Hands in Commemoration

11/25/2025

Leah Riddell, one of HIC committee in black shirt on gray background sharing announcement.

Transcript:
Hello everyone,

Thank you all for your amazing support for the Hands in Commemoration project. Your encouragement, donations, and participation have meant so much to the 2025 OSD/SJW Alumni Association and the committee.

After a lot of thought, we’ve decided to close the Hands in Commemoration project. When the City of Belleville’s Festival of Lights team created a temporary rope-light version of my original ASL “Belleville” design, it brought welcome visibility to ASL and the Deaf community. We’re grateful that the design was recognized and shared with the public.

However, since that display, we haven’t felt the same level of collaboration or commitment needed to move forward with the permanent, Deaf-led installation we originally planned. Our goal was always a lasting public artwork developed in partnership with the City and maintained for years to come, but that support hasn’t continued.

While this is disappointing, we are proud of what we accomplished together, especially the Hands in Commemoration Art Gallery, which celebrated Ontario Deaf artists, culture, and language, and welcomed hundreds of visitors who learned about Deaf heritage.

For those who donated, we’ll be reaching out to you personally about next steps. (check your spam folder)

The good news is that a plan of action is now moving forward under the Ontario Cultural Society of the Deaf (OCSD). OCSD shares the same vision as HIC and is committed to continuing Deaf-led art, visibility, and community connection through OCSD’s historic festivals and future events.

Thank you again for believing in this vision and helping us make a real difference.

With appreciation,
Hands in Commemoration committee
2025 OSD/SJW Alumni Association

YouTube: https://youtu.be/vxJmRMk0OkM

11/17/2025

11/15/2025

Voice to text transcript

Councilor Garnet Thompson: Happy new year everybody Mr. Bubble will be back later on for the final thing just to plug the lights in but it just point I want him we want to introduce two people were gonna bring up Janice from the OSD/Sir James Whitney Alumni Association a special sign that they have made-up in sign language so Janice come forward and say a few words

Janice Drake: Good evening everyone,

Our vision started with a simple idea to make sign language visible in our community. Deaf artist Leah Riddell designed the Belleville handshape sign in honour of the 2025 OSD/SJW Alumni Association reunion. She wanted people to see the beauty of our language, culture, and history right here in Belleville.

The Festival of Lights committee and their donors made that vision real. They built this version of the handshape so everyone can see it shining across the city. We’re thankful they chose to share this message of language, culture, and belonging with the wider community.

Deaf history is part of Belleville’s story. For 155 years, the Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf has been part of this city’s heart, with generations of Deaf children, families, and staff shaping who we are today.

The goal of the sign is to spark conversations about language, culture, and communication. There was a time when sign language was banned, but our community never gave up on our natural language. We carried it forward, and today it stands proud for all to see. Tonight, we honour the alumni who gave Belleville a true Deaf cultural gift.

When our language is visible, we are visible. And that visibility builds understanding, inclusion, and pride for all.

This sign stands proudly as a message to all:
Language is power. Culture is strength. And inclusion begins when we see each other clearly with our hands, our history, and our hearts.

Thank you.

10/21/2025

Janice has a message to the artists and community.

“It’s October 20th, the finale!

This exhibition has been such an incredible experience. Seeing how deeply the artwork has touched others who truly gets it, has been so inspiring.

A huge thank you to all the artists who contributed, and to everyone who came out, shared kind words, and left heartfelt comments. You’ve all inspired me.

Is this the end of the journey? Not at all! Leah and I already have some ideas brewing for what’s next.

Thank you for helping make this happen, woohoo!”

10/18/2025

TODAY, Oct 18, is the FINAL day to see the 1st-of-its-kind art exhibit at the Parrott Art Gallery!!

GO TODAY before it closes at 5 pm!!

(FREE downtown parking on Saturdays & Sundays!)

Hands in Commemoration

10/10/2025

We love guest comments about the artwork and its stories.

“Deeply touching, a moving experience”

Go visit John M. Parrott Art Gallery, check their hours. De’VIA exhibition open until Oct 18.

10/09/2025

Go visit HIC exhibition before it ends on Oct 18. Share your thoughts with us here!

Current Exhibitions:

Gallery 1 & 2 are closed for artwork change-over
Perspectives, B.A.A.’s 58th Annual Juried Exhibition
Opening Reception: Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
On display in Galleries 1 & 2 from October 16 to November 22, 2025

Gallery 3 - Hands in Commemoration, Celebrating American Sign Language Through De’VIA Art
On display in Gallery 3 and the Corridor Cabinets until October 18, 2025

Corridor Gallery - Manly MacDonald in Fall, oil paintings by Manly MacDonald

10/02/2025

Gallery Report: From Wednesday to Saturday last week we had 140 visitors to the John M. Parrott Art Gallery. We have noticed that people are really taking their time to look closely at Hands in Commemoration, and many people have let us know that they enjoyed the show. We had a class visit last week as well, and Curator Wendy spoke to each group about the show, and the students completed the scavenger hunt activity as part of the visit.

Have you visited the gallery yet??

09/27/2025

Celebrating Hands in Commemoration

We’re thrilled to share a glimpse of our recent HIC Gala, an evening filled with powerful speeches, heartfelt stories, and incredible art.

This special event brought together our committee, special guests, and the talented artists behind the exhibition. Their voices and creativity showcase the spirit of our community and the importance of Deaf culture, language, and visibility.

Watch the video to relive these inspiring moments! 💙 20mins

Rosanne Mark
Wendy Rayson-Kerr
Janet Jarrell
Nicole Yantzi
Leah Riddell
Janice Drake