THE CENTER
As the only artist-run center in the Laurentians, the Atelier de l'Île is an essential working, research and meeting place for the region's artistic community. Artists from all disciplines and at different stages of their careers come and go. We provide them with specialized printmaking equipment, qualified technical support and a safe working space.
Mission
New Statement
L’Atelier de l’Île (ADI) is a self-managed artists’ center located in the heart of the Laurentians, dedicated to research, creation, and the transmission of expertise in the visual arts. Historically rooted in printmaking practices, ADI now expands its scope to encompass all disciplines of contemporary art, while preserving its essential connection to materials, craftsmanship, techniques, and the artistic trace.
As a space for production, connection, and renewal, the ADI fosters the sharing of spaces, specialized equipment, and knowledge among artists, promoting intergenerational and intercultural exchanges. It supports innovative, eco-responsible, and mindful practices rooted in a relationship with living things, the local landscape, and the community. Through its residencies, artist presentations, training programs, and outreach projects, the ADI fosters an inclusive and stimulating environment where connections are forged between creation, experimentation, and social engagement. It acts as a catalyst for creativity and innovation, contributing to regional and national cultural vitality while supporting artists as their needs continually evolve.
TEAM
Hélène Brunet Neumann, interim director
Caroline Gagnon, bookkeeping
Olga Inès Magnano, technician
Marion Carassou-Maillan, technician
Jessica Thibault, technician
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Richard Purdy, President
Elizabeth Whalley, Vice President
Sophie Castonguay, Secretary
Véronique La Perrière M, Treasurer
Isabelle Tessier, Administrator
Gabrielle Larocque, Administrator
Privacy
The protection of personal information is the responsability of Caroline Gagnon, Director. Please direct any questions or complaints to: rprp@atelier.qc.ca
Donate
Did you know that Atelier de l'Île is a charity registered with the Canada Revenue Agency? For any donation over 25$, you will receive an official receipt.
HISTORY
L'Atelier de l'Île was founded in Val-David by Michel-Thomas Tremblay. A three-year stay at Atelier 17 in Paris had given him the opportunity to work with printmaking masters and to deepen his knowledge of the roll and viscosity method developed by Stanley William Hayter and still widely used at Atelier de l'île and in print studios around the world.
On his return in 1975, Michel-Thomas Tremblay decided to establish his studio on a small island in the Rivière du Nord, from which it took its name. True to the convivial spirit of the 1970s, he decided to share this beautiful space for work and experimentation with local artists.
Front row: Pierre Leblanc . Réal Huot . Francine Beauvais. Janou St-Denis. Yves-Gabriel Brunet.
Back row: Jocelyne Aird-Bélanger. Michel-Thomas Tremblay. Jocelyne Benoît. Bonnie Baxter.
Vincent Dionne. Claude Haeffely. Louise Cloutier. Marcel Carrier. Michèle Lalonde.
Gilles Boisvert. Dominique Tremblay. Paul Chamberland
Lithography with Gilles Boisvert, a student and Bonnie Baxter.
In the hustle and bustle of the '70s, when the Butte à Mathieu was inviting Leclerc, Charlebois, Léveillé, Vigneault, Deschamps, Moreau, Gauthier, Duguay and so many others, the Atelier de l'Île became a meeting place and a place of creation, where many now-recognized artists got their start, inspired by the words and poetry of the place. In order to give itself the means to achieve its ambitions, the Atelier de l'Île was moved to the center of the village, where its activities continue and take on new momentum, while respecting the spirit of its founding members.