L’Arche Artists: Art and Smiles in a Thriving Community
L’Arche Ottawa is an organization dedicated to supporting adults with developmental disabilities. Each year, a group of artists from the L’Arche community hold a sale of their works, which are described as “primitive folk art” by L’Arche Coordinator Rebecca Happy. All proceeds from the event go to support a L’Arche community in Honduras.
This year’s sale is taking place on Saturday, November 14th at St. Richard’s Church, 9 Rossland Avenue in Nepean. I went down to visit the folks at L’Arche Ottawa as they worked hard to prepare for the show.
About L’Arche
L’Arche was founded in 1964 by Canadian humanitarian and social visionary, Jean Vanier. Distressed by the institutionalization and the isolation and loneliness of people with developmental disabilities, Jean Vanier invited two men from an institution to live with him in a small house. He called the house ”L’Arche,” a French word for ”the ark” in the biblical story of Noah and the flood. L’Arche grew quickly and spread around the world, attracting many young people who wanted to help and opening new homes and workshops. L’Arche began in Canada in 1969. Today, there are over 130 L’Arche communities in 34 countries on six continents. All of these communities are part of the International Federation of L’Arche Communities. L’Arche is a unique vision of care giving and community building that fosters inclusion, understanding and belonging to individuals with developmental disabilities.
L’Arche Ottawa has been here in the capital for 37 years. Louise who you interviewed was one of the early members. We have 7 homes, a community centre 2 apartments and on senior’s club. The Granobe Seniors Club was founded 12 years ago by Olivette Garneau and Cecile Aube when they decided to retire with dignity from the working world of sheltered workshops. The vision of the club was to create a welcoming space for retired L’Arche Ottawa members to continue to participate and contribute to the larger Ottawa community while creating and maintaining supportive relationships of friendship. Aging with dignity is something our fast paced society is quickly loosing sight of. The activities of Garnobe seniors club are guided by the likes and desires of its members so that they can keep the aging process dignified.
Hereis the list of the artists selling their wares at Saturday’s show:
1. Bob Mitchell, Louise Leblanc, Olivette Garneau, Dorothy Emberg, Rebecca Happy : Garnobe Seniors Club
2. Kera Willis : Blue Riot Gifts
3. Karen Thomas
5. John Benn
6. Faye Dumouchel
7. Bea Satar
8. Deborah Risto
9. Deborah and Niama Coe: Niama Soaps
10. Scott Haggerman
11. Joyce Berry
12. Suzanna Sullivan
13. Sarah Futterer and Carrie MacKay
14. Bonnie Basker
16. Carolyne Huber: CforU Jewelry
17. Theda Phoenix
18. Trish Rossiter
20. Melanie Cameron and Marissa
21. Crazy for Almonds
Musicians who are offering their music to provide great ambiance:
1.Kera Willis and John Lloyd: One Big Smile : John Lloyd and Kera Willis are members of OneBigSmile, an Ottawa-based collective. The band was formed several years ago and got its name from a description of a performance it gave. OBS plays music that is very much like a folk-rock door with bluegrass hinges swinging open to let anybody in. The set list often includes songs from any era and any style in the history of music.
4.Kitchisippi United Church Big River Band
5. Nathanael Lacrochette :12pm
who knows maybe someone else may drop by for a song or two.
Tags: art show, christmas, larche ottawa
November 7th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Bravo les amis ! What a wonderful way to share your many gifts of creativity, laughter, sens of marvelling. I’ll be with you from deep in my heart, in Quebec city. Bernard
November 10th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
VEry nice article Sue. You did a great job editing and got some nice shots in. Things are falling nicely into place. There should be a good turnout.
Rebecca
November 11th, 2009 at 5:28 am
Hi Rebecca
Thanks for sharing this with me. It’s wonderful to see how L’Arche has evolved now with older members still maintaining their community and connection. Just shows you how great oaks can grow
from little acorns (founded 40 years ago) .
November 11th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
I see Toronto’s Karyn Ellis will be doing the Raw Sugar Cafe on Friday night.
I can’t recommend Karyn Ellis enough. I played with her back in 2002, and we both belong to a great support group called “Songwriters Unite”. A really skilled songwriter with a great ability to connect with her audience.
Support indie music!
KW
November 11th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Indie music is where it is at! There is great freedom of expression in a venue such as the Raw Sugar Cafe as well. Karyn Ellis’s performance on Friday, November 13th is much-anticipated by the Ottawa music lovers.