The Nature et Tradition Rivière Rouge Arts Trail opened on August 24 at the Camping des chutes de la Rouge on Route 148 in Grenville-sur-la-Rouge. The outdoor art exhibit features 10 art-nature works (sculptures, land art, etc.) by 10 different artists, seven of whom live in Grenville-sur-la-Rouge. The various works explain how each artist has approached the pandemic from a personal angle, but also how it relates to nature and tradition.
To access the site, go to the campground, which is located on the north side of Route 148 near where it crosses Rivière Rouge. If the gate and office are closed at the entrance to the campground, go to the Camping de la Place Rouge office on the south side of the highway and purchase a day pass there.
The Nature et Tradition is a great way to enjoy the parks on both sides of the highway which include rapids and waterfalls on the Rouge and a sandy beach on the Ottawa River.
Nature and Tradition was made possible with support from the Municipality of Grenville-sur-la-Rouge, which is the main partner for the exhibit. Support was also provided by the MRC d’Argenteuil, Government of Québec, Argenteuil Member of the National Assembly Agnès Grondin, the Comité culturel Avoca, and the Centre pour l’immigration en Région.
Pointe-au-Chêne artist Gilles Giguère who is also a Manitok-Kasuwo from the Long Point-Winneway First Nation near Témiscamingue created Le tambour/The drum as a symbol of Anishnabe resilience. Photo: James Morgan
Jacques Charbonneau of Pointe-au-Chêne was inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic when he created Il était une fois l’épée de Damoclès qui…/ Once upon a time there was the sword of Damocles that… He chose to hang a sword from two branches over the path and used a dead tree to paint red and white. Hundreds of red ribbons are affixed to the tree in honour of those who have died from COVID-19. Photo: James Morgan
