Patti Leishman brings new works to Espace 33

Local art gallery hosts first exhibit since COVID-19 lockdown

Espace 33 art gallery on rue Principale opened the spring season with its first vernissage since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, on May 16, allowing people to check out unique artworks while maintaining social distance. Titled “Happiness is …”, the exhibition featured around a dozen intricate paintings from Kingston-based professional artist Patti Leishman.

According to the Espace 33’s owner Marc Sauvé, it was Leishman’s third exhibition at the gallery, noting that the event had been scheduled for almost a year. “She had been working on the project for about six months,” Sauvé said. “We weren’t sure until about a month ago if we were going to go ahead.” The theme of the project focused on the joy of life and how art brings so much fulfillment to one’s environment, Sauvé said, noting that it helps people get through tough times in life. “We find that art is more prevalent than ever in these times of confinement,” Sauvé said. 

While the artist herself wasn’t on hand for the event because of doctor’s order, the population was still invited to view and purchase the paintings displayed in the gallery. People can also view the paintings online via Espace 33’s website under the “artist” icon. With a four-person limit, Sauvé said his gallery is well suited to the new social distancing measures, adding that all employees are wearing gloves, protective masks and are told to keep two-metre distances from one another. “We can easily manage the traffic inside the gallery,” Sauvé said. “The door is open too. So, there’s a lot of ventilation.”

The exhibit will be featured at the gallery until May 30 and visiting hours are Tuesdays and Saturdays between 10 am and 5 pm and Thursdays between 10 am and 6 pm.