Colourful tradition

The tradition continues this weekend as the West Island Association for the Intellectually Handicapped (WIAIH) and the Laskeshore Association of Artists (LAA) celebrate their long-standing partnership with the 50th edition of their annual outdoor art exhibition and sale at Stewart Hall in Pointe Claire.

The main draw for the two-day event is, of course, the exhibit by the Lakeshore Artists Association, which has about 40 artists selling their works (with a third of sales going to WIAIH) on the banks of Lake St. Louis. About 5,000 people are expected to attend. Visitors can also enjoy a cup of tea and snack as part of a raffle ticket purchase. This year, there are three works being offered as prizes, two paintings from the deceased painters John Collins and Ernest Heidersdof, and a sculpure created by Fred Parkinson.

LAA members have also put together a 10-by-two metre mural reflecting on the history of the exhibition and of West Island life in general. "It's to mark the 50th anniversary," said LAA president and Beaconsfield resident Susanne Strater. "It's huge, we may have to auction it off piece by piece.

Also new this year is a tent showcasing art reflecting West Island community life where visitors will have the chance to vote for their favourite, Strater said, adding these LAA pieces will also be up for sale.

The annual art show is a major fundraiser for WIAIH, said its director Natalie Chapman. "Last year, about $40,000 was raised and we hope for the same this year," she said. Over the years, more than $1 million has been donated by the artists to WIAIH, which offers numerous educational, leisure, accomodation and support services.

A 2009 calendar with works for each month offered up by 12 local artists is also being launched at about noon Saturday, Chapman said.

Quebec actress and TV host Danielle Ouimet, and an artist in her right, is the spokesperson for this year's edition of the annual art exhibition and sale.

"Basically, it's a cause that touches me," said the South Shore resident, adding she worked in the past with Les Impatients, a Montreal group that provides course and therapy for intellectually handicapped people . "When they come to art class, it's another world for them, that's why I'm getting involved."

Ouimet will showcase some of her own art on Saturday.

The Lakeshore Artists Association's 50 WIAIH Art Exhibition and Sale takes place Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the grounds of Stewart Hall, 176 Lakeshore Rd., Pointe Claire. To facilitate access to the site, a shuttle service will be available from Plaza Pointe Claire on St. John's Boulevard from 10 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Check www.lakeshoreartistsassociation.ca or www.wiaih.qc.ca for more information.