DATE FOUNDED:
1982

MISSION:
The Museum is dedicated to the exploration, conservation, and advancement of fine arts in the Eastern Townships.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
Three floors of exhibition halls in the prestigious former head office of the Eastern Townships Bank (1876), in downtown Sherbrooke. A library of art and historical publications will soon be available to members. Boutique.

COLLECTIONS:
Over 3,000 works of art in three categories: artists of the Eastern Townships, artists who were inspired by the Eastern Townships, and national and international naïve art. Permanent exhibitions are dedicated to the works of Frederick Simpson Coburn (1871-1960), a renowned artist born in the Townships, and to an important contemporary art collection donated by Luc LaRochelle of Sherbrooke. In addition, the Museum collects and exhibits national and international naïve art, and presents temporary exhibitions of regional, national, and international artists.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES:
Guided tours for groups and educational activities are available (by reservation). The Museum boutique makes available, for sale or rent, original art works in different styles: figurative, naïve, and abstract art. Drawing classes and workshops are offered during fall and winter. Other activities include an annual artwork appraisal day, and hall rental for conferences and receptions.

PUBLICATIONS:
The Frederick Simpson Coburn Collection (1996): $10.00.
Monique Voyer, A retrospective 1954-1994: $10.00.
Nina M. Owens, A retrospective 1869-1959: $5.00.
La bande dessinée Made in Sherbrooke (1998): $20.00.
Passion et Tourment. La collection de Luc LaRochelle (2000): $20.00.

BUSINESS HOURS:
Year-round:
Tuesday-Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 1 to 9 p.m.
Extended summer hours (June 24-Labour Day):
Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 1 to 9 p.m.

ENTRY FEES / MEMBERSHIP:
General admission: $6.00. Seniors & Students: $5.00.

LANGUAGE OF SERVICE:
French / English.

HOW TO REACH US:
Address: 241 Dufferin, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 4M3.
Tel: (819) 821-2115.
Fax: (819) 821-4003
Email: mbas@interlinx.qc.ca

WEB SITE:
http://www.mbas.qc.ca/

OTHER INFORMATION:
The inauguration of the Museum's new building in 1996 was marked by an important exhibition -- the Frederick Simpson Coburn Collection. This Collection is a remarkable assemblage of 726 oil paintings, pastels, charcoal and pencil and ink drawings and watercolours, illustrating Coburn's entire artistic career. Included in the collection are his student works, examples of his illustrations, his early works from the European period, portraits and nudes, and several of his well-known Canadian winter landscapes.