BY MICHAEL BEAN
For GIFTS
For the past three years, a quiet but powerful creative force has been at work in a small, unassuming building across from ArtSpring. This March, the vibrant results of that work will be on full display for the entire community to see.
The Gulf Islands Families Together Society (GIFTS) is proud to present “Working Together: Expressions from an inclusive art experience,” a new art exhibit featuring works created by participants in their visual arts program. The exhibit opens at the ArtSpring gallery onTuesday, March 24 and continues daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Sunday, March 29.
The show marks a milestone for GIFTS, a registered charity that has been supporting adults with developmental disabilities on Salt Spring Island for over 25 years. Founded in 1999 by a group of parents asking critical questions about their children’s future quality of life, GIFTS takes a unique, person-centred approach.
“Our mission is rooted in strength-based approaches that empower individuals and families to have a strong voice and to advocate for an equitable quality of life,” said Amanda Myers, executive director of GIFTS.
Unlike traditional program-based models, GIFTS ensures participants retain full control over their support structures, fostering independence, dignity and self-determination.
This philosophy of empowerment extends directly into their art programming. The GIFTS art program is led by Alicja Swiatlon, an accomplished painter and fine art teacher on Salt Spring. Swiatlon, who started the program, emphasizes that her classes are taught as fine art, not art therapy. Her approach is both structured and deeply inclusive. She plans each class around the abilities of every single participant, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their capability, works on the same project.
“It’s so diverse, we all have such a different approach to art, to colour, to form,” she explained.
The benefits extend beyond the canvas, encompassing social skills like sharing materials, cleaning up and being on time. For some participants who don’t usually enjoy being in a group, “the art creates an environment so that they can be in a group . . . where they can socialize in a healthy way,” Swiatlon said.
The GIFTS art program has done more than just create art — it has built bridges. The classes often include participants from other organizations, such as Choices, fostering collaboration and healthy relationships across community programs. The program has also been a tremendous outreach opportunity, connecting individuals with developmental disabilities to Salt Spring’s larger, arts-oriented community. “Working Together” is the second exhibit to emerge from this initiative, and it promises to be a celebration of that connection. The gallery walls will be filled with expressions of creativity from GIFTS participants, showcasing the talent and unique perspectives fostered in these inclusive workshops.
The community is invited to not only view the exhibit throughout the week but also to join in celebrating the artists at a special reception. A celebration of the artists will be held on Saturday, March 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the ArtSpring gallery. It will be a chance to meet the creators, learn about their work and see firsthand the powerful results of an inclusive approach to art and community. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the vibrant talent within our community and support an organization dedicated to ensuring that all islanders have a place to belong.
For more information about Gulf Islands Families Together Society and their work, visit gulfislandgifts.com.