L’Arche Calgary has a variety of programs for adults living with intellectual disabilities, and one of them is an art program. It’s taken a year and a half to accumulate dozens of original paintings, and now the group is hosting an art show to celebrate their achievement. “Today, we’re celebrating those artists, and I think the works speak for themselves,” said Lidia Izedonmven, day program leader. “I think this is beautiful, this is very touching and it’s very special for all our community.” L’Arche Calgary has more than 30 participants in its programs for adults from 20 to 80 years old. The art show is a way to raise awareness about the program and its benefits to the community. “We’re a non-profit organization, and we have to support ourselves by fundraising for them,” said Izedonmven. “So a portion (of the sales) goes to the artists, and then the other part goes back to the program where we can buy supplies or we can support them with the programming.” The week-long show takes place on the fourth floor of cSpace in Marda Loop at 1721 29th Avenue S.W., June 1-6. Organizers say the show celebrates inclusion, creativity and community while raising funds for L’Arche Calgary’s Tamarack day program art studio, where artists are supported in exploring their creativity and developing their unique artistic styles. Patrick Nowry, 37, is one of the dozen artists showcasing their work. Nowry says painting is relaxing. “If you’ve gone through a hard time or too much in one day, it’s meditative, so you can focus on one thing and one thing only and everything takes a backseat or goes away,” he said. Nowry says he’s impressed by the artwork and how many paintings were done for the show. “This is my first time selling art,” he said. “But I do keep the most meaningful ones to me at home, and I have quite a bit.” Rachelle Namak’s 50-year-old daughter, Shula, has been a member of L’Arche Calgary for 19 years. “My daughter is autistic, not artistic,” she said. “So she has not contributed, but I am very proud because our community, I feel, is an oasis of inclusivity in a world of dissension, and I want people to know about that.” You can learn more about the art show at https://larchecalgary.org/larche-calgary-art-show/.
