William Crooks
Marc Samson presents a cheque to Laurence Renaud-Langevin in North Hatley, with ducks gliding across Lake Massawippi in the background—a gesture of art supporting environmental conservation
Marc Samson donates proceeds to Bleu Massawippi
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Local artist Marc Samson has turned his passion for painting into a force for environmental good, donating $4,000 to Bleu Massawippi following an art auction in December. Samson, known for his vibrant and geometric artistic style, directed 10 per cent of his proceeds to the environmental organization, aiming to help protect Lake Massawippi from ecological threats like zebra mussels.
“Why Bleu Massawippi? Because I am from Sherbrooke, and ever since I was a kid, we used to come here,” said Samson, who now resides in North Hatley. “I have a real sense of belonging to the region, to the lake. If we couldn’t swim in this lake because it’s too polluted, that would be a real sadness.”
Bleu Massawippi, an organization dedicated to the preservation of the lake and its surrounding ecosystem, welcomed Samson’s contribution. Executive Director Laurence Renaud-Langevin emphasized that while the donation is not earmarked for a specific project, the funds will support ongoing efforts to combat zebra mussels and improve water quality.
“We already have plans for the money,” said Renaud-Langevin. “It will go towards acquiring new technology and tools to help us navigate the zebra mussel problem we encountered a few years ago.”
One initiative the organization is investing in involves a partnership with Robonotic, a technology company developing a robotic system to detect, and potentially remove, zebra mussels. Some of Samson’s donation will support this research and implementation.
Additionally, Bleu Massawippi plans to use the funds to build water gardens in municipalities around the lake. These gardens function as natural filtration systems, helping to improve water quality and sustain local biodiversity.
Though winter slows some of the organization’s regular activities, Renaud-Langevin noted that work continues year-round. In the coming weeks, divers will enter the lake to collect winter data, filling a gap in existing research on zebra mussel activity in colder months. The organization is also preparing for the next season by bringing in interns and seeking new partners to support its conservation efforts.
For Samson, the donation is more than just financial; it’s a call to action for others. “Some people don’t realize how precious this lake is,” he said. “I challenge big companies to invest in our lake because this is so precious that we need to do our part.”
The contribution was announced during a press event on Feb. 6 at Dreamland Park in North Hatley. Bleu Massawippi highlighted the synergy between art and environmental conservation, praising Samson’s generosity as an example of how creativity and collective action can lead to meaningful change.
Samson, whose work has garnered international attention, describes his art as joyful and colourful, featuring subjects ranging from landscapes to animals. “My goal is to make people happy with my colours, textures, and subjects,” he said. “It could be people, rabbits, owls, moose, fish—you name it. But you can always see my style within the subject.”
Born in Sherbrooke, Samson spent 17 years in Vancouver and 13 years in Montreal before returning to the Eastern Townships. Now based in North Hatley, he remains deeply connected to the region, channelling his artistic success into environmental stewardship.
Bleu Massawippi continues its work through science-based conservation, public awareness, and strong partnerships with municipalities and governments. The organization hopes to become a leader in environmental management across Canada.
For more information about Bleu Massawippi’s initiatives or to support their mission, visit bleumassawippi.com.