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in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | Th ur sd ay , Fe br ua ry 1 5, 20 18 | J 2 V is it in s id eh a lto n .co m fo r m o re co verag e 'Joyous' exhibit 'Art From the Heart' opens at Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre Graham Paine/Metroland Above, Donna Worotynec chose the name Green Face for one of her favourite creations on display at Art From the Heart, a partnership exhibit between Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre and Community Living centres across the GTA, including Oakville. Left, Artist Conrod Skyers sits in front of one of his favourite pieces 'Kingdom' at the 7th annual Art From the Heart, an exhibition which showcases the artistic talent of those with special needs. The show runs until March 11 at Oakville's Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre. It's uplifting, full of "joy­ ous" colours and a highly anticipated annual event. This winter's Art From the Heart exhibit at Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre (JCHAC) marks its seventh year of showcasing the work of adult artists with special needs. "Many guests return to this exhibition each year, claiming it's their favourite art show," said Jennifer Cairns, JCHAC's executive director. Testimonials from visi­ tors include such com­ ments as "exceeded expec­ tations," "beautiful and in­ spiring" and "always a joy to view," added Cairns. "The common response is that there is a feeling of unrestrained and honest creativity that lifts the spir­ its. Seeing a gallery full of bright colours brings a smile to everyone's face who walks through the doors." Student artists from Oakville Community Liv­ ing (OCL) attend a weekly class taught by JCHAC owner and art specialist Sybil Rampen, who chal­ lenges and teaches them about everything from art theory to personal expres­ sion, said Cairns. But the emphasis is on finding the artist within, she added. Rampen offers studio space, art supplies and les­ sons as a way of giving back to the community and Oak­ ville cultural grants subsi­ dize many of the expenses, she said. There are also many volunteers who sup­ port the program through­ out the year. Rampen's belief that each person has an artist within creates a welcom­ ing, comfortable, wonder­ ful place for people to ex­ plore art and be with oth­ ers who share their pas­ sion, commented Janet Lorimer, OCL's executive director. "The Art From the Heart show is a beautiful celebration of talent," said Lorimer. "Each painting on those walls is a building block of accomplishment, pride and belonging. Every time I visit, I understand more about why the artists I know look so forward to Mondays." The "perennial favou­ rite" show has always been a collaboration with Com­ munity Living centres across the Greater Toronto Area, specifically Creative Village Studio in Toronto. This year's exhibit also in­ cludes work from Concord in the City, which offers day programs for people with special needs in Etob­ icoke. The show opened on Sunday and will run until March 11. "We encourage every­ one to come and soak in the happiness that adorns the walls of the gallery," said Cairns. "The art is afford­ able and a great way to sup­ port and encourage those with special needs to con­ tinue expressing their hearts." JCHAC is located at 1086 Burnhamthorpe Rd. E., one kilometre east of Tra­ falgar Road. Hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 1-4 p.m. or by ap­ pointment. For more infor­ mation, call 905-257-4730 or email info@joshuacree- karts.com. 972 POCKET COILS QUEEN MATTRESS #105046 plu sh #105032 firm S leep In mailto:info@joshuacree-karts.com mailto:info@joshuacree-karts.com 'Joyous' exhibit 'Art From the Heart' opens at Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre Sleep In