AWE at Night - January 2025 - Art Windsor-Essex

AWE at Night is back! Join us on January 16th for an evening of art activities, community conversations, guided tours, and good vibes.

Art Activity: Crowley Park Community Mural Design⎮ 5pm – 8:30pm, 2nd floor, Education Studio

The Sandwich neighborhood in West Windsor has been inhabited by people for over 10,000 years and played a large role in the foundation of early Canada. This area was the regional centre of the fur trade in the 1700’s, as well as the site of battles with Americans in the War of 1812. It was also host to proponents of the abolitionist movement as well as a northern terminus of the underground railroad. Not only is it historically rich, but it is also rich in natural history, being one of the most bio-diverse regions in the country. There are over 3000 species of plants and animals here, with 200 of these being rare and endangered.

And now it is on the cusp of big change as it sits on the doorstep of the new Gordie Howe Bridge International Crossing as well as the new Ojibway Shores National Urban Park.

The city of Windsor is planning to create a mural at Crowley park in Sandwich. This mural is part of a project that includes a new soccer field and a community garden. Using our worksheets we would like to invite you to create a design for this mural to reflect the incredible cultural and natural history of the Sandwich Neighbourhood!

In Conversation with Darryl Hogan⎮ 6pm – 6:30pm, 3rd floor galleries

Hear from the one of the subjects pictured in North is Freedom: Descendants of Freedom-Seekers on the Underground Railroad: Darryl Hogan. Hear his voice as he shares the stories and messages behind these photographs, revealing intimate glimpses into this experience.

For Darryl, his ancestors’ story shows the best and worst of humanity. It’s a tale of oppression, of the masters who enjoyed liberty while they chained others. It’s a story of hope, told by those who fought to break their own and other people’s shackles. “People can decide to overcome a bad situation and declare that they will find a better life” – Darryl Hogan

Darryl Hogan is a computer software architect and past vice president of the Board of the Amherstburg Freedom Museum. North is Freedom: Descendants of Freedom-Seekers on the Underground Railroad is an exhibition by Yuri Dojc and curated by Dorothy Abbott.

Community Conversation: Unhoused Downtown: Addressing Homelessness Together⎮ 6:30pm – 7pm, 3rd floor galleries

As housing insecurity continues to rise, the challenges faced by Windsor’s most vulnerable residents are becoming increasingly urgent. Homelessness is a multifaceted issue that impacts individuals and families, as well as the broader community. Addressing it requires collaboration, compassion, and innovative thinking.

Join us for Unhoused Downtown: Addressing Homelessness Together, an open and engaging forum that invites residents, community leaders, and local organizations to come together in meaningful conversation. This community conversation is organized by the Downtown Mission.

With Speakers

Rukshini Ponniah Goulin, Executive Director, The Downtown Mission
Bob Cameron, Executive Director, Downtown Windsor Community Collaborative
Kirk Whittal, City of Windsor

Moderated by Dan MacDonald

**Book Launch: No Signal No Noise by A Jamali Rad⎮ 7pm – 7:30pm, 2nd floor galleries**

Celebrate the launch of No Signal No Noise by local author A Jamali Rad in the exhibition At the Moment This Work is Like This by Alejandro Tamayo. This event will feature readings from the book and a conversation with both the author and the artist. It will inspire you to think about how we understand where and how we are. Join us to learn more about the ideas, systems, and structures we live within from the perspective of two artists. The event will be co-moderated by Niku Koochak and Nadja Pelkey.

After the conversation, there will be an activity with Alejandro in the gallery.

No Signal No Noise explores the history of the number zero across centuries and continents. It is a mix of philosophical treatise, epic poem, and experimental novel. The book is published by Talon Books.

A Jamali Rad (they/them) is a writer and artist. They have published three full-length books of poetry: for love and autonomy (Talon Books, 2016), still (Talon Books, 2021), and WHAT I WANT (Model Press, 2022). Their latest book is No Signal No Noise (Talon Books, 2024). They are the co-founder of the journal About a Bicycle and the small poetry publisher House House Press.

Art Activation: Marking Presence with Alejandro Tamayo⎮ 7:30pm – 8pm, 2nd floor galleries

Alejandro will invite participants to select one lid from a collection of lids placed on a metal desk which we will borrow from the studio if possible (covered by the paper on top). Alejandro will then guide the people to pick a lid of their choice from the ones provided. Participants will be asked to take a pencil or colored pencil, place the lid against the wall, and trace a circle around it. Once the circle is drawn, they will leave the drawn circle as it is and use the museum wax to attach the lid onto the wall. Finally, they will have the option to write their name and the date below the circle.

Music, food, and drink ⎮ 7pm – 9pm, 3rd floor

Let’s celebrate! Head up to the third floor to join us for music by Brent Scudder, food and drinks by Windsor Eats, and good vibes.

AWE at Night - January 2025