The Group of Seven – Antigonish style – is leaving its mark on the local art world.
Mark Bowie, Michael Boddy, Lisa Leuschner, Tommy Landry, Cory Pelly, Matthew Wright and Shane Greencorn are members of Horizons, a vocational day program at L’Arche Antigonish. As part of their routine over the last couple of years, the group has painted and created a variety of artwork. “They are amazing. They have really embraced something new. It gives them a great sense of pride and accomplishment,” art program director Steffi Drechsler said.

Drechsler said the L’Arche artists have “discovered their artistic potential” since the program began, adding the Horizons’ art studio provides participants opportunities to work in a variety of media. The L’Arche artists complete work in painting, paper -making, stepping stones, card-making, weaving and tin punches. “Whenever they need assistance, someone is there for them,” she said.

Drechsler said the primary focus of the program is creativity, with a secondary concentration on the exhibition and sale of art. “They are all so, so proud. It makes them so happy and it has certainly made a great deal of change,” she added. Drechsler said the creative process provides the group with a great deal of joy and fulfillment, helping them development a positive self image. “When other people recognize their artistic efforts, it gives them feelings of worth and it carries over to other aspects of their lives. Outside recognition means a lot to them,” she said.

A new “outside recognition” came for the L’Arche artists with an invitation to participate in the 2010 GAPACC Gathering of the Arts. “I love to paint. It’s a lot of fun,” Leuschner said July 5 during the Gathering of the Arts opening at St. James United Church hall. With her colourful paintings in the background, Drechsler explained Leuschner has successfully taken her love for the arts – she is an avid and accomplished dancer – and applied them to the canvas. “She has done incredibly well,” she added.

Nearby Boddy holds up one of his multi-coloured stepping stones. Boddy juggles several works commitments with his love for art. “I like it,” he said with a wide smile.  Drechsler said Landry, Boddy, Wright and Leuschner “love to paint.” “They would spend the entire day doing it if they could,” she added.  “When Tommy finished his first painting. It was so beautiful and he was so proud of it,” she said. Eventually, Landry started painting more. Soon his creations were for sale. Many have been purchased. Landry also makes the paper the artists use. “If they do not get a chance to paint, they are not pleased,” Drechsler said. While starting a new painting in the studio, Wright only takes a moment for a quick “hi” and a smile. His focus is squarely on the task at hand. “He can sit there for a couple of hours,” Drechsler said. In a neighbouring room, Pelly showed off his latest creation. “I love the colours,” he said, while spreading the bright blue scroll – dotted with multi-coloured stars – in front of him.

L’Arche artists displayed their work last summer in the foyer of Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre’s Stage 2. In the spring, Landry showed his art with 45 other local artists at the Gathering of the Arts at the Antigonish Education Centre. In June five of the participating artists exhibited paintings at the Tall and Small Café on Main Street. The L’Arche artists sell their art cards at The Plumtree, Lyghtesome Gallery, Tall and Small Café, Southern Accents, The Nova Scotia Store and the Braemore Co-op Food Market in Antigonish.

L’Arche is an international federation of communities founded by Jean Vanier where people with intellectual disabilities and those who come to assist share their life together in family-like settings that are integrated into local neighbourhoods, including Antigonish.

In the homes and day programs L’Arche wants to provide environments where people can reach their full potential, lead lives rich in relationships of mutuality, and have a valid place in society where they can contribute. “We have been able to make our art program a part of that,” Drechsler said.

The L’Arche artists are able to balance their work with a busy schedule at Horizons, including working at various jobs in the community, along with enjoying time with a music therapist, yoga instructor, cooking and exercise. “At Horizons, we enjoy working together, trying new things, deepening our friendships, having fun and appreciating and celebrating each others gifts. It’s a place of belonging,” Drechsler said. “We also have many volunteers from St. F.X. and the Antigonish community who enrich our lives.”

After their participation in the Gathering of the Arts, the Group of Seven’s work is not done. They will continue to sell their creations in different Antigonish locations.