Ottawa Mission hosts first-of-its-kind art exhibit created by hospice clients

An Ottawa charity at the forefront of helping people experiencing homelessness in the nation’s capital launched a new event.

The Ottawa Mission hosted a “unique and poignant” exhibit featuring artwork by people and staff within its hospice wing. It is supported by the Expressive Arts Program, which helps focus and bring attention to the feelings, experiences and values of those who live and work within the setting.

“This art group is amazing. I started painting as a form of rehabilitation for my hands to see if I could reteach myself how to use them,” a trained artist named John said in a press release. “It’s therapeutic, calming, and provides peace of mind. We experiment with different styles of painting, drawing, and creating here.“

The hospice is a place where homeless men and women receive 24-hour palliative care. The organization said this is done through “an atmosphere of compassion and dignity.” It was created by The Mission, with help from Ottawa Inner City Health and Carefor. The hospice program has been around since 2001, but the art show was a new way to reach out to the community.

“There are some very talented artists and musicians out there experiencing homelessness,” John explained. “The hardest part, when they get down to rock bottom, is they don’t remember their talents. And that’s exactly when they should be creating art: to help pick themselves up.”

In the sessions, the clients share their feelings in a safe environment and tap into their creativity by drawing, painting, pottery, wood carving, music and more.

Musician Peter Francis Quinlan performed his hit Newfoundland song, which he found out helped encourage another famous artist from the rock.

Alan Doyle made a video appearance at the exhibit, where he said that hearing and seeing Quinlan’s music on Newfoundland TV in the 80s helped inspire him to pursue his dreams.

“The expressive arts are an effective practice for mental health and well-being since lived experience, emotion and identity are engaged with in a connection that often cannot be found in words,” Darlene Garner Kuehn, a registered psychotherapist and PhD in expressive arts therapy, who leads the program, said.

The Mission highlighted one piece called Caring Hands, which was created by staff and clients in memory of the several people they lost quickly in 2025.

“This circle of care, compassion and community based on mutual respect is nourishing to both those who receive support as well as those who provide it,” Lynn Landis, director of health services for The Ottawa Mission, said.