Arbor Gallery was buzzing on Saturday afternoon, October 29, as more than 50 people attended the vernissage for the gallery’s latest show, The Four Sisters. All four sisters were on hand to greet visitors – L’Orignal resident Jackie Mueller Jones, Mary Ellen Legault of Québec City and Vermont residents Carol Mueller and Deb Mueller Peate.
The sisters waste no time on sibling rivalry, encouraging each other to pursue their own vision and to experiment with new approaches.
“Although we live hundreds of miles apart, we often attend the same classes or workshops and get together whenever we can,” says Mueller Jones. They have also exhibited together over the years.
Visitors to the gallery admired the range of watercolours, oils, pastels and papier mâché on display. Although the sisters are close, it is obvious they have not followed parallel paths. One wall, with a photograph of a derelict barn, shows each sister’s interpretation of the image, demonstrating their own unique personality and perspective.
The sisters, who grew up on the West Island of Montreal, are all experienced artists who participate in juried shows and exhibit independently and collectively in Ontario, Québec and Vermont. This is their fourth exhibition at the Arbor Gallery. The show continues through to November 20.
Arbor Gallery – Galerie Arbor is located at 36 Home Avenue, in the heart of Vankleek Hill. The gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 4pm. More information about programming and events is available on Arbor Gallery’s Facebook page, website or Twitter, by subscribing to the gallery’s newsletter at www.arborgallery.org or by email at [email protected].
Here’s a short video of the vernissage, for anyone who’s interested: https://vimeo.com/765523717