Gabrielle Charlebois: Blending Nature, History, and Art in Vankleek Hill

In the town of Vankleek Hill, Ontario, artist Gabrielle Charlebois weaves together nature, history, and art through her unique creations. Specializing in dried flowers, furniture upcycling and watercolour paintings of local homes, Gabrielle’s work resonates with the community, capturing the ephemeral beauty of nature and the endless charm of beloved homes. Her studio located at The Creating Centre of VKH serves as a nest for her unique creations.
Gabrielle’s artistic journey is fueled by a deep respect for the environment and a passion for storytelling. Her upcycled furniture, embodies both elegance and sustainability, breathing new life into old pieces. Her watercolour paintings, on the other hand, serve as heartfelt tributes to the homes that hold countless stories of life and community.

 

To understand Gabrielle’s creative process and inspirations, we explored her work through five key questions:

* What sparked your interest in working with dried flowers, and how do you select them?

* My love for gardening began with my first apartment. Over the years, as I developed the landscapes of our properties, my passion for flowers, especially the layered, colourful look of English cottage gardens, grew. I’ve always enjoyed creating fresh bouquets and drying them to enjoy throughout the winter. About two years ago, I began experimenting with dried floral wreaths, using the abundance of flowers I had. Through trial and error, I discovered which flowers retained their color and shape best, and which were sturdy enough for long-lasting arrangements. This experience informs my flower selection process even now.

* Can you describe your upcycling process, including the challenges you encounter and how you overcome them?

* Upcycling antiques and furniture presents various challenges. With over ten years of experience restoring antiques, I’ve learned the importance of careful examination before beginning any work. This helps determine what’s salvageable and what will make a great showpiece, versus what’s beyond repair. Wise selection lightens the workload and improves results. Refinishing furniture can also expose you to potentially toxic products used in the past, so a good workspace, ventilation, and protective gear are essential. Other challenges include repairing damage, recreating missing woodwork, finding matching hardware, and understanding how different wood grains react to stains. Overcoming these challenges makes restoring a piece destined for the landfill or thrift store all the more rewarding.

* What do you aim to capture in your watercolour house portraits beyond the physical structure, and what emotions or memories do you hope to evoke?

* I create commissioned watercolour house portraits, including wedding portraits. When painting century homes, I often place them in a landscape reminiscent of the era they were built, removing modern elements like power lines and asphalt and incorporating period-appropriate gardens. I aim to create a dreamy vision of the home, emphasizing flowers and greenery for a welcoming feel. For wedding portraits, I strive for romance and magic, highlighting the couple and using whimsical colours to evoke passion and happiness.

* How does living in Vankleek Hill influence your art, and are there any local landmarks or stories that have particularly impacted your work?

* Living in Vankleek Hill has greatly influenced my perspective on century homes. The town has a mix of residents: those who cherish these homes as gems to be preserved, and those who see them as too much work. Being surrounded by such diverse architecture is inspiring. I love painting homes whether inhabited or not, in good condition or disrepair. It’s the mystery and history they embody that adds another dimension to their beauty. These homes, in all their states, reflect different seasons of life, offering endless inspiration. The close-knit community and support for local artisans are also remarkable. Since moving here two years ago, I’ve been humbled by the warm welcome and the numerous opportunities for artists, from markets and the Arbor Gallery to art studios and classes. It’s refreshing and inspiring to connect with fellow artists and see how the community embraces art and music.

* What advice would you offer aspiring artists looking to uniquely blend nature and art?

* My advice to aspiring artists is to practice diligently and refine your style. The more you practice and put yourself out there, the more opportunities will arise. Don’t wait for “perfection” to offer your services. Immerse yourself in nature; it’s an endless source of inspiration. Find new and innovative ways to create and perfect your craft regularly.

Gabrielle’s work will be exhibited at the Arbor Gallery from February 15th to the first week of March. Follow the link to learn more: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BTQr1u8x6/

You can find more of her art on Facebook:
Gabrielle Artiste (watercolour), https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564875668428

Les Jardins de Gabrielle (flowers), https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094177711076 

White Horse Furniture Refinishing (antiques), https://www.facebook.com/whitehorsecustomwork

Our Writing Workshop Featured in The Review

A huge thank you to our writing workshop attendee and talented journalist Philip Oddi for featuring Creating Centre de créativité and our writing classes in The Review!
Check it out and hope to see you at The Creating Centre every Monday at 5:30 for some writing practice and tips.

The Arbor Gallery: A New Home and Big News for Vankleek Hill

 

The Arbor Gallery has embarked on a new era in Vankleek Hill, setting up shop at its fresh location on 103 High Street. After gracing the charming Higginson House for over three decades, the gallery is taking its art and crafts to a vibrant new space. This move also paves the way for the Higginson House to transform into a dedicated learning center in the near future. We are happy to share that local artist and educator Stephanie Pete will be breathing new life into the historic venue by establishing her art school, Art and DreamStudio, within its spacious and well-lit walls.         

Following a short break to ensure a smooth transition, the Arbor Gallery reopened at its new location on January 16, 2025, with its first major event of the year. The inaugural exhibition, titled “Distortion,” is a platform for the artistic creations of talented students from Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute (VCI).

Running from January 16 to February 8, the exhibition promises a captivating exploration of what “distortion” signifies to these young artists.

The Significance of Art

Art serves as a cornerstone for the well-being and vibrancy of a town. Here’s a glimpse into why:

  • Strengthens the Community: Art acts as a powerful force in bringing people together and fostering a strong sense of community. Galleries like the Arbor Gallery provide a platform for artists to showcase their work and for residents to connect over shared passions for the arts.
  • Enhances Cultural Identity: Art serves as a reflection of a town’s unique character and history. By supporting local artists, towns can cultivate a distinct cultural identity that sets them apart.
  • Boosts the Economy: A flourishing arts scene can act as a magnet for tourists, generating revenue for local businesses and creating jobs in fields like art and education.
  • Inspires Creativity: Exposure to art has the power to ignite creativity and innovation in all facets of life. By providing opportunities for artistic expression, towns can nurture a population that is more creative and well-rounded.
  • Elevates Quality of Life: Art enriches our lives and transforms our communities into more beautiful and captivating places to live.

The Grand Opening

The public was invited to celebrate the opening of the “Distortion” exhibition at a vernissage on Saturday, January 18th. This event presented a wonderful chance to meet the up-and-coming artists and appreciate their diverse expressions.

 

Follow the link to know more about the Arbor Gallery, news, directors, and upcoming events.

https://arborgallery.org/

Creative Sparks: An art show by the students of Art and Dream Studio

The American painter Georgia O’Keefe once beautifully expressed the power of art, stating, “I found I could say things with colour and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way since I have no words for.”

Art, with its vibrant tints and detailed forms, holds a profound significance in our lives. As winter’s icy grip begins to loosen and we eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring, the art school, Art and Dream Studio, located in Vankleek Hill, invites you to immerse yourself in a world of creativity and inspiration.

Stephanie Pete is a dedicated artist and valued community member. She balances her roles as a teacher at the art school and her work at The creating center, along with other commitments. Stephanie organizes an engaging exhibition that highlights the skills of her students of varying ages. Titled “Creative Sparks,” this exhibition exemplifies the transformative influence of art and serves as proof of the transformative power of art. But what exactly does art spark in us? What light does art bring to society? The act of creation serves as a switch that illuminates our spirits and sheds light on the world around us.

Each painting displayed at the show is a symbolic flame, radiating warmth and brilliance. Through collaborative efforts and shared passion, the students at the art school come together to build a collective beacon of creativity. The studio offers a diverse range of classes for both adults and children, including painting, drawing, and immersive camp days for young artists.

In each class, participants are guided to explore new techniques and mediums, fostering a nurturing environment for self-discovery and artistic growth. The art school’s exhibition at the Arbor Gallery invites you to witness the magic of art firsthand. Embrace the beauty of art, let it torch your imagination, and discover the endless possibilities it holds for your spirit and society as a whole.

The showcase will be open to the public from February 29th to March 31 at the Arbor Gallery:

36 Home Ave, Vankleek Hill

Art and Dream studio, address and contact:

27 High St, Vankleek Hill, ON K0B 1R0

+1 (613) 854-5226

[email protected]