Marie LeBlanc displays her art in her hometown The Pas at Community Wide Sidewalk Sale.
I participated in The Pas Community Wide Sidewalk Sale Aug. 20, 2016 at Profit’s BrandSource Home Furnishings at 140 Fischer Ave. where they opened up their arms and outdoor windows for me to display my art.
I brought my Zoo Series portion of the Canary in the Coal Mine Exhibition held at Martha Street Studio in March of this year into the eyes and hearts of the people of The Pas. (See CNC story ‘An opening in a world filled with barriers’)
Artist Marie LeBlanc with part of her exhibition entitled, Canary in the Coal Mine.
Early on in the week I approached Joan White from Profit’s BrandShource Home Furnishings, on where I could display my art in The Pas. She met with me and said there was a Community Sidewalk Sale this weekend which she thought would be a good opportunity.
The folks at Martha Street Studio graciously sent my photos from the exhibition, where for the first time I saw the photos in the beautiful vibrant colours which were displayed in the Canary in the Coal Mine Exhibition at Martha Street Studio earlier this year.
The unusual nature of my illness (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity) meant I could not have physical access to the Martha Street Studio building where the show was held. Instructor and administrative organizer of the program, Larry Glawson, was keen to take on the challenge and he devised a program to teach me the technical aspects of digital photography through remote training so I could be in a safe environment, while working and when showing the art in exhibition.
The event in The Pas this past week was outdoors so this was my chance to see my art and physically be there to talk with people. This was music to my ears and eyes. The idea of showing my art was very appealing to me, as the air up here in The Pas is nice and fresh.
Praying that there was not going to be any rain, the folks at Profit’s BrandSource Home Furnishings along with my mom and I, worked hard to make it all work.
Being able to interact face to face with the public at this outdoor show was a treat for artist Marie LeBlanc, whose art was sent to her in The Pas from Winnipeg’s Martha Street Studios.
It was a beautiful day filled with wonderful people, good times and reconnecting with people from my childhood. Some were shocked to see the photos and text print in regards to the show, yet were supportive. Many people had some same issues and kept them silent, until they talked with me. They were afraid of the stigma, and liked the idea of the art being on display.
I was happy as a clam to display my art in my home town of The Pas at Profit’s BrandSource Home Furnishings where they and their staff were very open and supportive.
It was a fun time had by all who attended the event, and a major great dose of fresh air and another opportunity to show my art from The Canary in the Coal Mine Exhibition in a different environment from a different perspective.
Marie LeBlanc took the time to explain to the public what it’s like to be an artist with a disability.
Any more shows coming up? Really enjoyed that one!!
Congrats on the show Marie. Loved your work when I saw it at Martha Street Studio. It was fun talking with you at the show via the internet. Glad you were able to show your work in the Pas outside. All the best.