L'Arche Saint John and Saint John Airport partner to display art by adults with intellectual disabilities
Brice McVicar
Published Feb 05, 2025
Travellers will be greeted with some colourful, creative art as they arrive and depart at Saint John Airport thanks to 16 local artists.
Unveiled Friday, YSJ: Home is an art exhibit showcasing a collection of inspiring works from artists with intellectual disabilities exploring the meaning of home, belonging, and community. The exhibit is a partnership between the airport and L’Arche Saint John’s Creative Connections program. L’Arche Saint John, a community of people with and without intellectual disabilities in Saint John, has been operating for 20 years and is part of an international federation creating homes and day programs with adults with intellectual disabilities.
Pairing the art with the location, organizers said, seemed a natural fit.
“The theme of the show is ‘home’ and we were thinking about how the airport is either a place where people are going home or they’re coming home,” said Gray Gillies Mott, program leader for the Creative Connections program. “As Maritimers, we know that hospitality is so important and we’re excited to be here at the Saint John Airport because this is a portal, it’s kind of a welcome mat for Saint John.”