CULTURE. La Ruelle des Artistes is out of the ordinary in downtown Drummondville, with its colorful arches, its green layout and its large-scale mural. Espace Rivier plans to enliven the place by offering a host of activities, including outdoor shows.
The enthusiasm was palpable in the premises of the Espace Rivier, as the general manager Nancy Lussier proceeded Tuesday evening to the official inauguration of the Ruelle des Artistes. “I have a great sense of pride. It’s a lot of work. We’ve been thinking regarding it and dreaming regarding it for a long time. Now we have come to the big unveiling, ”she said, her eyes shining.
La Ruelle des Artistes began to take shape last fall, when the mural artist Nicolas Lareau produced the exterior mural, located on the wall of the Place du Parc building on Heriot Street, downtown. The latter highlighted the performing arts by producing a work that is both colorful and dynamic.
In July, it was the turn of Elle Design to take action by taking charge of the development of the alley. Benches, arches, flower boxes and a stage were added to the decor. The population even participated in the beautification of the place via a workshop organized by the Hive of art of Espace Rivier.
White easels have been set up at the entrance to the Lane of Artists. “We find four works there. This is our first exhibition. We called on the community. Among the applications received, we chose the artist Mélanie Dionne. Over the months, we plan to change the exhibitions on the easels,” explained Nancy Lussier.
This is the first time that Mélanie Dionne’s work has been put forward. “I paint in my hobby. For me, it’s art therapy. I like to do colorful works. I want people to feel joy when seeing my works. I also want to make them laugh, like with the pink flamingo doing yoga,” said the Drummondvilloise, laughing.
Passersby are also invited to leave their mark by participating in a collective exhibition, by hanging a piece of fabric on the main arch.
Nancy Lussier mentions that shows will be given on the stage located at the Ruelle des Artistes. The program will be announced soon.
A door is on the side of the building, where there is the Alley of the artists. Espace Rivier users, including members of the Gospangels vocal ensemble, will be able to use this entrance.
In any case, the goal of the project is to highlight the artists of the community. “We want to make them known, both those of the next generation and those who are more established.”
The initiative is made possible thanks to the Cultural Development Agreement of the City of Drummondville and the Cultural Fund of the MRC of Drummond.
