Artists

Aneesa Patel is certified by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). She graduated from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. She specializes in conducting hands-on geometric art workshops for students. Information about her workshops can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/tilesofinfinity

Asmaa Hussein is a writer, registered social worker and mother. She has authored several children's books and is the creator of http://www.ruqayasbookshelf.com, a website about the Islamic parenting experience. 

John Corr has a Ph.D. from McMaster University and is a Professor at Mohawk College (Communication & EAP). His middle school grade-level novel "Eight Times Up" (Orca, 2019) explores social anxiety, white privilege, and Islamophobia in a martial arts setting. When one character defends against institutionalized racism and bullying, another character risks sabotaging their relationship because of his ignorance about her situation. The story explores the possibilities for allyship and challenges to empathy that they experience together. John can be reached at: johnpcorr@gmail.com

Faduma is a spoken word 4poet, storyteller and artist educator who started writing at the age of eight, and performing at the age of thirteen. In 2006, she graduated from a two-year residence at Watah Theatre where she produced her play "Oughtism." She studied English and Women and Gender Studies at the University of Toronto. She completed a year-long autism awareness challenge of carrying a box, every single day to challenge the stigma around autism. Through #OughtTheBox campaign, she raised over $4000 for families affected by autism. She was awarded the Yinnergy Good Samaritan Award for 2015/2015 for her work around autism and her funding efforts.

Javid Jah is a street artist and an emerging architect based in Toronto, Canada. Developing a studio with projects migrating between public art murals and contemporary architecture, Javid is focused on how graffiti pushes the limits of spatial design. His paintings are influenced by three-dimensional representations, experimenting with the anamorphic in letter and figure. Inspired by Sufism, Javid has been developing a practice that addresses issues facing secularized Muslim communities through esoteric Islamic art and design. Recent public interdisciplinary installations include the Dome of Madinah Masjid on Danforth Avenue in Toronto and Stac'd, a multi-container exhibition during Nuit Blanche 2017 at Trinity Bellwoods Park.

Madiha Bhatti was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. She is a graduate from the University of Toronto and is currently a teacher of visual arts. Growing up in a Muslim household, Madiha was well acquainted with the Qur'an, which allowed her to develop a strong inclination towards the Arabic language. She assimilates her long-time passion for art and religion. She has been practicing the Art of Calligraphy for the past 4 years and hopes to one day receive her Ijaza (certificate in Arabic Calligraphy). http://www.facebook.com/artbymadiha

Mohamed Shaheen completed his Bachelor's degree at Dalhousie University, Halifax, before moving to Montreal to complete his Masters and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering at McGill University. He has been involved over the past decade in several community organizations, where his focus has been on civic engagement, advocacy, cross-cultural exchange and civil liberties. In 2013, he founded the Silk Road Institute and serves as the organization's Founding Executive Director. The Silk Road Institute is dedicated to strengthening the artistic and cultural contributions of Canadian Muslims, Canada's diverse underrepresented communities and to promote cross-cultural dialogue. The Silk Road Institute's programming includes diverse artistic and cultural events, workshops, as well as financial programs that support emerging artists. By connecting Canada's diverse communities and empowering them to share their narratives through the arts, the Silk Road Institute envisions a more inclusive, pluralistic and vibrant Canada.

Nasim Asgari is a young Muslim thinker, dreamer, seeker and student of the truth who passionately writes and performs poetry. Nasim began writing at the age of 10 when she decided to use her voice and written words to express herself and bring awareness to issues that are often undermined in today's world. Nasim has shared her poems at many events and poetry slams. Her poems will soon be available in her upcoming book, titled "What Was Swept Under The Persian Rug". 

Rukhsana Khan is an award-winning author and storyteller. She has thirteen books published (one of which was chosen by the New York Public Library as one of the 100 greatest children's books in the last 100 years). She includes valuable teacher resources to complement her books on her website: https://www.rukhsanakhan.com . You can watch her speak about herself and her books on her YouTube channels: Ms.RukhsanaKhan and Rukhsana Speaks .

Unaiza Karim is a qualified teacher and an award-winning British artist specializing in traditional visual art. Unaiza offers consultancy on arts education, curriculum development and community outreach projects. She has experience in devising and delivering innovative programs, workshops, and courses to suit audiences of all skills and abilities, in a broad range of settings from corporate to grassroots community-based initiatives. She tailors programmes to meet the artistic appreciation needs of individuals requiring training or mentorship. Unaiza specializes in decorative arts from the Islamic tradition. She holds a Masters Degree in Visual Islamic and Traditional Arts from The Prince's School of Traditional Art, London. Her work has been exhibited in the UK and abroad and she has contributed to online teaching and learning resources from the Jameel Gallery of Islamic Art at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Her passion for art and education are brought together in an ongoing programme of workshops being delivered both locally, nationally, and internationally. For more information, visit the website: https://unaizakarimarts.com/

Yasin Osman is a photographer based in Toronto who specializes in evocative images of the living world. Raised in Regent Park, he felt the urge to document everyday life in his changing neighbourhood. With his first DSLR camera, he was able to capture emotion and depth. He has worked with organizations such as UNICEF, Macleans Magazine and Vice. Yasin has recently come back from Somalia where he shot stills for #LoveArmyForSomalia an organization started by Jerome Jarre, Casey Neistat, Ben Stiller, & Chaka. Yasin is especially proud of #ShootForPeace. Yasin is also a registered early childhood educator. he found a way to mix both his love of children and photography by starting a photo program in the fall of 2015 in Regent Park. After one year, the program was sponsored by CANON and has been widely featured in many news articles such as Upworthy, American Photo Mag, and recently CNN. Through social media platforms such as Instagram, Yasin has accumulated over 200,000 followers. Yasin is currently working on a long term photography project that solely focuses on the Regent Park community.