Initiatives in the Kingston Community...

H’art School of Smiles

H’art School of Smiles was incorporated as a non-profit charitable organization November 1997. It was created in response to a lack of creative education and employment training day programs for youth with special needs.

H’art uses art as a tool to support developing skills in the areas of literacy, computer literacy, life skills and business. It has linked with both school boards, although neither Boards support H’art financially or in-kind. The high school special needs students are encouraged to attend H’art and are assessed according to a rubric system specifically developed for H’art by Queen’s University Faculty of Education students and their professors.

H’art currently works with 30 participants a week. The H’artists are individuals that range in age from 16 - 46 with very special needs as a result of Autism, Down’s Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy. Some H’artists live independently, or in group homes, while others live with aging parents. H’art Studio gives these special people the opportunity to express themselves through contemporary folk art; learn necessary life skills (such as literacy, communication and computer skills) and help prepare them for the future.

Federal support for H’art...

On May 3rd and 4th, H’art, in partnership with the Canada Millennium Partnership Program (CMPP) presented a production of the musical Martadella’s Gift. The production showcased the artistic, musical and theatrical talents of more than 80 disabled young people from the Kingston Community. An original musical by Kathi Toth-Switzer and Gordon Sinclair, Martadella’s Gift was the first theatrical collaboration between the Kingston's artistic community and artists with abilities who attend H’art. The Kingston Whig Standard stated: "Martadella’s Gift is a touching and wise play. The message behind the play is timeless: ‘Being different doesn’t mean you’re strange; beauty is on the inside.’"

The funding received through the CMPP is made available to encourage public and private sector participation to create millennium projects that will make a difference in the lives of Canadians and their communities.

Upcoming Events...

H’art has been invited by the Canadian Institute of Child Health to help Canada celebrate National Child Day on November 17, 2000 at the Gala celebration, "Cravats & Crayons".

H’art has been asked to design the logo for this year’s celebration and perform a theatrical presentation for the Gala youth talent concert. Final details concerning the event were not yet available at press time.

Participants create their artwork alongside volunteers and placement students from Queen’s University and St. Lawrence College.