Regional artists to participate in a prestigious exhibition in New York

Seven painters and sculptors from the area will participate in a prestigious exhibition in New York from September 25 to 29.

The young gallery L’Art de vivre on Davis Street in Arvida has been chosen to represent the 25th edition of the Affordable Art Fair.

This international visual art fair, which has been in existence for 25 years, allows artists from all over the world to present their work.

L’Art de vivre is the first art gallery in the region to participate in a cultural event of this magnitude. During this great cultural weekend, more than 10,000 art fans and collectors are expected.

The owner of the gallery Frédérique Girard, who will be on the trip to show her own pictures, emphasizes working hard for her selection.

“The application process is very long and complicated. They don’t choose just any artist. The process took six months. There is a lot of documentation to complete, but it came spontaneously because I thrive on projects. »

What particularly appeals to Frédérique Girard is that, just as the name suggests, it is an affordable art fair.

“The works are sold between $100 and $12,000 American. His mission is to democratize art, like us. This is important, especially for new artists. »

First international

For two of the accompanying artists, Frédéric Marchand and Kathleen Roby, this will be their first international presence.

“Before I showed my metal sculptures at L’Art de vivre,” emphasizes Frédéric Marchand, “I showed them at Marchand’s restaurant in Saint-Bruno, which I own with my brother A year and a half after the gallery opened, I find myself in New York. It is unbelievable! »

Painter Kathleen Roby is equally happy.

“It is a great recognition for L’Art de vivre gallery and for us too, as we were selected by the jury. It is a double recognition. It’s a lot of preparation and it takes willpower to get regional artists out there. It is highly regarded. It will be a very good visibility. »

The painter Dominique Desmeules has chosen to return to international art fairs by taking part in the adventure.

“I’m excited, because New York is a beautiful city and a city of art. I have already sold internationally and I know it opens up horizons. »

Repeat elsewhere

If the New York experience is convincing, the owner of L’Art de vivre does not rule out the possibility of taking advantage of other opportunities to present the work of regional artists outside of Quebec.

“There are festivals like this all over the world and we are tired. It’s the first project and we’ll see, but we’d definitely like to do it again. Asia can be interesting. »