Kids' Art Exhibit a Success

For Sarah Turner, the mounting of the Kids’ Art Exhibit at the University of Guelph-Humber was the realisation of a project she and her classmates had planned for six months. 

The art exhibit was held on October 28th and featured Newfoundland children’s artist Jennifer Elliot. Elliot’s art was sold to raise money for the Toronto Make-a-Wish Foundation. Kids, parents and students attended the event for face-painting, crafts and food.

Beside the event festivities, Nidia Masse stood next to a piece of art in the gallery – her face displaying a humbling smile and her eyes beginning to tear. For her, the event held a much more serious meaning. 

Masse’s young daughter, Meghan, was diagnosed with dystonic cerebral palsy at a young age. Cerebral palsy is a chronic disorder that affects motor skills as well as muscle development and tone. Dystonia causes the individual to experience painful muscle contractions as well as twisting and repetitive movements. 

Masse was invited to the Kids’ Art Exhibit to speak about her daughter and her experience with the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Masse talked about why events like the Kids’ Art Exhibit are important. 

“I think they are important to bring awareness to the community for these wishes to come true for children,” Masse said. “My little girl has dystonic cerebral palsy and I know the daily struggles I have with her. They granted our wish and I am eternally grateful, because we wouldn’t have had that opportunity otherwise.” 

First year Humber student Adam Czech also talked about the event’s importance. “It’s helping kids with wishes,” Czech said. “I love wishes.”

Aside from the awareness raised for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, a silent auction featuring artist Jennifer Elliot’s work was set up to raise funds. Organizer Sarah Turner talked about what she hoped the outcome of the event would be. 

“We just want a lot of people to attend and raise money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, and just have a good time,” Turner said.

Some of the art in the event included colourful canvasses of cartoon-like bumblebees and flowers. Other canvasses contained cartoon versions of different animals and bugs. Elliot talked about what inspired her to create children’s art. 

“I had always wanted to be a children’s writer,” Elliot said. “At some point, painting took over and writing took a back seat.” 

She also spoke about why it is important to involve children with art. “I think that, for children, an early exposure to art really builds a foundation for the imagination,” she said.

Through sales accumulated by the silent auction, the Kids’ Art Exhibit was able to raise $677.82 for the Toronto Make-a-Wish Foundation. 

Fourth-year Guelph-Humber student Vivian Ho was one of the students who helped put on the event. 

“All the money here is going to the cause that once went towards Masse’s daughter,” said Ho. “I think she was really happy with that because she gets to know that other children out there are being supported through an organization like Make-a-Wish.