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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20261024T090000
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UID:3114-1792832400-1792837800@upstartandcrow.com
SUMMARY:KEEP GOING: A Workshop for Parent-Writers with Suzannah Showler
DESCRIPTION:How do you make space for creative work when your time\, brain\, and access to privacy have been radically restructured? This is a practical workshop for writers whose work has been upended\, paused\, or otherwise rearranged by parenthood. You can expect to come away with a renewed sense of purpose in your work\, a wider community of writers in the same boat\, and a concrete plan to hatch a “micro-residency” in your own life. \nSession 1 (Saturday\, October 24 at 9am): Theory \nWe’ll discuss: what conditions are necessary for creative work to thrive? You’ll be guided through an inventory of how you work\, what you have\, what you need\, and what could potentially change. This will be both a personal reflective exercise and a collective effort: we’ll share resources\, ideas\, and strategies to help keep one another writing. \nYou’ll conclude by making concrete plans for a “micro-residency”: a short-term re-configuration of your writing practice intended to expand\, intensify\, or shift your work on a project. \nSession 2 (Saturday\, October 31 at 9am): Praxis \nWe’ll come together in the Upstart & Crow studio space as co-writers-in-residence. There will be time to share your micro-residency plan for feedback and support\, and you’ll also have the option to relax and do some creative work on your own. \nThis is a two-part workshop! Your single ticket covers both sessions (Oct 24 & Oct 31). If you cannot attend both\, please email to let us know. The registration fee for this event is $10. All proceeds of the event go to Upstart & Crow’s non-profit programming\, including writer residencies\, book clubs\, grants and more. RSVP here. \nMore about Upstart & Crow: \nUpstart & Crow is a not-for-profit creative studio and literary incubator that champions writers\, readers and stories\, and the role they play in shaping our lives. We develop original programs\, support artists and revel in creative projects focused on Literature In Translation / Climate Solutions / Poetry / Civic Dialogue / Community & Skills Building … all with the aim of elevating the role of literature and storytelling in our lives. Find us on Granville Island\, Gibsons and online at upstartandcrow.com. \nAccessibility: \nThe main studio of our shop is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees. As part of disability justice and community care for the chronically ill\, vulnerable and elderly\, we ask that you refrain from attending if you feel sick. \nQuestions: hello[at]upstartandcrow.com.
URL:https://upstartandcrow.com/event/keep-going-a-workshop-for-parent-writers-with-suzannah-showler/
LOCATION:Upstart & Crow Studio\, 1387 Railspur Alley\, Granville Island\, Vancouver\, BC\, V6H 3R7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community & Skills
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260729T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260729T193000
DTSTAMP:20260614T215413Z
CREATED:20260614T215413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260614T215413Z
UID:2988-1785348000-1785353400@upstartandcrow.com
SUMMARY:Befriend the Taboo: An Erotica Writing Workshop with Adèle Barclay
DESCRIPTION:Anais Nin wrote\, “Sex must be mixed with tears\, laughter\, words\, promises\, scenes\, jealousy\, envy\, all the spices of fear\, foreign travel\, new faces\, novels\, stories\, dreams\, fantasies\, music\, dancing\, opium\, wine.” \nWriting about sex and sexuality is an opportunity to explore the vastness and nuances of the human experience. \nIn this workshop\, we will tackle the craft of erotic writing in order to befriend the taboo\, awkward\, and arousing. We will practice writing that embraces the unique ways sex invokes this exquisitely messy mixture of embodied experience. \nThe registration fee for this event is $10. All proceeds of the event go to Upstart & Crow’s non-profit programming\, including writer residencies\, book clubs\, grants and more. Please RSVP here to reserve your spot. \nMore about Upstart & Crow: \nUpstart & Crow is a not-for-profit creative studio and literary incubator that champions writers\, readers and stories\, and the role they play in shaping our lives. We develop original programs\, support artists and revel in creative projects focused on Literature In Translation / Climate Solutions / Poetry / Civic Dialogue / Community & Skills Building … all with the aim of elevating the role of literature and storytelling in our lives. Find us on Granville Island\, Gibsons and online at upstartandcrow.com. \nAccessibility: \nThe main studio of our shop is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees. As part of disability justice and community care for the chronically ill\, vulnerable and elderly\, we ask that you refrain from attending if you feel sick. \nQuestions: hello[at]upstartandcrow.com.
URL:https://upstartandcrow.com/event/befriend-the-taboo-an-erotica-writing-workshop-with-adele-barclay/
LOCATION:Upstart & Crow Studio\, 1387 Railspur Alley\, Granville Island\, Vancouver\, BC\, V6H 3R7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community & Skills
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260706T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260706T203000
DTSTAMP:20260620T193910Z
CREATED:20260620T181754Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260620T193910Z
UID:3007-1783364400-1783369800@upstartandcrow.com
SUMMARY:Start an Easy Graphic Memoir With Jon Claytor
DESCRIPTION:Simply put\, this workshop is about opening the door to telling your story with words and images. We’ll start a 12-page memoir\, no skills necessary. We will do some simple drawing and writing activities to get started and then dive into creating your memoir with images and text and above all encouragement to continue your story. There is no such thing as a bad drawing\, and we all have a story to tell. Let’s find out what yours is. \nThe registration fee for this event is $10. All proceeds of the event go to Upstart & Crow’s non-profit programming\, including writer residencies\, book clubs\, grants and more. Please RSVP here to reserve your spot. \nMore about Upstart & Crow: \nUpstart & Crow is a not-for-profit creative studio and literary incubator that champions writers\, readers and stories\, and the role they play in shaping our lives. We develop original programs\, support artists and revel in creative projects focused on Literature In Translation / Climate Solutions / Poetry / Civic Dialogue / Community & Skills Building … all with the aim of elevating the role of literature and storytelling in our lives. Find us on Granville Island\, Gibsons and online at upstartandcrow.com. \nAccessibility: \nThe main studio of our shop is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees. As part of disability justice and community care for the chronically ill\, vulnerable and elderly\, we ask that you refrain from attending if you feel sick. \nQuestions: hello[at]upstartandcrow.com.
URL:https://upstartandcrow.com/event/start-an-easy-comic-memoir-with-jon-claytor/
LOCATION:Upstart & Crow Studio\, 1387 Railspur Alley\, Granville Island\, Vancouver\, BC\, V6H 3R7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community & Skills
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260627T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260627T210000
DTSTAMP:20260524T195509Z
CREATED:20260524T195509Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T195509Z
UID:2952-1782583200-1782594000@upstartandcrow.com
SUMMARY:Ex Libris: A Bookplate Design & Lino Printing Workshop with Bijal Patel
DESCRIPTION:Imagine opening your favourite book and seeing a custom\, hand-printed design inside the cover. \nJoin us for a special evening of books and linocut printmaking with artist Bijal Patel. In this two-part workshop\, you’ll choose a book that feels meaningful to you\, then transform it into a personal keepsake by designing and hand printing your own custom reusable bookplate: a personalized decorative label traditionally placed inside the books you love. \nThe workshop will begin at Upstart & Crow where you’ll receive a $25 voucher to select a book that speaks to you. Or receive a customized book recommendation from the Upstart crew. \nThen\, you’ll bring your chosen book to a hands-on guided workshop where you’ll learn the basics of linocut printmaking\, an age-old technique where designs are carved into a soft block and hand-printed onto paper. With step-by-step guidance from Bijal\, you’ll design and carve a personalized bookplate featuring your initials\, a personal motif or any imagery that feels uniquely yours. \nBy the end of the evening\, you’ll leave with: \n\nYour own carved lino block ‘stamp’ to keep for your home library\nA collection of hand-printed custom bookplates\nA beautifully personalized book from Upstart & Crow\nAnd a new artistic skill\n\nNo prior experience is needed. All materials are provided\, including carving tools\, drawing utensils\, lino blocks\, and paint. Just come ready to explore! Participants are also welcome to bring their own books to stamp on site. Tickets for this event are $150 with very limited seating. Please RSVP here.  \nMore about Upstart & Crow: \nUpstart & Crow is a not-for-profit creative studio and literary incubator that champions writers\, readers and stories\, and the role they play in shaping our lives. We develop original programs\, support artists and revel in creative projects focused on Literature In Translation / Climate Solutions / Poetry / Civic Dialogue / Community & Skills Building … all with the aim of elevating the role of literature and storytelling in our lives. Find us on Granville Island\, Gibsons and online at upstartandcrow.com. \nAccessibility: \nThe main studio of our shop is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees. As part of disability justice and community care for the chronically ill\, vulnerable and elderly\, we ask that you refrain from attending if you feel sick. \nQuestions: hello[at]upstartandcrow.com.
URL:https://upstartandcrow.com/event/ex-libris-a-bookplate-design-lino-printing-workshop-with-bijal-patel/
LOCATION:Upstart & Crow Studio\, 1387 Railspur Alley\, Granville Island\, Vancouver\, BC\, V6H 3R7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community & Skills
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260428T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260428T193000
DTSTAMP:20260411T190657Z
CREATED:20260408T171900Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260411T190657Z
UID:2805-1777399200-1777404600@upstartandcrow.com
SUMMARY:Drawing Is Important: A Daily Practice Workshop
DESCRIPTION:What if the secret to becoming a better artist was just showing up with the most basic drawing tools and minimal time commitment? In this hands-on workshop inspired by his new book Drawing Is Important\, award-winning illustrator and teacher Tom Froese will guide you through the building blocks of a daily drawing practice — and then prove you can start one right here and now. \nWe’ll begin by looking at the obstacles that keep us from drawing more and how to overcome them. Then\, Tom will share his own daily drawing practice from the past two decades. Next\, we’ll pick up our Sharpies and draw from some very local inspiration — the birds of Granville Island: crows\, seagulls\, Canada geese! Tom will share his two-step method for drawing in a more unique style and offer key insights for overcoming perfectionism. \nBy the end of the night\, you’ll have a a few sketchbook pages worth of drawings — and the beginning of a daily practice. No drawing experience required. Supplies provided\, though we encourage you to bring your own sketchbooks. Copies of Drawing Is Important will be available for purchase and signing. \nGiveaways! \nAll attendees will be eligible to win a signed copy of Drawing is Important. Names will be drawn randomly near end of event. \n\n\n\n\nThe registration fee for this event is $10. All proceeds of the event go to Upstart & Crow’s non-profit programming\, including writer residencies\, book clubs\, grants and more. Please RSVP here to reserve your spot. \nMore about Upstart & Crow: \nUpstart & Crow is a not-for-profit creative studio and literary incubator that champions writers\, readers and stories\, and the role they play in shaping our lives. We develop original programs\, support artists and revel in creative projects focused on Literature In Translation / Climate Solutions / Poetry / Civic Dialogue / Community & Skills Building … all with the aim of elevating the role of literature and storytelling in our lives. Find us on Granville Island\, Gibsons and online at upstartandcrow.com. \nAccessibility: \nThe main studio of our shop is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees. \nQuestions: hello[at]upstartandcrow.com.
URL:https://upstartandcrow.com/event/drawing-is-important-a-daily-practice-workshop/
LOCATION:Upstart & Crow Studio\, 1387 Railspur Alley\, Granville Island\, Vancouver\, BC\, V6H 3R7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community & Skills
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260331T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260331T203000
DTSTAMP:20260208T204759Z
CREATED:20260207T223057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260208T204759Z
UID:2681-1774981800-1774989000@upstartandcrow.com
SUMMARY:Writing Across Diasporas & Generations: A Storytelling Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Do you dream in more than one language? Live in the in-betweenness of cultural norms? Love and clash with different parts of your cultural inheritances? Join memoir writer Wiley Wei-Chiun Ho and poet Phebe Ferrer for a unique listening and writing workshop that invites attendees to explore storytelling in both prose and poetry. \nIn the first half of the workshop\, Wiley will read excerpts from her freshly released memoir The Astronaut Children of Dunbar Street\, share some challenges and tips for writing the deeply personal\, and lead the group in a generative writing exercise. After a short break\, Phebe will read from her poems\, lead a discussion on writing diasporic poetry\, including non-English words\, and provide prompts for a generative writing exercise. \nParticipants are encouraged to bring small mementos from their own cultural heritage(s)\, along with writing implements (paper and pen or laptop) for the writing segments. This workshop is designed for inclusive writing in a fun\, low-pressure environment. Sharing of writing generated in the workshop is optional. No previous experience is required! \nTo ensure event attendance and to help us cover costs\, this event is $10. Please RSVP here to reserve your spot. If you are experiencing barriers to attend\, please reach out over email. We’re happy to provide you with one of our scholarship spots. \nMore about Upstart & Crow: \nUpstart & Crow is a not-for-profit creative studio and literary incubator that champions writers\, readers and stories\, and the role they play in shaping our lives. We develop original programs\, support artists and revel in creative projects focused on Literature In Translation / Climate Solutions / Poetry / Civic Dialogue / Community & Skills Building … all with the aim of elevating the role of literature and storytelling in our lives. Find us on Granville Island\, Gibsons and online at upstartandcrow.com. \nAccessibility: \nThe main studio of our shop is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees. \nQuestions: hello[at]upstartandcrow.com.
URL:https://upstartandcrow.com/event/writing-across-diasporas-generations-a-storytelling-workshop/
LOCATION:Upstart & Crow Studio\, 1387 Railspur Alley\, Granville Island\, Vancouver\, BC\, V6H 3R7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community & Skills
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260325T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260325T193000
DTSTAMP:20260222T195529Z
CREATED:20260221T212338Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260222T195529Z
UID:2702-1774461600-1774467000@upstartandcrow.com
SUMMARY:Our Personal Apocalypse: A Speculative Fiction Workshop with Whitney French
DESCRIPTION:There is no end\nTo what the living world\nWill demand of you \n— Octavia E. Butler Parable Of the Sower \nThe ending of a world also signals the beginning of a new one. Our Personal Apocalypse is a generative creative writing workshop focused on the act of sitting\, listening\, carving out\, and recognizing our personal apocalypse through the lens of Afrofuturism. \nWithin our time portal together\, you’ll be offered study guides from writers the likes of Octavia E. Butler\, Nalo Hopkinson\, N.K. Jemisin\, Nnedi Oforokor\, as well as lesser-known radical storytellers who are attuned to the afterlife of apocalypses. \nAs we grow into an understanding of apocalyptic transformation\, there will be ample time to write and sharpen new creative skills. \nTo support our non-profit programming and to help us cover costs\, this workshop is $10. If you are experiencing barriers to attend\, please reach out over email. We’re happy to provide you with one of our scholarship spots. We have reserved half of our available seats for attendees who are BIPOC/PGM. Anyone who self-identifies as Black\, Indigenous and/or a Person of Colour or People of the Global Majority is welcome to buy these tickets. \nWe have limited seating and spots go quickly\, so please reserve your place here! \nMore about Upstart & Crow: \nUpstart & Crow is a not-for-profit creative studio and literary incubator that champions writers\, readers and stories\, and the role they play in shaping our lives. We develop original programs\, support artists and revel in creative projects focused on Literature In Translation / Climate Solutions / Poetry / Civic Dialogue / Community & Skills Building … all with the aim of elevating the role of literature and storytelling in our lives. Find us on Granville Island\, Gibsons and online at upstartandcrow.com. \nAccessibility: \nThe main studio of our shop is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees. \nQuestions: hello[at]upstartandcrow.com.
URL:https://upstartandcrow.com/event/our-personal-apocalypse-a-speculative-fiction-workshop-with-whitney-french/
LOCATION:Upstart & Crow Studio\, 1387 Railspur Alley\, Granville Island\, Vancouver\, BC\, V6H 3R7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community & Skills
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260324T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260407T193000
DTSTAMP:20260307T223139Z
CREATED:20260307T222723Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T223139Z
UID:2723-1774375200-1775590200@upstartandcrow.com
SUMMARY:Decolonizing Time: Two Workshops on Embracing Alternative Timelines
DESCRIPTION:In these two generative writing workshops\, we’ll unpack a deceptively simple question: how do we measure time\, and who decides? \nAcross cultures and histories\, people have marked time in countless ways: lunar cycles\, agricultural seasons\, ceremonial calendars\, migrations\, tides\, and harvests. The familiar Gregorian calendar is only one system among many. What might it mean to look beyond it\, and what new ways of imagining time might open up if we do? \nIn Part 1 (Tuesday\, March 24 at 6pm)\, we’ll look at alternate calendar systems from around the world — including lunar\, lunisolar\, and Indigenous seasonal calendars — and think about how different communities have organized life around cycles of land\, food\, ceremony\, and movement. In what’s known as Australia\, there are at least nine different calendars among various Aboriginal nations; in what’s known as Manitoba\, Canada\, Opaskwayak Cree Nation people use a 13 moon system; in what’s known as British Columbia\, likewise Stó:lō Nation people name their 13 moons according to local land and waterway cycles. Together\, we’ll discuss how these ways of marking time connect to broader questions about culture\, land\, and diaspora\, before moving into generative writing exercises. \nIn Part 2 (Tuesday\, April 7 at 6pm)\, we’ll take a more speculative turn. Drawing inspiration from futurist and diasporic traditions such as Sino-Futurism and other Global Majority futurisms\, we’ll explore how writers imagine entirely new timelines and ways of inhabiting the future. What happens when we invent new calendars\, new rhythms\, or new measures of time? Through conversation and creative prompts\, we’ll experiment with writing that bends\, stretches\, or reimagines time altogether. \nAlongside writing and discussion\, we’ll also host a small seed swap. Participants are encouraged to bring seeds they’d like to trade — though if you don’t have any to share\, seeds will be provided. \nParticipants are welcome to attend either workshop independently. One registration gives you access to both sessions\, so you’re free to join one or attend both. Please select between three ticket options. To ensure event attendance and to help us cover costs\, the registration fee is $10. Please RSVP here to reserve your spot. \nMore about Upstart & Crow: \nUpstart & Crow is a not-for-profit creative studio and literary incubator that champions writers\, readers and stories\, and the role they play in shaping our lives. We develop original programs\, support artists and revel in creative projects focused on Literature In Translation / Climate Solutions / Poetry / Civic Dialogue / Community & Skills Building … all with the aim of elevating the role of literature and storytelling in our lives. Find us on Granville Island\, Gibsons and online at upstartandcrow.com. \nAccessibility: \nThe main studio of our shop is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees. \nQuestions: hello[at]upstartandcrow.com.
URL:https://upstartandcrow.com/event/decolonizing-time-two-workshops-on-embracing-alternative-timelines/
LOCATION:Upstart & Crow Studio\, 1387 Railspur Alley\, Granville Island\, Vancouver\, BC\, V6H 3R7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community & Skills
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260214
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260215
DTSTAMP:20260120T204917Z
CREATED:20260106T200117Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T204917Z
UID:2597-1771027200-1771113599@upstartandcrow.com
SUMMARY:Printed with Love: A Valentine’s Printmaking Workshop with New Leaf Editions
DESCRIPTION:This Valentine’s Day\, Friday\, February 14\, we’re teaming up with the legendary New Leaf Editions for a special\, all-day printmaking intensive all about love. \nWorking in the tradition of one of Vancouver’s most singular print studios\, you’ll learn the essentials of letterpress and print — including inking techniques\, how to set your own type\, operate the press\, and how to print linocuts — all with hands-on guidance from New Leaf’s founder and Master Printer\, Peter Braune. \nParticipants are encouraged to bring a short snippet\, a few lines from a favourite love poem\, letter\, or text to transform into a printed broadsheet and keepsake. This all-day workshop is perfect for anyone who wants to spend Valentine’s Day making something meaningful\, by hand\, and in good company. \nThis is a full-day intensive with all materials included\, so spaces are limited! Tickets are $250 per person. But if you’re coming with a special someone\, pairs can register together for $400. Please select between two ticket types here. \nThis intensive is offered in tandem with our poetry workshop with Kyla Jamieson. Participants registered for printmaking will receive a complimentary ticket to the poetry workshop\, though attendance at both is optional. Those who choose to take part in both will have the opportunity to bring what they write with Kyla to New Leaf Studio. \nMore about New Leaf Editions: \nOn the eastern end of Granville Island\, the part tourists tend to ignore\, stands New Leaf Editions. For nearly four decades\, New Leaf Editions has been pushing the boundaries of printmaking. Collaborating with artists such as Bill Reid\, Robert Bateman\, and Rebecca Belmore\, the studio has produced an extraordinary range of works\, each reflecting their contemporary vision for what print can be. The printing company\, established in 1985 and owned by Master Printer Peter Braune\, stands in great contrast to the typical printing spaces of French monks and Benjamin Franklin\, bringing a traditional art form to contemporary Vancouver. \nMore about Upstart & Crow: \nUpstart & Crow is a not-for-profit creative studio and literary incubator that champions writers\, readers and stories\, and the role they play in shaping our lives. We develop original programs\, support artists and revel in creative projects focused on Literature In Translation / Climate Solutions / Poetry / Civic Dialogue / Community & Skills Building … all with the aim of elevating the role of literature and storytelling in our lives. Find us on Granville Island\, Gibsons and online at upstartandcrow.com. \nAccessibility: \nThe main studio at New Leaf is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees. \nQuestions: hello[at]upstartandcrow.com.
URL:https://upstartandcrow.com/event/printed-with-love-a-valentines-printmaking-workshop-with-new-leaf-editions/
LOCATION:New Leaf Studio\, 3-1244 Cartwright St\, Vancouver\, BC\, V6H3R7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community & Skills
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260124T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260124T193000
DTSTAMP:20260105T190546Z
CREATED:20251222T215254Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T190546Z
UID:2569-1769277600-1769283000@upstartandcrow.com
SUMMARY:Make Sneaky Art: A Drawing Workshop with Nishant Jain
DESCRIPTION:How would your life change if\, whenever you had a free moment\, you could reach for a sketchbook instead of your phone? \nJoin us on Saturday\, January 24 at 6pm for a special “sneaky sketching” workshop with philosopher\, scientist\, engineer\, writer — and now artist — Nishant Jain. \nAfter moving to the U.S.\, Nishant began carrying a sketchbook as a way to make sense of a new place and a new life. Hesitant to do “the silly thing” in public\, he developed a practice he calls “sneaky art”: quick\, discreet sketches made in spare moments — on transit\, in cafés\, between errands. Over time\, the habit became a way of paying closer attention to the world. \nWe’re welcoming Nishant to our studio for a special hands-on workshop inspired by ideas and techniques from his recent book\, Make (Sneaky) Art. Through quick-drawing exercises\, participants will learn to close the hesitation gap and make lines with confidence. You’ll practice how to sketch without overthinking\, and discover how even a few minutes can be enough to make art. \nThis workshop is perfect for both experienced artists and those just starting out. No prior artistic experience is needed! \nTo ensure event attendance and to help us cover costs\, this event is $10. Please RSVP here to reserve your spot. If you are experiencing barriers to attend\, please reach out over email. We’re happy to provide you with one of our scholarship spots. \nMore about Upstart & Crow: \nUpstart & Crow is a not-for-profit creative studio and literary incubator that champions writers\, readers and stories\, and the role they play in shaping our lives. We develop original programs\, support artists and revel in creative projects focused on Literature In Translation / Climate Solutions / Poetry / Civic Dialogue / Community & Skills Building … all with the aim of elevating the role of literature and storytelling in our lives. Find us on Granville Island\, Gibsons and online at upstartandcrow.com. \nAccessibility: \nThe main studio of our shop is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees. \nQuestions: hello[at]upstartandcrow.com.
URL:https://upstartandcrow.com/event/make-sneaky-art-a-drawing-workshop-with-nishant-jain/
LOCATION:Upstart & Crow Studio\, 1387 Railspur Alley\, Granville Island\, Vancouver\, BC\, V6H 3R7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community & Skills
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251024T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251024T203000
DTSTAMP:20251007T181121Z
CREATED:20250928T201549Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251007T181121Z
UID:2407-1761330600-1761337800@upstartandcrow.com
SUMMARY:New Leaf Editions: A Special Letterpress Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Friday\, October 24 at 6:30pm for a reception to unveil a special exhibition in celebration of the extraordinary legacy of New Leaf Editions — one of Vancouver’s most singular printmaking studios. \nFor nearly four decades\, New Leaf Editions has been pushing the boundaries of printmaking. Collaborating with artists such as Bill Reid\, Robert Bateman\, and Rebecca Belmore\, the studio has produced an extraordinary range of works\, each reflecting their contemporary vision for what print can be. \nThis exhibition — taking over our entire studio — brings together a stunning “best of” collection from New Leaf’s 39 years\, including works by Susan Point and Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun. It’s a rare opportunity to see\, in one space\, the artistry and vision that has defined New Leaf’s contribution to Canadian art. We’ll be joined by New Leaf founder and Master Printer\, Peter Braune\, who’ll share some remarks and speak to the process behind some of his favourite pieces. \nCome explore nearly forty years of work\, honour the enduring impact of New Leaf Editions\, and raise a glass with us to celebrate their incredible legacy. \nThis event is free\, but wine will be available for purchase. Please RSVP here to reserve your spot. \nMore about New Leaf Editions: \nOn the eastern end of Granville Island\, the part tourists tend to ignore\, stands New Leaf Editions. The printing company\, established in 1985 and owned by Master Printer Peter Braune. It stands in great contrast to the typical printing spaces of French monks and Benjamin Franklin\, bringing a traditional art form to contemporary Vancouver. \nMore about Upstart & Crow: \nUpstart & Crow is a not-for-profit creative studio and literary incubator that champions writers\, readers and stories\, and the role they play in shaping our lives. We develop original programs\, support artists and revel in creative projects focused on Literature In Translation / Climate Solutions / Poetry / Civic Dialogue / Community & Skills Building … all with the aim of elevating the role of literature and storytelling in our lives. Find us on Granville Island\, Gibsons and online at upstartandcrow.com. \nAccessibility: \nThe main studio of our shop is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees. \nQuestions: hello[at]upstartandcrow.com.
URL:https://upstartandcrow.com/event/new-leaf-editions-a-special-letterpress-exhibition/
LOCATION:BC
CATEGORIES:Community & Skills
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250926T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250926T210000
DTSTAMP:20250908T184636Z
CREATED:20250908T183439Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250908T184636Z
UID:2364-1758909600-1758920400@upstartandcrow.com
SUMMARY:Icarus: A Collaborative Storytelling Game Night
DESCRIPTION:Looking for a cozy\, creative way to spend an evening? We’re hosting a games night to stretch your creative muscles! \nJoin us on Friday\, September 26 at 6pm for a round of Icarus\, a collaborative storytelling game where groups of five orchestrate the rise and inevitable fall of a civilization. Through prompts and dice rolls\, you’ll create original characters\, conflicts\, and dramatic twists together. Whether you’re an avid games-lover or just looking for a fun Friday night\, this event is for anyone who loves a good story\, and who would like the opportunity to build one together. \nWe’ll have music and treats for snacking. All supplies will be provided — just bring your imagination! \nThis event is free\, but has a maximum capacity of 12 attendees. RSVP here to reserve your spot! \nMore about the facilitator: \nAlex Mantrov has been running tabletop RPGs for over six years\, collecting small indie games\, like portals into endless worlds. He started playing games like Icarus RPG just to get better at language\, but found something more profound — these games tap into our most ancient tradition of telling stories around a fire as a community. Alex thinks the real magic happens when strangers become storytelling partners\, creating worlds and characters together that spark new creative possibilities. \nAbout Upstart & Crow: Located on Granville Island\, Upstart & Crow is a not-for-profit literary arts studio for curious readers and creative storytellers alike. We are international in our outlook\, and local in our sensibilities. We create opportunities to surface new talent and champion bold ideas through events\, workshops\, literary launches\, unique partnerships — and yes\, we also sell books! \nAccessibility: The main studio of our shop is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees. \nQuestions: hello[at]upstartandcrow.com.
URL:https://upstartandcrow.com/event/icarus-a-collaborative-storytelling-game-night/
LOCATION:Upstart & Crow Studio\, 1387 Railspur Alley\, Granville Island\, Vancouver\, BC\, V6H 3R7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community & Skills
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250904T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250904T200000
DTSTAMP:20250708T184938Z
CREATED:20250708T184938Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250708T184938Z
UID:2264-1757010600-1757016000@upstartandcrow.com
SUMMARY:Say No With Love: A Writing Workshop with Chelene Knight
DESCRIPTION:Join Chelene Knight\, award-winning author and founder of Breathing Space Creative Studio\, for a transformative in-person workshop that could change the way you live and write. \nFor one special evening\, Chelene brings her renowned Say No With Love Workshop to our studio. This offering is for writers who want to set nourishing boundaries\, protect their creative energy\, and shape a writing life they want to return to — again and again. No two creative lives look the same\, and this workshop invites you to look closely at your life\, your season\, and your needs. \nThrough reflective writing\, discussion\, and the 7-step Say No With Love process\, we’ll gently surface limiting beliefs (like “I don’t have time to write” or “I can’t give time to things that don’t pay me”) and explore how they shape your day-to-day choices. You’ll leave with your own Say No With Love Map — a simple\, personalized tool that acts as a filter for decisions\, helps you prioritize with clarity\, and guides how you want to show up in both your writing life and beyond. Whether you are a brand new writer or a seasoned one\, the only prerequisites are an open mind and a desire to create more space for creativity. \nTo support our non-profit programming and to help us cover costs\, this workshop is $10. If you are experiencing barriers to attend\, please reach out over email — we are happy to provide you with one of our reserved free-by-donation tickets. We have very limited seating and spots go quickly\, so please reserve your place here! \nMore about Upstart & Crow: \nUpstart & Crow is a not-for-profit creative studio and literary incubator that champions writers\, readers and stories\, and the role they play in shaping our lives. We develop original programs\, support artists and revel in creative projects focused on Literature In Translation / Climate Solutions / Poetry / Civic Dialogue / Community & Skills Building … all with the aim of elevating the role of literature and storytelling in our lives. Find us on Granville Island\, Gibsons and online at upstartandcrow.com. \nAccessibility: \nThe main studio of our shop is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees. \nQuestions: hello[at]upstartandcrow.com.
URL:https://upstartandcrow.com/event/say-no-with-love-a-writing-workshop-with-chelene-knight/
LOCATION:Upstart & Crow Studio\, 1387 Railspur Alley\, Granville Island\, Vancouver\, BC\, V6H 3R7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community & Skills
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250610T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250610T193000
DTSTAMP:20250511T224903Z
CREATED:20250511T183043Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250511T224903Z
UID:2192-1749578400-1749583800@upstartandcrow.com
SUMMARY:Write/Draw: An Outdoor Magpie Practice
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an outdoor workshop where writing and drawing meet the natural world! Held outside in Granville Island’s vibrant\, sensory-rich environment\, this Write/Draw session invites you to slow down\, tune in and collect what catches your attention\, magpie-style. \nGuided by artist Louise Phillips\, you’ll explore sights\, sounds and textures through a series of writing and drawing exercises designed to deepen our relationship with place and self. You’ll be guided between indoor and outdoor spaces to gather inspiration from the natural elements around you\, which we’ll transform into ‘partners’ in your creative practice.  \nThese are not exercises in perfection\, but in presence. Expect to leave with a fresh sense of attention and a creative toolkit you can carry with you into everyday life. \nAll materials will be provided\, but feel free to bring your own sketchbook if you have one. No prior artistic or literary experience is required.  \nTo support our non-profit programming and to help us cover costs\, this workshop is $10. If you are experiencing barriers to attend\, please reach out over email — we are happy to provide you with one of our reserved free-by-donation tickets. We have very limited seating and spots go quickly\, so please reserve your place here! \nAbout Upstart & Crow: \nLocated on Granville Island\, Upstart & Crow is a not-for-profit literary arts studio for curious readers and creative storytellers alike. We are international in our outlook\, and local in our sensibilities. We create opportunities to surface new talent and champion bold ideas through events\, workshops\, literary launches\, unique partnerships — and yes\, we also sell books! \nAccessibility: \nThe main studio of our shop is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees. \nQuestions: hello[at]upstartandcrow.com.
URL:https://upstartandcrow.com/event/write-draw-an-outdoor-magpie-practice/
LOCATION:Upstart & Crow Studio\, 1387 Railspur Alley\, Granville Island\, Vancouver\, BC\, V6H 3R7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community & Skills
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250401T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250401T200000
DTSTAMP:20250211T054926Z
CREATED:20250211T054926Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T054926Z
UID:2032-1743532200-1743537600@upstartandcrow.com
SUMMARY:Staying Creative: A Workshop with Master Writing Coach Sarah Selecky
DESCRIPTION:How do we cultivate a sustainable writing practice and keep our creative energy alive? Join acclaimed author and master writing coach Sarah Selecky on Tuesday\, April 1 at 6:30 p.m. for a meditative writing workshop on maintaining your creative spark.  \nWhether you’re beginning your writing journey anew or seeking to deepen your relationship with an existing project\, this workshop invites you to step into a state of calm fascination that integrates both conscious craft and unconscious awareness into your writing practice.  \nInspired by her newest book\, Story Is a State of Mind\, Sarah will guide you through exercises\, freewriting prompts and deep noticing practices that invite mindfulness into the act of writing. Leave with fresh material\, reliable techniques for accessing your creativity\, and a renewed sense of possibility in your writing life. \nTo support our non-profit programming and to help us cover costs\, this workshop is $10 . If you are experiencing barriers to attend\, please reach out over email — we are happy to provide you with one of our reserved free-by-donation tickets. \nWe have limited seating\, so please reserve your spot here! \nMore about Upstart & Crow: \nUpstart & Crow is a not-for-profit creative studio and literary incubator that champions writers\, readers and stories\, and the role they play in shaping our lives. We develop original programs\, support artists and revel in creative projects focused on Literature In Translation / Climate Solutions / Poetry / Civic Dialogue / Community & Skills Building … all with the aim of elevating the role of literature and storytelling in our lives. Find us on Granville Island\, Gibsons and online at upstartandcrow.com. \nAccessibility: \nThe main studio of our shop is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees. \nQuestions: hello[at]upstartandcrow.com.
URL:https://upstartandcrow.com/event/staying-creative-a-workshop-with-master-writing-coach-sarah-selecky/
LOCATION:Upstart & Crow Studio\, 1387 Railspur Alley\, Granville Island\, Vancouver\, BC\, V6H 3R7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community & Skills
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250301T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250301T223000
DTSTAMP:20250128T221734Z
CREATED:20250120T203809Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250128T221734Z
UID:2012-1740819600-1740868200@upstartandcrow.com
SUMMARY:Windows as Metaphor: A Poetry Workshop with Doretta Lau & Holly Flauto
DESCRIPTION:How might windows serve as a dual metaphor—a lens to the outside world and a mirror reflecting the self? \nJoin writers Doretta Lau and Holly Flauto on Saturday\, March 1 at 9am for an immersive poetry workshop on perspective\, reflection\, and transformation. \nThe barriers we pass through\, both in body and in metaphor\, can be destabilizing. But what if we lingered in these midway spaces? In this workshop\, participants will create poems based on a series of guided writing activities exploring the self as viewed through glass and frame. Refine your craft\, express your creativity\, and write in community.  \nThis free-or-by-donation workshop is designed for everyone\, whether you’re a seasoned poet looking to refine your craft or a newcomer curious about exploring the world of poetry. Paper and writing utensils will be provided. Space is limited so please register to reserve your spot! \n  \nMore about the facilitating poets:  \nDoretta Lau started watching horror movies at age nine and sketch comedy at eleven\, which was probably why she ended up completing an MFA in Writing at Columbia University. The Atlantic named her short story collection\, How Does a Single Blade of Grass Thank the Sun?\, as a best book of 2014. The title story was shortlisted for the 2013 Writers’ Trust McClelland & Stewart Journey Prize. Her forthcoming novel We Are Underlings is about a dysfunctional workplace struggling to open a theme park that celebrates death. She is developing a television show for FX based on this book with Pulitzer Prize–winning writer Eboni Booth. \nHolly Flauto lives and writes on the traditional\, ancestral and stolen territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm\, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Selilwitulh Nations.  Her book of poetry\, Permission to Settle\, one of CBC Books Best Canadian Poetry of 2024\, fills in the blanks of the application for Permanent Residency with a series of memoir-based poems that investigate the implicit biases in the colonial system of boxes and check marks that still seek to categorize “the other” and to harness it in the face of reconciliation. Holly grew up moving between the US and South America; she immigrated to Canada in 2008. Holly teaches writing in the English department at Capilano University. \n  \nMore about Upstart & Crow: \nUpstart & Crow is a not-for-profit creative studio and literary incubator that champions writers\, readers and stories\, and the role they play in shaping our lives. We develop original programs\, support artists and revel in creative projects focused on Literature In Translation / Climate Solutions / Poetry / Civic Dialogue / Community & Skills Building … all with the aim of elevating the role of literature and storytelling in our lives. Find us on Granville Island\, Gibsons and online at upstartandcrow.com.  \nAccessibility: \nThe main studio of our shop is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees. \nQuestions: hello[at]upstartandcrow.com.
URL:https://upstartandcrow.com/event/windows-as-metaphor-a-winter-arts-festival-poetry-workshop-with-doretta-lau-holly-flauto/
LOCATION:Upstart & Crow Studio\, 1387 Railspur Alley\, Granville Island\, Vancouver\, BC\, V6H 3R7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community & Skills
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250119T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250119T110000
DTSTAMP:20250106T192227Z
CREATED:20241125T001632Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250106T192227Z
UID:1944-1737277200-1737284400@upstartandcrow.com
SUMMARY:Write/Draw: An Integrated Workshop on Noticing
DESCRIPTION:The Write/Draw workshop series is a powerful tool for deepening your creative practice — whether that’s writing\, drawing or both. Write/Draw shifts focus from creating a “finished” work of art product to fostering an open\, observant mindset. \nAt the heart of the workshops is the idea of “noticing what we notice\,” where drawing trains the eye to see and writing further illuminates the thoughts and reactions that surface. This approach transforms routine objects and experiences into avenues for profound awareness and connection\, creating a dialog between what’s seen and felt. By pairing visual and written reflection\, participants uncover insights that might otherwise remain hidden\, resulting in an alchemy of greater creativity\, discovery\, and personal growth. \nLed by artist Louise Phillips\, you’ll be guided through a series of exercises in drawing and writing. Although the practice is easy\, our discoveries can be profound. You’ll take away a tool of discovery you can enjoy using again and again. \nLouise’s practice began with her daily study of an ordinary paintbrush\, drawing it in unique ways over several months and then writing about each experience. This consistent practice revealed new insights into both her art and herself\, changing her approach to teaching by prioritizing curiosity and observation. \nNo prior artistic or literary experience is required. \nThis event is free by donation. Reserve your tickets here! Please choose between our two seating options: Sunday\, January 19 from 9-11am or Sunday\, January 26 from 9-11am. \nMore about Upstart & Crow: \nLocated on Granville Island\, Upstart & Crow is a not-for-profit literary arts studio for curious readers and creative storytellers alike. We are international in our outlook\, and local in our sensibilities. We create opportunities to surface new talent and champion bold ideas through events\, workshops\, literary launches\, unique partnerships — and yes\, we also sell books! \nHealth precautions: \nWe want this event to be safe for all. Masks are welcome\, though we won’t enforce them. We hope that folks who come will be vaccinated and boosted and will stay home if they feel ill. \nAccessibility: \nThe main studio of our shop is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees. The bar will be stationed in our loft mezzanine\, though we will have runners available to bring down drinks. \nQuestions: hello[at]upstartandcrow.com.
URL:https://upstartandcrow.com/event/write-draw-an-integrated-workshop-on-noticing/
LOCATION:Upstart & Crow Studio\, 1387 Railspur Alley\, Granville Island\, Vancouver\, BC\, V6H 3R7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community & Skills
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250116T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250116T203000
DTSTAMP:20250106T192159Z
CREATED:20241125T001015Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250106T192159Z
UID:1940-1737052200-1737059400@upstartandcrow.com
SUMMARY:Cemeteries for the Future: A Single-Page Zine Workshop
DESCRIPTION:If the tombstones of your ancestors (chosen or otherwise) asked questions\, what would they be? \nJoin us on Thursday\, January 16th at 6:30PM for an introductory workshop on zine-making! \nIn this workshop we’ll use the single-page zine to commemorate our big and little griefs and also those we don’t yet know the shape of (grief for the state of the world\, grief for the death of a past self or belief\, for the death of a dream\, a fear\, a tradition\, a space/place/mindset we can no longer visit\, for the death of a dear one\, etc.) by reimagining the tombstone as a monument that can speak back –– a monument that can name our hurt but also metabolize it into resistance. \nWe will also explore our different relationships to customs and spaces of memorial and ask what we might still desire from our cemeteries –– what commemorations are missing? How might cemeteries become more integrated into our daily lives? What kinds of community organizing could emerge from such a space? Are there cemeteries we wish we could visit but no longer have access to? What does it mean to be buried in land? For those of us who are settlers\, what does it mean to be buried in stolen land? These are just a few of the many questions we’ll explore in this workshop. \nMore about Jess Goldman: Jess Goldman is an anti-Zionist Jewish writer\, comics artist\, and amateur puppeteer based on the traditional\, unceded lands of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh\, Səlilwətaɬ\, and Mʷməθkʷəy̓əm Nations. Their writing has been published in Maisonneuve\, the CBC and Room Magazine. A graduate of UBC’s MFA in Creative Writing Program\, their writing explores that sweet spot where Yiddishkayt and queer culture joyfully collide. \nThis event is free by donation. Reserve your tickets here! \nMore about Upstart & Crow: \nLocated on Granville Island\, Upstart & Crow is a not-for-profit literary arts studio for curious readers and creative storytellers alike. We are international in our outlook\, and local in our sensibilities. We create opportunities to surface new talent and champion bold ideas through events\, workshops\, literary launches\, unique partnerships — and yes\, we also sell books! \nHealth precautions: \nWe want this event to be safe for all. Masks are welcome\, though we won’t enforce them. We hope that folks who come will be vaccinated and boosted and will stay home if they feel ill. \nAccessibility: \nThe main studio of our shop is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees. The bar will be stationed in our loft mezzanine\, though we will have runners available to bring down drinks. \nQuestions: hello[at]upstartandcrow.com
URL:https://upstartandcrow.com/event/cemeteries-for-the-future-a-single-page-zine-workshop/
LOCATION:Upstart & Crow Studio\, 1387 Railspur Alley\, Granville Island\, Vancouver\, BC\, V6H 3R7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community & Skills
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR