July 23-27, 2012
2012 Artists’ Residency Project

The Residency Week of 2012 was marked by an exciting increase in the number of participants. Eleven visiting artists and double that number from the Pontiac Artists’ Association enjoyed the activities together. It was a positive experience to work with so many creative energies!

Joining seven hosts from the Pontiac region, visitors came from as far away as Gatineau/Ottawa, Vankleek Hill, and Montreal to the east; Maniwaki to the north; and as far south as Maine, USA.

Activities for the week included encaustic painting, a plein-air painting master class, photography instruction, printmaking, and watercolour techniques, all taking place in the beautiful Pontiac countryside or in the Stone School Gallery.

Each day was completed with great food shared at picnic lunches or at potluck dinners in the homes of various PAA members. There was much sharing of portfolios and techniques, and many friendships developed through the week. Friday was spent at the Stone School Gallery feverishly completing, framing, and hanging work to be displayed in the group show, Make Yourself at Home, which began with the vernissage that evening.

The Artists’ Residency Week of 2012 was very enriching. Artists returned home to share their experiences with the circle of artists in their home environments. A week like this spawns an evolution and development in one’s artistic practice.