The MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent is collaborating with Valédar, an association of visual artists based in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, to produce a group exhibition at the Salle Culturelle Alfred-Langevin in Huntingdon.
As part of its annual Expo Concours, Valédar members were invited to explore the themes of warmth and light as sources of inspiration, highlighting how these elements can evoke strong emotions while demonstrating the influential role of light in the creative process. The resulting exhibition, entitled Chaleur et Lumière, features around twenty member artists, including painters and sculptors, from across the region.
This is the first time the Expo Concours exhibition will travel to the Haut-Saint-Laurent, providing locals with special access to this exciting creative collective which has been supporting the region’s artists for over 30 years. The vernissage will take place on Sunday, March 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. with many of the artists in attendance.
“We chose to include Chaleur et Lumière in the Salle Culturelle Alfred-Langevin’s season because it is a rich, accessible exhibition rooted in our regional culture,” said the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent’s cultural development agent, Amanda L. Darveau.
She explained that of the 20 or so artists included in the exhibition, several are from the Haut-Saint-Laurent, and the exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to discover local creators and see their region through their eyes. For example, oil painter Nicole Daignault of Saint-Anicet, and Huntingdon-based acrylic and mixed media artist Noëlla Quesnel are both participating in the show.
“The theme of light is particularly resonant at this time of year and will bring some welcome warmth,” added Darveau, before noting the exhibition stands out for the diversity of the works, the artistic quality, and the connection it weaves between the artists and the community. “It reflects exactly what we want to share: art that is alive, inspiring, and accessible for all,” she said.
The collaboration with Valédar represents Darveau’s first exhibition since joining the MRC earlier this year. “It is essential for us to maintain high-quality exhibitions in collaboration with local artists,” she remarked, suggesting these partnerships reinforce the MRC’s commitment to promoting the region’s cultural richness.
First established in 1991, Valédar has long played an essential role in developing the region’s cultural landscape. The partnership with the MRC brings new visibility to this vibrant artistic community while inviting the public to enjoy an immersive artistic experience where feelings take centre stage.
The exhibition opens on March 8 and will continue until April 2. The gallery is open free of charge on weekends from 1 to 4 p.m. and on weekdays by reservation at 450-264-5411, ext. 237.