True Colours

From the desk of Teresa Jordan, Executive Director – At the beginning of June, a wonderful event was held in Peterborough called Art for Autism. It was a splendid evening at The Mount with great food, live music in each room, artwork everywhere you looked and artists ready to talk and share their insights. The charismatic Ellen Cowie was the organizer of the second annual Art for Autism, and I thank her for her dedication to community and to promoting the talents of everyone.

On that evening, I was completely enchanted by many of the artists, but if found one exhibit in the corner to be especially vibrant, bold colour and great animal themes leaping off the canvasses. I especially liked a picture of two ostriches, looking a little confused, with their heads together. The image was whimsical and full of laughter, instantly bringing a smile to all who paused to look at it. I spoke to the artist Cynthia Fox and marveled at her skill … and then she told me the most incredible fact. She had only been painting for a few years and had no training! Where does that kind of creativity and talent come from?

This all made me think of an article I once read that said if you asked a group of five year olds to put up their hands if they were artists, most would; however, in a room of 25 year olds, very few would. As we get older we redefine our talents and measure them differently – we are less free to confidently pick up a paint brush and boldly begin with one stroke of colour. I guess we start to identify only talents that we think are great in describing ourselves, and shuck off the 5 year old who once thought the future held art, professional sports and a music deal, all at the same time.

Thank goodness that Cynthia Fox found her inner 5 year old artist and brought it out for our community to enjoy. Thank you to Ellen, to our community and to joyful talents explored. Thank you to everyone who takes time to find and share hidden talents with others each and every day.

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Pexels.com