Stories

What if a visit to a local shop could introduce you to something more than a one-of-a-kind piece of art?

Located inside Sensity’s Resource Centre in Paris, Ontario, Artisans on Main is a welcoming place to discover handmade and original artwork created by people who are deafblind. Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful gift, something special for your home or simply a new local place to explore, every visit offers an opportunity to discover something unique and connect with a community worth knowing.

The collection brings together artisans from communities across Ontario, including Sarnia, London, communities throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and right here in Paris. Each person brings their own interests, creativity, and skills to their work. From paintings and hooked rugs to clay pottery and macramé characters, there’s a variety of handmade creations to explore. Each piece reflects its makers’ individuality, giving visitors the chance to discover something truly unique while supporting deafblind artisans of the Sensity community.

But Artisans on Main is about more than what’s on the shelves. It’s about creating opportunities for people who are deafblind to participate in their community, connect with others and take pride in what they do. People supported by Sensity also take on roles in the day-to-day running of the store, with support from store coordinators.  Activities such as merchandising products, helping customers and processing purchases can provide opportunities to develop practical skills, take on responsibilities, and build confidence and independence.

These experiences help make Artisans on Main a place where people can contribute in meaningful ways, spend time with others, and feel connected to their community. The store brings together creativity and everyday participation, making room for people to share their talents while developing skills and relationships along the way.

Artisans on Main reflects a much bigger part of Sensity’s work: creating opportunities for people who are deafblind to participate meaningfully in their communities. Deafblindness affects how a person accesses information, communicates, and experiences the world around them. For people who are deafblind, opportunities for creative expression, employment and community participation are not always readily accessible. With the right environment and individualized support, many of these barriers can be reduced. Artisans on Main brings Sensity’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion to life by creating a space where people can come together, discover unique creations, and recognize the talents and contributions of people who are deafblind.

A visit is an opportunity to do more than a shop. It’s a chance to support deafblind artisans, celebrate their talents, and learn about the importance of creating accessible, inclusive communities where everyone has opportunities to participate and belong. Whether you stop in to browse, find a special gift or connect with the people behind the artwork, you’re helping support a space where creativity and community come together.

We invite you to visit Artisans on Main, explore the collection and discover what makes it such a special part of the Sensity community. You might leave with a new favourite piece, a meaningful connection or a greater appreciation for the talents and contributions of people who are deafblind.

Plan your visit

Artisans on Main is located inside Sensity’s Resource Centre at 50 Main Street in Paris, Ontario, and is open Mardi to Vendredi, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.[FG1] 

Want to stay connected? Follow @shopartisansonmain on Instagram for artisan spotlights, featured creations, upcoming marketplace pop-ups, store updates and more. Come discover the artwork, celebrate deafblind artisans and be part of a community built on creativity, connection and inclusion.