A three-day stroll through the ateliers

From today through Saturday, more than 50 private artist lofts and studios will be open to the public, with artists on hand to discuss their work. Several St. Henri galleries will also participate, hosting exhibits of local painters and sculptors.

Visitors will be able to purchase paintings, sculpture, handmade jewelry, and other art objects directly from artists.

The major starting points for the Art Walk are Galerie d’Art Quartier Libre at 4289 Notre-Dame St. W., The Canal Complex at 4710 St. Ambroise Street, and the RCA Building at 1001 Lenoir.

“The artistic energy in St-Henri is astounding,” says Jane Zdansky, coordinator of the Art Walk. “Artists are installed in the old factories, producing art instead of retail goods. They have grounded themselves in St. Henri by buying in the neighborhood and developing their spaces into studios and/or galleries, such as Quartier Libre and Jean Brillant's 5,000 square-foot studio/gallery space 3520 St. Jacques St. W.

Hours are Thursday, Dec. 6 and Friday, Dec. 7 from 5 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 8, from noon to 5 p.m. Maps will be provided at each Art Walk location. Admission is free. For more information, contact Lisa Hunter at hunterpr@b2b2c.ca, or consult the website: geocities.com