2009

How to Spell 'Hockey' in Russian: Celebration Slavic Literature and Culture Day in Toronto

Toronto Russian Library: May 20, 2009 The Day of Slavic Written Language and Culture CelebrationScreenshot: Russian Library: May 20, 2009 The Day of Slavic Written Language
and Culture Celebration + Photo: Slavic Day Celebration 2007

Credit: russianlibrary.ca

Celebration of the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture

When: Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Bathurst Clark Resource Library
Location: 900 Clark Avenue West, Vaughan, Ontario L4J 8C1
Cost: Free
Vaughan Public Libraries and the Russian Library and Community Information Centre are partnering once again to celebrate the Day of Slavic Written Language and Culture on Wednesday, May 20, 2009. This special event provides the community with the opportunity to come together in celebration of our diversity and individual heritages.

We would like to extend a special invitation to you to attend the Day of Slavic Written Language and Culture on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Bathurst Clark Resource Library, 900 Clark Avenue West. The program for this special evening will include Russian artwork and literature exhibitions, a reading by local poets, music and Russian folklore performances.

We are looking forward to seeing you at our event.

Russian Library and Community Information Centre
links:
vaughanpl.info: Day of Slavic Written Language and Culture
russia-ic.com: Days of Slavic Culture to be Held in Moscow
mosinform.ru: Дни славянской письменности и культуры
wikipedia.org: Saints Cyril and Methodius


Alphabet of Russian Art: itroom video 2005; Credits: Music: Boris Bazourov; Visuals: New York Guggenheim Museum

New York: Guggenheim Museum: RUSSIA!
Unprecedented Exposition of Russian Art

Credits: Music: Boris Bazourov;
Visuals: New York Guggenheim Museum

itroom video: 2005

Thursday, May 14, 2009

The Junction Amalgamation Celebration, May 1, 2009: a Brilliant Folk Art Rendering of Democracy in the Junction

West Toronto Junction Amalgamation Celebration, May 1, 2009, photo by artjunction.blogspot.comPhoto: The Junction Amalgamation Celebration, May 1, 2009
2009 @ artjunction.blogspot.com
On May 1, 2009, we created a brilliant folk art rendering of Democracy in the Junction in our celebration of the centennial of West Toronto joining the City of Toronto in 1909. At that moment in time, Lismer Hall at Humberside Collegiate was, indeed, the centre of the universe.

With the wisdom, leadership and artistic talent all rolled up in good humour and time- honoured tradition, complete with bells and singing, flags bunting and balloons, ribbons and flowers under the great mural in Lismer hall, I think a fair argument could be made for the beauty of the concept. Sam Martin did us proud with the Junction Bell song and Junction Bound. The toasts for the Future from characters from our Past were marvelous, and Madeleine MacDowell's tribute to the library, literacy and culture did us all proud.

Neil Ross as the mastermind behind and ring master for this carnival celebration incorporated all the elements from the exact same event at Humberside 100 years ago and recreating them for posterity. The polish of the characters of the Legends of the Junction played by members of the Junction Historical Society for two years now is a brilliant legacy to have created. We told our history well and have it recorded for posterity thanks to Cris Senjug and Olga Goubar.

Doris Moxam was a wonderful community liaison, and by aligning the Homecoming as part of the Amalgamation celebration, made the event viable and contributed enormously to its success. Vandra and Volker Masemann were wonderful logistical co-ordinators, and Vandra's assistance with the Boom Times Cabaret was invaluable. Kristen Buckley as Chair oversaw and implemented the event with grace, extraordinary efficiency and boundless energy, with David Wencer taking up the tech and a myriad other tasks in great enthusiastic strides. Pat Trusty also helped to make the slide show into a visually and historically effective backdrop to the Cabaret. The Junction BIA and community members and Humberside staff and students who helped to create this event have made a wonderful contribution to culture in the Junction.

The central event was the Key Ceremony. The Spirit of the Junction dressed in roses and asparagus fern by Martins the Flower People handed the key to the Mayor of the town of West Toronto (played by WTJHS president Gib Goodfellow) to the Mayor of the City of West Toronto (played by Councillor Bill Saundercook), to the current Mayor of Toronto (local resident, David Miller) to the member of Provincial Parliament (Cheri DiNovo) and then to the Spirit of Toronto, also dressed by Martins Flowers in roses and palm fronds. She scampered off to take the key back to Post and Beam at Dundas and Keele-- which is now full of wonderful architectural inheritance, and is the historic site of the meeting of art and culture in the Junction 100 years ago. We proved that we held true to our cultural roots in this place and we know where to find the key for the foreseeable future.

Through the auspices of Latitude 44 Gallery, award-winning local artist Reid English created a community sculpture during the 2009 Arts Festival as part of the 2008 Centennial Celebrations. Members of the community contributed bits and bobs, odds and ends of interest to add to the sculpture which represents the Spirit of the Junction. A large sculpture was part of the original amalgamation celebrations 100 years ago: it was unveiled at midnight.

When the veil came off the new Spirit of the Junction statue on May 1st this year, the force of the swirling of the cloth turned its head to the side, and the bicycle fender and the profile of his face looked like a depiction of an Egyptian, Greek or Roman God. It was a great spring tribute to bring to the student body. The statue was presented to Humberside by Reid English and Janet DiBernardo of Latitude 44 Gallery to commemorate the centennial and inspire budding artists in the community..... During the evening of the Amalgamation celebration, Reid and Latitude 44 facilitated a second, smaller sculpture to be created in the same way during the evening. That sculpture has been donated to the Historical Society and will be on display at the Annette St Library in the near future.

It was a wonderful evening with lovely memories of everyone helping out and enjoying themselves. Bea Mozdzanowski magically appeared with a perfect door stop to allow me to free myself from holding the front door open to allow fresh air into the crowded foyer and Janet DiBernardo headed home with a wonderful smile and great bunches of balloons for her neighbour's children. The next day Vandra and Volker’s grandsons were also recipients of bunches of balloons to their great delight. The older, age 4, seeing the Canadian flag in the bunch, had the family all stand up whilst he sang “O Canada" eight or nine times.

The Junction Historical Society continues its Amalgamation celebrations with 'The Junction Centennial Contemporary Art Tour' on May 16th 2009. We will tour the Galleries at 401 Richmond St, The Power Plant and the Distillery District. The tour will be led by Jen Morin, a junction resident who is currently interning at the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Art. The tickets are $25 - including 2 TTC rides and admission to the Powerplant. We meet at 401 Richmond St. at 11 am and finish in the Distillery District at about 5:30pm. There are about 10 tickets left:available through wtjhs.ca or at Latitude 44 Gallery 2900 Dundas St. W., ph. 416-769-2900.
Become part of history by supporting this fundraiser for the Junction Historical Society and create new memories for the future.

2009 © Cara Reeves

West Toronto Junction Amalgamation Celebration, May 1, 2009, photo by artjunction.blogspot.comPhoto-collage: The Junction Amalgamation Celebration, May 1, 2009
2009 @ artjunction.blogspot.com

Monday, May 11, 2009

The d1g1t0l Junction: Junction Residents' Association Meeting

Junction Residents Association 2.0: Collaborate with other people in the Junction, Collage by artjunction.blogspot.comCollage: Junction Residents Association 2.0: Collaborate with other people in the Junction
Credit: MS Office Clip Art + JunctionRA Social Network + JunctionRA Twitter + JunctionRA Wiki + junctioneer

The Junction Public Space meeting (May 14) is postponed.
Please visit the Junction Public Space Site for updates.

The next Junction Residents' Association meeting will take place on May 14 at 7pm at the West Toronto Baptist Church, 3049 Dundas St. W.

Live stream of the Junction Residents' Association meeting you could view on the JRA Channel<http://www.ustream.tv/channel/junction-residents-association>.


Credit: Your Fab VA
Expertise To HELP You Manage Your BUSINESS


More info:
http://www.junctionra.ca
info@junctionra.ca

Please attend, it's your/our Junction.

The Junction Residents' Association at the Junction Amalgamation Celebration, May 1, 2009, Photo by artjunction.blogspot.comPhoto: The Junction Residents' Association
at the Junction Amalgamation Celebration, May 1, 2009

L-R: Renee, Louis and Eleanor
2009 @ artjunction.blogspot.com

links:
Junction Residents Association: News, Events, Webcasts
Junction Residents' Association Meeting Tonight LIVE on Webcast!
The Junction Rocks @ the Toronto Web 2.0 Summit

Saturday, May 09, 2009

Explore Canada’s Contemporary Art Scene in Toronto: Special Guided Walking Tour with Jen Morin

Poster: Junction Centennial Contemporary Art Tour with Jen Morin, Explore Canada’s Contemporary Art Scene in Toronto, May 16, 2009Poster: Junction Centennial Contemporary Art Tour with Jen Morin
Explore Canada’s Contemporary Art Scene in Toronto, May 16, 2009
Credit: Latitude 44 + Junction Local Option Art +
West Toronto Junction Historical Society +
Jen Morin
Junction Centennial Contemporary Art Tour

Venture out to the world of contemporary art and visit some of Toronto’s most celebrated galleries including the Powerplant, YYZ, and various specialty shops and art venues in the heart of the Gallery District and historic Distillery District.

Lead by young cultural worker and artist, Jen Morin (B.F.A.), you will visit over 15 galleries and learn about Canada’s exciting contemporary art scene.

This event is a fundraiser for the West Toronto Junction Historical Society as part of the Amalgamation Centennial Celebrations.

Date: Saturday, May 16, 2009
Time: 11 am until 5:30 pm
Meeting: at 401 Richmond Street West
Toronto, ON M5V 3A8
Subways: Osgoode or St. Andrew
Streetcars: 510, 501, 504, 508
Tickets: $25 including 2 TTC rides and admission to Powerplant.

Galleries: Wynick/Tuck Gallery, YYZ Artists Outlet, The Red Head Gallery, A Space Gallery, Open Studio, Gallery 44 - Centre for Contemporary Photography, Gorkin Gallery, Blue Dot Gallery, Gibsone Jessop Gallery, Sandra Ainsley Gallery - Fine Art Glass and More!

Tickets available through wtjts.ca or
Latitude 44 Gallery, Framing, Décor
2900 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON M6P 1Y8
Phone: 416-769-2900
Web: www.latitude44gallery.ca

Posted by Picasa, Photo: Explore the Art of the City: Curated Art Tour with Jen Morin
Photo: Explore the Art of the City: Curated Art Tour with Jen Morin
Curator Jennifer Morin leads you on a journey of artistic exploration through some of Toronto's most innovative and influential galleries in a guided tour: 401 Richmond, Power Plant, The Distillery District
2009 @ artjunction.blogspot.com


link:
The Arts Junction: An Exploration of Contemporary Art Scene in Toronto: Reflections on Life and Art
by Cara Reeves

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Soviet Cult Films at Margret: The Dawns Here Are Quiet by Stanislav Rostosky

Poster: Soviet Cult Films Night at Margret May 9, 2009: The Dawns Here Are Quiet (1972) by Stanislav RostoskyPoster: Soviet Cult Films Night at Margret May 9, 2009:
The Dawns Here Are Quiet... (1972) by Stanislav Rostosky
The Arts Junction presents
Soviet Cult Films at Margret Movie Night

Saturday, May 9, 2009
6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

The Dawns Here Are Quiet (А зори здесь тихие: Russian)

director: Stanislav Rostosky
year: 1972
genre: Drama / History / War
country: Soviet Union
language: Russian/German with English sub-titles
color: Black and White / Color
runtime: 158 min
company: Gorky Film Studios

Margret Bar / Lounge for the Junction
2952 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON

*Admission: Free
Dawns here are quiet...
Nominated for the 1972 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film.
The small detachment of female soldier engages in combat with a German regiment attempting to surprise the Soviets, while the fighting sequences are interspersed with the women's recollections of family and civilian life back home.
The women's daily existence turns out to provide a fascinating deviation from traditional war movies, as they attempt to navigate the additional difficulties brought on by their gender within a predominantly male milieu.
Ultimately the film illuminates the women's bravery and heroism in the face of strife and the misery of war.

The Arts Junction
http://www.artjunction.blogspot.com

** The AJ (artjunction) is an independent, local blog dedicated to arts and culture events in the Junction area of Toronto West, and Russian cultural events coming up in Toronto.

links:
wikipedia.org: The Dawns Here Are Quiet
movies.nytimes.com: Review Summary: The Dawns Here Are Quiet (1972)
english.peopledaily.com.cn: Movie "The Dawns Here are Quiet" Hits the Screen
"By casting aside battlefield scenes, the movie, through the fate of women soldiers, gives a description of the war that depicts the damage and destruction it brought to the beautiful lives of the people, thus portraying in a stronger sense an anti-war theme and a concern for humanity."
theoscarsite.com: "It is a little-known fact that during World War II a small number of Soviet women actively served in combat. This film takes us into the lives of a small detachment of such women, and combines war action footage with gentler moments, such as when they kick their (male) sergeant out of the barracks for complaining that they don't wear enough clothes there. The story of their combat is interspersed with their memories of their husbands and civilian lives. The main combat sequence places them in conflict with a German patrol which was trying for a surprise attack on Russian positions. Co-written and directed by Stanislav Rostotsky for Gorky Film Studios. (Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide)"

eventful: Soviet Cult Movies at Margret
Soviet Cult Films at Margret: Opening Night
Soviet Cult Films at Margret: The White Sun of the Desert
Soviet Cult Films at Margret: Ashik-Kerib

Soviet Cult Films at Margret: Seasonal Classic and Masterpieces of Animated Shorts
Soviet Cult Films at Margret: Ivan's Childhood
Soviet Cult Films at Margret: Dersu Uzala by Akira Kurosawa
Soviet Cult Films at Margret: The Dawns Here Are Quiet by Stanislav Rostosky

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Sunday, May 03, 2009

Why Does the Wizard of Oz Matter? Tea and Books Wednesday at Annette Public Library

Why Does the Wizard of Oz Matter? Tea and Books Wednesday at Annette Street Public LibraryFlyer: Annette Street Public Library Tea and Books Wednesday, May 6 @ 2 p.m.
Credit: TPL, Annette Street Branch

Toronto Public Library, Annette Street Branch invites you to

Tea and Books

Wednesday
May 6 @ 2 p.m.

Does The Wizard of Oz Matter? If so, why?

This week's Tea and Books will be a stimulating discussion led by the charming and erudite John Rutherford (former English teacher and lecturer on Art and Opera at U of T and Ryerson, Continuing Studies) who proposes that Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz may well be the most important book of the 20th century.

Mr. Rutherford takes an adult look at what some consider "just" a children's story...exploring how the author used this book as a platform for his ideas on religion, Freud, the Women's Suffragette movement, and most important of all, as a criticism of the lack of information for adolescents (Dorothy) on sexual maturation.

Mr. Rutherford deals with Baum's book, written in 1900, and the Judy Garland movie of 1939 which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.

There has recently been a flurry of books and plays relating to The Wizard of Oz - Gregory Maguire's Wicked and A Lion Among Men, Salmon Rushdie's The Wizard of Oz, William Leach's Land of Desire: Merchants, Power and the Rise of a New American Culture, a recent adaptation of Frank Wedekind's play Spring Awakening.

Join us to find out why the continuing interest in The Wizard of Oz!

Annette Street Public Library
145 Annette Street
Toronto, ON, M6P 1P3

link:
Annette Street Public Library Upcoming Spring Highlights

Saturday, May 02, 2009

Press-Release: The 2009 Junction Arts Festival Sends out Call to Artists

Call to Artists: Junction Arts Festival 2009: Innovations, Future Visions, Hopes and DreamsCall to Artists: Junction Arts Festival 2009: Innovations, Future Visions, Hopes and Dreams
Credit: The Junction Arts Festival

MEDIA INFORMATION – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Please retain for events listings


THE 2009 JUNCTION ARTS FESTIVAL

SENDS OUT THE CALL TO ARTISTS


The invitation includes Toronto, national and international artists and vendors

Toronto, ON, April 28, 2009Calling all artists and vendors to the 2009 Junction Arts Festival; September 9 to 13 in Toronto. Creative producer Michael Menegon is now accepting applications and proposals for the 17th annual celebration.

Junction Forum for Art and Culture chair Councillor Bill Saundercook announces, "On behalf of the JFAC board, I am pleased to welcome Michael Menegon back for the third time as creative producer. We also welcome all 2009 applications and look forward in anticipation to this year’s cultural extravaganza."

The Junction Arts Festival invites artists and vendors to apply via the new online application form; available on the festival website by the end of April at www.junctionartsfest.com.

Michael Menegon states, "I want to build on our achieved momentum and set the 2009 vibe to focus on extraordinarily creative presentations and to showcase the Junction; our unique, innovative neighbourhood."

The call goes out to:

  • Visual Arts: 2009 Juried Art Exhibit, impromptu galleries and installations
  • Performance Arts: There’ll be dancing in the streets and shops
  • Musical Arts: Live music stages
  • Literary Arts: Writers and poets
  • Children and Youth Arts: The KidZone
  • Environmental Initiatives: The Green Village
  • Creative Shopping: The Artist Vendor Market
The five-day event, produced by the Junction Forum for Art and Culture, takes place along a one-kilometre stretch of Dundas Street West between Keele Street and Quebec Avenue (weekend street closure on September 12 and 13) and features free fun, discovery and creativity for the entire family.

The 2009 Junction Arts Festival is generously supported by title sponsor the Junction Business Improvement Area, and is also possible because of the active involvement from Junction businesses and residents.

The Junction Forum for Art and Culture (JFAC) is a non-profit arts presenting organization and its main project is the annual Junction Arts Festival. The hands-on JFAC Board of Directors consists of dedicated cultural producers, artists, residents, business owners and politicians, all of whom are based in the Junction.

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For media information, please contact:
Laurie Lockhart,
Publicist
2009 Junction Arts Festival
Tel: 416-988-2530
E-mail: gtmessage@sympatico.ca
Website: www.junctionartsfest.com

For general information and application inquiries, please contact:
Michael Menegon, Creative Producer
2009 Junction Arts Festival
Tel: 416-767-5036
E-mail: junctionartsfest@bellnet.ca
Website: www.junctionartsfest.com
Website: www.jfac.org
Councillor Bill Saundercook (Ward 13, City of Toronto), JFAC Chair