The Ottawa region is full of great road trip destinations for art lovers!
Enchanted Meadow #1: Mixed Media. Original art and photograph by Katharine Fletcher.
Particularly after the long winter we’ve experienced here in the Ottawa region, there’s a special excitement in the air now that spring has arrived. Just like the spring blossoms and deciduous trees’ unfurling leaves, artists are now emerging from their solitary endeavours, displaying their new works of art at pop-up shows and in galleries in villages throughout Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais, and participating in talks. Why not check them out on your next Ottawa road trip?
I just wish to share a special thought with you: In deep respect for those who are experiencing dire challenges due to flooding, which is endangering so many of our Ottawa River communities, let’s all remember that residents need our support. This is one way we Ottawa Road Trips readers can assist: by visiting villages, purchasing a lunch or picnic items, perhaps staying overnight in a B&B. We can all do our bit to help those whose livelihoods can partially depend on us “road trip explorers.” Just make sure to check ahead for news of road closures and to avoid areas where volunteers and emergency workers are at work.
West Carleton Arts Society
The West Carleton Art Society (WCAS) is an incredibly welcoming, active arts organization founded in 1988. Members exhibit their artworks at pop-up shows and other events throughout the Ottawa area. For instance, they’re holding a pop-up show at the Village Station in Carp, beside the railway track, from May 1 to July 31; see the WCAS Facebook page for details. Incidentally, Carp is also home to fine eateries (Alice’s Village Café, Juke Joint Soul Kitchen), plus KIN Vineyards and the Ridge Rock Brewing Company.
Judi Miller’s delicate embroidery landscapes can be viewed at the Herb Garden’s Comfrey Cottage. Photo courtesy of Judi Miller.
Another WCAS event, back by popular demand, is an art show at Comfrey Cottage, the Herb Garden’s artisan boutique and art gallery (May through September). Among other works, you can discover embroidery artist Judi Miller’s exquisitely fine meadow and landscape scenes. See the Comfrey Cottage website for hours.
Check the WCAS website for information on many other events throughout our region.
Addresses: The Village Station, 3722 Carp Road, Carp, Ontario; the Herb Garden, 3840 Old Almonte Road, Ottawa, Ontario.
Stittsville Pop-Up Show
Artist Rick Gagné has organized this pop-up art show, where 25 regional artists will be exhibiting their work at the Stittsville Legion Branch 618 from May 3 through 5. Says Gagné, “With any event I organize, I like us as artists to give back.” And that’s precisely why they’re donating $1,000 to the veterans at the Stittsville Legion.
Rick Gagné’s colourful artwork. Photo courtesy of Rick Gagné.
You’ll find work by a diverse set of artists here, from photographer Ginny Fobert’s astonishing “mirror image” landscapes and Kevin Dodds’ often poignantly romantic portrayals of country life to Gagné’s vibrant abstract works.
Address: 1481 Stittsville Main Street, Stittsville, Ontario
Show hours: Friday, May 3: 3pm to 9pm; Saturday, May 4: 11am to 5pm; Sunday, May 5: 11am to 4pm.
Merrickville Artists’ Guild
Another historic town awaits you: Merrickville, AKA the “Jewel of the Rideau.” I love this village for its eclectic shops, wonderful eateries (such as Sugar Belle’s Bake Shoppe, which recently relocated to Mrs. McGarrigle’s) and the nearby Rideau Woodland Ramble, but also for its artsy creators, many of whom belong to the Merrickville Artists’ Guild (MAG).
Holly Dean’s acrylic artwork often has a medieval, “enchanted” feel to it. Photo courtesy of Holly Dean.
MAG organizes six illustrated “conversations” during the year. The May 9 talk features artists Gary Viola and Holly Dean, speaking about The Art of Moving Pictures. Check the MAG website frequently for other topics and featured artists. MAG is a dynamic group that hosts many events, including a fall studio tour (September 28 and 29, and October 5 and 6 in 2019).
Shawville Pop-Up Show
Louise St. Laurent Nicoll has organized a pop-up art show on Saturday, May 18, at the beautiful new Little Red Wagon Winery, just west of Shawville. More than 15 artists await your discovery, including her husband, Andrew Nicoll, who creates unique recycled art and sculptures; potter, printer and book artist Valerie Bridgeman; and fused-glass artist Carol Killoran.
Andrew Nicoll creates refabricated, unique recycled art and sculptures. Photo courtesy of Louise St. Laurent Nicoll.
You may also meet Jennifer Judd, owner of the winery, who is an artist, too. Her gaily coloured acrylics depicting pastoral country life decorate the walls of the winery’s dining area.
Little Red Wagon Winery makes a wonderful destination for a country drive. Check calendar of events on Little Red Wagon’s website, because Jennifer and her husband Scott Judd are also making the winery a live music destination. On June 1, listen to Carleton Place’s Brock Zeman; on June 23, groove to Lynne Hanson’s tunes.
See you there?
Address: 165 Calumet Road West, Clarendon, Quebec
Galerie d’art Riverside
Just in time for the 2018 Christmas season, artist-entrepreneur Shawn de Neire opened Galerie d’art Riverside in a heritage residence overlooking the Gatineau River in Wakefield. He’s created a gallery where more than 20 artists and a wide variety of genres are represented.
Christine Gagne’s bronze statues await you at Galerie d’art Riverside. Photo courtesy of gallery owner Shawn de Neire.
The gallery itself is a welcoming, well-lit space where diverse sculptures, jewellery, paintings and fibre arts are beautifully displayed. Buy yourself a coffee at the café bar and then stroll the indoor and backyard garden galleries.
De Neire is a creative gallery owner: On weekends throughout the summer, from May 11 to September 29, gallery artists will hold “solo shows” on the large front veranda. (Check schedule of artists here.)
So come, visit on a summer Saturday or Sunday, watch artists at work, speak to them about their process or artistic vision, and perhaps return home with a treasure after chatting.
Address: 735 Riverside Drive, Wakefield, Quebec
Cultural happenings in Portage-du-Fort, Quebec
Portage-du-Fort is a historic village in West Quebec, located about 16 kilometres west of Shawville, overlooking the Ottawa River. It’s an artsy sort of place, where heritage architecture provides the perfect setting for creators.
Watch for the signs to Les Artistes in Portage-du-Fort. Photo by Katharine Fletcher.
In 2009, Arnold Classen transformed a century old post-and-beam barn into a studio for his wife, mixed-media artist Geraldine Classen. This is exactly where you’ll often find her on summer weekends, creating and displaying her colourful art and welcoming visitors.
On June 1 and 2, “Portage” will spring into vibrant life. Geraldine will be joined by Les Artistes de la Rivière for a cultural celebration of the village, organized by Portage resident, artist and historical enthusiast Frances Shea. That weekend is the annual kick-off event for Les Artistes, whose various members can be found working in the village most weekends from June 1 until the end of August.
Driver’s alert: If you’re driving to Portage-du-Fort on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River, note there’s a detour. Highway 303 leading from Highway 148 immediately west of Shawville to Portage-du-Fort has suddenly been closed for a month (as of May 27). To get to Portage, drive further west along Highway 148 to Highway 301. Turn left (south) and proceed straight south to Portage-du-Fort.
Portage-du-Fort historical tour leader, Chris Seifried, explains the history of stone dwellings in the village on June 1 and 2. Photo by Katharine Fletcher.
On the kick-off weekend, Chris Seifried, president of the Pontiac Historical Society, will be giving his informative annual guided tours of the historic village, accompanied by (retired) Father Basil Tanguay and local businesswoman Nicole Thompson. This year’s tours will reveal 13 brand-new historical plaques. Tours take place at 10:30am on June 1 and at 1pm on June 2; meet at St. James Church, 23 l’Église Street.
On opening weekend and on weekends throughout the summer, Les Artistes will welcome visitors at Geraldine’s Art Barn Gallery and at the organization’s two little galleries, the Art Station and Summer Kitchen. These heritage structures were converted into gallery spaces only a few years ago, and inside you can browse for glass items, baskets, paintings and sculptures.
You’ll also find galleries and artists in the festive-looking white tents on Nancy Lane, opposite the Stone School Gallery and Art School at 28 Mill Street.
Spirit Horse: Joyful Dance. Mixed media painting, 30×24. Art and photo by Katharine Fletcher.
An imposing stone building, the gallery is where artPontiac holds workshops and exhibitions throughout the summer. As part of the June 1 and 2 weekend’s historical and cultural celebrations, the school will display an exhibition of Shawville high school students’ art on June 1; on June 2, three artists are giving free workshops from 11am to 3pm.
Disclosure: Katharine is a visual artist. She will be participating in some of these exhibitions (Stittsville Legion, on June 1 only at Les Artistes in Portage-du-Fort, and on June 22 and 23 at Galerie d’art Riverside in Wakefield, where Shawn de Neire represents her). It will be her pleasure to meet ORT readers at any of these events.
Katharine exploring the capital. On the Alexandria Bridge with Château Laurier rear left; Entrance Bay Locks to the Rideau Canal, and Parliament Hill, rear right. Photo by Katharine Fletcher.
Katharine is a freelance writer, visual artist and author of historical guides such as Capital Rambles: Exploring the National Capital Region. She invites you to like her artist page on Facebook and to check out her art workshops.