Posted May 16, 2025
OFF THE MAP ANTHOLOGY LAUNCH & READING
Join editors Betsy Warland, Kate Bird, and Seema Shah, and several anthology contributors, for the launch of Off the Map: Vancouver Writers with Lived Experience of Mental Health Issues on Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 1-4 pm at the VPL Central Library.
This event is free and will feature short readings by anthology contributors. Bell Press, publisher of the anthology, will be selling copies of the book at the event and authors will available for signing.
Although registration is not required, it is very much appreciated by VPL for planning purposes. To register, please visit: Off the Map launch registration.
Posted May 1, 2025
OFF THE MAP ANTHOLOGY PUBLISHED!
Published May 1, 2025 by Bell Press
Edited by Betsy Warland, Seema Shah, and Kate Bird
Off the Map, an anthology featuring writers from Vancouver, British Columbia, with lived experience of mental health issues, aims to bring diverse and distinctive voices to the literary landscape. Works of creative non-fiction, fiction, and poetry on a wide range of subjects showcase unique storytelling styles and forms, offer fresh and fascinating perspectives, and are told with compelling honesty, inventiveness, and compassion.
Contributors: Kate Bird, Tove Black, James Boutin-Crawford, Jessica Cole, Crisi Corby, Gilles Cyrenne, Venge Dixon, Jaki Eisman, Christy Frisken, Merle Ginsburg, Angela J. Gray, Adishi Gupta, Jean Kavanagh, Yong Nan Kim, Justyna Krol, jerry LaFaery, Danica Longair, Harry McKeown, Neven Marelj, Quin Martins, Pari Mokradi, Ronan Nanning-Watson, Rye Orrange, Mary Phyllis O’Toole, Bruce Ray, Ingrid Rose, Beth Rowntree, Lenore Rowntree, Kim Seary, Seema Shah, Neko Smart, Amy Wang, Sandra Yuen
For more details and to register visit: https://bellpressbooks.com/product/off-the-map/
Posted January 29, 2025
SURVIVING FINANCIALLY AS AN ARTIST
A FREE workshop for Vancouver artists with lived experience of mental health and/or substance use issues.
Join Outsiders and Others’ Artistic Director Yuri Arajs and Seema Shah, a practising self-taught artist with lived experience of mental health issues, for a discussion about options to make money as an artist and considerations to think about in the process.
Then hear from special guest, Minnesota artist Amy Rice, who will join the workshop virtually to share about her journey as a self-taught artist who now makes a living as an artist. There will be time to ask Amy questions.
DATE: Saturday, February 15, 2025
TIME: 4-6 pm
VENUE: Outsiders and Others, #100 – 938 Howe St.
Update – Jan 31, 2025 – All spots are filled.
Email seema.outsider@gmail.com to be added to the waitlist.
Posted July 31, 2024
ART EXHIBITION
Taking place in Outsiders and Others’ main gallery August 3 – 31, 2024, The Many Faces of Time: Part Deux is a group exhibition of six artists, each connecting to the concept of time in their own unique way.
The artworks in this exhibition convey multiple facets of time through reflections of both self and society, aspects of personal experience, and the literal depiction of time passing.
The exhibition was co-curated by Yuri Arajs and Seema Shah. It complements The Many Faces of Time, a group exhibition of seven artists that took place in Outsider and Others’ window gallery May 8 – June 30, 2024).
Opening Reception: Saturday, August 3rd from 2-4 pm at Outsiders and Others (716 East Hastings St.).
Posted May 17, 2024
ARTIST CONSULTATIONS
FREE Consultations for Vancouver artists with lived experience of mental health and/or substance use issues.
– Need to build a portfolio?
– Want to discuss how to market your artwork?
– Need help writing an artist statement?
– Looking for a fresh viewpoint on a recent painting?
Outsiders and Others Artistic Director Yuri Arajs is here to help you and it won’t cost you anything!
Please email seema.outsider@gmail.com
to receive the registration form.
Space is limited so register soon! We will be keeping a waitlist.
Update – May 19, 2024 – All spots are filled.
Email seema.outsider@gmail.com to be added to the waitlist.
Posted May 16, 2024
WRITING WORKSHOP
Tips for a Successful Submission with Betsy Warland
Tuesday, May 28th from 1:00-3:30 pm via Zoom
From carefully checking the Calls for Submission details and calculating how to meet the deadline, to how to select your best options, to revising and strengthening the pieces you have selected, this workshop will optimize your success.
Participants are encouraged to send in two pages of writing by Wednesday, May 22nd. Specifically, the first page (only) of two pieces you are thinking of submitting – one you feel most sure about & a strong second choice. These pages will give Betsy a sense of the writing and allow her to offer more individualized feedback. They will not be shared with the group or critiqued.
Submitting writing beforehand will offer the most benefit, but is not required. Another option is to bring copies of the two pages to the workshop and apply the techniques Betsy is teaching during the workshop. She will not be able to offer individualized feedback, but the workshop will still offer valuable guidance
This workshop is intended for individuals with some writing experience. Space is limited. Please email Seema at seema.outsider@gmail.com to register.
Update – May 22, 2024 – All spots are filled.
Posted May 8, 2024
ART EXHIBITION
Taking place in Outsiders and Others’ window gallery May 8 – June 30, 2024, The Many Faces of Time is a group exhibition of seven artists, each connecting to the concept of time in their own unique way.
The artworks in this exhibition convey multiple facets of time through reflections of both self and society, aspects of personal experience, and the literal depiction of time passing.
The exhibition was co-curated by Yuri Arajs and Seema Shah.
Click here for details and to view the exhibition online.
Posted May 1, 2024
CALL FOR WRITERS
Off the Map is a forthcoming anthology that will showcase Vancouver writers with lived experience of mental health and/or substance use issues. The collection aims to highlight the unique voices and diversity of writing among individuals with lived experience of these issues, and introduce new talent to the literary community.
The anthology, which will be published by Bell Press in 2025, will be edited by Betsy Warland, Seema Shah, and Kate Bird.
Deadline for submissions: June 15, 2024
For more information and full submission details, visit: www.bellpressbooks.com/submissions
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