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Greetings!

HAPPY PRIDE & INDIGENOUS PEOPLES MONTH! 


I can’t believe we are halfway through June already! My pup Coal and I have returned to the big city and have been adjusting to life here in Toronto instead of at the lake. I’m so grateful for the time away, it was definitely needed. It’s a really busy time of year for my little business and it’s nice to feel that “hustle energy” that Toronto provides so I can work my way through all the requests! My lovely assistant Fatimah will talk about the projects we’ve been working on a little further down this newsletter. 

As much as it’s Pride month here in Toronto, it’s also National Indigenous Peoples month. Both are identities that I’m so happy to embody. I didn’t realize this early on when I was first starting my business just how much of an asset to my success that those two parts of myself would become. On both sides of the coin, I am what my Ojibway ancestors, and the LGBTQ2 activists were fighting for. It wasn’t that long ago where if you were either and Indigenous person or a gay person, you were barred from owning a business! 

Pride and Indigenous peoples month for me is becoming more of a time to really think about the work I’m doing in these communities. Is it impactful enough, how can I make it better? This month I got to speak to a lot of different students from all over north western Ontario about my role as an Indigenous artist, but also my experience as a young gay man that grew up in a small town. 

I think as I get older, and I reflect on my life, the purpose of PRIDE becomes more and more important to me. I came out at 20, but I knew I was different when I was 4 years old. I didn’t have the words for it back then, but I knew. I tried my best to hide who I was until was finished high school and could leave! I counted the days, weeks and months until it was time and never looked back. It wasn’t all bad, but it wasn’t all good, and sometimes it was spirit crushing to be made fun of for something that I couldn’t control. Pride celebrations mean something different to everyone, but for me I think they’re such important demonstrations to have because no kid should ever have to be ashamed of who they are. No kid should grow up not wanting to go to school because they’re different, and no kid should be counting the days until they can leave their community in the north, just to be able to breath a fucking sigh of relief that the mental and physical torture is over. 

For me, that’s why Pride is important. Deep within out diversity, is our common humanity. Who ever tried to do away with empathy was dead wrong, we need it more and more. And we also need more allies like you reading this! :) 

I’ll leave it there for now. Instead of celebrating Canada Day next month, I’ll be celebrating Indigenous peoples month 2.0, where I’ll talk a lot more about all things Ojibway and art, with a little bit of heart :) 

Happy PRIDE everyone! Have the best time! 

XO,

PH
Patrick's Promo
In the spirit of Pride and being 2Spirited from now until the June 30th all prints are Buy 1, Get 1 Free. Use code PRIDE241 at checkout.
Collab Alert
To celebrate Pride 2021, Patrick Hunter and GIOGRAFIK have teamed up to bring you a limited edition UNITEE and UNITANK. 

This design is an expression of the collaborative nature within the Queer community, and the magic created when we work together in the name of progress.

The Bravery Feather was specifically chosen to represent the struggles of LGBTQ2IA+ people in working towards achieving acceptance and inclusion. Bravery is the foundation of our story. The colours within the feather showcase the diversity celebrated within the Queer Community. You can purchase these exclusive items in the Creators Closet by Inside Out.

Click picture to check out his Insta @giografik
What We've Been Up To

Pride has arrived and since we can’t celebrate in the streets this year, Inside Out Festival has decided to promote Queer creators all summer long. Patrick was one of several selected to take part in their “Buy Queer” initiative. Go on over to the Creators Closet for exclusive PH Pride gear (UNITEE & UNITANK) and Pride Feather greeting card. 



Move over cat ears, turtles are the new filter. The most popular app in the world asked Patrick to collaborate. Patrick had the opportunity to not only design a shirt for Tik Tok to gift to influencers, but he officially has his own filter. Show us your Tik Toks and make sure to tag Patrickhunter_art whenever you use the PH filter. 
Keep Your Eyes Open For
As the numbers go down, the vaccinations go up and things are opening up. Patrick Hunter Art & Design will be at Whitchurch-Stouffville Art in the Park. The outdoor event takes place on July 17th from 11am-5pm in Memorial Park. Come say “Hi!”, come get some fresh air and come take advantage of some exclusive deals.

Patrick was also nominated for a CANIE Award for Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year. I don't know of anyone more deserving of this award than Patrick. Fingers crossed, we find out in September if he's a winner. But he's already a winner in our eyes.
Don't Forget To Book A Paint Night
Phone: (647) 471-3303
Location: Toronto, ON