Long Grass Whispers
Cheryl Ann Beillard
1 June – 4 July
In June, Cheryl Beillard, who, with Linda Roy, has managed the Gallery at the Cafe for the past four years, is presenting, for the first time, an exhibition of photographs of the region, printed on canvas.
As a teenager, Cheryl was a student at the Montreal Museum School of Art in Montreal and, for a short time, worked at an entry level job in commercial art. She put aside her early interest in painting and drawing in favour of political science, ublic administration and a career in international environmental policy. During those years, she had little to work on her art but photography served as her main artistic outlet. In retirement, photography and sketching has been the basis for her art, whether it’s printmaking, painting or mixed media. This collection focuses on photographs which capture the colours, light and patterns of spring and summer.
The title for the exhibition comes from a book Cheryl was given as a child by her much loved great uncle, Robert Murray. He built his life and career on nature and wildlife in South Africa, and, through his stories, shared his love of nature and adventure. His visits taught her to seek out the wonders hidden in the smallest places, in the forest and the weeds, along the edges of the marshland and, so importantly, to see wild creatures as sentient beings with their own paths in life.
Vernissage Saturday, June 13 4 – 6 pm. Please join Cheryl and friends to see the images she has put together and enjoy refreshments and delicious snacks prepared by Cafe owner Ruth Hahn.
We know it’s a long drive for some, so consider making a day of it, stopping off at some of the farm shops and studios along the way or perhaps go a bit further to visit the Parc des Chutes de Coulange and learn about the history of logging in the Ottawa valley, Then head back to the Cafe for refreshments and to see the show. It will be a pleasant way to round out a Saturday in the Valley.
You might also opt to include a stop at Willow Lane Alpacas, on Hwy 148 near Bristol, if you are coming up the Quebec side of the river. They offer top quality woolen products and a chance to meet their herd of fuzzy alpacas and assorted other animals. La Fée Des Bois just outside Shawville has a nice range of herbal and other products all made on site. Just west of the village the Little Red Wagon Winery offers meals and music concerts – and, yes, there’s one on June 13th! Check them out online. There are also some small shops in town that draw visitors to the area. I also like to tell other artists not to miss the Art Factory, in Renfrew which offers a huge range of supplies at great prices, in addition to hosting shows and workshops.
