RURAL CULTURE

Artists typically exhibit at art fairs and in galleries (public and private), but every once in a while, interesting opportunities in alternative venues crop up.  

I was recently invited to show in a space that is really off the beaten path.  It has character and the people who run it are interesting, energetic, innovative and kind.  Coeur de Village Bistro Culturel is located in Saint Isidore.   

Like in many of Québec's villages, the most impressive building in this tiny municipality is its Catholic church.  Tall beacons of worship are generally located on main streets, (which in rural areas also tend to be secondary highways).  

An aside:  Some years ago, I went for a short vacation on Vancouver Island in British Columbia with my best buddy Mart.  We drove through various west coast villages towards Ucluelet and Tofino.  The countryside reminded me of the mountains that surround my hometown of Shawinigan, but naturally, on a much larger scale.  The villages felt a bit bland and initially, I couldn't quite figure out why.  Then it finally it hit me!  No big Catholic churches. They are iconic here in Québec.  A village without a soaring church seems naked.

Diagonally across from Saint Isidore's church is a non-profit organization known as the Bistro culturel.  The deep rectangular space is divided into three sections.  The back has an administrative office/store that sells recycled goods such as dinnerware, vases and more. The middle section has an area (with piano) for musical performances as well as a walled-off kitchen known for its "cuisine familiale" (home cooked meals). The bistro/restaurant is in front and its walls are for art exhibits.  Unusual mix and it works!

Art openings are usually on Thursday nights as are performances by musicians, poets and storytellers (conteurs).  There is a long tradition of storytelling in Québec.  

I'm exhibiting at the Bistro until December 18th, 2015.  The vernissage is on November 12th at 5:00 pm.  I invite you to come and enjoy the show.  Bring your own wine!

Open from Monday to Friday 10:00 am to 4 pm. Thursdays from 10 am to 10 pm. (Tel: 450-992-0633).





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