Courtesy Mercy Lawluvi
Immigrant women gather for art classes at Immigrant Women Services Ottawa.When Raphael Walder immigrated to Canada from England in March, she didn’t consider herself an artist.
But as a way to get out of her house, she joined a weekly art class held by Immigrant Women Services Ottawa, located on Argyle Avenue.
“I was so overwhelmed, and the weather was horrible,” Walder says. “But it was refreshing that I could meet people and that the people there were so nice and friendly. I love it now.”
Walder is one of about 15 immigrant women who go to the classes and had their work showcased at the first art exhibit and sale hosted by the IWSO on Nov. 27, says IWSO manager Mercy Lawluvi.
Lawluvi says the program started in 2011 when IWSO realized there were a lot of female newcomers who were receiving services but were feeling isolated.
“We decided to have the lessons to engage them in something that they would enjoy,” she says.
“They came and they made friends and they started creating art.”
The exhibit will take place at HUB Ottawa, an office space that rents out for community events.
Lawluvi says the IWSO also offers physical and emotional safety to its members by being a women’s only space.
“We provide services uniquely to women so that these women feel supported, they feel less marginalized and they’re able to express themselves. And this empowers them,” she says.