L’Esprit de Grand-Pré

Series by the Acadian Artist Georgette Bourgeois

2006-2007

The series l’Esprit de Grand-Pré which consists of nine paintings was created by Georgette Bourgeois, the first Artist in Residence at the Grand-Pré National Historic Site of Canada between July 19th and July 25th, 2007. While creating the series during the months leading up to her residency at Grand-Pré, Georgette experienced deep emotions. Each painting contains a number of symbols that attempt to capture the spirits of the past, and the emotions and memorable experiences that can be felt when visiting Grand-Pré, the site commemorating the Deportation of the Acadians in 1755.

Her artistic approach is a process of personal research which identifies her as a modern Acadian woman. Acadie evokes in her an intense and heart-stirring sense of forward motion that represents the past, the present and the future of the Acadian people. The artist attempts to capture and integrate in her work symbols that represent this evolution. Light which is always present in her work reflects the strength and vitality of this people.

In the nine months that followed her residency, the nine paintings were bought by individuals and organizations who donated them to the Société Promotion Grand-Pré.

Artist in Residence at Grand-Pré

2007 - As the park’s first Artist in Residence, Georgette Bourgeois, an Acadian from New Brunswick, creates a series of nine paintings, entitled L’Esprit de Grand-Pré. A number of donors buy the paintings and donate them to the Société Promotion Grand-Pré. Concerning the creation of her new series the artist herself comments, “I experienced strong emotions. In each of these works I have added symbols which attempt to capture the spirits of the past, as well as the emotions and memorable experiences that one can take in while visiting the Grand-Pré region in Nova Scotia.” Between seasons, the artist takes the series on a promotional tour for Grand-Pré at different venues across the country.

Georgette Bourgeois, 2006-2007, "The Spirit of Grand-Pré" series, oil on canvas

Promotion Campaign

The artist Georgette Bourgeois helps us with the promotion of the Grand-Pré National Historic Site of Canada. After she completed her Artist in Residency program at Grand-Pré during the summer of 2007, she has taken the series "L'Esprit de Grand-Pré" on the road, and brought it to the attention of the public at several art galleries and events...

Exhibits in 2007

Musée acadien du Québec à Bonaventure - September and October, 2007

Gallerie Assomption in Moncton - November and December, 2007

Exhibits in 2008

Musée acadien at l’Université de Moncton - January and February, 2008

Brennan Gallery in Charlottetown: Nominated for an Éloizes 2008 - End of April - beginning of May, 2008

On Show at the Grand-Pré National Historic Site of Canada - May to December, 2008

Exhibits in 2009

Musée du Nouveau-Brunswick - January 17 to March 22, 2009

Galerie d’Art de l’Aquarium et Centre marin in New-Brunswick - May 22 to July 22, 2009

On Show at the Grand-Pré National Historic Site of Canada - From April 23, 2009 to her next showing, yet to be announced.

Back