OSD/SJW Alumni: Calling All Deaf Artists in Ontario

Sharing on behalf of OSD/SJW Alumni Association: The Hands in Commemoration:

Celebrating American Sign

Language Culture Through Art exhibition, organized by OSD-SJW alumni in collaboration with the City of Belleville, is seeking Deaf artists, especially with a connection to Belleville, to showcase their De'VIA artwork in a special gallery exhibition at the John M. Parrott Art Gallery and Quinte Arts Council Cultural Hub Gallery in September 2025.

Transcript:
ranscript with captions: The Hands in Commemoration:

Celebrating American Sign Language Culture Through Art exhibition, organized by OSD/SJW alumni in collaboration with the City of Belleville, is seeking Deaf artists, especially with a connection to Belleville, to showcase their De'VIA artwork in a special gallery exhibition at the Parrott Gallery and Quinte Arts Council Cultural Hub Gallery, in September 2025.

Deaf culture is unique and deserves to be recognized in Belleville. It focuses on a reframing of the historical, cultural, and linguistic reality of Deaf people in the world from one that is minimizing, oppressive or damaging. Key to this is recognition of sign language. The theme of the exhibition is valuing the lives and experiences of Deaf artists through View/Image Art, also known as De’VIA. De’VIA is a genre of visual art that intentionally represents the Deaf experience and Deaf culture. It is art that examines and expresses the Deaf Experience from a cultural, linguistic, and intersectional point of view. De’VIA art often incorporates specific motifs and symbols related to Deaf culture, such as hands, eyes, and sign language.

This event celebrates the 155th anniversary of Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf (SJW), Deaf Awareness Month, International Day of Sign Languages (September 23rd) and the International Week of Deaf People. It’s a unique opportunity to educate the Belleville community and audiences across Ontario about the rich culture, history, and contributions of the Deaf community, as well as the significance of sign language. By showcasing stunning De'VIA (Deaf View/Image Art), we aim to amplify Deaf voices and preserve the heritage that defines our community.

Selected artists will receive a total contribution of $500 commission to this landmark event.

Submission Details:

Eligibility: Open to Deaf artists in Ontario specializing in De'VIA. New artwork can be created for this exhibition or existing pieces that exemplify the theme are also fine.

Priority: Special consideration will be given to alumni of Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf (SJW), and/or a connection to Belleville and its surroundings.

How to submit: Artists can select up to four pieces for the committee to review. Send a clear, high-quality photo of your artwork to handsincommemoration@gmail.com for selection. Along with your submission, include a short statement (written or video) explaining what your artwork represents, how it connects to the De'VIA movement, and how it exemplifies its themes of Deaf culture, identity, or experience.

Art requirements: Possible contributions include, sculpture, photography, fibre art, printing, painting, drawing, etc. For 2D pieces the maximum width including the frame is 36 inches.

Deadline: Friday, April 25, 2025 by 4pm Eastern Standard Time.

Selection process: Submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee, and chosen artists will be notified. Selected artists will be notified on May 9, 2025.

Let’s come together to honour our past, celebrate our present, and inspire the future through art!

For more information, contact us at handsincommemoration@gmail.com