Classes will have restrictions on the number of students depending on the size of each separate one, the materials required and the type of class. Thus, Has said those interested in the classes should sign up for them as soon as possible.

It was already established prior to the pandemic that the Residency Project and the Studio Tour, both of which have been held for over 15 years, will not be taking place this year, according to Has. This decision is not related at all to COVID-19, however.

“It’s about the artists themselves that felt they needed a time of rest,” said Has. “The artists felt that they needed to reflect a bit and to try to come up with something new.”

One of their biggest events, InterconneXion, is still happening this fall.

“It’s about interconnection between art and the community – between the spiritual and the corporal and the environment,” said Has.

Seven artists and one video grapher will make up the event.

“Those seven artists will produce immense woodcut prints that will be pressed with a steamroller on Main Street, in Shawville,” said Has.

Has also said artPontiac tries to plan ahead and go virtual with much of their content, but one of the main challenges is having to wait on government directives.

“They haven’t been very precise about art venues and especially big scale events,” said Has. “In July, we’re gonna have more information from the government.

“We’re trying to work in advance so we’re ready for every kind of eventuality.”

The gallery is now being painted and cleaned in preparation of the upcoming exhibits and signs have been ordered to inform people of COVID-19 regulations.

To practice health safety, visitors are reminded to keep a two-metre distance from each other and recommended to wear a mask and artPontiac will hold online events whenever they can, according to Has.

No food or drinks will be served at any of the events.

“It’s not possible to respect any sanitary measures with any kind of beverage or food,” said Has.

Tours and exhibitions are done on a volunteer basis, as the organization only has two employees: coordinator Sandra Wolf and a student each year.

“Which is why things are slower,” said Has. “It really is a labour of love. We love the arts and we want to promote them.”

Wolf is new in her position at artPontiac, having recently moved to Sand Bay.

“I’m a military wife, so we moved a lot,” said Wolf. “Now, we’re in Sand Bay probably for good because my husband just retired.”

According to Has, the whole group, including Wolf, will need to make several adjustments nowadays.

“It’s not going to be like the previous seasons,” said Has.”I think, for everybody, this pandemic changed everything.”

Seven Birds for a Secret, by Deidre Hierlihy, will be on display at an upcoming September exhibit organized by artPontiac in Portage-du-Fort. The first exhibit will take place as early as August, with further details available on their website, artpontiac.com.

Register or subscribe to read this content

Thanks for stopping by! This article is available to readers who have created a free account or who subscribe to The Equity.

When you register for free with your email, you get access to a limited number of stories at no cost. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access to everything we publish—and directly support quality local journalism here in the Pontiac.

Register or Subscribe Today!