Events

Our Story

Connecting generations, honoring heritage, and shaping our collective future through art.

Bridging Generations – A Cultural Tapestry in Art was born from a powerful idea: true inclusion is not about seeking permission to belong. It is about building new spaces where every generation, every culture, and every voice can create, connect, and thrive together. Through art, we are shaping a collective space that celebrates diversity, honors heritage, and fosters unity across communities.

This vision began with Ava Jasmine Dedier, a 17-year-old visual artist who recognized a profound gap in representation and opportunity within the art world. Rather than waiting for change, Ava became the catalyst. She transformed her lived experiences into a platform that uplifts young, diverse voices and creates lasting bridges between generations.

To expand this mission, Ava founded Rise Collective Canada, a nonprofit organization committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through innovative, youth-driven initiatives. Rise Collective is dedicated to empowering emerging artists and community leaders, providing them with the tools and spaces needed to shape the future on their own terms.

Bridging Generations is a living example of this commitment. It is more than an event. It is a movement rooted in creativity, pride, and collective transformation, inviting all generations to come together and reimagine what community, culture, and collaboration can truly be.

The Tour: Art in Motion

Experience the transformative power of art as we reimagine public spaces across Markham and The Greater York region. Through Bridging Generations, we will transform local libraries into vibrant, gallery-style fine art exhibitions — creating spaces where culture, creativity, and community come to life.

Our tour brings together diverse cultural expressions, hands-on workshops, and opportunities to connect with leading artists of all ages. Each stop invites you to witness the beauty of shared heritage, intergenerational storytelling, and artistic excellence — all in the heart of the community.

Join us as art moves beyond the canvas and into the soul of our neighborhoods.

August 7th to August 10th, 2025

Milliken Mills Library

Markham, ON

August 14th to August 17th, 2025

Angus Glen Library

Markham, ON

August 21st to August 24th, 2025

Markham Village Library

Markham, ON

August 28th to August 31st, 2025

Thornhill Village Library

Thornhill, ON

Workshop Themes

These dynamic, hands-on workshops will be led by our featured artists and special guests. Each workshop creates space for creative exploration, cultural pride, and personal growth for all ages.

🎨 Calling All Artists of York Region!

Showcase your creativity and celebrate the power of community through art.
Enter the Bridging Generations Art Contest: Unity in the Community — a free-to-enter, juried competition open to residents of York Region.

This is your chance to be part of a cultural movement that unites generations and uplifts diverse voices through the arts.
Submissions open soon — get ready to create, connect, and inspire!

Community Impact

Bridging Generations is reshaping what community connection looks like. Through art, storytelling, and cultural celebration, our event empowers BIPOC artists and community members by creating spaces where diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only highlighted but lived. We break down barriers between generations, cultures, and backgrounds, uniting people in a shared mission of creativity and pride.

Our exhibitions and workshops offer more than just artistic expression; they offer visibility, validation, and voice to underrepresented communities. Every interaction fosters understanding, every creation nurtures belonging, and every gathering builds bridges that strengthen the cultural fabric of our neighborhoods. Through intentional representation and real engagement, Bridging Generations becomes a catalyst for lasting community empowerment and collective growth.

Featured Artists

Ava Jasmine Dedier

Fei Lu

Candice Dixon

Tiffany Joy Villahermosa

Jamera DaCosta

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Roots & Reflections: Visual Storytelling Through Culture

Step into the art of storytelling with visionary artists and creative leaders. In this mixed media workshop, participants will create self-portraits or narrative scenes rooted in their heritage, dreams, or identity that is guided by Ava’s own Afro-Caribbean influences.

Learn how to sketch with purpose, translate personal stories into imagery, and combine materials to bring your vision to life. It’s a journey into who you are, where you come from, and where you’re going.

Takeaways:
  • How to visually express identity and culture
  • Rapid sketching and mixed media techniques
  • Artistic storytelling from concept to creation

Foundations of Art: I Love Who I Am

Build confidence and artistic skill while celebrating your individuality. In this empowering workshop, the facilitator introduces the foundational elements of art. Using shape, value, and color through the lens of self-love and cultural pride.

Participants will be guided from blank canvas to final artwork, using drawing and painting to explore the theme: “I love who I am, and I’m proud to show it.” Perfect for beginners and young creators alike.

Takeaways:
  • Understanding the elements of art
  • Step-by-step creative process guidance
  • Positive affirmations through visual storytelling

Ink & Identity: Culture Through Poetic Expression

Merge words and visuals in a deeply personal creative experience. The facilitator invites youth to reflect on what they love about their culture and channel those feelings into poetry and abstract art.

Participants will write short, affirming poems and transform them into expressive artworks ranging from portraits, symbols, or abstract visuals. This session nurtures emotional literacy, self-worth, and creative freedom, reminding each participant: your story matters, and your art is enough.

Takeaways:
  • Explore emotions and identity through poetry
  • Learn abstract art techniques rooted in self-expression
  • Celebrate authenticity and cultural pride

Wearable Culture: Fashion & Carnival Arts

Experience the fusion of fashion and heritage with the vibrant artistry of Candice Dixon. This workshop dives into the world of Caribbean Carnival and its rich legacy as a cultural celebration.

Participants will design and create their own wearable art: masks, costume elements, or bold accessories that draw from their cultural background and personal creativity. A joyful hands-on exploration of style, identity, and empowerment.

Takeaways:
  • Learn the cultural roots of Carnival
  • Explore fashion as a form of storytelling
  • Create expressive, heritage-inspired wearable pieces