A focus on local talent

Galerie de la Rive – which is housed in Résidence Jardins Belle Rive, a Rockland retirement centre – recently celebrated its first anniversary showcasing talents from Ottawa and its eastern neighbours, explains coordinator Hélène Martin, as well as hanging a new exhibit that will be in place until June.

The gallery, she recounts, was established last March after she was approached by the retirement centre's owner to transform a space there into an art gallery. On average, Galerie de la Rive changes its exhibits three times a year, Martin says, featuring its dozen in-house artists and a new guest artist with each rotation.

With its east-end location, the not-for-profit, artist-run gallery focuses on exhibiting local works, she continues, with many of its permanent members from Orléans, Cumberland and Gloucester. "It's really going well," Martin says of the year so far. "It seems people are starting to know we're here. People are starting to be more aware of the art that's coming (out of the area)."

As for creative direction, Galerie de la Rive's committee makes decisions regarding whether an artist or piece is appropriate for the gallery and what sort of themes or subjects should appear, she explains, creating a very collaborative approach. "It's been working very well," Martin adds, though artists are encouraged to stay consistent in their techniques and styles. "It gets quite unified in that way."

Visitors to the space will find everything from oils to photography to stained glass, she continues, pieces ranging from realistic in style to abstract. "We try to have a good spectrum of artists," Martin says. "We have lots of landscapes right now, and a bit of still life."

Lisa Lorenz, a Cumberland-based painter and one of those permanently established with the gallery, explains she came to Galerie de la Rive only a month ago after applying for a guest artist spot. "I was just completely thrilled," she recounts of her invitation to become an in-house participant, with nine of her "funky flower" pieces currently on display. "We're getting to meet other artists and share experiences. That's been one of the most positive things."

As a non-profit, collaborative space, "everybody has a certain role in the gallery, and we all work really well together," continues Lorenz, who describes her work as "stylized paintings" with bold colours and a graphical look. "It's not just one person running the show. We all get involved; it's a gallery for artists."

Galerie de la Rive allows for area artists to "get out and show their work" in their own backyard, she suggests, something which can often be a challenge. "It gives you a chance to share your talent with the community," Lorenz adds.

There is still "a lot of work to do" when it comes to promoting area artists, however, continues Martin, pointing to the fact only one other such gallery exists in the area between Gloucester and Vankleek Hill. "There are a lot of artists here," Martin says. "There's a lot of potential. We just have to go and get it." For more information, please visit www.galeriedelarive.ca