Matthew Farfan

Nestled amidst trees and gardens on one of Lennoxville's side streets is Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre. Housed in an elegant Victorian home built of red brick in 1862, Uplands is a little gem that is well worth a visit.

Uplands Heritage and Cultural Centre.

There are exhibits pertaining to local and regional history. These are organized by the Lennoxville-Ascot Historical and Museum Society, and occupy the second floor of the building. Currently on display is an impressive collection of early advertising memorabilia from all around the Eastern Townships: everything from colourful antique tins to vintage cigar boxes. The ground floor features an authentic Victorian parlour, with all of the trappings of a well-to-do turn-of-the-century family.
During summer, tea is served.

Uplands is perhaps best known for its art gallery, which hosts some wonderful exhibitions throughout the year. Often these are group shows and feature artists from all around the region. Rarely do the results disappoint.

Big Sky, by Laurie Kral.

The current show, which is no exception to that rule, is a father-daughter effort. Titled Blue Skies: Our Colourful Townships, the exhibition features oils and acrylics on canvas by Laurie Paulette Kral and photography by Laurie's father Robert Paulette, both natives of Sherbrooke. Uplands Director Annie Duriez was pleased to report that at the recent opening of the show, the house was packed. "It was an excellent turn-out," she said.

Featured painter Laurie Paulette Kral says that all the work in this show was created especially for this exhibition, and that she and her father had been thinking about doing a show together for several years. "Both he and I grew up in the Eastern Townships," she says. "We both love and admire the scenic and colourful landscapes of the Townships and are fascinated by bright colour and interesting skies… These paintings are painted with love of homeland and family and the deep emotional attachments these bring."

A Stark View in the Off-Season, by Robert E. Paulette.

For his part, photographer Robert Paulette believes that the beauty of the Eastern Townships is everywhere, but "often not appreciated -- taken for granted."

Visitors to Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre should not have any problem appreciating the beauty on display there. The paintings are bright and vibrant and charming, and the photography is stunning. Blue Skies: Our Colourful Townships runs until November 17.

Photographs by Robert Paulette.

Uplands is located at 9 Speid Street in Lennoxville. It is open Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, year round except for January. For more information on current or upcoming shows, call (819) 564-0409, or click here.


(Photos: Matthew Farfan)