Art exhibits
The visual arts have a strong presence at the Centre for the Arts in Human Development. Within the framework of the art therapy session, emphasis is on the creation of artwork that serves the purpose of individual expression. As part of the Centre's public outreach mandate, two art exhibits have been mounted that featured artwork created by the Centre's participants during specialized art workshops that took place outside of the therapy framework. These artworks were made with the intention of being viewed by the community, to demonstrate the artistic visions of their creators.
In May 2022 the Centre mounted its first Virtual Open House, which featured a Virtual Art Exhibit, which can be viewed online until the end of May.
CAHD Connections: Community Engagement & Digital Arts
Throughout the year of 2019-2020, the students and participants worked each week on developing new skills, learning new tools and getting to know each other. The participants faced various challenges as many had never used a computer before, have visual impairments, physical and spatial challenges and learning difficulties. For the students, most had no experience teaching and had never worked alongside someone with a disability. Nonetheless, the students continued to learn how to adapt their lessons, their software, their teaching tools and to come out of their comfort zone to address the needs. The participants persevered with enthusiasm in their projects and with the strong support from staff and dedicated volunteers that helped them to achieve their individual goals.
Through our eyes
Participants at the Centre for the Arts in Human Development were invited to take part in a series of five art wokshops led by Montreal artist Myrna Bercovitch, culminating in an exhibition titled "Through Our Eyes." The artists were guided in making three works of art using elements from Impressionism, Fauvism and Cubism, personalizing these in their exploration of mixed media collage on bowls and canvasses, the latter including a "selfie."
The initial showing of these works was in Concordia University's Jesuit Conference Centre on May 25th, 2016, and was followed by a remount in the Oscar Peterson Concert Hall during the Centre's 20th Anniversary celebrations. Both exhibits were curated by Katrina Driver. Accompanying the exhibit were photographs of the artists at work by Centre volunteer, Victoria Moraes. A film of the process was also made by videographer Will Mackenzie.
Visual conversations
In collaboration with the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, participants from the Centre for the Arts in Human Development worked with professional artists and a museum educator to explore themes in the museum’s artwork and engage in art-making techniques. The resulting artwork was put on display in the museum’s Cultural Corridor throughout the spring and summer of 2006.
