Are you a newcomer artist who wants to learn more about printmaking? Join us for a hands-on linocut printing workshop led by artist and educator Phan Trúc (Alek) and inspired by Kimsooja’s Dimensions of a Needle, currently on view at MOCA.
Linocut is a form of block printmaking in which an image is carved into a piece of linoleum. Ink is rolled onto the carved surface and then transferred onto paper or fabric to create a print. In this workshop, you’ll carve your own linocut, drawing inspiration from Southeast Asian cultural motifs, personal symbolism, or forms found in nature. The repetitive motion of carving invites you to reflect on the shifting nature of time.
In Vietnamese culture, carving, and printmaking are closely tied to storytelling, spiritual symbolism, and seasonal rituals. This tradition is most famously seen in Đông Hồ woodblock prints, which have documented folklore, daily life, and lunar traditions for centuries.
Print your creation on a tote bag or mulberry paper. All materials are provided, but you are also welcome to bring an old T‑shirt or other fabric to print on!
This workshop is suitable for beginners as well as artists looking to expand their practice, and only open to members of MOCA’s Access to Art Programme. Spots are limited—registration is required.
About Access to Art
Launched in 2025, Access to Art is a free mentorship program at MOCA Toronto for newcomer artists!
This 12-month mentorship programme is for artists new to Canada, offering an opportunity to connect with Toronto’s contemporary art scene.
As a participant, you’ll:
- Take part in workshops, events, and networking activities to grow your skills and meet fellow artists.
- Become a MOCA Artist Member, gaining benefits like free museum entry, invites to openings and artist talks, and local discounts.
- Receive a small fee to cover costs like travel, childcare, and other expenses for workshops and events.
Log in to your Canoo account and search “Access to Art” to apply.
About Art Hives
Art Hives provide free, community art-making spaces open to everyone, aiming to foster a welcoming environment for all—based on the research and practice of Dr. Janis Timm-Bottos, a professor at Concordia University. You don’t need to have any experience making art to join.
This session is specifically designed for newcomers to Canada and fosters a supportive and welcoming environment. This event is facilitated by artist Alek Phan, with assistance from practicum Art Therapy students from the Toronto Art Therapy Institute.
About the Artist
Alek Phan is a visual artist, and community-based art educator whose socially engaged practice bridges Southeast Asian heritage with contemporary Canadian contexts. Drawing from Southeast Asian traditions and regional narratives, Phan creates works that weave together past, present, and future through a contemplative, dreamlike visual language.
Phan has worked in journalism and digital media, leading creative initiatives across Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, and Taiwan. Since arriving in Canada, they’ve developed participatory art projects that transform public spaces into shared canvases, such as projection mapping at the Mississauga Central Library, installations for Flow (2025) and Pride Month (2025) with Arts Etobicoke and Evergreen Brick Works, and exhibiting at Toronto City Hall during Newcomers Day (2025).
Phan holds a BA in Cultures and Literature (Vietnam), a Certificate in Cultural Studies (Taiwan), and Postgraduate Certificates in Arts Education and Community Engagement, and Digital Performance (Canada). Their work has been exhibited accross Vietnam and Canada.
This work was made possible by ArtWorksTO (Newcomer Program), in partnership with Toronto Arts Foundation.
