Art of Belonging is a socially radical project that enables the spirit of community and recognizes the creativity that exists in every person.” –– Comox Valley Art Gallery (CVAG)
Every winter L’Arche Comox Valley holds a series of art workshops called Art of Belonging. It’s an opportunity for people with and without intellectual disabilities to pair up, try new things, and regardless of their level of ability, leave with a rich experience and interesting results.
This year, CVAG is holding an exhibition called because • not despite. The gallery describes the exhibition:
It disrupts historical perceptions of disability as a failing and problem that requires curing, rehabilitation, or condescending charity. The works in this convergent program uphold the creative passion and artistic excellence of professional and emerging artists who identify as neuro-divergent. Their projects contribute to de-stigmatizing prevailing attitudes towards (dis)ability and raise awareness about the many ways in which difference enhances and expands collective perception and understanding of our world.
L’Arche Comox Valley artists were invited to exhibit some of their works from Art of Belonging and some of the different medias they’ve explored.
Erik’s Art Gallery Talk
Erik Hedley, one of Art of Belonging’s participants, had the opportunity to speak at the exhibit’s opening in the spring. Erik is the creator of “Sand Spin” – the video that’s showing on the big screen outside the gallery. The bright 27-year old Comox resident has many interests including his work at a local daycare and travel with his family, but a special interest for him is his photography and videography.
Back in 2018 Erik started taking part in different activities at L’Arche Comox Valley. That’s when he found out about L’Arche’s Art of Belonging program, an annual workshop where professional artist Dean Bauche and a dedicated team of volunteers examine different types of art.
“I found that I enjoyed making art with a group,” says Erik, “because I felt like I was part of a team. I liked having Dean as our instructor because he’s kind and so friendly.”
Erik found himself returning to participate for many years, learning different techniques including driftwood sculpturing, the use of water colours with a twist and how to turn patterns and textures in nature into unique art pieces.
Sand Spin was interesting for Erik to create. “I filmed it on my iPhone,” he says. “While I was recording, I had to be patient because I know that a video that’s more than 10 minutes would end up being less than one minute as a time lapse video.”
L’Arche thanks CVAG for sharing the work of our artists. Thank you as well to artist Dean Bauche, all of our volunteers and all of the artists who push their boundaries to try new things and inspire us with their ideas, their art and their willingness to share.
“Working together and learning from each other has an important and transformative effect, helping each one of us to become more fully human.”
