An innovative exhibition at the Cookshire-Eaton Art Gallery opens this Saturday, September 8, showing original drawings and launching a new book called – in French, English, Northern Cree and Abenaki – Lignes du Coeur, Visions of Home, Otèhi a’ pâsinatâch, Alada8bw8gan ndakina wji.
The project is led by Jo Cooper, a professional artist from Frontenac, who has worked 30 years with art and the environment, based on her training in geography and art. More than 30 persons participated, ranging in age from 7 to 80+, from diverse communities throughout Quebec. Each made a line drawing within a “circle of life” or mandala that reflects their ecological or sociocultural environment, and then wrote a few lines about the experience of drawing.
The writing is in various languages: Abenaki, Inuktitut, Basque, Korean, Northern Cree, and more. “I wanted to get away from the stereotype that Quebec is just English and French,” said Cooper.
The book consists of 28 circle drawings, representing one moon cycle. “It flows together in such a beautiful way,” she said. The drawings are black and white, inviting colouring them as a meditative experience. Visitors can buy the book for $15. The original works are also for sale. Cooper also plans to lead several workshops in creative meditation, working from nature and personal experience.
The vernissage and book launch are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 25 Principale W., Cookshire. Visitors can see the exhibition, enjoy a brunch, meet the artists, and listen to live music.
Throughout September, the Gallery is open Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment. Info: gillesdenis47@hotmail.com.
COLOURING IN BURY & COOKSHIRE
Two Colour Cafés: on Friday, September 7, at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Eaton Valley Community Learning Centre (CLC), 523 Stokes, Bury, and on Wednesday, September 12, at 2 to 4 p.m., at La Passerelle Women’s Centre, 275 Principale East, Cookshire-Eaton. In Bury, the activity will bring together community members and students, and in Cookshire, the possibility of bilingual conversation with other women.
Participants may bring colouring supplies or use what is available. Provided are tea, coffee, snacks, and information about services in English in the Haut-Saint-François. Info: Townshippers’ Association at 819-566-5717 or ml@townshippers.org.
CONCERT IN COOKSHIRE
A concert of classical music is to be on Sunday, September 9, at 11:30 a.m., at the Parc des Braves, Park Avenue, next to St. Peter’s Anglican Church, 45 Principale West in Cookshire.
CHOIR IN COOKSHIRE
The Village Choir begins a new season on September 12, practicing Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Maison de la Culture John Henry Pope, 25 Principale W., Cookshire. All ages, all genders, all languages are welcome. The first practice is free of charge. Info: Anne-Claire, 819-884-1258 or bishopnote@gmail.com.
TOUR IN SHERBROOKE
Date alert! Newport is organizing its annual group outing for Saturday, September 15, not the 25th. (My mistake last issue; my apologies.) Participants will visit several points of interest in Sherbrooke, starting with a Gourmand tour – yes, winetasting – at the vineyard at La Halte des Pèlerins.
Lunch is at the Buffet des Continents, then a guided tour of The Water House (Maison de l’Eau) in the Lucien-Bouchard Park, with its fishy exhibits, and a visit to the Bouchard Beach. Finally, explore the science of rock ‘n’ roll at the Sherbrooke Museum of Nature and Science.
All the guided tours are bilingual, alternating the English and French groups. Cost: $50/person. Register at the Newport Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212, or phone 819-560-8565, 819-889-1340 or 819-875-5227. Now!
DINNER IN MILBY
The annual harvest dinner in support of the Saint Barnabas Anglican Church, Milby, is on Saturday, September 15, at 5 p.m. at the Ives Hill Community Hall. Menu: baked ham, scalloped potatoes, baked beans, vegetables, salad, rolls, apple crisp, ice cream and beverages. Directions: chemin Ives Hill off Route 147 (south of Milby); go past chemin des Trembles and the hall will be on your left. Cost: $14/adult; $6/child. All are welcome.
FIRE IN BURY
No, no – Fire Prevention! That’s the topic of a Health Link presentation by Ed Jacklin, Fire Chief in Bury, offering tips about fire risks and how to stifle them.
It’s on Wednesday, September 19, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main Street in Bury. For lunch, reservations are required, and a $5 donation is requested. Or come at 1 p.m. for the presentation. To reserve: Kim Fessenden by September 17, at 819-872-3771 x 2.
MARKET IN SAWYERVILLE
First, the Sawyerville Community Garden’s Village Market is on Saturdays until September 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Second, on Wednesdays is a community meal called “mercrediner.” Cost: $10, by reservation. Third, a two-day training in permaculture led by Stéphan Sokoviak is planned for September 20-21. Cost: $100, by reservation. Fourth, the Harvest Festival is Saturday, September 22. The Community Garden is at 70 Randboro Road. Info: chantalbolduc99@bell.net or 819-889-3196.
YOGA IN SAWYERVILLE
A 10-week series of Light Yoga begins on Tuesday, September 11, at 10 to 11 a.m. at the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street, led by Myrna MacDonald. Info: 819-875-5393, or myrnmac44@gmail.com.
VIACTIVE
Bilingual Viactive exercises for seniors on Wednesdays begin on September 5 at the Armoury Community Centre, 563 Main Street, Bury, at 10 a.m., and on September 19 at the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street, at 10 a.m. and at the Newport Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212, Island Brook, at 1:30 p.m.
CHURCH SERVICES
Baptist. In Sawyerville, the Sunday worship service is at 9 a.m. in French, and 11 a.m. in English. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. in English and French. Info: 819-239-8818.
Anglican. Sunday worship services are at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church in Bury, and at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church in Cookshire. Also, on Sunday, September 16, a Celtic Evensong service will be at 2 p.m. at St. Barnabas Church in Milby. Info: 819-887-6802.
United. Sunday worship services are at Trinity United, Cookshire, at 9:30 a.m. and at Sawyerville United at 11 a.m. The Homecoming Service planned for the former Christ Church Canterbury on September 9 has been postponed until the spring.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email rawrites@gmail.com by September 10 for publication September 19 and by September 24 for October 3.
