Diane Skinner

BARACHOIS: On Sunday, January 21 Stephanie Bond, artist and instructor, led a painting workshop that was funded through Vision Gaspé-Percé Now where Stephanie currently works. This one day activity took place at the Barachois Recreation Centre from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.. Participants were delighted that their workshop and all materials including acrylic paint were free of charge. Stephanie reminds future participants that the workshops are quite popular so signing up in advance is recommended because spaces are limited. The workshops are usually full, and the Midnight Deer workshop had 14 participants who were proud to display their finished products.

Though anyone over the age of 14 is welcome to sign up for the activities, the group was composed of all female artists, most of them were seniors and beginning level painters.

One of the participants, Judy Stiles, comments, “I had fun at Stephanie’s workshop. Everyone painted the same picture – but at the end they were all different. Overall, I was very pleased with my painting. Stephanie is a great teacher – she is very motivated and patient and she’s a wonderful artist herself.”
Stephanie says that the art workshops are impactful because, “Art takes our mind off things, and it is so relaxing and fun!” Aside from Vision, Stephanie also offers online painting workshops with other organizations.

About the artist

Stephanie was born in the village of Barachois in Gaspe, Quebec, in 1979. Her passion for the arts led to a degree in Graphic Design from Dawson College in Montreal. After that, she lived in Montreal and worked as a designer for 10 years and then decided to move back home in 2008 to work as a graphic designer in Chandler. During this time, she decided to start painting again, having taken a 10-year break from painting while in Montreal.

After experimenting with various mediums she gravitated more towards painting with acrylics and oils, with a specific interest in landscapes, wildlife, and historic seaside scenes.

Currently she is a full-time employee with Vision Gaspe-Perce Now for almost 10 years. Aside from doing Graphic Design for Vision, she also leads art workshops and takes care of the Barachois Wellness Centre for Seniors.

“Living on the scenic and beautiful Gaspé Coast, I am constantly inspired by our large skies, ancient mountains and breathtaking ocean views. With well over two hundred paintings completed, I hope to continue to represent and promote this unique region of Canada,” she proudly states. She is inspired by the environment and occasionally refers to old historic photos to create her paintings.

Stephanie Bond also makes small crafts for local markets, including Christmas ornaments and painted signs. When asked who her favourite Gaspesian artist is she admits that she admires many local artists but mentions both John Wiseman and Tennyson Johnson.

Looking ahead, Stephanie will continue to offer workshops about every month that will be sponsored by Vision and states that, “No one leaves my workshops with a frown!” She adds, “I still have the interest and drive to continue doing what I love to do – not planning on retirement quite yet!”

To learn more about Stephanie Bond visit her website at: https://bondsteph.wixsite.com/stephaniebond or search “Stephanie Bond” on facebook. Her home gallery is at 858 Rte. 132 East, Barachois. You are welcome to stop by, just make an appointment