On October 1st, in the heart of Old Montreal, artists, partners, and supporters gathered at Galerie Primeau to celebrate a milestone for Art Vital. More than an evening of elegance and creativity, the gala marked a powerful moment in the life of a young non-profit dedicated to using art as a bridge toward healing, growth, and inclusion. The gallery’s floral “blossom” theme symbolized renewal and hope, perfectly echoing Art Vital’s mission to plant seeds of creativity in places where they are most needed. Surrounded by pastel tones, warm light, and meaningful conversation, guests experienced firsthand the spirit of connection that Art Vital inspires.

Founded by artist and social entrepreneur Yelena Calixte, Art Vital offers creative programs that bring the transformative power of art to people living in closed or marginalized settings such as youth centers, shelters, hospitals, and prisons. Each project invites participants to explore self-expression, emotional balance, and resilience through artistic creation. Art Vital’s most recent initiatives took place at the Centre Rose Virginie Pelletier, a youth center for girls under the care of the Director of Youth Protection (DYP). Guided by artist Eugénie Bérubé, the young girls painted seven canoes, each one telling a story through color and design. The project gave them a safe and healing space to process emotions and reclaim their voices. Today, those canoes remain as a permanent collection and a testament to their strength, creativity, and hope.

Art Vital Founder Yelena Calixte greeting supporters.

For Yelena, this work carries profound personal meaning. As a teenager, she herself attended the Centre Rose Virginie Pelletier, where she first discovered art, a way to understand herself and heal. Returning years later as a mentor and founder was a full-circle moment that affirmed everything she now strives to offer others. “I know art can save lives, is necessary and a right everyone should have. I saw it as my responsibility to bring art to places that have limited access and needed it the most,” she explains. Her journey is the heartbeat of Art Vital, showing that art can transform not only individual lives but entire communities.

The inaugural gala served as a celebration of this mission and a thank you to the people who made it possible. Throughout the evening, heartfelt speeches and warm exchanges brought together artists, patrons, and supporters in a shared sense of purpose. The event highlighted how far Art Vital has come in its first year and the growing community that believes in its cause. It also reflected the organization’s inclusive spirit: accessible, authentic, and deeply human.

The gorgeous and perfectly located Primeau gallery was chosen to host the 1st inaugural ART VITAL GALA.

A special note of gratitude was extended to Marie-Josée Primeau, the evening’s host and the owner of Galerie Primeau. Her generosity and artistic vision turned the gallery into a sanctuary of celebration and reflection. “I believe art should be accessible. I paint every day. It’s my sanctuary,” she shared. Her support helped bring the Art Vital vision to life, creating an environment where beauty met meaning and creativity met compassion.

As Art Vital continues to blossom, its commitment remains clear: to make art a vital resource for healing, dignity, and belonging. This first gala was not just a celebration but a promise of what is yet to come. Through every workshop, every partnership, and every piece of art created, Art Vital is building bridges, empowering voices, and reminding us all that creativity has the power to change lives.

Marie-Josée Primeau & Yelena Calixte with Catherine Clément-Talbot, City Councillor for Pierrefonds-Roxboro

The location itself, tucked away in the thriving artistic district of Old Montreal, was the ideal setting for this memorable evening. The ambiance of the gallery effortlessly transitioned from a sophisticated cocktail party to a vibrant vernissage as the evening went on. The evening’s delicate “blossom” theme represented the fledgling charity’s development and blossoming influence on Montreal’s artistic community. The room was decorated with floral arrangements and delicate pastel accents, which heightened the feeling of rebirth and optimism that Art Vital fosters via its creations. There was a genuine sense of connection between the artists, founders, and patrons as performances, speeches, and touching moments took place thanks to a rich ambiance of bubbles, delicate nibbles, art and connection.

Renown pianist Céline Paolini performed a few pieces during the 1sr inaugural ART VITAL GALA.

One of the most touching highlights of the evening was the display of beautifully painted canoes created by the young women at Centre Rose Virginie Pelletier, a youth center for girls. The girls, guided by Eugénie Bérubé, used their brushes to tell their personal stories through the vibrant colors and intricate designs of their canoes. The experience, described as deeply therapeutic, allowed the participants to express themselves in a safe and healing space. This project is a perfect example of Art Vital’s fundamental beliefs: that art is a therapeutic medium and that everyone should have access to it, particularly those who have experienced trauma or adversity. The canoes, which are now a part of an enduring collection of group works, serve as a testament to the transformational power of artistic expression as well as a symbol of tenacity.

7 Canoes and 60 adolescents, guided by the talented Eugénie Bérubé

The goal of Art Vital is to offer people in closed or marginalized settings, like youth centers, orphanages, prisons, and hospitals, an inclusive, comprehensive, and individualized approach to art. For those who need it most, Art Vital provides an immersive eight-week creative journey that promotes resilience, emotional control, and self-expression. Every program ends with the production of a permanent group artwork that represents the experiences and development of the participants.

For more info or to get involved: https://www.artvital.org/
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