By Natasha Jamal
Paintings of 34 artists from H’Art of Ottawa, a group that provides art and literacy programs to people with developmental disabilities, will be displayed at Gallery Four Seven Nine this weekend.
It will be the first opportunity for the artists to exhibit their work at a private commercial gallery.
In the past, works from H’Art of Ottawa artists have been on show at local community businesses such as The Green Door restaurant, The Ottawa Bagel Shop & Deli, Second Cup and other city venues.
The studio also hosts their own art shows where artists’ works are sold.
More recently, H’Art of Ottawa decided to approach Gallery Four Seven Nine to see if it would be willing to display the artists’ work.
The studio was looking for a new venue to explore.
“There are never enough avenues for things this important,” says Joel Pleet, the gallery’s director. “That is why I was so receptive to the idea. I feel really good about this.”
H’Art of Ottawa is a visual arts studio which uses art as a tool to enhance literacy and life skills of people with developmental disabilities.
Participation is open to developmentally disabled teens and adults in the Ottawa area.
Typically, participants enrol for a day-long program and usually come to the studio once or twice a week.
During the course of the day, the artists concentrate on a specific subject, which becomes the topic for their activity of the day. These include a group discussion, journaling, drawing and painting – all relating to the specified subject.
Pleet says he feels it is important to support causes such as this one. Galleries should help all artists display their work and talent.
One hundred per cent of the sales’ proceeds from the exhibition will go to H’Art of Ottawa.
“I know businesses are often concerned with the bottom line,” he says, “but it shouldn’t be the only factor. There are times when it is very important to do something for the community and to give back.”
Artist Rohanna Matthews, 22, joined the studio three years ago, but she has been painting since she was 12 years old.
“Art is my way of knowing who I am. I love art,” she says on her personal website. She also equates “colour in a picture” to “enthusiasm in life.”
Being given the opportunity to paint at a studio has been wonderful for her, she says, and painting has added to her sense of independence.
Lin Rowsell, executive director of the studio, says her program is popular because it gives developmentally disabled artists a language through which to communicate their dreams.
“Artists can develop a verbal and visual vocabulary through their art. Many of them struggle with expression and so painting is very empowering,” she says. “It gives them a voice through art.”
Rowsell says for people with developmental disabilities, art acts as a vehicle for self-awareness and personal growth. It also allows them to overcome personal barriers and connects them to the community.
Although the community has embraced H’Art of Ottawa, Rowsell says there is always a need for more opportunity and venues for artists to express themselves.
“These artists are talented, expressive and valuable,” she says. “Usually people would step away from them. At an art show this barrier is overcome and people get to realize the artists’ true potential.”
Pleet says he is optimistic the exhibit will be well received by the community.
“As soon as I stepped into the studio I was impressed by the vibe from the room,” he says.
“I am really looking forward to getting this work displayed and seeing the artists’ faces on opening night.”
The show runs until Feb. 26.