Via Romane Randria

Joséphine Savard

Arts & Culture Correspondent 

Initially a pandemic project, Kathleen Vaughan originated What is art for?by sending out 100 kits of material to artists all over the world. She received works back from 81 different artists, reveling in the discussions permitted through creating in a time when individuals had barely any contact with others. 

Six years later, gallery curator, Dawson professor, and contributing artist, Natalie Olanick, decided to showcase this project which was never meant to be an exhibition, allowing visitors to challenge the role of art in a world increasingly difficult to live in. 

The pandemic created isolation in people who found their human connection with others neglected. Although now far behind us, this isolation is still permitted through shared despair in the media. In a time of war, climate change, discrimination, right-wing extremism and more, watching the news and coming into contact with reality can often seem unappealing. 

One recurring theme throughout the artworks returned to Vaughan is creation as a means to escape, one even citing: “I’m breathing.” Indeed, finding breath and escapism in art might be just what society needs, as one might say this exhibit encourages. 

From February 5th to March 12th of 2026, the Warren G. Flowers Art Gallery at Dawson College hosts What is art for?, an exhibition inviting the visitor to question why we make art and what purpose it serves.

To further deepen the experience, the gallery also hosts a “maker space”, providing the same sorts of materials in order for visitors to engage with mixed mediums and define what art means to them. 
Meant to be an interactive and contagious movement, the exposition invites the student beyond their cafeteria to escape reality for a moment. Put gloves on, grab a glue stick, take a walk around and ask yourself, really ask yourself: What is art for?