Backyard art exhibit in Aylmer calls in the creative muse

Benjamin Segobaetso

“Le regard des artistes,” a backyard art exposition on rue du Buzet held August 8 and 9, sparked a unique style in suburban living and challenged the idea that suburbs are ordinary. Francine Pagé, whose initiative came to life with sculptures and paintings surrounding the pond in her backyard with some of West Quebec’s celebrity artists, including Béla Simó, Angèle Lux, Adriana Gutiérrez Mejia, Louise Cormier, Michéle deBellefeuille, Nicole Dupré, and Dalia Mendoza Lomón. Suburbia, it seems, can be a hidden gem abuzz with arts and mindful activities that promote co-existence with nature. 

Although Madam Pagé’s backyard art exhibit had connotations of environmental restoration either by default or by intent; it aired subversive, anti-traditional sentiments and ultimately paid tribute to suburban living. Those present were treated to the crafts of deBellefeuille’s textile knitted felt sculptures and mixed medium paintings of raisin and acrylic. Cantley’s Mejia showcased her four elements mixed media work on a canvas and wood panel.  Her pieces were inspired by her indigenous Mexican ancestors and their connection with nature. Gatineau’s Limón, also the art curator and organizer, brought in portraits, pastel and ink pieces while Simó’s sculptures marked their presence around the pond. Another Val-des-Monts artist, Lux, displayed her works embedded with stories, historic maps and symbolism inspired by her anti-war and human rights activism. 

Ms. Pagé said the exhibit was inspired by the concept of sharing and in her belief in welcoming people into her space and bringing them together in a natural milieu through art. Nature itself, she says, is art. She plans to host more artists next year, with a focus on children’s crafts.