Patrick Brown Jr is legally blind, the result of childhood hydrocephalus. That hasn’t slowed him a whit.
Despite it all, Brown remains positive and loves to share his passion for music. Certified to teach beginners piano, he’s already had a few students, has helped teach at music camps and currently volunteers at UrbanArts — an arts-based program for youth in Toronto’s Weston/Mount Dennis community.
InsideToronto has an inspiring piece on this great young man.
UrbanArts, a local community arts group, received nearly $750,000 from the provincial Trillium Foundation last week. They’ll use the money to expand their arts programming over three years into five more neighbourhoods.
Laura Albanese announced the funding at UrbanArts’ AGM on May 4. The grant will allow UrbanArts to grow into each of the Neighbourhood Improvement areas in the riding.
Thank u Laura! We are so grateful for the Grow grant from @ONTrillium that will allow our org to expand in new areas @Laura_Albanese pic.twitter.com/tqc6MReIUv
— UrbanArts (@UrbanArtsTO) May 4, 2017
The Ontario Trillium Foundation gives grants to community groups across the province with money raised from lotteries.
A few years ago, UrbanArts moved from its John Street location to a bigger location on Bartonville, in Mount Dennis. Now, they’re looking for your feedback on how to best use the John Street space, which hasn’t been quite as jumping as it was.
They’re say they’re looking at “expanding our services to the entire population while still maintaining a focus on youth. Programs and services will now be offered to adults, seniors and inter-generational groups.”
You can provide feedback by filling out an online questionnaire.
The city’s best community arts group will be having their annual CultureShock festival this Saturday at Little Avenue Memorial Park. It’s not too late to volunteer, if you are in the mood.
UrbanArts, Toronto’s finest community arts group, will host the 11th annual CultureShock festival on August 12 and 13. There will be “dance, music, visual arts, theatre and spoken word” at Little Avenue Park.
They are looking for volunteers, performers, vendors, and exhibitors. Jump in!
UrbanArts, whom I worship, are hiring seven young people for summer positions. They’re looking for three summer arts councillors and four mural artists. The work sounds great, too. Work starts in July and ends in August.
Visit their site to get your little layabout out.
UrbanArts, my favourite local arts group, would like you to know that they have new programs for their After School Arts Program. Run, don’t walk, and enroll while you can. 
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