Featured in the show are original paintings, prints, and several large format drawings originally designed as gift wrapping. Included are pieces by John Smeltzer and Bill Van Buren (d. 2009) two elders of our community. Their presence in the founding years inspired growth and prepared the space for new people to be welcomed.
Clarissa Buttarazzi, who is our newest member at the Craft Studio, often paints very detailed scenes that reflect a sense of quiet and calm. Adam Whaley’s large canvas “Community” speaks of a human desire to be connected to each other and our differences, and the “Houses” in Amanda Winnigton-Ingram’s work seem to be dancing and making room for each other.
The artists’ drawings and images can be found on pottery and cards sold at the Craft Studio, but when presented in a bigger scale they take on a meditative quality in the repetition and reflective quietness of the artistic process.
Art shows like these introduce the creative gifts of people with intellectual disabilities to the wider community, help to raise the profiles of our artists, and add a unique voice to our society. Michael Grit, director of the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, comments that he always looks forward to the annual show of L’Arche art because of the bold and vibrant colours in the pieces. We are very grateful to the RHCPA for its partnership and generous support of our arts programs. Each piece in the exhibition “Making Room” reflects the intentionality of making room for art, expressing ideas through colour, line, imagination and design. At L’Arche we are often “making room”—for each other, for welcome, for silence, for art.Jean Vanier states that “painting is a song of the heart. What is important is that we contemplate and give thanks for the hearts of these men and women who have beautiful gifts. As we welcome these artistic gifts, we are welcoming those who have created them.”
For inquiries regarding the purchase of artwork contact the Craft Studio at 905 737 5159 or email [email protected]
Please join us on April 12 at 7 pm as we celebrate our artists! Framed drawings and prints will be on sale that evening, we hope you can join us.
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