STANSTEAD: The opening vernissage of the Centre d’arts de Stanstead took place on Saturday, June 8 at 274 Dufferin Street (on the corner of Dufferin and Notre Dame Blvd). This space has been created to provide an ‘evolving’ collection created by artists from the Townships. The initial exhibition includes an eclectic collection of acrylic, oil and watercolour painting, sculpture, mosaic and ‘gypsy art’.

Exhibiting artists include Libby Griffith, Antonia Mitchell, Colette Brabant, Jean Dumas, Allyna Harris, Karen Ida, Tanya McIntyre, Brigitte Mittlehammer, Lizabeth Laroche, Christian Williams. 

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STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

The next two upcoming events of interest being offered by the Centre d’arts de Stanstead include a ‘Meet and Greet the artists’ at the Café Sans Frontière (240 Dufferin Street), in a 5 à 7 format, on Saturday, June 15. ‘Street Photography’ is a genre that has given birth to some of the most poignantly arresting moments captured on film. It is an intriguing art that pulls us in and gets us thinking: from which perspective was this photograph taken? Why? When we take photographs in public places, what are we trying to capture exactly, and how do we feel about it?

Two Montreal-based photographers Gabriel Safdie and Mark Lavorato will share their perspectives on street photography and give us an introduction to their up-coming exhibition “STREET SCENES” at Ye Olde Blacksmith Art Gallery (Stanstead). You are invited to come and meet the artists, hear about their work and personal experiences and join in the lively discussion! Presentations begin at 5:30 pm.

Gabriel Safdie: With a background as a writer and professor of literature at Dawson College and well-known businessman in the local community, Gabriel Safdie developed a passion for photography during his extensive explorations throughout the world. In the spirit of capturing any given moment of life that might live on, thanks to the art of photography, this most recent body of work shows us glimpses of North America in places he has recently travelled to, from Canada to Mexico.

Mark Lavorato: Raised in the Canadian prairies, Mark Lavorato finished his studies in environmental science and set out to travel. Having lived most of his adult life abroad – in Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe – he now resides in Montreal with summers spent in the Eastern Townships. He is a poet and novelist with five works of literature published or forthcoming. In his words, “My third novel follows an aspiring artist who is working throughout the early days of street photography. For my research, I bought a camera and headed out into the streets in order to better relate to my protagonist and his struggles. What I found there, however, was a new passion.” Mark has been in the streets with his camera, capturing public moments since 2009.

Venissage for the photography exhibition, ‘Street Scenes’, (June 22-July 7) at the Ye Olde Blacksmith’s Art Gallery in Stanstead will take place on Saturday, June 22 (5 à 7) . The art gallery is located at 240A Dufferin Street, Stanstead. All are welcome.

Opening hours for the Gallery: 11a.m-6p.m, starting June 22, 2013.

For more information, please call 819 876-2282.