Alchemy Artists Residency
Alchemy is an Ontario-based artist residency committed to fostering community engagement through the exploration and sharing of art, food and conversation. Attracting artists from Canada and throughout the world, its programming initiatives are led by artists Claire Tallarico and Tonia Di Risio.
What's next? Deeper roots in a community setting for inquiry and discovery
Our current programming has deep roots stemming from what we have learned in offering six traditional artist residencies and programming on the Toronto Islands and in rural Prince Edward County (PEC), Ontario between 2015 and 2019. Prior to the global pandemic, participating artists in a variety of mediums ranging from visual arts, sculpture, photography, craft, cooking, performance art, writing and video shared their work and practice in a communal setting. Readings and discussions probed the creative intersection of food and art. Guest talks and walks with local artists, chefs, winemakers and community members helped us better understand the magic and inspiration created by making and sharing art, food, and ideas in a community setting.
In 2020, in response to the first wave of COVID-19, Alchemy’s program shifted to a small group of volunteers and artists who made twice weekly suppers for seasonal farm and vineyard workers in PEC. The project called "Table Settings" recognized the vital contribution of labourers, most of whom come from outside of Canada, and all of whom play a vital role in this wine producing region.
In 2021, we continued to provide twice weekly meals to seasonal agricultural workers. We also invited eight individual artists to create site-specific installations accessible to the public in collaboration with local farms and vineyards. This exhibition called "Field Notes" was also part of the Culture Days Festival in the fall.
Learn more about our seventh season of programming offerings here:
Non profit status for Alchemy
While our programming and residency offerings will continue to be guided by the principles of collaboration and consensus, our governance will be through our new Board of Directors. Alchemy co-facilitators Claire Tallarico and Tonia Di Risio are excited and delighted to welcome Erin MacInnis to our newly constituted Board of Directors. Now a small and mighty board of three, Claire and Tonia continue in their long-time collaborative roles as conveners and facilitators of all things Alchemy, Erin’s business acumen is welcome as we look to expand the reach of Alchemy post-pandemic.
Land Acknowledgement
Alchemy Artists Residency acknowledges that we are on the traditional territory of Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe, and Haudenosaunee peoples. These peoples
agreed to mutual sharing obligations and responsibilities as stewards of the
land and water. We recognize that these are now our shared obligations in
partnership, to continue to protect the land and water. As we talk about the
land, we honour the Indigenous ancestors who came before us and who
continue to be present in lands which we occupy. We acknowledge and
honour the First Nations who despite attempts of colonialism, continue to
hold and share their rich history, traditions, and cultures that are proud,
modern and vibrant. As we move forward, we hope that every time we get
together we acknowledge all those that have come before us.
Approved by Troy Maracle, Indigenous Education Lead for the HPEDSB
Dinner at Redtail Vineyards by Kirstyn Mayers summer 2020.
Thank you
We gratefully acknowledge funding support from the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario, for our residency program in Prince Edward County from June - October 2022.
