The Redwood is honoured to be one of eight community groups to be featured in the Toronto History Museums’ exhibit, Transforming Grief: Loss and Togetherness in COVID-19. The exhibit puts a spotlight on the experiences of marginalized communities during the pandemic.
The Redwood’s participation in the exhibit was led by artist and facilitator Evan Tapper, our longest serving volunteer. Evan runs weekly art workshops for youth at the shelter. He worked with former youth residents, an HVAC Staffing participant, and Redwood staff and volunteers to create the exhibit. Evan is also the Director of the School of Continuing Studies at the Ontario College of Art and Design.
The exhibit is available to be viewed by the public until January 7, 2024 at the Fort York Visitor Centre and gives visitors insight into life in the Emergency Shelter, into the positive impact of iDetermine.ca on survivors living with abuse in the community, and how training in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) can assist individuals affected by gender-based violence to live safer lives.
Abi Ajibolade, The Redwood’s Executive Director with Evan Tapper and curator Raven Spiratos at the Fort York Visitor Centre
In the April 5, 2023 episode of CBC Metro Morning, Evan spoke to producer Mykella Van Cooten about facilitating the art program for youth at The Redwood emergency shelter and our work to help end gender-based violence.
