Art expo to benefit new wellness centre

The pastoral setting of historic Lantier House will once again serve as the backdrop for the Kirkland Artists’ Association’s annual exhibition this weekend.

Now in its 26th year, the Art Expo and Festival showcases its semi-professional and professional members’ creations in a wide variety of media, from watercolours to oils to photography.

“We’ve also invited other associations to take part in the outdoor segment of the exhibition, which we’re holding for the second year and which allows artists to showcase their body of works,” said publicity co-ordinator Murielle LeBlanc, adding, the Kirkland group also holds an exhibit every November at the municipal library.

“The indoor show at Lantier House is more formal, with over 30 exhibitors displaying portraits, still life paintings, landscapes, and other subject matter,” she said.

“We will also display the winning entries in our first children’s art competition, the theme of which is Summer Fun.”

Members were elated by the enthusiastic response, as well as the level of talent from budding West Island artists.

“It’s amazing to see how their young minds work,” she mused.

Several local merchants have donated art-related prizes for the winners.

Art Expo is also traditionally a fundraiser for a local charitable cause. The 2009 beneficiary is the West Island Cancer Wellness Centre in Beaconsfield.

Proceeds from ticket sales for a raffle of a vibrant painting of peonies donated by artist of the year Claudia Chuprina Waschenko will be donated to the centre. Waschenko is an accomplished artist whose ethereal interpretations of nature can be found in private collections across Canada and beyond.



As well, “15 per cent of all sales of artwork will go to the centre,” LeBlanc said.

The Art Expo and Festival opens May 22 with a vernissage from 8 to 10 p.m. The show continues on the 23rd and 24th from 10 to 5. Lantier House is located at 11 Lantier Ave. in Kirkland. For more information visit www.artkirkland.com.

Chronicle, Jacques Pharand