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Last August 23, Good Neighbours Canada (GNCA) hosted the Hands of Healing Art Exhibition at the Varley Art Gallery in Markham to celebrate the culmination of our senior inclusion program, Hands of Healing.
Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Grant and part by the Rexall Care Foundation, Hands of Healing is a community-based initiative designed to support Korean seniors on their journey toward emotional healing, cultural expression, and renewed social connection. The project promotes social engagement through meaningful and creative activities.
For many Korean seniors living abroad, the journey of aging comes with unique challenges. Language barriers, cultural differences, and limited mobility often lead to social isolation, leading to greater risk of loneliness, depression, and declining cognitive and physical health. Recognizing these struggles, the Hands of Healing project was born in partnership with the Toronto Dream Church and Happy Senior Centre.
Over the past three months, participants immersed themselves in traditional Korean arts and crafts. These art forms not only offered a creative outlet but also served as a medium for sharing stories, rekindling community ties, and celebrating cultural heritage.
Through these shared experiences, seniors rekindled old memories and formed new bonds with others who share similar backgrounds. Each workshop strengthened community ties and reduced feelings of isolation, overall promoting better mental health.
Toronto Dream Church community members participating in the coaster workshop
Joining our event were the community members and participants, along with their friends and families. We also welcomed a number of special guests and VIPs to the event, including Happy Senior Centre Chair Choon Choi, Ontario Council for International Cooperation (OCIC) Executive Director Kimberly Gibbons, the World Federation of Overseas Korean Traders Association (OKTA) Windsor Chair Dongsik Ji, and Toronto Dream Church (TDC) Pastor Jun Ho Park. We are thrilled to share that the exhibit had a total of 50 guests and visitors. GNCA Executive Director Hyang Cho opened the ceremony by warmly welcoming guests and extending her sincere gratitude to all partner organizations, volunteers, and facilitators for their support.
Chair Choon Choi and Pastor Jun Ho Park took the stage to offer their heartfelt remarks.
Pastor Park shared that this project has been truly helpful for seniors to live healthier lives. Chair Choi expressed gratitude to GNCA for creating this program and the opportunity for seniors to gather.
OCIC Director Kimberly Gibbons receiving an acknowledgement award from Good Neighbors by GNCA Executive Director Hyang
The event was further honoured by messages from prominent public officials.
Today's event is a wonderful opportunity to witness the captivating stories and personal memories of our Korean senior community, told in their own voices through traditional Korean art. I applaud all participants for their creative endeavors, as they demonstrate their talents and celebrate their creativity, culture, and resilience.
I congratulate Good Neighbours Canada for bringing today's event to fruition. Gatherings such as this one are a demonstration of the spirit of inclusivity that is ensuring our community remains a welcoming environment for all.
These powerful words captured the spirit of Hands of Healing, a project that not only nurtured creativity but also strengthened social bonds and honoured the rich cultural heritage of Korean seniors in the community.
“Seniors exhibitions like these are about empowering communities, helping seniors, their families, and caregivers to come together to experience the diverse ways seniors are empowered to live healthy, active, and independent lives.”
“This exhibition is a powerful celebration of resilience, inclusion, and the enduring values of intergenerational understanding. It showcases the beauty and strength found in our seniors’ voices, hands, and hearts.”
The exhibition was more than an art show – it was a display of resilience, memory, and identity. Every piece told a story: of past struggles, cherished memories, and the strength found in community and tradition. One senior participant shared that they had never before experienced the joy of creating such meaningful and beautiful crafts. Another participant, aged 90, shared that the sessions brought her great joy and a renewed sense of purpose. These heartfelt reflections serve as a reminder of the emotional and transformative impact this project had on its participants.
Senior community member talking about the impact of the program
Snacks provided for the event
A delicious lunch was provided by The Village Grocer, while dessert came courtesy of Good Neighbours & Friends partner, The Peachy. Guests enjoyed a variety of Korean snacks, including traditional rice cakes and a refreshing black bean soy milk drink, celebrating the tastes many of the seniors grew up with.
Visitors had the opportunity to engage with the artworks, learn about the cultural significance behind each technique, and hear directly from some of the artists themselves. The exhibition featured a stunning array of traditional Korean art forms, each display offering a window into the culture, stories, and creativity of the senior participants
The Hanji crafts included beautifully made fruit trays and mood lamps using traditional Korean paper (Hanji), which is known for its eco-friendliness, durability, and warm aesthetic. The minhwa folk paintings section included vibrant depictions of nature, with a special focus on minhwa tigers, symbolic of both wealth and humility in Korean folklore. Also on display were mother-of-pearl works, colourful dancheong patterns, and jogakbo. Handmade flower pots were also featured, bringing together creativity, heritage, and personal storytelling in a meaningful way.
We would also like to acknowledge the dedication of two talented facilitators who guided the seniors throughout the creative process. Kay Lee, a Toronto-based craft artist and founder of byth8, and Jinny Jung, a fine arts instructor with a background in developmental art therapy, led the creative workshops for the participants, allowing them to explore these traditional forms while encouraging emotional expression and storytelling through art. Their thoughtful guidance helped bring each piece to life and ensured that every participant had the confidence and tools to share their heritage with pride.
Coaster artwork displays
GNCA extends a heartfelt thank you to those who made this project possible – our partners, volunteers, and most importantly, the seniors who poured their hearts into their artwork. The Hands of Healing Exhibition reminds us that art is a powerful tool for expression, connection, and healing.
The Hands of Healing project is just one example of how GNCA continues to support and empower local marginalized communities. With support from our sponsors, we create programs that help advance the skills and independence of vulnerable individuals in Canada, giving them more opportunities and promoting self-empowerment. To learn more about GNCA’s wide range of efforts and impact in the community, visit our local impact page here.
This program was made possible with the support from the Government of Canada’s New Horizon for Seniors Program.
