Join us for an afternoon of creativity and connection as we explore what it means to be truly welcomed. This annual one-day show and sale will feature the work of 16 talented artists from Creative Connections, each offering a unique interpretation of the theme, “Welcome.”
The exhibit will take place on Saturday, Apr. 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Saint John Arts Centre.
This exhibit invites you to reflect on the people, places, and experiences that make us feel welcome. Whether it’s a warm greeting, a shared celebration, or a life-changing new beginning, the concept of “welcome” can be powerful, transformative, and deeply personal.
Accessibility note: The Saint John Arts Centre has a wheelchair-accessible entrance at the back via Carleton Street, with elevator access to the main level. There is also an accessible, gender-neutral bathroom on the lower level, which can be reached by stairs or elevator.
Read on to learn more about the inspiration behind this beautiful exhibit.
Welcome in
Some of our most life changing moments happen when we are welcomed in. Other powerful milestones come when we are the ones doing the welcoming.
In this year’s exhibit, the artists of Creative Connections are exploring the people, places, and experiences that reflect an element of welcome.
Some dream of a welcome in a future that feels impossible, some feel welcome in the
experience of cheering together, united in ups and downs.
Welcome may mean a new beginning, a change of life. It might be a big external change and it might be more about a change that happens in our own minds, or perceptions of ourselves.
We welcome in with kindness. Sometimes we might say the word, welcome, but without
kindness it’s hollow and it doesn’t feel right. Being made to welcome when it is just a social rule feels like a betrayal.
How do we know if we’re really welcome? We may search for a face that is open, or eyes that meet ours gently.
Allowing ourselves to be welcomed can be vulnerable. A knock at the door triggers lots of feelings. Sometimes we don’t answer. We might be scared. We might lock the door or duck down. It feels dangerous. It could be a bully. A risk.
We make a choice. We look for a hint, listen for a voice, if you’re with us we might feel safe, if we have help we might take a risk. Good things might be waiting. It could be a package, or Chinese food, or Christmas carolers. It could be a friend! It could be a new adventure.