Arts-aux-Parcs: A Non-Profit Exhibition that Has Come a Long Way

Tashi Farmilo

Arts-aux-Parcs, a non-profit organization, started as a small art exhibition inside a café. The exhibition has since grown significantly and is now recognized as one of the most important visual arts and crafts events in the Outaouais region of Quebec. Arts-aux-Parcs des Monts (AAPDM) obtained its letters patent in 2015 and held its first artistic meeting of around 15 artists the same year. Today, the event brings together nearly 50 exhibitors.

René Gosselin, an administrator at AAPDM, expressed his excitement about the exhibition's success, saying, "From a simple exhibition in a café, we are now in a vast room filled with visitors. A great pride!"

Francine Gosselin, responsible for the exhibitors at AAPDM, stated that "to see the path we have taken shows the relevance of having always believed in it."

Artists and artisans are selected by an independent jury following a call for submissions during the winter. Information about the competition is sent to applicants through personal contacts and social networks. Exhibitors are charged $110 to participate, and several prizes are awarded at the close of the event.

Before being presented at the Summit School in Val-des-Monts, Arts-aux-Parcs was held under a large tent in Claudette-Lavergne Park. This is reflected in the organization's logo, which symbolizes a big top with multicoloured brushes.

The Municipality of Val-des-Monts provided the financial and technical support necessary to make this exhibition possible outside the large urban centres. Over the years, other partners have also become regulars, including the Caisse Desjardins de Gatineau, the MRC des Collines de l'Outaouais, and the Marché Richelieu de Val-des-Monts.

Arts-aux-Parcs is also involved in the financing of the exhibition by organizing a fundraising event in the form of a beer and cheese tasting each year. Due to the pandemic, this event has been adapted to deliverable bags.

The success of Arts-aux-Parcs can be attributed in part to the many volunteers who contribute to the event's success by welcoming visitors, helping exhibitors, and assisting with the installation of technical equipment.

Over the years, Arts-aux-Parcs has presented and introduced artists and artisans of various art forms from various regions of Quebec. The organizing committee invites visitors to come and meet all these creators of beauty with great pride.

Information about Arts-aux-Parcs is available on the organization's Facebook page, and soon, postcards, flyers, and posters will be available to inform the population.

Photo Caption: Arts-aux-Parcs,

Photo Credit: Jean Ouimet, Vice-President of Arts aux Parcs