N E W S F R O M T H E C O T T O N F A C T O R Y

N E W S F R O M T H E C O T T O N F A C T O R Y – T O G E T H E R W E A R E S T R O N G

This morning there was a Cardinal singing loud and clear on a wire the cuts across the yard. Some say Cardinals are messengers from the sky world; our ancestors bringing messages of hope and healing.

It has been 51 days since we have closed the doors of The Cotton Factory to the public in response to the COVID-19 crisis and in an effort to keep our community safe.

Many of you have been working from home. However from time to time we hear laughter and music dancing down the hallway bringing us a whisper of better days to come as members of the Cotton Factory community physical distance in their studios.

Even in the lull, we are busy keeping up with the day to day, collecting mail, keeping the building clean and in good repair; while catching up on the paperwork and odd jobs we set aside for a rainy day.

“Goodness is the only investment that never fails”

– Henry David Thoreau

CAREMONGERING at THE COTTON FACTORY

Although things appear relatively quiet, we often see light seeping through a studio door here and there as many of you come in to work in solitude.

There is a new kind of magic brewing in some of the studios. Our hearts were warmed to learn many of you have turned your workspaces into sewing studios in an effort to care for Hamilton’s front line workers. Masks, scrub caps and headbands have all been in production and donated to nursing homes, hospices, shelters, and other emergency crews. We would like to acknowledge your compassion and kindness.

A big shout out to the following folks who have kept their lights on.

Shady Lady Window Coverings/McKay Canvas,
Rock Paper Scissors, RPS Hamilton Co.,
Keira McAurther
Notion Industrial Sewing
Blackbird Studios

We apologize if we missed anyone, however, we would like to extend warm wishes and cyber hugs to all!

5 DAYS FOR GOOD – http://5daysforgood.com is an initiative designed to provide a spark, a method, and a community hub for contributing to a net positive in the world. Participants often do many good things throughout the year and in most everything they do, but 5DFG is an opportunity to focus that energy into a substantial effort across a 5 day campaign of giving. The Cotton Factory was nominated by Jet Propelled to participate in the project. We have since nominated Sandy Casella Real Estate located in CoWork and Shady Lady Window Coverings.

Last month we partnered with Chef Jonny Blonde to provide 30 meals to the residents of two local women’s shelters. The lunches were delicious! Chef Jonny Blonde provided freshly made squash soup and sandwiches. Lunch was made with locally-sourced produce paired with scratch-made artisanal bread. We loaded up our cars and delivered the meals to two locations in the GHTA in time for noon! #5daysforgood

CONNECTING WITH OUR COMMUNITY

ZOOM DINNER PARTIES WITH CHEF KEN LEFEBOUR, NELLIE JAMES GOURMET TO GO
The Cotton Factory in Partnership with Nellie James Gourmet To Go invites you to join us for a delicious evening of food and fun with Chef Ken Lefebour.

We hosted our first ever Zoom Party on April 30th to a SOLD OUT audience. It was such a great success that we scheduled another fun filled evening for May 17th, 2020. Share dinner with friends and family while Chef Ken shares cooking tips and tricks “live from his kitchen” while providing a demonstration on how to prepare your meal!

THE MENU
Appetizer – Asian Greens with Beautiful Toppings, Truffled Balsamic Dressing
Main Course – Ragu of Beef with Cremini Mushroom Jus with a Side of Goat Cheese Polenta
Dessert – Chocolate, Pink Peppercorn Tart

COST: $25 – $3 is donated to Food4Kids. #5daysforgood Taxes & service fee extra
For additional information and purchase tickets visit HERE

SHOW + TELL VIRTUAL STUDIO VISITS
The Creative Cafe in partnership with The Cotton Factory presents a weekly Virtual Studio Tour on Zoom. Each week two artists share about what they are working on, their challenges and successes, plus tools for exploration. Learn about the themes they have chosen to explore; ask questions and connect with other like-minded individuals. This is a safe space for sharing work and ideas. It is not a critique, but a way for us to mentor each others growth.

Monday, May 4th, 2020 – Artists, Kirk Sauer – Visual Artist and Lisa Warren, Musician

Zoom Meeting Link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83827590682?pwd=Y21QTnZhcXlPalZwNitEeGZ2SFVGZz09
Meeting ID: 838 2759 0682 Password: 806660

RSVP HERE

Monday, May 11th, 2020 – Susan Barton Tait, and Edgardo Moreno – multidisciplinary artists who work with installation, sound and video

Zoom Meeting Link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86970560023?pwd=Z2pjVFMvQjVrb3R3bHhLOEVaTTlrQT09
Meeting ID: 869 7056 0023
Password: 320410

Monday, May 18, 2020 – Mike Hansen Multidisciplinary Artist and Simon Frank, Visual Artist

Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86226610459?pwd=clhhV2RvUXZMRFVYbUtMVGpwYVFEZz09

Meeting ID: 862 2661 0459

Password: 758661

Anyone can join us in on the Zoom calls and participate in the sharing. If you are interested in participating as a presenter, send an email to Annette@coworkfactory.ca and you will be scheduled in!

HONOURING OUR MOTHER: Stories of The Earth with Knowledge Keeper Sherry Copenace [Niizhoosake, Saagimaakwe, Atik n’dodem (Elk Clan), Midewewin]

Just in time for Mother’s Day, join us for a ZOOM talk about the earth in the times of COVID-19. Born and raised on the community of Ojibways of Onigaming, which is located in Northwestern Ontario and on the East side of Lake of the Woods. Sherry is firm in her ways of knowing and being Anishinaabe. She speaks her original language, Ojibway, and has a great love for the land and waters.

Since 2011, Sherry has led a renewal of Makoosekawin – Anishinaabe young women with coming of age teachings and ceremonies. She is part of a Knowledge Keepers Circle at Nanadawegamig (FNHSSM). Sherry helps at Anishinaabe Teaching and Sacred Lodges. She holds an MSW degree and is associated with several institutions and organizations who continually engage her for her knowledge and lived experience. This event is FREE to attend. Please register in advance HERE

HAMILTON ARTIST RELIEF FUND

The Cotton Factory is a proud community partner of the Hamilton Artist Relief Fund. The Hamilton Artist Relief Fund is an initiative of the Hamilton Arts Council. It is focused on raising and distributing emergency relief funds for artists struggling during this difficult time and providing a curated online platform for local artists to present and perform to a virtual audience. 100% of the donations collected for the Relief Fund will be distributed directly to artists in need.

To learn more about the project visit www.hamiltonartscouncil.ca

RESOURCE LINKS:
How Ontario is Responding To Covid19
Economic Response Plan
Where Canadian Artists and Freelancers can find help

SOME FUN PROJECTS and READING MATERIAL

“Living, as we do, in an imperfect world; we, as mere mortals, usually make bad decisions. Yes, the truth be told, we’ve all done it. But the good thing is that there is no such thing as a bad choice, because even bad choices ultimately lead to happy endings. The key is to learn from them and transform them into positive turning points.” – Anonymous

10 best art-world podcasts to listen to right now

How to make a zine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm7_3t8ItaI&feature=emb_logo

How to make a photography zine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfN133XgaSk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiqQrVrW9XY

N E W S F R O M T H E C O T T O N F A C T O R Y

N E W S F R O M T H E C O T T O N F A C T O R Y – T O G E T H E R W E A R E S T R O N G

Annette

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