Brushes of joy

John Lartides enters a familiar room at St. Joseph’s Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care (Mount Hope) – but this time, it feels different.  The large recreation hall is now adorned with easels, decadent desserts, and a harpist who strums softly in the background. On display are beautiful pieces of artwork. This is his moment. This is his art.  

“I am so glad people showed up,” says 90-year-old John, whose voice is notably filled with emotion.

John, a resident at Mount Hope, recently experienced a special day that was tailored just for him. In January, staff and special guests attended the John Lartides Art Symposium at Mount Hope, in celebration of his incredible artwork.  More than 30 pieces of his work were on display, showcasing decades of creativity, passion and talent.

This special moment was made possible by the Wishing Well Program, an initiative funded by generous donors through St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation. The program grants residents’ wishes—big or small—bringing joy and fulfillment to their lives.  

John, who has lived at Mount Hope for less than a year, recently had to part with his apartment where he once kept his art. With nowhere else to store his pieces, he made a simple wish – to find meaningful homes for his artwork, so others could enjoy it.

“When I heard this, I knew we had to do something,” says therapeutic recreation specialist Lauren Waite, who was instrumental in organizing the event.

Together, John and Lauren decided to host an art exhibition to showcase his work, with the goal of finding new homes for his work. As part of the event, cash donations were accepted for each piece of art. At John’s request, all proceeds from the event were donated back to support programs and services at Mount Hope.  

“John is very humble and modest,” adds Lauren, “For him, the day was about bringing joy to others through his art. His work tells the story of his life, his travels, and the people he’s known.”

The Wishing Well Program helped to fund desserts, beverages, promotional materials, live music, easels, and frames for some of the art pieces.  

“We wanted it to feel like a high-end art show,” says Lauren. “We wanted the day to feel special.”

For John, the event was also a reminder of the importance of finding joy, even in difficult times. He began painting at a young age, using art to cope with life’s ups and downs.

Born in Egypt, John survived the bombing of his home during World War II and later moved to Cairo, where he lived in extreme poverty. He eventually set out to explore the world, traveling across the globe and experiencing different cultures - experiences that would later inspire much of his artwork. In the 1970s, he immigrated to Canada.

“Painting has brought me so much joy,” says John. “It has helped me overcome a lot in my life.”

“This exhibition was a celebration of John’s incredible journey,” says Lauren. “It showcased his remarkable artwork, and we were so happy to see these beautiful pieces live on and continue his legacy.”

While the final proceeds are still being calculated, donations from the event are expected to reach more than $1,000. Many guests enjoyed the art, the atmosphere, and had the chance to speak with John about his work.  

“I hope my art resonates with people and brings them joy,” says John. “That was my wish.”  

“The ability to make a wish come true is powerful,” says Michelle Campbell, President & CEO of St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation. “Donors to the Wishing Well Program make life more joyful for our residents through their kindness. Whether it’s a trip to a Knights game, dinner with a loved one, or attending a concert, the wishes supported by our community are unique and personal to each resident at Mount Hope.”

As the event came to a close, John took a final look around the room, watching as his paintings found new homes. Smiling, he reflected on the journey that led him here -the places he had been, the stories he had told through his brushstrokes, and the joy his art would continue to bring.

“It was an emotional day, but a good one,” he says.  

“John’s wish was to bring joy to others,” says Lauren. “And that’s exactly what he did.”