Speakers

Canvas Food Art is an experiential culinary arts business that transforms food into a creative, social, and accessible art form. Through guided edible art workshops, participants create beautiful food-based masterpieces while connecting with others, discovering local destinations, and experiencing the joy of creativity in an approachable, hands-on way. They also provide fun and creative catering opportunities for fundraising initiatives.  Tori is a professional artist with 20+ years of experience leading creative programming and exhibiting in more than 50 shows. Elizabeth is a Red Seal Chef, educator, and program developer with nearly two decades of experience in culinary education and experiential programming. Together, they founded Canvas Food Art to create joyful, accessible experiences that bring people together through their shared love of food and art.

Laura attended the 2year Mohawk language revitalisation program through Queens and TTO ( https://tto-kenhteke.org) which is where I met Breanna. Breanna is a Mohawk woman and language learner. We both have a love of nature and a genuine passion for speaking and sharing the Mohawk language in as many places as possible. I feel strongly that everyone living in the Kingston area should know how to at least say hello and thank you in Mohawk/Kanyenkeha, let’s grow the language.  One way is through hoodies and t-shirts.  Laura visited the Skwxwú7mesh Lilwat7úl Cultural Centre and saw these totally awesome hoodies of local plants with their names in English and Squamish language. They are made by a Squamish artist and called ‘We are the Land, The Land is us’.  She won the Awesome Kingston grant to re-create this concept, but using the language of THIS land: Mohawk/Kenyenkeha.

Open Closet brings a personalized thrifting experience to places where clothing access is limited — schools, nursing homes, hospitals, shelters and community care programs. Open Closet addresses clothing gaps — people lacking access to basic clothing in supportive environments such as schools, hospitals, shelters, nursing homes, and community care programs where basic needs are not always met.

It is a “portable thrifting experience” that goes beyond simply filling clothing gaps, offering a more personal and dignified way for people to ‘shop’ for clothing rather than receiving random donated items that may not fit their needs or preferences.

During conversations with local organizations, a recurring issue has been that clothing donations rarely match sizes and preferences, limiting dignity and independence.  Ophelia, the founder of Open Closet in Kingston, Ontario. Growing up in Rideau Heights shaped her commitment to supporting people and communities that are often overlooked. Her experience working with youth and community organizations inspired her to create Open Closet, a portable clothing initiative that brings accessible, personalized clothing directly to people in supportive community settings.