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Art
A Different Booklist has brought to the Annex poets, authors and art with alternative points of view for 26 years and counting – Toronto Star
The first time I visited A Different Booklist in early 2004, I heard poetry being performed from the cosy backyard branching off from the main floor of the bookstore. Spoken word-friendly finger-snap applause beckoned me. This is my kind of bookstore, I thought, since I was running a poetry series at the time, and I soon sat down at an open mic hosted by author and event producer Dwayne Morgan.
When A Different Booklist first opened in 1995, on the west side of Bathurst Street just south of Honest Ed’s, its original owner, Wesley Crichlow, may not have envisioned how it would grow from its modest roots into a hub for the Black community.
A Different Booklist has been quarterbacked by the husband-and-wife team of Miguel San Vicente and Itah Sadu since 1998, when Crichlow secured a full-time teaching position, and they continue to stock and promote books reflecting the Black and Caribbean communities, and the African diaspora. They also encourage poets, authors and political scientists to host events at their space, which are often free to the public.
The store relocated to the east side of Bathurst in 2017, after development replaced Honest Ed’s and Mirvish Village. A stroll among the tightly packed bookcases reveals a truly panoramic view of Black history and culture: one section features the work of James Baldwin, Maya Angelou and Roxane Gay; another boasts fiction titles from Toronto authors such as David Chariandy and Catherine Hernandez. The children’s literature section offers such books as “I Love My Hair!” by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley and E.B. Lewis, and “Mixed Me!” by actor Taye Diggs and Shane W. Evans.
“(Young Black readers) are excited when they can see themselves reflected in books, which is not often the case,” San Vicente says. “And we really appreciate how so many schools have bought our books for their students, which has helped us survive all these years.”
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For adult readers, San Vicente says the more popular books at his store include Frantz Fanon’s “Black Skin, White Masks,” a 1952 deconstruction of racism, which he says speaks to what Bob Marley called “mental slavery in ‘Redemption Song,’ and how a colonial mentality has affected many Black people.” Another hot seller is Toronto author Afua Cooper’s “The Hanging of Angelique: The Untold Story of Canadian Slavery and the Burning of Old Montreal. There may be books about Canadian slavery written by white people,” San Vicente says, “but it’s important that a Black author shares these important stories.”
A Different Booklist saw a surge of shoppers during and soon after the protests stemming from the murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis. “It was great to see so many people coming out, including many non-Black readers, and buying books on fighting discrimination and racism and inequality,” says San Vicente. “And it really helped when the Black Lives Matter movement encouraged people to support Black-owned businesses like ours.”
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The bookstore is also home to A Different Booklist Cultural Centre: The People’s Residence. Launched in 2016, the non-profit organization has held author talks, book launches, children’s programs and art exhibitions.
During lockdown, the store kept the public engaged with virtual readings and interviews, such as a Zoom conversation with George Elliot Clarke, Toronto’s former poet laureate.
In fall 2022, the store is set to move again, this time across the street. Its mission, however, will remain the same. “We want people to learn from the past and to challenge themselves to put their knowledge into action,” San Vincente says. “And our books and programming help with those goals.”
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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