Culture Notes – Summer 2024

CREATION STORIES: ROOTS AND REVELATIONS

THE CONTEMPORARY NATIVE ART BIENNIAL, 7TH EDITION

The Stewart Hall Art Gallery welcomes the 7th edition of the Contemporary Native Art Biennial. Organized by a collective of four curators, each of whom will represent a geographical and cultural zone determined by one of the cardinal points: Lori Beavis will represent the South and Centre, Emma Hassencahl-Perley the East, Jake Kimble the West, and Teresa Vander Meer-Chassé the North.
The theme refers to the founding myths of Indigenous people, which represents a spiritual and nourishing territory as well as a place where living creatures dwell and live. While the story of Turtle Island varies somewhat from nation to nation, it is always a creation story about a turtle that holds the world on its back as a symbol of life and the Earth.

ARTISTS: Sierra Barber, Mel Beaulieu, Corey Bulpitt, Lianne Charlie, Hannah Claus, Heather Dickson, Marcy Friesen, Margaret Nazon, Luke Parnell, Jason Sikoak, Sgoagani Wecenisqon, Vance Wright

CURATORS: Lori Beavis, Emma Hassencahl-Perley, Jake Kimble, Teresa Vander Meer-Chassé

VERNISSAGE
Sunday, April 28, 2 p.m.

STEWART HALL ART GALLERY

FROM APRIL 27 TO JUNE 23, 2024

See the complete program for this exhibition.

Sunday to Friday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Thursday: 1 to 8 p.m.

Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

*Closed on May 20.

Sunday to Friday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Wednesday: 1 to 8 p.m.

Saturday: Closed

Celia Perrin Sidarous, Alexandrie, 1938, 2023

PRENDRE EMPREINTEー HOLDING KNOWLEDGE

Prendre empreinte — Holding Knowledge presents the work of artists Poline Harbali, Jeanette Johns, Celia Perrin Sidarous and Swapnaa Tamhane. These four artists revalorize traditional techniques through creative processes that are based on acquired skills linked to their cultural or family heritage. Using analog photography, embroidery, textile work, and printmaking, they revisit unknown or incomplete narratives founded on memories, quests for knowledge, and dreams.

ARTISTS: Poline Harbali, Jeanette Johns, Celia Perrin Sidarous, Swapnaa Tamhane

CURATOR: Manel Benchabane

PICNIC VERNISSAGE *

Sunday, July 7, 12 to 4 p.m.

(Activities starting at noon and exhibition launch at 2 p.m.)

STEWART HALL ART GALLERY

FROM JULY 7 TO AUGUST 25, 2024

Sunday to Friday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Wednesday: 1 to 8 p.m.

Saturday: Closed in June, July and August

* See Events and Special Projects for complete program.

VISIONS OF STEWART HALL: 1885-1963 – HISTORICAL EXHIBITION AT THE CULTURAL CENTRE

Stroll through the halls of the Stewart Hall Cultural Centre and journey into the history of this stately mansion. Discover the important figures who lived there and its various vocations before it became the Cultural Centre in 1963. A travel back in time at your own pace!

PERMANENT EXHIBITION 

STEWART HALL CULTURAL CENTRE – 2ND FLOOR

ANNE-MARIE PROULX

Inspired by her discovery of a cut willow tree on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River near Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies, Anne-Marie Proulx has been documenting, week by week, the life of this tree and the other forms of life that surround it. Presented in Stewart Park along Lac Saint-Louis, this project highlights the important relationship between vegetation, water, and ourselves.

Originally from Lévis, where she grew up near the Saint Lawrence River, Anne-Marie Proulx lives and works between the shores of Saint-Roch-des-Aulnais and Quebec City. Drawing on our conversations with the land and our relationship with language, she creates poetic worlds in response to the individual and collective bonds that we maintain with our environments. Her image-based, primarily photographic work questions both the physical and metaphorical spaces we occupy and which, in return, inhabit us as well. Her work is included in the permanent collections of Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal, Hydro-Québec, the City of Montreal and Méduse.

This project is presented by the Stewart Hall Art Gallery.

ARTIST: Anne-Marie Proulx

CURATOR: Manel Benchabane

STEWART PARK

CINÉ-ART – BLUE BEAR WOMAN

Blue Bear Woman, symbolizes the two cultures that Virginia Pesemapeo Bordeleau, born of a Cree mother, carries and explores. In writing, expressing the beauty of the world and its violence. And by the dazzling beauty of his paintings transcending tragic aspects of life, or bursting with joys of living. Blue Bear Woman combines a love of art with the sensual pleasure of introducing you to a great artist in her immense simplicity, and to the beauty of a life as an artist. In collaboration with Le Festival International du Film sur l’art (Le FIFA).

DIRECTOR: Claude Hamel

7 p.m.

In French with English subtitles

Free admission

GRAND SALON

Reservation required

PLEIN AIR DRAWING

Join us for an outdoor independent drawing session around an exhibition, work of art or piece of public art in Stewart Park. Bring your own materials, or take advantage of the ones provided.

THURSDAYS, JUNE 27, JULY 25 AND AUGUST 29

6 to 7:30 p.m.

Bilingual

Free admission

STEWART HALL CULTURAL CENTRE – PATIO, WEST SIDE

Reserve online:

June 27

July 25

August 29

ART AND WINE EVENING

During this evening, you’ll take part in a guided tour of the exhibition Prendre empreinte ー Holding Knowledge in the company of curator Manel Benchabane. Afterwards, sommelier Giancarlo Rivera will suggest some wine and art pairings during a short tasting inspired by the exhibition.

Weather permitting, the tasting will be held on the terrace.

With Manel Benchabane, curator; Giancarlo Rivera, sommelier

6:30 p.m.

Bilingual

Free admission

STEWART HALL ART GALLERY

Reservation required

DEMYSTIFYING ART – ROUND TABLE

Come and meet the artists of the exhibition Prendre empreinte / Holding Knowledge to learn more about the personal and cultural knowledge and narratives that form the basis of their artistic projects.

Coffee and refreshments will be served.

10 a.m.

Bilingual

Free admission

STEWART HALL ART GALLERY

Reservation required

2024 CULTURAL RENDEZ-VOUS – JOURNEY INTO THE IMAGINARY!

Come celebrate the relationship between the arts and the imaginary during the annual Cultural Rendez-Vous for both kids and adults: exhibitions, art workshops and skills demonstrations, café-terrasse, circus, face painting, children’s corner, entertainment and street performance, music, dance and new magic show in Stewart Park.

Sunday, May 26, 2024

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free admission

STEWART HALL CULTURAL CENTRE

LOUISE SAUVÉ JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Celebrate the opening of the public piano season on the terrace with the Louise Sauvé Jazz Ensemble. They’ll be performing vocal jazz classics such as Sway, New York, New York, Besame Mucho, Summertime, What a Wonderful World, La Vie en rose, Formidable and C’est si bon, for your listening pleasure!

Louise Sauvé, vocals; Pierre François, piano;
Jean Cyr, double bass; Wali Mohammad, drums

3 p.m.

Jazz

STEWART HALL CULTURAL CENTRE TERRACE

DUO JM PIANO & VOCALS

Come and celebrate the opening of the public piano season in the Central Library garden with Duo piano & Voix JM. Jonathan and Maya will perform jazz classics with a Brazilian twist on solo piano and piano-voice duets such as Fever, At Last, Georgia on my Mind, Autumn Leaves, Fly me to the Moon, The Girl from Ipanema, Moondance and many more for your listening pleasure!

Jonathan Pelletier, piano; Maya Marin-Poulin, vocals

3:30 p.m.

Jazz

CENTRAL LIBRARY

(In the Reading Garden “Sara’s Enchanted Forest” behind the Central Library)

Poline Harbali, Repas imaginaire ou passé, 2023

PICNIC VERNISSAGE

For the Art Gallery’s summer vernissage, enjoy a day of activities and celebrations! This event is open to all!

Starting at noon:

Bring your picnic and sit by the water to enjoy the start of summer. We’ll be offering treats and refreshments. You may also take part in the following activities:

• Creative workshops on the terrace, inspired by works in the new exhibition, with artist Poline Harbali and our cultural mediation team.
• Demonstration and workshop for the family with the Lakeshore Creative Stitchery Guild.
• Demonstration by the Lakeshore Weavers Guild.
• Independent painting in Stewart Park alongside members of the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour.

2 p.m.:

Gather at Stewart Hall Art Gallery for the launch of the exhibition Prendre empreinte ー Holding Knowledge, with the four artists in the exhibition, Poline Harbali, Jeanette Johns, Celia Perrin Sidarous and Swapnaa Tamhane.

12 to 4 p.m.

STEWART PARK AND STEWART HALL ART GALLERY

Free admission

No reservation required

CHRISTINE TASSAN ET LES IMPOSTEURES – ON THE ROAD

For 20 years, Christine Tassan and Les Imposteures have been touring the world, spreading the charm of gypsy jazz and swing songs. Their new show, “On the Road,” revisits their adventures and tours, taking you from the Great Wall of China to Stanley Park in Vancouver, from snowcovered Rockies to the charming Samois-sur-Seine of Django Reinhardt. A captivating musical journey through magnificent landscapes and delightful anecdotes!

Christine Tassan, solo guitar, vocals; Martine Gaumond, violin, vocals; Jeff Moseley, rhythm guitar, vocals; David Meunier-Roy, double bass, vocals

7:30 p.m.

JAZZ MANOUCHE AND SWING SONGS

STEWART PARK

LA LÉA – DERIVAS

Music and dance show featuring flamenco nuevo, jazz, bossa nova and Catalan rumba. Accompanied by her crew, French-Catalan singer-songwriter Léa Touzé Latorre invites us to wander into the unknown and collect the treasures unearthed along the way. A migrant’s logbook, an immersive journey and a poetic crossing.

Léa Touzé Latorre, vocals, lyrics; Marie-Andrée Cloutier, electric bass, dance; Stéphanie Gagnon, guitar; Éric Breton, percussion; Hichem Khalfa, trumpet

7:30 p.m.

WORLD MUSIC

STEWART PARK

VAGUE DE CIRQUE – ÉPHÉMÈRE

Six reckless acrobats take advantage of the summer twilight by offering themselves a moment of pure laughter. Nature is their playground. Defying the laws of gravity, they help each other explore an infinite number of possibilities. Their joie de vivre is contagious, their sensitivity charming, and their acrobatics more unusual than ever. Ephemeral, like an invigorating summer evening, or the intoxicating music of a troupe of acrobats who have arrived from nowhere and yet have already left.

7:30 p.m.

CIRCUS SHOW FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

STEWART PARK

RACHEL THERRIEN – LATIN JAZZ PROJECT

Trumpeter Rachel Therrien stands out as one of the most innovative voices at the intersection of jazz and world music. Her Latin Jazz Project is the result of her postgraduate studies at the Instituto Superior de Arte, in Havana, and is also influenced by her many musical experiences in Latin America and the Caribbean. With this exceptional ensemble, she offers a festive repertoire featuring original works and Afro-Latin jazz classics. From salsa to danzón and rumba to chachacha, Rachel and her band of virtuosos invite you to groove to the lively rhythms of Cuba, Mexico, Colombia, and Haiti, among others. Don’t miss this sizzling, hip-swinging show!

Rachel Therrien, trumpet; Alex Bellegarde, double bass; Michel Medrano, drums; Willy Rodriguez, piano; Lazaro Martinez, timbales; Diomer Gonzales, congas

7:30 p.m.

LATIN JAZZ

STEWART HALL TERRACE

LE R.C. JAZZ SEXTET

The R.C. Jazz Ensemble presents the rereading of a pivotal period in the history of Jazz: The hard bop. Hard bop is characterized by a more dynamic jazz resulting from the fusion of bop, gospel and blues, which makes “groovy” music that has nothing “hard” contrary to what its name suggests. The icon of this period was unquestionably drummer Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers, surrounded by pianist and composer Horace Silver, saxophonists Benny Golson and Wayne Shorter, trumpeter Lee Morgan, to name a few because indeed, several other musicians succeeded one another within the formation which evolved from the fifties to the eighties.

Raoul Cyr, trumpet, trombone; Alain Boyer, drums; Michel Dubeau, tenor and baritone saxophone; Richard Leduc, alto and tenor saxophone; Daniel Loyer, piano; Sylvain Bolduc, bass.

7:30 p.m.

JAZZ

STEWART HALL TERRACE

YOEL DIAZ MUNDO JAZZ QUARTET

Musical project based on Spanish, Cuban, Latin and jazz influences in certain pieces from the vast repertoire of pianist, author, composer, and arranger Yoel Diaz Avila. In this project, Yoel favors acoustic music. The piano plays a very important role in the sound. The vibraphone enriches the harmony with the piano as a melodic instrument and soloist with the alto and soprano sax.

Olivier Salazar, vibraphone; Mathieu Gaulin, alto-soprano saxophone; Hanser Santos, cajon; Yoel Diaz, piano

7:30 p.m.

WORLD JAZZ

TERRACE – STEWART PARK

GOTTA LAGO: SOWETO – MARRAKECH ROAD BOOKS

A musical journey from Nelson Mandela’s homeland in South Africa to the shores of Morocco. Winner of the 2016 Prix de la Diversité Culturelle, Gotta Lago, an artist originally from the Ivory Coast, embodies all the richness, beauty, and warmth of Africa, in its traditions and cultural diversity. Guitarist, pianist, multi-percussionist, exceptional singer, actor, and storyteller, he is a fixture on the Montreal world music scene. A melting of various musical styles, taken from his immense repertoire. A participatory show that only he knows the secret to.

Gotta Lago, guitar, vocals, percussion; Mobio David, keyboards, vocals; Sylvain Plante, drums, vocals; Carlo Birri, bass, vocals

7:30 p.m.

WORLD MUSIC

STEWART PARK

(As part of Pointe-Claire Days)

GUY BÉLANGER: VOYAGES & OTHER STORIES

After six solo albums and six soundtracks for films and TV series, harmonica player and singer Guy Bélanger is back with a new album and tour that showcase the full breadth of his talent. His show, Voyages et autres histoires, takes us on a stroll along the many paths of blues and folk, and also draws on funk and rock rhythms. In a trio format, Guy Bélanger will be accompanied by his musicians as he presents several pieces from his vast repertoire.

Guy Bélanger, harmonica, vocals; Rob MacDonald, guitar; Alec McElcheran, bass

7:30 p.m.

BLUES

STEWART PARK

BANITSA: RAVAUDAGE

Banitsa has a repertoire of original music juxtaposing melodic and rhythmic characteristics from the Balkans, folk melodies from Quebec as well as jazz and classical influences. Over the years, their instrumental compositions are distinguished by a progressive music approach, creating atypical and transcendent works. The audience is taken on a journey to the lands of reality and imagination under the aesthetically original sound of Banitsa.

Étienne Deschênes-Gagnon, accordion; Cédric Thuya Boivin, banjo; Émilou Johnson, double bass; Dominique Poirier, guitar; Jonathan Millette, violin

7:30 p.m.

WORLD MUSIC

ALEXANDRE-BOURGEAU PARK

STEEL RAIL

A fresh acoustic sound, striking three-part harmonies and strong original material have made Montreal trio Steel Rail a fan and critical favourite. Lead singer Tod Gorr, bassist Ellen Shizgal and guitarist Dave Clarke deliver an infectious blend of folk, bluegrass and country music that one critic has called “state of the art folkgrass.” All three members contribute original songs that have evoked comparisons with classic Canadian singer-songwriters like Gordon Lightfoot and Ian Tyson.

Tod Gorr, vocals; Ellen Shizgal, bass, vocals; Dave Clarke, guitar

7:30 p.m.

FOLK AND BLUEGRASS

VALOIS PARK

REPERCUSSION THEATRE PRESENTS SHAKESPEARE-IN-THE-PARK – INFINITE VARIETY

A delightful evening of sonnets, songs, scenes and soliloquies by (or inspired by) Shakespeare. Including music, merriment, audience interaction, special guests, and an infinite variety of ways to connect with the park, with each other, and with the poetry of Shakespeare.

7 p.m.

(In English)

PERFORMING ARTS

VALOIS PARK

FANFARE POURPOUR AND THE SCHMUTT SISTERS: UN AIR DE FANFARE, UN PAS DE DEUX

A special project that revives the roots of the Pourpour street brass band, while at the same time continuing the music/dance collaboration developed with the Schmutt sisters over the years. A show that captivates with its rich music, the genuine complicity between its artists and the universes they bring to life.

Fanfare Pourpour: 19 musicians

7:30 p.m.

WORLD MUSIC

EDGEWATER PARK

MINI-EXHIBITION: PREHISTORIC CREATURES FROM THE ST. LAWRENCE

With the help of a series of illustrations from artist and scientific communicator Martin PM and the description from scientific author Patrick Couture, discover prehistoric aquatic creatures who might have lived in the Stewart Hall Cultural Centre’s backyard during the prehistoric era.

STEWART HALL CULTURAL CENTRE – KIDS’ CORNER

Free admission

Sunday to Friday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Thursday: 1 to 8 p.m.

Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

*Closed on May 20

Sunday to Friday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Wednesday: 1 to 8 p.m.

Saturday: Closed

MINI-EXHIBITION: SUMMER TREATS

This summer, we invite you to a very special picnic in the heart of the Kids’ Corner. Inspired by the notion of togetherness and the summer season, artist Keyiana Marques has created a series of ceramic and watercolour works representing different snacks to share in good company. Bread, cheese, olives, cake and ice cream, these treats are presented in a friendly and playful way on a beautiful large table.

Keyiana Marques is an artist and teacher based in Montreal. She holds a BFA from Concordia University and an MFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.

Artist : Keyiana Marques

STEWART HALL CULTURAL CENTRE – KIDS’ CORNER

Free admission

Sunday to Friday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Wednesday: 1 to 8 p.m.

Saturday: Closed

Sunday to Friday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Thursday: 1 to 8 p.m.

Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

*Closed on September 2.

FAMILY ART WORKSHOP – SUMMER EDITION

We invite you to a guided tour of the exhibition Prendre empreinte ー Holding Knowledge, presented at the Stewart Hall Art Gallery. Following this tour, adapted for young and old alike, you’ll have the chance to create a work inspired by the exhibition.

Lemonade and watermelon will be served.

As part of Pointe-Claire Days.

1:30 to 3 p.m.

Ages 6 to 12 years old

Children accompanied by an adult

Bilingual

Free admission

STEWART HALL ART GALLERY

Reservation required

KIDS’ CORNER : Beat boredom!

Your kids will have a great time discovering our fantastic selection of educational board games and puzzles to bust boredom and develop patience and concentration.

STEWART HALL CULTURAL CENTRE – 2ND FLOOR

Sunday to Friday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Thursday: 1 to 8 p.m.

Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

*Closed on May 20 and September 2.

Sunday to Friday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Wednesday: 1 to 8 p.m.

Saturday: Closed

*Closed June 24 and July 1.

The Stewart Hall Art Gallery offers guided tours of its exhibitions along with creative workshops for groups ranging from preschool (daycares, etc.), to secondary school.

The Stewart Hall Art Gallery offers guided tours and creative workshops for groups of different nature: college, university, seniors, and others.

ART RENTAL AND SALES SERVICE

Be original, rent an original!

Support local artists and encourage creativity in your community!

The Art Rental Service and Sales Service offers high quality artworks for rent or sale for a nominal monthly fee. View the collection online at www.www.pointe-claire.ca/en/art-rental/ or stop by to appreciate the artworks in person

STEWART HALL CULTURAL CENTRE – 2ND FLOOR

Sunday to Friday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Thursday: 1 to 8 p.m.

Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

*Closed on May 20 and September 2.

Sunday to Friday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Wednesday: 1 to 8 p.m.

Saturday: Closed

*Closed June 24 and July 1.

Sunday to Friday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Thursday: 1 to 8 p.m.

Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

*Closed on May 20 and September 2.

Sunday to Friday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Wednesday: 1 to 8 p.m.

Saturday: Closed

*Closed June 24 and July 1.

2024 MINI ART RENTAL COLLECTION

The Stewart Hall Art Gallery presents the fourth edition of the MiNi Art Rental Collection! Come and discover over 50 artworks, carefully selected by a jury, showcasing the talents of Pointe-Claire children aged 12 and under. Following this exhibition at the Kids’ Corner, the artworks will be available for rent or for sale at the Cultural Centre, for a period of one year.

Proceeds from the sale or rental of artworks from the 2024 MiNi Art Rental Collection will be donated to the Propulsé par les jeunes, pour les jeunes campaign, run by Partage-Action de l’Ouest-de-l’Île, in support of community groups emphasizing the development of strong, resilient children.

This project was made possible thanks to the financial support of the Amis de Stewart Hall.

Sunday to Friday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Thursday: 1 to 8 p.m.

Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

*Closed on May 20 and September 2.

Sunday to Friday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Wednesday: 1 to 8 p.m.

Saturday: Closed

*Closed June 24 and July 1.

READING AND REFERENCE ROOM

The Stewart Hall Reading and Reference Room is a friendly space that is open to all free of charge. Come and discover the book collection, handmade items from the Boutique, and works of art from the Art Rental and Sales Service – or just enjoy a relaxing space that will awaken your curiosity.

STEWART HALL CULTURAL CENTRE – 2ND FLOOR

Sunday to Friday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Thursday: 1 to 8 p.m.

Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

*Closed on May 20 and September 2.

Sunday to Friday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Wednesday: 1 to 8 p.m.

Saturday: Closed

*Closed June 24 and July 1.

KIDS’ CORNER : Beat boredom!

Your kids will have a great time discovering our fantastic selection of educational board games and puzzles to bust boredom and develop patience and concentration.

STEWART HALL CULTURAL CENTRE – 2ND FLOOR

Sunday to Friday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Thursday: 1 to 8 p.m.

Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

*Closed on May 20 and September 2.

Sunday to Friday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Wednesday: 1 to 8 p.m.

Saturday: Closed

*Closed June 24 and July 1.