Winter’s Whisper
solstice storytelling

Mike Ormsby is an Anishinaabe artist, craftsman, musician, writer, storyteller, outdoor educator, and canoe builder.

For many years, he concentrated on building birch bark and wood canvas canoes. But recently Mike has returned to music (even starting up a recording studio appropriately called STUDIO JIIMAAN) while still continuing with visual art.

He signs his art work as "W’ dae b’ wae", the Anishinaabe name given to me by the late Elder Art Solomon. The meaning of 'w' dae b' wae' is “he or she is telling the truth, is right, is correct, is accurate.” Mike hopes his artwork speaks to that same truth. Through his art, he tries to share Anishinaabe culture, teachings and traditions. Mike’s family is from Curve Lake First Nation.

Bisharo is a Tkaronto-based Somali poet, deeply inspired by her cultural roots and the art of storytelling. Drawing from the rich traditions of Somali poetry, Bisharo’s work reflects a profound connection to heritage and a passion for amplifying diverse voices.

Amana is a multidisciplinary artist, practicing using art as a means to heal the community. She has performed in many spaces across Tkaronto, facilitated a multitude of workshops, and organized events to inspire others to use creativity as a therapeutic outlet. Her work centers themes of ancient storytelling, collective pain, triumph and ancestral healing.

kaswithlove is a multifaceted writer and poet, having self published Realizations, a part of multiple artistic organizations, and a member of Poesy. He is consistently looking to broaden the boundaries of poetry, storytelling and self expression, using his unrelenting desires to become a beacon of inspiration to fellow writers and artists.

Zander Miller is a multidisciplinary artist in both music and the visual arts. Saxophone is his primary creative outlet and means for expression next to producing and painting. He is well versed in the Jazz, R&B, and Soul realm. Zander's music production and session sax playing can be found on many projects. He is known for his ability to collide different genres while bringing his own unique sound into his performance and productions. Since graduating from Humber College with a Bachelor of Music degree, he has been performing regularly and is working on his own upcoming releases.

Poetry Decoded strives to create warm, inclusive spaces where stories can be shared, emerging writers can find support and the power of spoken word can be celebrated. Through poetry nights, storytelling events, and writing workshops, we nurture a community where voices are heard and connections are made.