Saint-Étienne-de-Bolton is getting its first artistic circuit "Village des métiers d’art Sainte-Étienne-de-Bolton." Taking place over two weekends in July, the circuit will allow visitors to connect with artists in the municipality and to discover the how-tosho of their craft in a collective exhibition at the municipal park. 

“I had made on open house show of the garden (located on her property) last year and it was very successful. I thought to myself, it might be very nice to invite some of the other artists here in Sainte-Étienne to participate in it,” explained Liane Chacra, sculptor and one of the organizers of the event. “(…) As it so happened, a councillor thought of doing some sort of artistic artist exhibit.”

Together, they reached out to the community to form a group of 11 artists interested in participating. These artists include Chacra, Marie Aloir (painter), Julie Bessette (jewelry), Harry Bird (woodworking), Hélène Fortier (hooking), Éric Lajeunesse (photographer), Lydia Fortin and Sharlotte Novoa Guandique (ceramics), Léopold Jacques (painter), Francine Labelle (knitting) and Caroline Ouellette (herbalist). 

“Considering the fact that we only have 500 households, maybe it’s 600 now, it’s a very small community. But, as a percentage of people that are actually very industrious and creative, I’d say a good 20 per cent to 30 per cent are doing something interesting,” noted Chacra. 

The circuit is all about providing a platform for these artists to show off their work, but it’s also about shining light on what the village has to offer. 

“First of all, not all artists can participate in the circuit des arts or because there are just too many artists around. So, I thought it would give them another opportunity to maybe participate in something else,” said Chacra. 

Village des Métiers D’Art Sainte-Étienne-de-Bolton will give passersby a chance to personally visit some of the artists studios.

“There will be signs to the different studios for the artists and there will also be a sign for the centre of town where there will be an exhibit,” mentioned Chacra. 

The collective exhibit will give people a sneak peak as to how the artists bring their creations to life. 

“I believe there will be drinks and there might be some exhibitions as well in terms of some people demonstrating activities. For example, half of the people I mentioned will be under the tent, full-time, to explain their craft, and the other half will be in their respective studios along the circuit,” said Chacra. 

Village des Métiers D’Art Sainte-Étienne-de-Bolton will be taking place on July 9 and 10, the exclusive dates for the collective exhibition, and July 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information about the circuit and the artists can be found on Facebook. 

Listen to the full interview below: