How can we quietly cheer and express hushed excitement? How can we practice accessibility when gathering in public spaces? Explore these questions with artist Clara Lynas in two workshops to create screen-printed flags in support of collective access, leading up to QUIET PARADE on September 18, from 1-2pm on the University of Toronto Mississauga campus. This is also a unique opportunity to learn more about the print-making process, with new flag designs commissioned in response to QUIET PARADE.

QUIET PARADE invites artists and the public to create a quiet, sensory-friendly parade featuring floats by 18 artists, experimenting with unconventional approaches to celebration. This project is shaped by a commitment to cross-disability solidarity and the desire for pleasurable, joyful, and extravagant experiences of accessibility. Bring your flags to the parade and join in a collective exploration of what shared access-creation looks, feels, and sounds like.

Clara Lynas is a printmaker and zine artist from Scarborough, Ontario. She studied printmaking at OCAD University and uses it as a medium to tell stories in book form. She believes the body of the book is an integral part of the story it tells, and strives to make living breathing zines with great physical presence. She would like to live more out of love than out of spite. In September 2023, Lynas facilitated a participatory sign-making workshop with the Blackwood Gallery and the Peel Committee Against Women Abuse (PCAWA) to create posters and banners in support of ending sexual violence as part of PCAWA’s annual anti-violence rally and march.

Accessibility and Safety

Both workshop venues are accessible to individuals who require barrier-free access.

Session 1 is located outdoors in the CCT Courtyard on UTM campus. Our screen-printing station will be set up beside the northwest entrance of the Davis Building and in front of the southeast entrance of the CCT building. Ramps and curb cuts are in place. The closest accessible multi-user gendered washrooms are located at ground level in the CCT building.

Session 2 is located in The Blackwood Gallery, which is on the ground floor of the Kaneff Centre/Innovation Complex. The building includes open spaces, round sloped corners, and windows to facilitate visual communication and navigation. Accessible multi-user gendered washrooms are located across from the gallery at ground level.

In recognition of those who are at high risk, we invite and encourage you to wear a mask if that is accessible to you. There will be masks and hand sanitizer available at the workshops. We ask that you do not attend if you have COVID-19. Thank you for helping to keep each other safe in this ongoing pandemic.