About us
Mission
The Sutton School of Art is a non-profit organization dedicated
to the artistic awakening of children through access to various visual arts techniques and epxressions.
The Sutton School of Art is a multidisciplinary and intersectoral art center working to bring together artists and children, dedicated to free explorations and artistic presentations through exhibitions, screenings, performances and artist residencies in research-creation.
Since its opening in 2016, the non-profit organization has been committed to the development of youth and artists, and our extensive programming aims to develop their full creative potential.
Passionate about the arts since childhood, I studied art history and cultural management.
For me, happiness means meeting artists and exploring the world through new experiences and through travel.
When my children were born, I chose to offer them an artistic education through a project that would bring the community together."
Anne-Marie Lavigne,
Founder and Executive Director
Vision
The Sutton School of Art is a place where art is a process of free expression. Artistic practices are expressed on a daily basis through unique experiences and collective creations. Individual explorations in art enable not only personal growth but also social engagement.
Content / experiences that recharge your batteries
We offer a wide range of activities for people of all ages. We engage in ongoing reflection on the meaning of creation and the place of art in society.
Opening / meetings to exchange ideas
We encourage interactions between guest artists, filmmakers and authors, cultural organizations, communities and families. Disseminating works of art enables us to share knowledge and open up dialogue.
Place / a space to settle
Our site is made up of creative spaces full of life and in constant motion. And is a playground for exploration. It's a cross between an art gallery and a large, cosy country house.
Destination / moments of wonder
As a cultural and tourist destination in the Eastern Townships, you can enjoy multidisciplinary exhibitions, unique workshops and unique events. It's also an opportunity to discover young artists through their first artworks.
Statement of values
01
Of service to children
We are an art school rooted in the community, serving families year-round, and a rallying place that fosters social diversity.
02
NOURISH CREATIVITY
We offer an art education through meaningful encounters with artists and their work. The transformative power of the arts fosters innovation, self-discovery and a deeper sense of belonging and community.
03
STIMULATING DIALOGUE
Reflecting on the meaning of art and humanity is central to our programming. We invite young people to take part in conversations and reflect on solutions to the challenges of shaping our societies.
04
ENCOURAGE SHARING
We're an organization that fosters the collective wealth of the whole community, and the sharing of knowledge, spaces, tools, ideas and assets. The Art School was built and continues to evolve thanks to the donations and generosity of our partners.
05
APPRECIATE CULTURAL DIVERSITY
The local heritage is showcased in our school by our
The region's heritage is enhanced in our school by our objective to offer bilingual programs in French and English, and to promote Aboriginal languages such as Abenaki. Hosting international artistic delegations opens up new cultural horizons.
Board of directors
Roger Gervais
PRESIDENT & TREASURER
A seasoned businessman, Roger Gervais has held several senior management positions, notably at Fritz Starber and Bolloré Logistics, where he is currently CEO. A resident of Sutton who is deeply involved in his community, he has served as chair of the Economic Development Corporation and as a town councillor. He is the owner of Genati Import-Export.
He has organised several fundraising events for community and arts organisations. Over the past 40 years, he has served on various boards of directors, including the Canadian Customs Brokers Association, the Canadian Association of International Freight Forwarders and the Sutton Optimist Club.
BOARD SECRETARY
Luc Courchesne is a pioneer in digital creation. From interactive portraits to immersive experiences, he creates innovative and engaging works that have earned him prestigious awards such as the Governor General’s Award in Media Arts (2021), the 2019 Paul-Émile Borduas Prize (Prix du Québec), the Grand Prix at the ICC Biennale in Tokyo in 1997, and an Award of Distinction from Ars Electronica (1999) in Linz, Austria. His works are held in major collections and have been featured in around 180 exhibitions worldwide.
A graduate of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in 1974 and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1984, he studied under Anthony Mann, Michael Snow and Otto Piene. He is a founding member of the Société des arts technologiques (SAT), an honorary professor at the University of Montreal and a lecturer at McGill University. A member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, he is represented by the Galerie Pierre-François Ouellette art contemporain.
Luc Courchesne
Anne-Marie-Lavigne
DIRECTOR,
FOUNDER OF THE SUTTON SCHOOL OF ART
Anne-Marie Lavigne explores the world of art through travel and memorable experiences of cultural immersion. The teachings of Nicolas Mavrikakis at Jean-de-Brébeuf College were instrumental in shaping her path towards specialised studies in art history at the University of Montreal, culminating in a Master’s degree in arts and culture management from HEC Montréal.
Juggling a career in public affairs at the Quebec Delegation in Boston with her work as an independent curator, she decided to return to Montreal to work in contemporary art galleries. Following the birth of her children, she founded the Sutton Art School in 2016.
BOARD MEMBER
Stéphane has an impressive track record; since starting out more than 35 years ago, he has led several ambitious and exciting projects in the entertainment industry. Most recently, he worked alongside the visionary Guy Laliberté as President and Chief Executive Officer of Lune Rouge Entertainment, developing the ambitious and innovative PY1 project. Prior to that, he co-founded the multimedia studio 4U2C, specialising in the design and production of visual content.
As well as playing a key role at Cirque du Soleil for a decade, he has worked on over 200 productions, both as a lighting designer and as a production manager. He was named one of the Top 50 influencers in the entertainment industry by Live Design magazine in 2010. He served as production manager for the company Fever; together with his partners at Atelier Occhio Inc, they created, developed and staged the show *Le vol de l’oiseau mécanique*.
He also contributed to the success of the opening ceremonies for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Since May 2025, he has represented Robert Lepage’s creative company in the role of Producer.
Stéphane Mongeau
Anne Vanhaeverbeke
BOARD MEMBER
Anne Vanhaeverbeke is of Belgian-Italian and Canadian origin. Having grown up in Washington DC, Brussels, Athens and Majorca, she studied in Edinburgh before spending 13 years working in London for internationally renowned arts organisations.
She held senior management positions in development and fundraising at renowned institutions such as Artangel, the Serpentine Gallery and the South Bank Centre, where she contributed to major fundraising campaigns and significant artistic projects. She also served on the board of directors of the
Montreal-based company Porte Parole.
Passionate about the arts, she is particularly interested in fostering relationships between cultural organisations, their members and their partners.
BOARD MEMBER
Céline Lavallée is an executive with over 25 years’ experience in strategic management within cultural organisations operating at national and international level. Recognised for her inspiring leadership and meticulous approach, she excels at structuring and developing key services.
At the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, where she is Director of Support for Artists, Communities and Regional Initiatives, she contributes to strategic direction and oversees funding programmes across Quebec. In particular, she has implemented an innovative grant management model and spearheaded a programme dedicated to Indigenous arts, whilst leading major initiatives in the areas of transforming practices, cultural diversity and regional partnerships.
Previously, at Cirque du Soleil, she headed the global talent scouting department, where she optimised recruitment strategies and supported the organisation’s growth.
Her career demonstrates solid expertise in strategic development, change management and the implementation of
complex projects.
Céline Lavallée
History
2016
Volunteering
Designing ballet sets with 200 children. Students create a mural in the Sutton elementary school cafeteria, in collaboration with the mural artist MC Baldassari
2017 - 2018
First weeks of art camps
Welcoming 24 children over 2 weeks, with the expertise of some 20 artists.
The architectural exploration camp presents its achievements at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. The school's first summer pavilion is designed in collaboration with architect Pierre Thibault.
2019
Purchase of the former Sutton creamery
Second year of architecture camps, third year of art camps and increased capacity of 500 visitors.
2020-2021
Maintaining comprehensive programming
Full summer operation during the pandemic, with around 100 children enrolled. Founding of the Board of Directors, first artist residencies, first Open House, first small Book Fairs.
2022
Consolidation phase
20,000 visitors annually: 24 camps offered, 80 authors invited to the Little Book Fair, 14 Québécois films screened. New partnerships with organizations such as La Société des arts technologiques de Montréal, La Maison de l'architecture du Québec, Vermont's Bread and Puppet Theater and the Knowlton Film Festival.