Travellers passing through Saint John Airport (YSJ) this winter are in for a treat.
L’Arche Saint John’s Creative Connections program has unveiled a new art exhibit, YSJ: Home, which showcases a collection of works by 16 artists with intellectual disabilities, exploring themes of home, belonging, and community.
The public attended the opening reception last Friday afternoon at the airport. Attendees met the artists and experienced the essence of what makes Saint John home.
Gray Gillies Mott, program leader of L’Arche Creative Connections, said YSJ approached their group about using their display cases to exhibit some of their artwork.
“So you’re either leaving or you’re going, but either way, it’s kind of like a welcome mat for Saint John,” Mott said
“It’s a place of welcome, which aligns with who we are as a large community because we’re committed to welcoming people and creating places of belonging.”
She explained that the exhibit drew inspiration from Saint John’s uptown neighbourhood, harbour views, and spaces that bring people together.
“As people thought about the sights and sounds of Saint John, they came up with themes like the Moosehead logo, hot dogs, or the seagulls circling over the cranes in the harbour,” Mott said.
“Home can mean anything, and the art is all beautiful, so bright and vivid.”
L’Arche Creative Connections provides a space where artists with and without intellectual disabilities can create and share their talents.
Mott said Creative Connections fosters community, belonging, and the celebration of diversity through art.
Saint John Airport, which connects locals and visitors, was a fitting venue for the exhibit that celebrates the creativity and connections that define what home means to us all, she said.
YSJ: Home will be on display until mid-April, allowing travellers and community members to reflect on inclusion, connection, and shared experiences.
All artwork is also available on L’Arche Saint John’s website.
