Phoenix the Fire
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03/02/2026
The Fire Within
Facilitated by
The Fire Within is a Deaf-led creative workshop exploring healing through movement, improvisation, and visual storytelling.
Participants will engage in guided exercises that transform personal experiences and emotional challenges into artistic expression. Through embodied performance and collective reflection, this workshop offers a supportive space to reconnect with inner strength and creative power.
No acting experience required , just a willingness to explore and create.
ASL/English accessible
IN-PERSON WORKSHOP
Sunday, March 8, 2026, 6 PM to 7:30 PM
Studio B, Fringe Arts Barns
Cost: Pay-What-You-Can
Presenters: Gaitre Persaud
Ocular Occurrences: Sites of Perception
Pam Patterson
September 19 - October 31, 2025
Ocular Occurrences: Sites of Perception experientially captures my multilayered visual (low distorted vision and unpredictable visual processing) reality while also touching on the mental health challenges I experience while attempting to cope in a profoundly ableist society.
The images ̶ made of eye scans,
topographical maps, photos I have taken, and using stills from video performance
sequences shot by Hri Neil (video/audio editor and videographer) ̶ speak to my
vulnerability and perception.
These images capture a curious performative action: I cover my eyes with my
hands and then open them. In performing this action repetitively, I investigate any
possibility for perceptual change. As this is recorded and reenvisioned visually,
my body in action becomes transformed reflecting how my sight operates.
This “perception" is lifelong and will eventually (as my eye disease progresses) lead to
my seeing only grey. This body of work indirectly addresses the fact that for many of us living in pain, isolation, and poverty, MAID, rather than seeking social/community support, becomes the solution.
This is untenable. In resistance, I have been looking at “Crip Mad mutual aid" and acknowledging the unique skills and robust strategies that we ̶ as disability creatives ̶ have acquired by hacking existing normalized
objects, situations, places, and environments for access and use ̶ as acts of persistence, resilience, and resistance. The images we create that spring from disability experience have the potential to disrupt, extend, and expand cultural aesthetic perceptions and creative practices.
Patterson gratefully acknowledges funding support from the Ontario Arts Council.
We would like to inform you that, due to a high volume of requests, we have decided to postpone the upcoming event to November. We believe this will allow us to create a more welcoming and enjoyable space for everyone.
We look forward to seeing you in November! We will be sure to send you an email with all the details soon.
Please note, the event will be held in person.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
09/10/2025
Phoenix The Fire invites you to join us for a powerful and necessary conversation between Deaf artists and interpreters.
For too long, hearing agencies have created division in our community. This panel is about reclaiming our space, listening to one another, and building real connections. Together, we’ll share experiences, welcome new interpreters, and work toward stronger collaboration rooted in trust and respect.
I have attached the poster below. Please invite new interpreters as well. We will provide snacks and drinks as well.
Event Details:
September 18th, 2025 (in person and Zoom)
7 pm - 9:30 pm
1 Wiltshire Ave, Toronto
Food and drinks are provided.
This is not just a panel; it’s an opportunity to strengthen our community, learn from each other, and connect with Phoenix The Fire’s mission of unity and creativity.
We would love for you to be part of this conversation.
Please RSVP by emailing me and the team at [email protected]
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
