March 22, 2004

Artists André and Rose Desnoyers

As part of the Art in Le Village initiative of increasing accessibility to art in the region, Groupe Renaissance Group community association is pleased to present a multi-media exhibition by South Glengarry artists Rose and André Desnoyers. Works on display are the pottery of André, and oil paintings of Rose, including depictions of Cornwall historic scenes such as the old Windmill Fort and the Beltline Streetcar. The exhibit will be showing for the rest of March and the entire month of April. Groupe Renaissance Group is located at 155 Montreal Road in Cornwall's Le Village district, and is open from 9am to 3pm Monday through Thursday.

About Rose Desnoyers

In 2001 Rose Desnoyers turned a page and ended a 37 year career in teaching. During a trip to Newfoundland, the rich scenery awakened a taste for painting. It was then that she rediscovered her youthful passion for oils. Though Rose did not paint for many years, she feels that her sense of observation, her ideas and her appreciation of life around her have continued to evolve and this translates in her paintings. For the first time this year, Rose participated in juried shows organized by the Regional Art Gallery and the Massena Art Gallery.

About André Desnoyers
André Desnoyers' interests took him to pottery when he retired in 1997 after working as a meat-cutter all his life. A new wheel - a retirement gift from his wife- a kiln bought from a club about to dissolve and André was on his way. Mentors at the Seaway Valley Potters' Guild encouraged André to develop his own style. André has experimented with different techniques including "Burnishing" and "Raku". It is at the level of experimentation that André truly enjoys the excitement of his art. André's work is recognizable by its strong practical appearance, the warm blush of the glaze and the urge it creates in the viewer to touch it.

About Art in Le Village
Best known for its efforts in revitalizing the Le Village area and its award-winning collaborative efforts with community partnerships, Groupe Renaissance Group is addressing another component of its agenda of social and economic development. "Art in Le Village is for everyone," said Renaissance spokesperson G.H. Chuck Charlebois. "We've had professional artists, a student, now a retired couple… This art is for everyone to see and enjoy."