Lori Gandy
These five young OOE artists answered The Mainstreeter’s call to exhibit their artwork in the Children’s Garden during A Walk of Art 2023. They all vowed to return again next year! Photo by Lori Gandy
The day brought sunshine all around for the five young artists exhibiting their art in the Old Ottawa East Children’s Garden as part of A Walk of Art 2023 on September 23rd. Camille (9), Aniela (6), Isobel (9), Mána (7) and Raphaëlle (9) arrived at the Children’s Garden early with their best work (and a very proud parent or two) and got busy setting up for the Kids’ Art Exhibit.
Aniela (6) feels art is fun to do and it’s pretty sometimes. Photo by Lori Gandy
Once their displays were ready, they all contributed to creating and signing a colourful poster, which had pride of place on the front gate of the Garden, clearly visible from the street. And then the fun really started! A steady stream of people came by to admire the amazing art on display. Many visitors made purchases, to the great delight of the artists, one of whom – Mána – even sold out! The success was all the more exciting because, for all of them, this marked the first time they had ever exhibited their art. Camille was so excited about her first sale she decided to save the coins she was given as payment.
Camille (9) was so excited about her first sale. Photo by Lori Gandy
Looking at the beautiful artwork on display, each with its own unique style, it was obvious that art holds a special place in the hearts of these talented young people. For Aniela, art is “…fun to do and it’s pretty sometimes. Making art makes me feel happy.” Raphaëlle enjoys art because, as she says, “It’s a way to help me deal with my emotions. I can paint about how I feel – that’s my favourite kind of painting.” For Camille, painting makes her feel “happy and relaxed.” Mána likes that art “can be anything!” And for Isobel, the wisdom of the ages in one so young: “I like that there are no mistakes in art, you can make anything you want.”
Raphaëlle (9) paints about how she feels. Photo by Lori Gandy
These young artists are not only creative; they’re entrepreneurial as well. Absolutely nobody got into the Garden without an invitation from Raphaëlle to have their portrait painted. She had a steady stream of ‘sittings’ throughout the event and everyone came away delighted with their portrait. “I enjoyed painting portraits for the people who visited the Garden,” she says.
Mána (7) likes that art can be anything! Photo by Lori Gandy
Aniela’s exhibit included not only some lovely cards and stickers; she also collected funds for the Children’s Garden and for the Ukrainian Family Relief Fund at St. Thomas Church. She also accepted two commissions for cards and pet portraits in return for donations to this Fund.
And while all the artists were set up to accept cash payments, anyone who arrived cashless was quickly informed that an e-transfer would do just fine.
One of the original founders of the OOE outdoor art tour, artist Rosie Cusson staged the first children’s art exhibit, called the Kid’s Corner, outside her OOE home in 2020, and the event within an event has grown since then.
Situating the Kids’ Art Exhibit in the Children’s Garden, a familiar place to many of the artists, created a rich and amazing sense of community. Between talking to visitors about their artistic techniques and their inspiration, the young artists found time to appreciate their fellow exhibitors’ art and even made purchases themselves.
Isobel (9) says that there are no mistakes in art. Photo by Lori Gandy
“I bought a birdy and a rainbow sunset sky from a nice girl next to me,” says Aniela. “And Raphaëlle and I did an art swap: I gave her a unicorn picture and she painted my portrait.” Raphaëlle says she also “liked seeing what the other kids had at their exhibits.”
All of the artists enjoyed sharing their art with others. As Camille says, “I liked watching people come to my table and enjoy my art. Seeing the smiles on their faces and hearing their thoughts about my art made me feel proud.”
The community spirit evident in the artists themselves, and in the attention and generosity given by the visitors to these young people, was beautiful to see.
A second group of young artists happily engaged with the public at their MacNaughton Street Kids’ Art exhibit. Photo by Marianna Shturman
A total of $70 was raised for the Children’s Garden, including contributions via artists and in the ‘Donations’ box. More importantly, these young artists got a taste of what it means to create and exhibit art, and to be praised and remunerated for their creative expression. When asked if they’d like to participate at next year’s Kids’ Art Exhibit, the answer was a resounding “Definitely.” There may even be some siblings joining in the fun too.
