Benevolent bond unites artists, WIAIH

Certain partnerships only grow stronger with age, as is the case with the West Island Association for the Intellectually Handicapped (WIAIH) and the Lakeshore Association of Artists.

This upcoming weekend marks their 51st collaboration, as they prepare for their annual art exhibition and sale in support of both intellectually handicapped and autistic individuals in the West Island.

This year, approximately 50 artists from the Lakeshore Association of Artists unite to donate a third of total sales to benefit the WIAIH. The event, which is to be held at the Stewart Hall Cultural Centre (176 Lakeshore Rd.), situated along the bank of Lac St. Louis is sure to provide a scenic backdrop for this large exhibition and garden party. The host will be none other than the well-known TV personality and actress Danielle Ouimet, herself an ardent painter.

Joining Ouimet as the WIAIH’s spokesperson for the youth is a young actress named Fréderique Dufort, who is recognized as playing “Dalie” from the French TV series “Tactik” at Télé-Québec. She is attending, as well, in support of her brother who is autistic. Michel Dugas, the event’s co-coordinator, hopes that Dufort’s presence will be an inspiration for young people to get involved with this event, “we want to see some youth on the ground!” he said.

The turnout for this extraordinary event, in the past, has sometimes reached as many as 5,000 people. Over the years it has become a staple for the West Island’s arts and cultural scene. Dugas could not be any happier to work alongside the Lakeshore Association of Artist, “We are really happy to work with the LAA, this is our most important fundraiser of the year,” he added.

In the case of rain, the colorful event will be held inside the cultural centre.

For more information, check www.wiaih.qc.ca. <@Cp>Chronicle, Jacques Pharand<@$p>