by Tabitha Valliant, NGAG
In an effort to brighten up those long winter months, the North Grenville Arts Guild (NGAG) embarked on its inaugural presentation of Froid d’Art – Art in Ice, a unique outdoor winter exhibition that truly embraced the wonders of winter. For two weeks in February, Rotary Park in Kemptville was alight with sparkling ice and art that was embedded in 300 lb blocks of ice. Due to our untraditional winter season this year, the exhibition became an ever-evolving show as the heavy blocks melted and changed forms daily all while showcasing the juried work of seven NGAG artists: Aleta Karstad, Tammy Keith, Ardis Lerner, Caroline Marshall, Julie Mercier, J. Nicol, and Tabitha Valliant.
NGAG’s Froid’Art – Art in Ice was made possible through the Municipality of North Grenville’s Arts and Culture Development Fund and the generous sponsorship of the following local businesses: B&H Groceries, Salamanders Restaurant, Desjardin Insurance–Vrolyk Insurance and Financial Services Limited, Grahame’s Bakery, Jonsson’s Your Independent Grocer, and the Municipality of North Grenville. Each sponsor was presented with the original artwork that they sponsored at a presentation at the North Grenville Public Library on Monday, March 27, as a way for the artists and NGAG to personally thank these community leaders for their generous gift and support. Additional thanks go out to the Kemptville Minor Football Club, the Kemptville Jags, for their help with installation. Many hands make light work and we would have been lost without the muscle!
David Dosset of Martello Alley in Kingston is the creative genius behind the Froid’Art concept, and has been mounting it for a decade. His original idea of Froid’Art as an outdoor illuminated ice art exhibit throughout the downtown area of Kingston has become a long running tradition. Under David’s tutelage, NGAG has been working for over a year to bring this event to North Grenville, and it is delighted to share it with everyone. A huge thank you to our sponsors, supporters, and artists for a successful first show!
Without the support and continued involvement of our community, these events would not be possible. This dynamic collaboration with Mother Nature was truly magical, and NGAG is already looking for ways to make Froid’Art – Art in Ice bigger and better next year!
For those interested in learning more or getting in touch with the North Grenville Arts Guild, you can visit the website at https://ng-arts-guild.ca, check their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NorthGrenvilleArtsGuild, or contact them via email at northgrenvilleartsguild@gmail.com.
