The Alebrijes of Your Dreams: A Journey of Creativity and Community
The Alebrijes of Your Dreams, a seven-month community arts initiative proudly supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, has successfully brought alebrijes workshops to eight diverse groups across Ontario. This achievement is a testament to the dedication, passion, and hard work of everyone involved. More importantly, it highlights the profound impact these workshops have had, sparking creativity, nurturing imagination, and inspiring participants of all ages to explore their artistic potential.
Led by Emotionart, these arts and crafts workshops took place in a variety of welcoming and unique community settings. One memorable stop was in Guelph, Ontario, at the Fife Road Co-op—a vibrant hub of community life. We were also warmly welcomed by the Parkwood Gardens Neighbourhood Group, a community deeply committed to the arts and home to a local food bank. Together, we created art, fostered connection, and celebrated creativity in its many forms.
As one participant beautifully put it: “An alebrije cannot be wrong—it can be anything.” This spirit of open-ended creativity invited everyone to let their imaginations soar.
Throughout the project, we offered a wide range of one-day creative activities designed to suit all interests and seasons. From painting masks and decorating boxes, to modelling with clay, making watercolour and printmaking seasonal cards, crafting Christmas ornaments, painting oil coaster tiles, and building puppets—there was truly something for everyone. And of course, our signature alebrijes workshop remained at the heart of it all.
In Toronto, many of these workshops were hosted in spaces that welcome and support people living in community housing, such as the Toronto Public Library branches at Beaches and Eglinton Square. We also had the joy of running our kids’ spring camp at the Beaches Community Centre, plus another seniors group at the O’Connor Community Centre.
Through each session, The Alebrijes of Your Dreams has not only offered opportunities for artistic expression but also helped build stronger, more connected communities—one brushstroke, one sculpture, and one imagination at a time.
some of the works created during our Alebrijes programs from different locations.
