This fall, the Arbor Gallery in Vankleek Hill is unveiling the Arber Room, a dedicated space designed to showcase the work of the Gallery’s member artists and artisans. Named in honor of the gallery’s founder, Phil Arber, the Arber Room will spotlight two member artists or artisans each month.
Kicking off this new initiative from August 29 to September 22 are Rigaud-based artists Merle Halpenny-Roy and Albert Roy.
Halpenny-Roy, a painter, and Roy, a photographer, will be the first to exhibit their work in the Arber Room. Halpenny-Roy’s oil paintings capture the shifting colors and expansive moods of the sky, while Roy’s photography focuses on bird life. In addition to their framed pieces, both artists will offer unique greeting cards for sale, and Roy will have his 2025 bird calendar available as part of the exhibition.
Albert Roy’s passion for photography was ignited after his retirement, driven by his love for nature and the outdoors. Merle Halpenny-Roy, on the other hand, views her work as a reflection of nature’s realism, while also experimenting with abstraction and mystical themes.
According to Gallery Artistic Director Andrea Belcham, the Arber Room is a win-win for both artists and the community:
“With this project, the Gallery provides even more opportunities for local artists and artisans to share their work with the public and derive income from artwork sales. At the same time, the public gets to experience more and varied artworks, refreshed monthly,” said Belcham.
The public is invited to meet Merle Halpenny-Roy and Albert Roy on September 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the gallery.
For more information, visit www.arborgallery.org. The Arbor Gallery is located at 36 Home Ave., Vankleek Hill.
