York Lane Art Collective is a volunteer-run, creative art space for artists to express themselves, collaborate with others, and fuel inspiration. Sometimes a gallery, sometimes a concert, YLAC is an ever-evolving space where disciplines are practised, experienced and expressed. This place thrives on sustaining an artistic community. We emphasize on collaboration, where individual skill sets are exchanged to expand horizons and grow artistic visions. We respect and encourage all forms of art and creativity. Located in the alley of York Lane behind Ontario street, you will be intrigued to discover Stratford’s vibrant, inspirational, local art scene. After our first full year open, we have curated 12 gallery exhibitions, screened local artists’ films, hosted local theatre productions, play-readings, book readings, poetry nights, a ton of live music and concerts, held classes and given opportunities to artists to sell work. ​​

 

La Osa, heading into it's second year as a brick and mortar shop, WASN'T born overnight. La Osa has evolved into a dreamy place filled with carefully curated vintage goods, hand-picked treasures and beautifully crafted jewellery, including Pamela's own jewelry line, created on site. She believes in and supports the slow-fashion movement, encourages the appreciation of vintage and handcrafted items and promotes the environmental benefits of wearing and buying second-hand clothing.

 

Hear about her creative journey from hobby to side hustle to full-time business, developing a business plan, making the most of the resources available to you and building community around your brand. Community involvement is a big part of her business - she is the co-founder of Perth Pop-Up market series, on the organizing committee for Stratford Trashion Week and the board of directors for Stratford's City Centre BIA.

BRIDGE Centre for Architecture and Design is an independent, student-run initiative at the University of Waterloo’s School of Architecture that supports student art and design initiatives and connects the school to the community.

 

Our talk is broken down into three parts that explain the digital and physical platforms of BRIDGE Centre for Architecture and Design: the website, the storefront and special events. Our website is a hub for students at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture to share their opinions, travels, academic work and extra-curricular projects. The storefront, which has a very public presence in downtown Galt hosts a variety of community events, such as exhibitions, talks and performances. Our special events sections include the Future School workshops, where BRIDGE collaborated with local public schools on a design project, as well as "Common Waters", an upcoming community initiative that consists of art exhibitions, walks, lectures and other mixed-media events centred around the large topic of water. Common Waters is being curated in collaboration with Cambridge Art Galleries.