The Beaconsfield Artists’ Association

For as long as Susan Bardos-Dobbek can remember, art has been a part of her life.

“I came to Canada from Hungary at a young age,” shares the West Island visual artist via email. “As a child, I was always making things – painting, creating, and experimenting with different crafts. I later studied Fine Arts at McGill University, but my love of creating has always felt very natural to me. It is something I have carried with me throughout my life.”

On a whim, she signed up for a watercolor course 25 years ago.

“I never expected that one little decision would lead to such a lasting passion. I immediately fell in love with watercolor – the transparency of the colours, the softness, and especially the way the paint has a life of its own. It is still my favourite medium. Since then, I have continued to take courses, learn, and experiment. I enjoy trying new things, and my artistic journey has led me to explore ink, Japanese “washi” paper, and other techniques. I am greatly influenced by Asian water media traditions.”

Water has always been a particular source of inspiration for Bardos-Dobbek.

“There is something about being near water that brings me a sense of calm and peace. I love the reflections, the changing light, and the gentle movement of the water. This is why sailboats appear so often in my paintings. I love the feelings that they evoke; the quietness, freedom, and sense of dreaming that comes from watching them across the water. I have developed a Japanese paper collage technique which I use in my sailboat art, hoping to convey that sense of calm and to capture some of those feelings and share them with the viewer.”

In 2009, she joined The Beaconsfield Artists’ Association (BAA).

“It has been an important and meaningful part of my artistic life since then,” she shares. “Over these many years, I have had the pleasure of meeting wonderful artists, participating in exhibitions and activities, sharing ideas and inspiration, and the desire to continue learning and growing as artists. My involvement has also given me a greater appreciation for the importance of an artistic community.”

Bardos-Dobbek – who is the group’s current treasurer – explains that the BAA’s core mandate is to be a source of inspiration and artistic growth for its members, to welcome members who share the passion for the visual arts to communicate emotions and ideas, to explore and appreciate formal elements, and to value them for their artistic merit.
“We achieve this through meticulously crafted, vibrant, expressive, unique, and original forms of painting, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture in a variety of styles.

“Our mission is to encourage these personal forms of expression, from emerging artists to professionals…”

“The Association is interested in artistic practices, fosters collaboration, education, and support among artists and the community, and is committed to charitable work.”

In addition, the BAA plans and puts on annual expositions.

“We have our yearly Fall Exhibition from October 16-18 at historic Centennial Hall in Beaconsfield,” notes Bardos-Dobbek. “Part of both the art sale proceeds and the raffle proceeds will benefit the West Island Mission, offering food assistance to those in the area who are struggling with food insecurity. Next April 1-4, we will host our yearly Spring Exhibit, again at Centennial Hall. During the summer months, members gather for plein air painting around the West Island. BAA also offers life drawing classes, which are held on Monday afternoons and are very popular.”

Now a veteran of the local art scene, she has advice for those seeking a career in the visual arts.
“As with everything, you need to believe in yourself, set goals, and work very hard. Making a living in the visual arts today is very challenging, particularly as art is under threat from AI. So, to succeed you will need to find our own niche. Create art because you love it, not just for the recognition. The most meaningful work comes from being honest about who you are, and the joy of art is that there is always something new to discover. Stay curious, keep learning and experimenting, original art will always embellish and enrich our world – I believe it is here to stay and grow.”

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The Kirkland Artists’ Association

Anne Marie Gitto Laurin says that, as a youngster, the artistic apple didn’t fall too far from the tree.

“My mother was an excellent painter, and she was always happiest when she had a brush in her hand,” shares the visual artist over the phone from her home in Kirkland. “I guess at some point that may have rubbed off on me. I simply followed my heart after that and, like my mother, being creative has brought me great joy.

“I always liked to doodle and play with colour as a child,” she continues. “So, it was an easy progression for me to take up painting later in life. When I retired a few years ago, I very suddenly had the time to do what I liked, and I have been painting since. I took a few courses with professors here on the West Island, and I started in oils, before moving to pastels and now, watercolor.”

Like many artists, she finds inspiration in the great outdoors.

“I love nature, so I do mostly landscapes and florals, though I am going to try portraits in the future. But after walking in the woods and seeing something beautiful, I simply have to sit down and start sketching it.”
Gitto Laurin moved to the West Island from Repentigny over 30 years ago and has been a member of the Kirkland Artists’ Association (KAA) for more than a decade.

“It has been a wonderful experience meeting others who have the same love for art that I do,” she shares.

“We may all come from different backgrounds and walks of life, but we share a common passion for creativity.”

Currently, the KAA is made up of more than 50 artists and visual art enthusiasts from Kirkland and other communities across the island of Montreal. Since its inception in 1983, the group has been committed to promoting creativity through a variety of activities, including guest speakers, still life and live model workshops, illustrations of different media, drawing sessions, as well as with their regular meetings.

“We meet every second Tuesday of the month,” explains Gitto Laurin, who handles membership responsibilities for the group. “Each Wednesday we have an Open Studio where we hold workshops from 1-3 pm and from 6:45-8:45 pm at our Cultural Centre, La Maison Lantier, in the Timberlea area of Kirkland, to discuss our work, exchange ideas and try out new techniques.

Lantier House – a stunning 200-year-old Heritage home which was renovated in 1979 – is where the KAA holds their annual spring exhibition. Every year, the organization selects an Artist of the Year, whose work is prominently featured during the event. The artist graciously donates a painting which is raffled off with all proceeds going to a local charity of his or her choice.

Charity will also be on the agenda at the KAA’s Annual Fall Art Exposition and Sale, which takes place at the Kirkland Library from November 2-29.

“Traditionally, we donate proceeds from our sales to a West Island community service,” notes Gitto Laurin. “However, this year one of our artists is generously donating a painting that will be raffled off to raise funds for NOVA (the Victorian Order of Nurses).”

Next month’s exposition opens with a formal vernissage on Sunday, November 8, from 1pm to 4pm. The event is free and open to the public.

Like any organization these days, the challenge is to attract and retain members.

“That is why we decided to open our membership beyond Kirkland. Since doing so, we have welcomed artists from all over the island of Montreal and beyond, inviting a new group of creatives who have introduced fresh artistic genres and ideas. In addition to painters, we also welcome photographers, sculptors, potters, ceramicists, crafters and anyone who has an art form to share with our community.”

“Our members also exhibit throughout the city, and their works have been collected locally, nationally, and internationally. Many of them have won awards and prizes.”

As her mother inspired her years ago, Gitto Laurin encourages others to get creative.
“Follow your heart – if this is what you want to do and what makes you happy and joyful, you must dedicate yourself to it. The rest will follow.”

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