For more than 100 years, the brick Victorian house in the woods at 36 Home Avenue has long been a landmark in the Village of Vankleek Hill. On Saturday, September 19, the building will officially open to a new and exciting venture.

The site will now be referred to as ART House, Maison d’ART, the home of The Lost Art Museum, la musée de L’ART perdu.

“We are following in a tradition highlighting artists who have honoured the history of art, music and culture in this community since its inception,” said Samme Putzel, owner of the property.

Putzel is following in the footsteps of her late husband, Phil Arber, who dedicated himself to preserving the local history of arts and culture in his beloved village, which he referred to as The Gingerbread Capital of Ontario.

His friend and artist, Lis Skelly said,” Phil would be so happy to see the house full of a permanent exhibition.”

Together with Susie Fairbrother and Nicole St-Pierre, Putzel has worked to develop a new role for this elegant property.

Originally built by Thomas Higginson, this beautiful brick home is a fine example of simple but exquisite Victorian architecture. Ten rooms will feature fine artworks as a backdrop for shared spaces promoting and encouraging creative arts and activities. In the 1980’s, the owners, Owen and Dale Whiteside, ran an art school. In the 1990’s. Phil Arber and his friends, Lis Skelly and Odile Tétu established Arbor Gallery where local artists could display, exhibit and sell their art. In 2024 Arbor Gallery moved its organization to High Street. At that time, 36 Home Avenue was renovated to house the new museum and event space.

Many pieces featured as “Lost Art” include mural panels from the original Quilt mural that was displayed at the corner of Main Street and High Street. The panels were painted by Elisabeth Skelly and Odile Tétu. Several paintings by Skelly and Tétu are included in the art museum collection as well as some watercolours by Freda Pemberton Smith.

“We have three criteria for art pieces in the museum collection,” said Putzel. “We are collecting pieces produced in the last millennium, by local artists who have lived within 100 kilometres of Vankleek Hill, works that depict local scenes, and artwork that is particularly intriguing.”

Donor and artist, Holly Kelleher, writes, “I think it’s a wonderful idea and a wonderful contribution to VKH.”

Also on display is a sculpture garden on the grounds surrounding the heritage home.

“These outdoor works are quirky and surprising,” said Putzel. “We want to tweak visitors’ curiosity. We want them to ask themselves ‘What is art really all about? What is the purpose of creativity?’ “

The museum will be the backdrop for shared spaces and creative arts, events and workshops in coordination with Creating Centre de créativité, located at the corner of High and Main streets in Vankleek Hill.

“ART House is an extension of Creating Centre. The concept is to encourage creativity of all sorts for everyone,” said Putzel.

The open house will take place at 36 Home Avenue from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome.