Galerie D'art la Vieille Caserne
- History of Galerie D'art la Vieille Caserne
- Location and Accessibility
- Exhibitions and Collections
- Curatorial Approach
- Permanent Collection
- Temporary Exhibitions
- Educational Programs
- Community Involvement
- Architecture and Design
- Interactive Installations: A Journey Through Multisensory Experiences
- Events and Performances:
- Hours of Operation and Admission Fees
- Accessibility and Special Services
- Tips for Visitors: Making the Most of Your Visit
- Insider Tip:
History of Galerie D'art la Vieille Caserne
In the heart of Laval, Quebec, a historical landmark has been transformed into a vibrant center for contemporary art, the Galerie D'art la Vieille Caserne. This former military barracks, built in the early 19th century, played a significant role in the defense of the city. Over time, it underwent various transformations, including serving as a prison, a courthouse, and a police station. In 1989, the building was meticulously restored and repurposed as the Galerie D'art la Vieille Caserne, ushering in a new chapter of artistic expression and cultural significance.
Location and Accessibility
The Galerie D'art la Vieille Caserne is situated at 435, boulevard des Laurentides in the heart of Laval, Quebec, Canada. It is housed within a historic military barracks that dates back to the 19th century. The gallery is easily accessible by public transportation, with the closest bus stop being just a few steps away. There is also ample parking available in the surrounding area, making it convenient for visitors to arrive by car.
Exhibitions and Collections
The Galerie D'art la Vieille Caserne boasts a diverse collection of contemporary art, showcasing a wide range of artistic expressions and media. The gallery's exhibitions feature paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia works by established and emerging artists from Quebec, Canada, and around the world.
One of the highlights of the gallery's permanent collection is a series of paintings by renowned Quebec artist Jean-Paul Riopelle. These abstract works, created in the 1950s and 1960s, showcase Riopelle's mastery of color and form.
Other notable artists whose works are featured in the gallery's collection include:
- Marc-Aurèle Fortin: A Canadian painter and printmaker known for his landscapes and portraits.
- Alfred Pellan: A prominent Quebec artist whose works often incorporated elements of surrealism and abstraction.
- Guido Molinari: An Italian-Canadian painter and sculptor known for his geometric abstractions.
- Jannick Deslauriers: A contemporary Quebec artist whose works explore themes of identity and memory.
- Michel Goulet: A Canadian artist known for his large-scale sculptures and installations.
The gallery's temporary exhibitions often focus on specific themes or artistic movements, providing visitors with an in-depth exploration of contemporary art practices. These exhibitions have featured works by both established and emerging artists, including:
- Annie Pootoogook: An Inuit artist whose drawings and prints depict scenes from her life in the Arctic.
- Shary Boyle: A Canadian artist known for her sculptures and installations that explore the relationship between nature and culture.
- Abbas Akhavan: An Iranian-Canadian artist whose works explore themes of displacement and identity.
- Kapwani Kiwanga: A Canadian artist whose works explore the intersections of race, gender, and colonialism.
- Hajra Waheed: A Pakistani-Canadian artist whose works explore themes of immigration and cultural identity.
The Galerie D'art la Vieille Caserne offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the diverse and dynamic world of contemporary art, showcasing the works of established and emerging artists from Quebec, Canada, and around the world.
Curatorial Approach
The Galerie D'art la Vieille Caserne boasts a unique curatorial approach that sets it apart and promotes artistic dialogue. The gallery actively collaborates with local and international artists, establishing residencies, workshops, and exchange programs to foster creative cross-pollination. This collaborative spirit not only enriches the gallery's exhibitions but also contributes to the growth and development of the local art community. The gallery's curatorial team is dedicated to presenting a diverse range of perspectives and artistic styles, ensuring that visitors encounter thought-provoking and innovative artworks that challenge their perceptions and spark meaningful conversations.
Permanent Collection
The Galerie D'art la Vieille Caserne boasts a significant permanent collection that showcases a diverse range of artworks from local, national, and international artists. These artworks span various media, including paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and mixed media pieces. The permanent collection is carefully curated to highlight the gallery's commitment to promoting and preserving Canadian art.
One of the highlights of the permanent collection is a series of paintings by renowned Canadian artist Jean-Paul Riopelle. These works showcase Riopelle's distinctive abstract style, characterized by bold colors and gestural brushwork. Another notable piece is a sculpture by Armand Vaillancourt, depicting a bronze figure with elongated and exaggerated features, symbolizing the struggles and resilience of the human spirit.
The permanent collection also includes a selection of historical artworks that offer a glimpse into the early days of Canadian art. These works include landscapes, portraits, and still lifes that capture the unique beauty and character of Canada's natural and cultural heritage.
The gallery rotates its permanent collection regularly, ensuring that visitors have the opportunity to experience a diverse range of artworks with each visit. These rotations also allow the gallery to showcase the works of emerging artists and to highlight different themes and movements in Canadian art.
Temporary Exhibitions
The Galerie D'art la Vieille Caserne hosts a diverse range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing both established and emerging artists from Laval and beyond. These exhibitions explore a variety of themes and mediums, from contemporary painting and sculpture to photography, mixed media, and video installations.
The gallery's temporary exhibitions are curated with the utmost care and attention, ensuring that each show presents a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the art world. Visitors can expect to encounter works that challenge traditional notions of art, push boundaries, and spark meaningful conversations.
One of the highlights of the gallery's temporary exhibition program is the annual Laval Art Show, which features the works of local artists from Laval and the surrounding region. This prestigious exhibition provides a platform for local talent to showcase their creations and gain recognition within the art community.
In addition to the Laval Art Show, the gallery also hosts a number of solo and group exhibitions featuring both established and emerging artists from across Canada and around the world. These exhibitions offer visitors the opportunity to discover new and exciting artistic voices, as well as gain insights into the latest trends and developments in contemporary art.
The frequency of the temporary exhibitions varies, but there is always something new and exciting to see at the Galerie D'art la Vieille Caserne. Visitors are encouraged to check the gallery's website or social media pages for the latest exhibition schedule and information.
Educational Programs
The Galerie D'art la Vieille Caserne is committed to creating a space for learning and artistic exploration through its robust educational programs. The gallery offers a wide range of workshops, classes, and lectures, catering to various audiences and interests.
Workshops and Classes:
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Art classes for all skill levels: The gallery offers beginner-friendly to advanced classes, covering various mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media.
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Specialized workshops: Periodically, the gallery hosts specialized workshops led by renowned artists or experts, focusing on specific techniques or themes.
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Children's programs: The gallery recognizes the importance of nurturing young minds. It conducts engaging and educational art programs designed specifically for children.
Lectures and Talks:
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Artist talks: Visitors have the opportunity to hear directly from the artists whose works are featured in the gallery's exhibitions.
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Curatorial talks: The gallery's curators provide insights into the concepts and themes behind the exhibitions, offering a deeper understanding of the artworks.
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Art history and appreciation: The gallery hosts lectures and courses on art history, helping visitors develop a broader appreciation for art and its evolution.
These educational programs foster a sense of community engagement and provide a platform for learning, dialogue, and artistic exploration. Participating in these programs allows visitors to deepen their connection with art and the creative process while expanding their knowledge and skills.
Community Involvement
The Galerie D'art la Vieille Caserne is deeply committed to supporting local artists and fostering a thriving art community in Laval. Through its various initiatives, the gallery provides a platform for local artists to showcase their work, engage with the community, and receive recognition for their talent.
One of the key ways the gallery supports local artists is through its annual juried competition, which offers emerging artists an opportunity to exhibit their work and receive valuable feedback from industry professionals. The competition has helped launch the careers of many talented artists and has contributed to the growth and development of the local art scene.
In addition to the competition, the gallery also hosts regular workshops, classes, and lectures led by local and international artists. These educational programs provide opportunities for community members to learn about different art forms, develop their own artistic skills, and engage with artists on a personal level.
The gallery also actively participates in community events and outreach programs. It collaborates with local schools, community organizations, and cultural institutions to bring art to a wider audience and promote the importance of arts education. By engaging with the community, the gallery helps to raise awareness of the value of art and its role in fostering a vibrant and inclusive society.
Architecture and Design
The Galerie D'art la Vieille Caserne boasts a captivating fusion of architectural styles, blending its rich military heritage with contemporary design elements. Originally constructed as a military barracks in the 1850s, the building's imposing facade showcases the grandeur of the Victorian Gothic Revival style, characterized by intricate stone carvings, pointed arches, and decorative details.
Upon entering the gallery, visitors are greeted by a welcoming and modern interior that seamlessly integrates with the building's historical charm. The gallery's layout is designed to maximize natural light, with large windows flooding the space with ambient illumination. Exposed brick walls and high ceilings add to the gallery's industrial-chic aesthetic, creating an environment that is both inviting and conducive to artistic expression.
A highlight of the gallery's design is its central courtyard, which has been transformed into a vibrant and versatile event space. Surrounded by elegant arches and lush greenery, the courtyard provides a unique backdrop for various events, exhibitions, and performances.
The Galerie D'art la Vieille Caserne's architecture and design stand as a testament to the harmonious marriage of history and modernity. The gallery's thoughtful renovation and preservation efforts have created a space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply respectful of its rich military heritage.
Interactive Installations: A Journey Through Multisensory Experiences
Galerie D'art la Vieille Caserne takes interactivity and engagement to a whole new level through its captivating installations. Step into a world where art comes alive, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in multisensory experiences. Discover works that challenge perceptions, spark curiosity, and encourage playful exploration. From touch-sensitive sculptures that respond to your movements to immersive projections that transport you to different realms, these interactive installations offer a unique and unforgettable journey through the realm of contemporary art.
Events and Performances:
The Galerie D'art la Vieille Caserne not only showcases static art exhibitions but also hosts a variety of dynamic events and performances throughout the year. These events offer visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant cultural scene of Laval and engage with the works of art in a new and interactive way.
The gallery's event calendar features a diverse range of happenings, including artist talks, workshops, performances, and special events. Visitors can attend lectures by renowned artists, where they can learn about the creative process and artistic inspiration behind the artworks on display. Workshops and classes provide hands-on opportunities for visitors to explore their own creativity and learn new artistic techniques.
Performances at the gallery range from intimate acoustic concerts to captivating dance performances, featuring talented local and international artists. These events create a unique atmosphere where visitors can experience the fusion of art forms and appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of artistic expression.
Special events held at the gallery often coincide with major exhibitions or anniversaries. These events may include gallery openings, receptions, and themed evenings, allowing visitors to mingle with artists, curators, and fellow art enthusiasts while enjoying the gallery's offerings.
By attending events and performances at the Galerie D'art la Vieille Caserne, visitors can delve deeper into the world of art, engage with the creative community, and create lasting memories that extend beyond the walls of the gallery.
Hours of Operation and Admission Fees
The Galerie D'art la Vieille Caserne is open to the public six days a week, from Tuesday to Sunday. The gallery's doors are open from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, offering ample time for visitors to explore the exhibitions and immerse themselves in the art. On Mondays, the gallery remains closed, allowing the staff to prepare for the upcoming week and refresh the exhibits.
In terms of admission fees, the gallery offers a range of options to cater to different visitors. General admission tickets are priced at $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (65+) and students (with valid ID), and free for children under 12 years of age. The gallery also offers family passes, allowing two adults and two children to visit for a discounted price of $2
Additionally, the gallery offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month, providing an excellent opportunity for visitors to experience the art without any additional cost. This initiative aims to make art accessible to all members of the community and encourage a deeper appreciation for the diverse works on display.
Accessibility and Special Services
Galerie D'art la Vieille Caserne is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors. The gallery is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators available to navigate the different levels of the building. Visitors with disabilities can also request assistance from the gallery staff, who are happy to provide any necessary support.
The gallery offers a variety of special services to enhance the experience for all visitors. Guided tours are available in French and English, and can be tailored to meet the needs of different groups, including school groups, seniors, and visitors with disabilities. The gallery also offers educational resources, such as brochures, exhibition guides, and audio guides, to help visitors learn more about the artworks on display.
Tips for Visitors: Making the Most of Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the gallery's exhibitions and admire the artworks.
Book a Guided Tour: Guided tours are available for groups and individuals, providing insights into the gallery's history, the artists, and the artworks.
Take Advantage of Workshops and Classes: Participate in workshops and classes offered by the gallery to enhance your artistic skills and engage with fellow art enthusiasts.
Attend Special Events and Performances: Check the gallery's calendar for upcoming events, performances, and lectures to immerse yourself in the local art scene.
Explore the Surrounding Area: After your visit, take some time to explore the charming neighborhood of Laval, with its vibrant culinary scene, historical landmarks, and scenic riverside trails.
Insider Tip:
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Secret Spot: Venture into the cozy reading corner within the gallery to discover a collection of art books and publications. Take a moment to relax and immerse yourself in the world of art, surrounded by inspiring visuals and insightful texts.
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Local Delights: After your visit, stroll along the charming streets of Laval and explore the local culinary scene. Indulge in the delectable flavors of French-Canadian cuisine at one of the many quaint restaurants nearby. Don't miss the opportunity to sample the region's famous poutine or savor a traditional French pastry at a local patisserie.
