From May 21 to June 28, 2026, the Arbor Gallery presents two engaging exhibitions that celebrate imagination, memory, and personal storytelling through diverse artistic practices. In the main gallery, sisters Mary Ellen Mueller Legault and Deborah Mueller Peate present Two Sisters, a collaborative exhibition rooted in creativity, family connection, and a shared love of visual exploration.
Inspired by places she has visited, Mary Ellen’s watercolours capture the charm of windows, doors, flowers, and everyday details with warmth and spontaneity. Largely self-taught, she developed her artistic voice through observation, experimentation, and growing up in a deeply creative family environment where “doodling was a way of life.” Her playful and colourful works are complemented by Deborah’s imaginative mixed-media creations. Born in Montreal and now based in Williston, Peate draws inspiration from architecture, travel, and the rural beauty of Vermont. Her recent series, Whimsical Heads, combines William Morris textile patterns, tissue paper collage, and vintage jewelry elements to create expressive animal portraits filled with texture, humour, and personality.
In the Arber Room, Claude Chalifour presents Vision, an exhibition reflecting her deeply intuitive and self-taught artistic journey. Born in Quebec City into a family immersed in art, Chalifour grew up surrounded by paintings, art books, and creative experimentation through the influence of her mother, professional artist Paule Boisvert. Though naturally reserved and without formal artistic training, she began painting in adulthood, guided by instinct, emotion, and imagination. Her expressive works convey a sense of wonder, spirituality, and personal reflection, inviting viewers into a vivid and heartfelt visual world.
“Together, these exhibitions celebrate the joy of artistic discovery and the deeply personal experiences that inspire creativity,” says Annie-France Bowker, Artistic Director of the Arbor Gallery.
Both exhibitions will be celebrated with a vernissage on Saturday, May 23, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Arbor Gallery is open Thursday through Sunday from 12pm to 4pm, and admission is always free.
Submitted images
