Culture Notes – Summer 2023

OFFSTAGE

Offstage is a collective exhibition that seeks to explore the theatrical aspect inherent in all curated exhibitions. In what ways does the gallery become a stage? At what point does the exhibition become a performance? Together, the artworks both challenge and activate the space in which they are installed, placing tension on the boundaries between visual arts and theatre. The Offstage exhibition is conceived by independent curator Florence-Agathe Dubé-Moreau in collaboration with the Stewart Hall Art Gallery.

ARTISTS: Beth Frey, Adam Kinner, Suzy Lake, Anna Jane McIntyre, Simon S. Belleau, Élise Provencher, Karen Tam

CURATOR: Florence-Agathe Dubé-Moreau

VERNISSAGE
Sunday, June 4, 2 p.m.

June 4 to August 13, 2023

Sunday to Friday, 1 to 5 p.m.  | Wednesday, 1 to 8 p.m. | Closed on Saturdays in June, July and August

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE: BETH FREY

As part of the Offstage exhibition directed by curator Florence-Agathe Dubé-Moreau, artist Beth Frey will be in residence during the month of June in the Project Room of the Stewart Hall Art Gallery. With a green screen as a backdrop, the artist will recreate the playful world of her art studio. She’ll produce videos exploring the performative aspects of her work while offering the public a behind-the-scenes look.

ARTIST: Beth Frey

CURATOR: Florence-Agathe Dubé-Moreau

JUNE 2023

The artist will be present at the Art Gallery approximately 2-3 days a week, between June 4 and July 9.

FINISSAGE : ARTIST IN RESIDENCE: BETH FREY

Join us in celebrating the end of artist Beth Frey’s residence at the Stewart Hall Art Gallery. For this occasion, curator Florence-Agathe Dubé-Moreau will offer a guided tour of the Offstage exhibition, and Beth Frey will discuss her residence and present her studio. Following these tours, we will head to the Cultural Centre’s patio for a glass of wine and snacks!

ARTIST : Beth Frey

CURATOR: Florence-Agathe Dubé-Moreau

Sunday, July 9, 2 p.m.

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

OUTDOOR EXHIBITION: ANAHITA NOROUZI

Entre les lignes ― Writing Mountains 

Artist Anahita Norouzi created the series Other Landscapes from the immigration stories of people from former colonized countries in Southwest Asia (the “Middle East”) and Africa. Inspired by her own displacement, the artist asked each participant to share stories about the personal objects they chose to bring with them. These objects, which Norouzi has arranged into still life compositions, form portraits of each person she has interviewed. All linked to the geography of a specific location, these portraits become landscapes that reflect the migration stories they tell.

For the Displaced Gardens series, the participants were invited to ask their families in their home country to mail the artist dried plants native to their lands, but classified as “foreign” and “invasive” in Canada. Through this body of work, Norouzi explores the legacy of botanical exploration, plant collection, and documentation inherited from colonial scientific expeditions.

This project is a continuation of the exhibition Entre les lignes ─ Writing Mountains presented at the Stewart Hall Art Gallery from March 18 to May 28, 2023.

ARTIST : Anahita Norouzi

CURATOR : Manel Benchabane

STEWART PARK

THURSDAY DRAWING AT THE GALLERY: SUMMER EDITION

Join Holly MacKinnon at the Stewart Hall Art Gallery for a drawing session in a relaxed atmosphere with music and coffee. Get inspired by the current exhibition, and if weather permits the group may take advantage of the outdoor patio and the wonderful surroundings in Stewart Park. Bring your materiel and enjoy drawing in the company of others.

WITH : Holly MacKinnon

JUNE 8

JULY 20

AUGUST 31

From 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Bilingual

STEWART HALL ART GALLERY

Free admission

Reservation required: 514-630-1254 ext. 1795 or galerie.stewarthall@pointe-claire.ca

BECOMING A DRAWING

In this playful workshop led by our artist in residence, Beth Frey, participants will have access to a number of costumes and props to explore ideas of performance in relation to drawing. What kinds of lines and compositions can be created using the body, and what are some fun ways we can translate that to the page?

Rosé wine will be served to add a splash of colour to your evening.

WITH : Beth Frey

From 5 to 7 p.m.

Bilingual

STEWART HALL ART GALLERY

Free admission

Reservation required: 514-630-1254 ext. 1795 or galerie.stewarthall@pointe-claire.ca

GUIDED TOUR OF OFFSTAGE 

Join us for a tour of the exhibition Offstage, presented at the Stewart Hall Art Gallery. Accompanied by our animators, you will discover how visual arts can also explore theatrical elements. Following the tour, an art workshop will be offered on the patio.

Lemonade and watermelon will be served.

1:30 p.m. in French

3 p.m. in English

STEWART HALL ART GALLERY

Reservation required: 514-630-1254 ext. 1795 or galerie.stewarthall@pointe-claire.ca

(As part of the Pointe-Claire Days celebration)

CREATIVE WORKSHOP UNDER THE TENT

At any time between 5 and 7 p.m., join us in Stewart Park for a moment of relaxation and creativity under the tent. Led by our animators and inspired by the artworks of Anahita Norouzi, currently on display in the park, come and create your own original artwork.

A concert from the Summer Evenings in the Park Festival will follow in the park at 7:30 p.m.

From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Bilingual

Drop-in workshop

STEWART PARK

(As part of the Pointe-Claire Days celebration)

Click here to discover the detailed program

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free admission

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE: BETH FREY

As part of the Offstage exhibition directed by curator Florence-Agathe Dubé-Moreau, artist Beth Frey will be in residence during the month of June in the Project Room of the Stewart Hall Art Gallery. With a green screen as a backdrop, the artist will recreate the playful world of her art studio. She’ll produce videos exploring the performative aspects of her work while offering the public a behind-the-scenes look.

ARTIST: Beth Frey

CURATOR: Florence-Agathe Dubé-Moreau

JUNE 2023

The artist will be present at the Art Gallery approximately 2-3 days a week, between June 4 and July 9.

FINISSAGE : ARTIST IN RESIDENCE: BETH FREY

Join us in celebrating the end of artist Beth Frey’s residence at the Stewart Hall Art Gallery. For this occasion, curator Florence-Agathe Dubé-Moreau will offer a guided tour of the Offstage exhibition, and Beth Frey will discuss her residence and present her studio. Following these tours, we will head to the Cultural Centre’s patio for a glass of wine and snacks!

ARTIST : Beth Frey

CURATOR: Florence-Agathe Dubé-Moreau

Sunday, July 9, 2 p.m.

PAUL KUNIGIS : YALLAH

In the midst of winter 2021, when outings were few and far between, Paul Kunigis presented us with a perfect bouquet of songs to take us on a musical voyage. Entitled Yallah, meaning “forward”, this new album, the sixth in his career, oscillates between realism, melancholy, and optimism. Klezmer, swing, jazz, and pop come together, the pieces carried by the warm and reassuring voice of the singer-songwriter.

Paul Kunigis, vocals, piano; Yves Desrosiers, guitare, lap steel; Gabriel Paquin-Buki, clarinet; Marie-Soleil Bélanger, violin; Caroline Meunier, accordion; François Lalonde, drums; Simon Dolan, double bass

7:30 p.m.

WORLD MUSIC

STEWART HALL TERRASSE

DIOGO RAMOS – ÉLECTRO-SAMBA

Brazilian-born Montréaler Diogo Ramos presents his new concert, Électro-Samba-Funk. After successfully touring Canada, South America, and Europe in 2019, with his album Samba sans frontières, the singer-songwriter now presents Électro-Samba-Funk, a vibrant mix of samba-funk fused with electro-hip-hop, interweaving Portuguese, French, and Spanish lyrics that make you want to dance and breathe in the essence of the beach. A natural leader, Ramos has surrounded himself with a magnificent quintet.

Diogos Ramos, guitar, vocals; Sasha Daoud, percussion; Gabriel Schwartz, flute, saxophone; André Galamba, bass; Flavia Nascimento, vocals

7:30 p.m.

WORLD MUSIC

STEWART PARK

CALLIARI – BANG ! BANG !

This new album marks a 30-year career span and holds 14 singles that offer a mixture of Italian world beat music and a wink of heavy metal. A wealth of artistic collaborations and surprising musical blend that allows to follow, as one listens to it, the creative process and musical influences experienced by the singer in the last 30 years.

Marco Calliari, guitar, vocals; Demetrio Maso, drums; Tim S. Savard, multi-instrumentalist, Marie-Anne Arsenault, bass

7:30 p.m.

WORLD MUSIC

STEWART PARK

DUO LES DÉBALANCÉS

Johnny and Rozy will take you to an electrifying and hair-raising world. In their playful universe, juggling, hula hoops, soft rope and balancing acts of all kinds are a pretext to make you discover their madness and their contradictory humour. Get lost in the wacky universe of the Débalancés.

David Fiset, Chantal Therrien

7:30 p.m.

CIRCUS SHOW FOR THE FAMILY

STEWART PARK

(In case of rain, show will be cancelled)

RODRIGO SIMOES

Latin guitar, Afro-Brazilian grooves and jazz fusion. From samba to baião via conga, Simoes enjoys making compositions with the styles of Brazilian popular music, which gives new inspired grooves. Rodrigo Simoes is an outstanding guitarist. He ignites jazz by combining it with many Brazilian rhythms, such as maracatú, forró or samba to create a contemporary jazz that warms body and soul. Soak up the Southern heat and its intoxicating rhythms with good humour!

Rodgrigo Simoes, guitar; Mark Nelson, percussion; Carl Mayotte, bass; Jean-Pierre Zanella, saxophone; Bianca Rocha, vocals; Elli Miller Maboungou, congas

7:30 p.m.

LATIN JAZZ

STEWART PARK

MASMOUDI QUARTET ETERNAL CITIES

The Masmoudi Quartet, created by Tunisian oud player Mohamed Masmoudi, is a Montreal based group composed of four talented musicians of diverse backgrounds. His path has been forged by a rich variety of influences, such as classical, jazz and world music – especially of the Middle East. Together, the four musicians perfectly balance, creating beautifully written arrangements and surprising and stunning improvisations. The Eastern sounds of the oud are adorned with those of classical, jazz and Eastern Europe brilliantly brought forth via the piano, double bass and clarinet.

Mohamed Masmoudi, musical direction, oud; Gabriel Paquin-Buki, clarinet; Guillaume Martineau, piano; Simon Pagé, double bas

7:30 p.m.

WORLD JAZZ

STEWART HALL TERRASSE

YORDAN MARTINEZ AND THE CUBAN MARTINEZ SHOW: MUSICA CUBANA

Composed of Montreal and Cuban musicians and led by Yordan Martinez, invites you to an authentic and festive Latin music show. The band will bring a Cuban atmosphere by playing its greatest past and contemporary hits, as well as other Latin hits. With its energy and charisma on stage, TCMS will entice the audience to dance, sing, and travel to the rhythm of salsas, timbas, cha-cha-chas, bachatas, and merengues. Active on the Montreal music scene since 2008, its show is a must-see and the fans will fall in love at first sight. These talented artists will seduce the audience during this unique musical evening.

Yordan Martinez, trombone; Katy Aguilera, vocals; Alexander Rodriguez, bass; Dimitri Fabien, piano ; Edward Maldonado, Harold Salazar, and Samuel Therrien, percussion

7:30 p.m.

WORLD MUSIC

STEWART PARK

(As part of the Pointe-Claire Days celebration)

BLUES LEGENDS

Blues Legends is made up of Jim Zeller, Carl Tremblay, Jimmy James and more!  A blues show in the purest of traditions. These three artists have paved the way for the blues in Quebec, evolving in the circuit for several decades and this, in the biggest blues festivals in Quebec, Ontario and even as far as New Brunswick.

Jim Zeller, vocals, harmonica; Carl Tremblay, vocals, harmonica; Jimmy James, guitar; Bernard « Bongo » Deslauriers, drums; Marc Deschenes, bass; Bella Godmer, backup vocals

7:30 p.m.

BLUES

STEWART PARK

DANIEL BELLEGARDE: PASTOURELLE

Back on stage, percussionist, composer, arranger, and archivist Daniel Bellegarde presents Pastourelle, the second album in his trilogy of Haitian roots and Celtic and Brazilian musical influences. The show offers a journey through time and a personal and contemporary vision of this music, enhanced by original compositions. It is also a reflection on the theme of crossbreeding on the relations of power and injustice of the 19th century between Europe and Africa. Winner of the 2022 Global Music Awards in the United States.

Daniel Bellegarde, percussion; Eric Breton, drums, vocals; Fritz Pageot, bass, vocals; Philippe Laraque, guitar, banjo, vocals; Dave Gossage, flutes; Rodrigo Simoes, cavaquinho, bandolim, vocals

7:30 p.m.

WORLD MUSIC

ALEXANDRE-BOURGEAU PARK

MICH AND THE BLUES BASTARDS

Led by actor/singer Michel Perron and his harmonica, this nine-piece band will take you on a musical journey that covers more than a hundred years of blues and rock and roll music. One-of-a-kind energy and contagious joie de vivre.

You will be conquered by the Blues Bastards!

Michel Perron, vocals, harmonica; Jean-Marc Séguin, vocals, guitar; Jonathan Robitaille-Rondeau, drums; Maxime Rose, bass; André Rondeau, piano; Susie Lamoureux, vocals; Danielle Rondeau, vocals; Benjamin Cordeau, trumpet; Mark LeClerc, saxophone

7:30 p.m.

BLUES

VALOIS PARK

L’ESCALE CIRQUE

After a long journey at sea, the captain and his crew will be stopping over in Pointe-Claire, where they will entertain audiences with rhythmic, upbeat performances.

An impressive family circus: a captain, his deckhand and their two talented shipmates will present juggling acts and aerial silk acrobatics. Fun for all!

6 to 6:40 p.m. (performance)
6:40 to 7:40 p.m. (workshop)

PICNIC AND FAMILY SHOW

Productions 3.2.1. Cirque

VALOIS PARK

CAPOEIRA BRASILEIRA MONTRÉAL

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art. It differs from other martial arts by its playful and often acrobatic side. Accompanied by percussionists, come and admire the performances by the capoeiristas from the Brazilian Martial Arts and Cultural Centre of Montreal.

Mestre Peninha and his team

6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

MARTIAL ARTS AND BRAZILIAN PERCUSSIONS

EDGEWATER PARK

(As part of the Pointe-Claire Days celebration)

MINI-EXHIBITION: LAKESHORE WEAVERS GUILD

The Lakeshore Weavers Guild is celebrating their 60^th anniversary having been in residence at the Stewart Hall Cultural Centre since 1963. The Weavers are an integral part of the Pointe-Claire community, participating yearly in the Pointe-Claire Artisan Show and the Cultural Rendez-Vous. We are excited to share some of our history and joy in our fiber craft with this mini-exhibition from current and passed members. A floor loom will also be displayed for occasional demonstrations.

STEWART HALL – KIDS’ CORNER

Free admission

Sunday to Friday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Wednesday: 1 to 8 p.m.

Closed on Saturdays in June, July and August

Marta Barnes, Flernmingo, 2021

MINI-EXHIBITION: PLANIMALS – A WHIMSICAL WILDLIFE

Have you ever seen a Wombanana? Or a Flernmingo? This summer, come and meet these fantastic beasts in the Kids’ Corner. Illustrator and author, Marta Barnes presents a series of surrealist watercolours inspired by her love for animals, plants and her world travels.

Created during the confinement, the artist decided to take up an art challenge during a livestream on her Instagram account. The prompt for “Planimals” involved rolling two dice – one to choose a plant and the other to choose an animal – and combining them into a surrealist form. Within a few minutes, a new wildlife was created right in front of the viewers’ eyes. After a few challenges, a whimsical watercolour series was created.

A pair of dice will be available for those who would like to live this experience and create their own fantastic beast.

STEWART HALL – KIDS’ CORNER

Free admission

Sunday to Friday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Wednesday: 1 to 8 p.m.

Closed on Saturdays in June, July and August

GUIDED TOUR OF OFFSTAGE 

Join us for a tour of the exhibition Offstage, presented at the Stewart Hall Art Gallery. Accompanied by our animators, you will discover how visual arts can also explore theatrical elements. Following the tour, an art workshop will be offered on the patio.

Lemonade and watermelon will be served.

1:30 p.m. in French

3 p.m. in English

STEWART HALL ART GALLERY

Reservation required: 514-630-1254 ext. 1795 or galerie.stewarthall@pointe-claire.ca

(As part of the Pointe-Claire Days celebration)

CREATIVE WORKSHOP UNDER THE TENT

At any time between 5 and 7 p.m., join us in Stewart Park for a moment of relaxation and creativity under the tent. Led by our animators and inspired by the artworks of Anahita Norouzi, currently on display in the park, come and create your own original artwork.

A concert from the Summer Evenings in the Park Festival will follow in the park at 7:30 p.m.

From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Bilingual

Drop-in workshop

STEWART PARK

(As part of the Pointe-Claire Days celebration)

GREEN SCREEN WITH BETH FREY

Come and meet the artist in residence, Beth Frey, a canadian contemporary artist dividing her time between Mexico and Montreal. Participants will have the opportunity to play with green-screen video making, using a variety of fun and colourful props from the artist’s studio. Using kid-friendly apps and tools, participants will collaborate on making a silly and surreal video.

1:30 p.m.

Bilingual

Ages 8 and up

STEWART HALL ART GALLERY

Reservation required: 514-630-1254 ext. 1795 or galerie.stewarthall@pointe-claire.ca

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

Sunday to Friday, 1 to 5 p.m.  | Wednesday, 1 to 8 p.m. | Saturday, closed during June, July and August

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 offers high quality artworks for rent or sale for a nominal monthly fee. View the collection online or stop by to appreciate the artworks in person.

Information: 514 630-1220, ext. 1721, or amanda.johnston@pointe-claire.ca.

STEWART HALL CULTURAL CENTRE – 2nd floor

Sunday to Friday, 1 to 5 p.m.  | Wednesday, 1 to 8 p.m. | Saturday, closed during June, July and August

THE 2023 MINI ART RENTAL COLLECTION

Discover the 2023 Mini Art Rental Collection, showing the talents of Pointe-Claire youth aged 12 and under. These inspirational artworks are available for rental or sale throughout the year.

Proceeds from the 2023 Mini Art Rental Collection will be donated to the West Island Community Shares campaign in support of community groups that focus on the development of strong and resilient children.

Sunday to Friday, 1 to 5 p.m.  | Wednesday, 1 to 8 p.m. | Saturday, closed during June, July and August

STEWART HALL CULTURAL CENTRE – 2nd floor

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.  | Wednesday, 1 to 8 p.m. | Saturday, closed during June, July and August

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.  | Wednesday, 1 to 8 p.m. | Saturday, closed during June, July and August