L'Arche Comox Valley painters are excited to announce their first art show in Comox.
The show will be on display at the Pearl Ellis Gallery from Oct. 8 to 27. Called Art from the Heart, the show will include art by over 20 L'Arche painters present and past.
October is Community Living Awareness month, when the B. C. government and communities raise awareness and celebrate people with developmental disabilities as valuable and contributing members of society.
L'Arche hopes to raise awareness about the many gifts of people with developmental disabilities through this art show. Expect to see a wide range of styles and mediums and expect to be moved.
Most of the artwork will be for sale. As well, art cards, art plaques, jewelry and candles that are made at the L'Arche Outreach Centre will be available to purchase.
The Outreach and Creative Arts Centre is at 1001B Fitzgerald Ave. in Courtenay (www.larchecomoxvalley.org).
L'Arche is grateful to the Pearl Ellis Gallery Fine Arts Society for supporting L'Arche by allowing it to display art in their gallery.
"We have made many new artist friends while preparing for this show," said Claire Donovan, Outreach Centre co-ordinator. "Several members from the gallery have kindly donated canvases, frames and paper to us.
"Members of the Art Group of the Comox Valley have joined with us and offered practical and financial support. Affordable Custom Picture Framing in Courtenay has also supported us by professionally framing several pieces of art for this show."
Painters have been gathering at the L'Arche Outreach Centre for six years. Adults with developmental disabilities are welcomed at the Outreach and Creative Arts Centre to socialize and explore their creative gifts.
Painting has always been a popular activity at the Outreach Centre. Currently there are two groups that meet every Wednesday.
None of the artists are formally trained, and direction and theory are kept to a minimum, allowing individuals to really paint from their hearts.
People with developmental disabilities often have difficulty expressing themselves using words. Their memories and critical thinking skills may be limited.
Through art, they can excel, often showing an enthusiasm, and spontaneity that those with more intellectual ability envy. For those of us who paint with them, we often see a freedom and ease that inspires. Viewing their art, offers insight into their thoughts, feelings and creative abilities.
This Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m., L'Arche will host a Meet and Greet reception at the gallery. Many of the artists will be present. The public is welcome at the gallery for the reception or any other time during the show's run.
The gallery is located at 1729 Comox Ave. in Comox and will be open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. For details, visit www.pearlellisgallery.ca.
— L'Arche Comox Valley