Since launching in 2022, Issues has become a clubhouse for magazine makers, artists, writers and creatives of all kinds. Our events program has become a valuable part of our community building efforts—plus, it's a pile of fun.
Collage Nights
We're contractually obligated to recycle some of our titles after their off-sale date. Sending so much paper to the bin hurt our hearts, so we launched a series of collage workshops and the rest is history. Toronto Life once told their readers that "artists and crafters in the know come to Issues for the two-hour collage workshops" and we'd tend to agree.
Photo Portfolio Review
Armed with a little insight from Della Rollins, we set out to build a portfolio review offering that helped intermediate and senior level photographers further their career. Once a year, we invite art buyers from the worlds of editorial, advertising and fine art to sit down with attending photographers in the hopes of forging new relationships.
Illo Portfolio Review
In 2024, we took all the insight and energy we'd built around our Photo Portfolio Review program and launched a similar event for Illustrators. Once a year, we invite art buyers from the worlds of editorial, advertising, fine art and children's book publishing to sit down with illustrators in hopes of forging new relationships—and getting attendeess new gigs.
Zine Shine
The zine community in Toronto is thriving. It's made up of a diverse array of artists, writers, and makers. For two weeks each year, we hand over a good chunk of our space to a curated selection of zines. In 2024 we hosted 100+ titles, sold 650+ zines and paid out almost $6,000—and we can't wait to do it again. Submissions for 2025 are open now!
Upcoming Events
09/12: Opening Party
As part of the Regional Archive x Issues Magazine Shop Artist in Residence program, join us for the opening of this instalment featuring Vinessa Redford. She has developed a style defined by her meditative, expressive engagement with watercolour.
The exhibition will on display from September 12 through November 16, 2025.
09/16: Re-Work Open Studio
Join us for Open Studio—a space to explore your creativity, connect with others, and simply create without judgment. Whether you want to doodle, colour, write, or just relax, this is your time to do what inspires you, alongside like-minded folks.
A portion of proceeds from each will be donated to the Parkdale Food Bank.
09/17: Collage Night
Join our regular host, Alanna Chelmick, for two-hours of art making. Together, you'll invite the magic of collage to channel directly from your hearts through your hands. Create, cut and paste pieces with a myriad of materials—from contemporary, to vintage, and everything in between.
No experience necessary. All supplies provided.
09/25: Collage Night
Join our regular host, Alanna Chelmick, for two-hours of art making. Together, you'll invite the magic of collage to channel directly from your hearts through your hands. Create, cut and paste pieces with a myriad of materials—from contemporary, to vintage, and everything in between.
No experience necessary. All supplies provided.
10/10: Watercolour Workshop
In this Watercolour Workshop, Vinessa Redford, will explore expressive brushwork and unconventional mark-making to create a dynamic loose floral composition with a limited autumnal palette.
All are welcome, but prior experience with watercolour is recommended. All supplies are provided.
10/16: Collage Night
Join our regular host, Alanna Chelmick, for two-hours of art making. Together, you'll invite the magic of collage to channel directly from your hearts through your hands. Create, cut and paste pieces with a myriad of materials—from contemporary, to vintage, and everything in between.
No experience necessary. All supplies provided.
10/29: Collage Night
Join our regular host, Alanna Chelmick, for two-hours of art making. Together, you'll invite the magic of collage to channel directly from your hearts through your hands. Create, cut and paste pieces with a myriad of materials—from contemporary, to vintage, and everything in between.
No experience necessary. All supplies provided.
11/04: Collage Night
Join our regular host, Alanna Chelmick, for two-hours of art making. Together, you'll invite the magic of collage to channel directly from your hearts through your hands. Create, cut and paste pieces with a myriad of materials—from contemporary, to vintage, and everything in between.
No experience necessary. All supplies provided.
11/19: Collage Night
Join our regular host, Alanna Chelmick, for two-hours of art making. Together, you'll invite the magic of collage to channel directly from your hearts through your hands. Create, cut and paste pieces with a myriad of materials—from contemporary, to vintage, and everything in between.
No experience necessary. All supplies provided.
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