I’ve been thinking a lot lately about our incredible arts community and how fortunate we are to be surrounded by so much creativity and talent. From visual arts, theatre, poetry, photography, and music to so many other artistic expressions, our community is truly rich with artistic energy.
When I met Gabrielle Dignard, I immediately found her inspiring, young, talented, and creatively driven. Gabby is a true multi-talented artist with a passion for the arts and our community.
Here are five questions with Gabrielle to help us get to know her better and to celebrate the beautiful artistic spirit that continues to thrive in our community.
1. Please introduce yourself and tell us more about your relationship with the art community.
Well, first of all, thank you for thinking of me for your article. It means a lot to me. For my introduction, it’s quite simple, really. My name is Gabrielle Dignard. I have been an artist for as long as I can remember. When I was young, my grandmother would have my art on her fridge, and she helped me with my performances by sending to dance and music classes. I even used to go to a “Movie camp” where for a week, all we would do is work on creating a short film. I would act, write and paint. I would even sing.
My connection to the arts community has mainly come through French community theatre, but I also have strong ties to the visual arts world through an artist I enjoy supporting and accompanying to events like the Art Hive whenever I have the opportunity. I would also love to share more of my own visual artwork with the community, and that’s something I’m currently working toward.
2. What is your relationship with the theatre?
My relationship with Theatre started when I was in the second grade. I had always wanted to act, and so my very first role was in my second grade teacher’s production of “La petite fille aux allumettes” – A Little Match Girl, shown during the school Christmas show. I was very excited, though thinking about the role now, I find it quite dark for a 6 year old, but that makes me laugh now. I remember taking the role very, very seriously.
Fast forward nine years later, I had a part created for me in a production in Alexandria. I enjoyed the experience, so my grandmother oriented me towards the francophone troupe in Cornwall; L’Amalgame des arts de la langue française. I have been a member of this troupe since 2016, so this will make my tenth year as a member. So the play this year has been rather special for me. This is also the year I started my very first term on the board of administrators for the troupe, so I will be able to continue working on reinforcing the francophone theatre sector here in Cornwall. A big focus of mine is coming up with projects to get the youth involved, because they’re the future of the art community, and we need to get them interested if we want it to keep going. I’ve also been working with L’Amalgame as a graphic artist for their posters and social media posts. It’s been a fun little hobby for me.
3. How do you see your work in the art community in Cornwall ?
I mostly have been seeing it through the posters that have been put up all around the community, inviting people to come see our shows. I even saw one of my posters at a restaurant in Alexandria, which I found surprising. A delightful surprise.
What was the closest project to ur heart. you participated at through the last 3 years in Cornwall?
Well, the closest project to my heart hasn’t quite happened yet. We’re working on making it a reality at the moment, so I won’t be spoiling it just yet because it’s going to be a really nice surprise. So I suggest to whomever is reading this, that would be interested in knowing what it is, go ahead and follow the L’Algame Facebook page, because it will be coming out eventually.
4. What is your biggest artistic dream?
I am a huge fan of cinema. I am a huge fan of writing. I have a few projects that have been waiting for me to complete, but my dream is to make a french film that is province. Francophone cinematic content is mostly made in Quebec. Ontario has very little franco-ontarian films. I myself have only seen one. I know we have TV shows with Radio-Canada, but it would be so cool in my head to be able to create a franco-ontarian film about a very niche genre that you just don’t see here in eastern ontario cinematic production. I’d love to adapt one of my stories.
Goawily | Art Specialist / Art advisor – community development through art
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