OUR TOWN: Strength in Art, Vecova Centre
the Brazilian T-shirt artist Mathiole said recently that, “art speaks where words are unable to explain.” Three hundred years earlier, French mathematician Blaise Pascal put a similar sentiment this way: “Eloquence is a painting of the thoughts.” Either way, Robert Panich—a Calgary artist and man of few words—proves that speech is, indeed, superfluous at Vecova’s second annual Strength in Art exhibition.
Panich is one of 20 artists participating in the show and sale, which runs today at northwest Calgary’s Vecova Centre for Disability Services and Research. Intended to celebrate the talents of persons with disabilities, the event features the work of Vecova clients/artists, several of whom have never before displayed their paintings, photography or sculpture.
“Many of them don’t even know how talented they are, but we hope that changes after the exhibit,” says Vecova’s Kaitlyn Pecson. “This is as much about getting their work out there as it is about raising the confidence of these great artists who deserve more recognition.”
Certainly Panich, a frequent participant in artistic training through Canada’s oldest and largest disability arts association, Indefinite Arts Centre on Fairmount Drive, has put in his time as a keen creative thinker and creator in a variety of media. His signature abstract watercolour and/or acrylic paintings (“his medium depends on his mood,” Pecson says) will be on sale alongside the other works on display, with all proceeds going to the artists.
Vecova is perhaps best known for its warm indoor pool (34.5 C versus the standard 30 degrees) and hyper-automated, not-for-profit bottle depot; its CEO Joan Lee hopes the event will draw attention to the centre’s other programs and services as well. “We celebrate 50 years next year,” she says. “We want to showcase our innovation and partnerships with the community.” Offerings include living support, employment services, community access and work experience for youth with development disabilities. This summer’s day camps, open to kids of all ages and abilities, include culinary, survival, designer and art themes.
Later this month, Vecova will host its third annual Strength in Abilities Run and Walk to support their services. If Panich is given a say, he might suggest the next such fundraising event be dance-focused; he’s a big fan of Brooks & Dunn’s 1991 classic “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.” Is there strength in two-stepping? Absolutely.