From September 24 to November 1, 2026, the Arbor Gallery presents two exhibitions exploring personal connections to nature, place, memory, and artistic expression. In the Main Gallery, Vankleek Hill artist Jessica Sarrazin presents Textilian / Textilia, while the Arber Room features In the Heart of the Wilderness by Carole Renaud.
In Textilian / Textilia, Sarrazin combines cyanotype photograms on fabric with sewing to create intimate, tactile works inspired by home, memory, and place. Dating back to 1842, cyanotype uses light-sensitive materials and sunlight to create permanent images, often incorporating plants and other natural forms. Sarrazin’s practice brings together her lifelong interests in photography and sewing, which she began combining while studying at the Ontario College of Art and Design. Sarrazin acknowledges the funding support of the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario.
Renaud’s In the Heart of the Wilderness is rooted in her love of the natural landscape. Inspired by scenes encountered while exploring, she translates her vision of nature onto canvas, experimenting with different mediums and challenging herself to interpret what she sees in unique and unfamiliar ways. Drawing on her graphic arts background, Renaud creates bold, rich, and energetic paintings that invite viewers to embark on a personal journey of their own.
“Both artists invite us to look more closely at the world around us,” says Annie-France Bowker, Artistic Director of the Arbor Gallery.
A vernissage will be held Saturday, September 26, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Arbor Gallery, 103 High Street, Vankleek Hill. The gallery is open Thursday through Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m., and admission is free.
Submitted images
