About The Mane Event

The Mane Event is a community arts series that speaks to the importance of hair in Black culture, recognizing hair as art and expression of identity. STEPS Public Art, in partnership with local entrepreneur D’Andra Montaque, held six community arts and hairstyling workshops, culminating in Our Crowns, a vibrant 1,300 sq ft mural by artist Curtia Wright located at 529 Oakwood Avenue in Toronto’s Little Jamaica and Oakwood Village that breathes new life into this public space.

D’Andra Montaque, founder of Empress Mane, is a multi-faceted creative and entrepreneur, advocating for black economic development and other issues essential to her community’s growth while building trust and inclusivity. Follow D’Andra Montaque for past and current projects/work.

Thank you to our additional supporters!

The Mane Event was made possible with the support of Empress Mane, The Black Business and Professional Association, The Oakwood Village BIA, Roman’s N Care, Morales’ Barber Shop, and Reset Community Centre, with mural production support from the Toronto Arts Council and Dulux Paints.

Next: Learn about the series of in-person hairstyling workshops at local salons and barbershops!

The Mane Event is a City of Toronto Cultural Hotspot Signature Project.