Poetry Writing Workshop (Tales from the River)

Guided by lead artist Andrea Josic, participants will create original poems inspired by the Humber River and their personal memories of the neighbourhood. The completed works will be uploaded to MemoryKPR, contributing to a living digital archive that celebrates and preserves seniors' stories and voices.

The deadline to register for this events is August 7, 2026.

About the Artist:

Andrea Josic: Andrea Josic is a Bosnian-Canadian poet and was the fifth Poet Laureate for the City of Mississauga. As an award-winning writer and performer, her work has been featured on CBC Radio, the TTC, Global News, Meridian Arts Centre, and more. She has performed on global poetry stages and was the champion of the 2020 and 2026 Toronto Poetry Slam, the 2019 Boston Slam, and a finalist at the 2026 Canadian Individual Poetry Slam. Andrea channels her passion into teaching across Canada, inspiring others to find belonging, healing, and joy.

About the Project:

Tales from the River offers a series of senior-coordinated workshops that culminate in the co-creation of a community-engaged public art project along the Humber River in Weston. The initiative highlights how seniors’ leadership and creativity have a tangible, visual, and social impact on community spaces, embedding their contributions in the public realm.

Accessibility Notice:

STEPS Public Art is committed to the community’s full participation in this event. Please indicate the support you require during registration or contact Sam Mitjavile (Cultural Programming Manager) at [email protected] to share accommodation requests.

Media Notice:

Please be advised photographs and video may be taken during this event for archival and promotional purposes. If you would not like to be photographed, please inform a staff member on the day of or keep your camera off if this is a virtual event.

Funders/Partners: Tales from the River is funded in part by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program. We would like to acknowledge funding support from RBC, the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario. This event is presented in partnership with Crossroads Theatre.

STEPS Public Art is a Canadian charity and social enterprise fostering vibrant communities through public art. STEPS offers public art services and runs charitable programs that support equity-deserving artists and engage communities across the country.

stepspublicart.org| @STEPSPublicArt

Documentarian Credit:

Banner image description: An image of attendees writing and drawing on several pieces of paper using various colours of markers on top of a map during the Junction Summer Solstice Festival and text that reads “Poetry Writing Workshop”. Underneath the image there are various funder logos such as The Government of Canada, The Government of Ontario, The Ontario Arts Council, Crossroads Theatre, RBC, and STEPS being credited.