Ravenswing stands out as being one of the more interesting, fun, and accessible grassroots creative events in Ottawa. I went last Sunday, May 26, and there were zines, live music, as well as Do it Yourself (DIY) arts and crafts vendors offering quality stuff. The event had gotten bigger and more bustling than years past. The diversity of participants of all generations and interests, as well as a group of passionate and dedicated volunteers gave the event an incredible energy. “Ravenswing is a labour of love.” said co-Director Lauren Potosky,... | Continue reading article

Post by Steven Artelle The dust has barely settled along Somerset, and the rhythms of Chinatown Remixed are still ringing in our ears—you would think this would be the ideal moment for one of the event’s curators to take a well-deserved breather. But Jennifer Stone, who helped transform the Daily Grind Café into an anthropomorphic wonderland only days ago, already is moving on to her next feat of curatorial innovation, as she conjures up the spring edition of the Idle Hands Craft Sale. Billed as “something for everyone naughty or... | Continue reading article

Enjoy hunting for curious and one-of-a-kind wonders? Apt613 has bravely wandered the city streets in search of the cute, the funky, and the truly bizarre in order to help kick-start your spring shopping adventures. These “best” boutiques were chosen for their pleasant vibe and unique offerings that won’t burn too large of a hole in your pocket. Please tell us about your favourite shops in the comments section. 1. Wunderkammer (238 Dalhousie St.)Wunderkammer is like a museum of the strange and beautiful. The main attraction might be the jewelry, but it also offers... | Continue reading article

Treasure hunters are going to have a heyday this weekend – but they’ll need some wicked transportation to do it. Start Saturday morning, bright and early, down in the Glebe for the annual neighbourhood garage sale – there’s the green version as well, with music and treats. Sons of Pluto will also be playing at the corner of First and Bronson, raising funds for friends headed to Kenya. Then, head out west for Hintonburg ArtsPark down on Parkdale, where CBC’s Ryan Gibson will host a day of music, food, fun... | Continue reading article

Post by Kate Durie. I am excited. E-X-C-I-T-E-D. If you love local as much as I do, you want to know about and support EcoEquitable. On the surface, EcoEquitable is a local fabric boutique and Ottawa-based charity that sells recycled textiles and notions – both new and vintage – that have been donated by businesses and individuals in the community. They are moving to a new storefront location and are hosting a kick-ass event this Saturday to make that move just a little bit easier. Bring cash, people. Cash, your favourite... | Continue reading article

It’s St. Paddy’s day this weekend, folks, and we’ve got just the burlesque show to celebrate. Need something a little more traditional? Head out to your local pub, Irish or not! Guaranteed they’ll be in a festive mood. Tonight at the NAC, you can catch the hip-hop/rock/soul music of Sound of Lions, while Algoma releases her new album down at the Mercury Lounge. Three local bands will take to the stage at the Lunenburg Pub for their weekly battle of the bands – this week, Go Long (!), Leadfoot Pretty,... | Continue reading article

Whether you’re an environmentally-concerned fiancee, a Tibetan film buff, a tango aficionado or anything in between, this city’s got something for you this weekend. Tonight, Legion of Saints hits the stage at Babylon, while NDMA celebrates a new EP down at the Mercury Lounge. The Goodluck Assembly is giving a sneak peek of their new album at Cafe Dekcuf Friday night, and there will be lots of jazzy goodness with Molly Johnson at the NAC. The Flaps take over the GluePot Pub for their cd release party – The Hilotrons and... | Continue reading article

I got an email a couple of weeks ago from an excited Britta Evans-Fenton, Lab Coordinator at Artengine, to let me know they were about to receive a new 3D printer. They invited us to check it out, so I jumped on the chance and headed to Arts Court where Artengine’s M70 lab is located. While my owl was being printed (see pictures above), we chatted about the brand spanking new Ultimaker 3D printer, Mod Lab and what to expect at this Saturday’s print-a-thon event. Artengine is an artist-run centre that focuses on... | Continue reading article

What’s on your agenda for this weekend, Ottawa? Perhaps some burlesque with your usual Sunday brunch? Or a holiday food market like no other?A bit of improv? Or a classical Christmas concert, perhaps? If you’re looking to take in some art – or trying to find some for gifts – the Ottawa Art Gallery and Cube Gallery might have something for you, or Cyclelogik’s Holiday Sweat-ER in an art sale like no other (we’re talking food and DJing). Craft sales continue, too, with Craftalicious happening down in the Glebe on... | Continue reading article

Ottawa’s always been lacking in the fabric store department, particularly in the downtown area – until now. Thanks to two civil-servants-turned-shop-owners, the crafting scene here in town doesn’t need to turn to the interweb to find fabric delights. Fabrications is the joint venture of Carrie and Curtis, who saw the opening for a little crafty shop down at 1098a Somerset (at Spadina). Yes, they’ll have fabric, but they’ll also have sewing machines for rent and offer classes for those of us less inclined to start a project on our own.... | Continue reading article