River of Dreams – Impressionism on the St. Lawrence

River of Dreams – Impressionism on the St. Lawrence presents a dazzling collection of works of art by Quebec Impressionists from a century ago, featuring luminaries such as Maurice Cullen, Clarence Gagnon, Ozias Leduc, Henrietta Mabel May, James Wilson Morrice, and Marc-Aurèle de Foy Suzor-Coté.

The exhibition explores how Quebec embraced the spirit of Impressionism, as artists trained in France returned home and reimagined the movement within a uniquely Canadian setting. Their depictions of both sweeping rural landscapes and vibrant scenes of urban life capture not only artistic brilliance, but also the cultural heartbeat of a province in transformation. These artworks are not only aesthetic achievements but also historical testimonies — nostalgic representations of a culture undergoing profound transformation. Through radiant brushwork and evocative compositions, the artists chronicled a society shifting from pastoral rhythms toward the accelerating tempo of industry and modern city life.

The exhibition carries visitors on a visual journey from the bustling streets of Montréal, down the St. Lawrence River to Québec City, and through the beloved Charlevoix region and Côte-de-Beaupré.

River of Dreams – Impressionism on the St. Lawrence is both a celebration of Quebec’s artistic genius and a poignant window into the hopes, memories, and identity of a people navigating profound change. Seen through the vision of some of the province’s most cherished painters, the exhibition invites reflection on how art preserves memory while illuminating cultural evolution.

Organized and circulated by McMichael Canadian Art Collection. Curated by Sarah Milroy and Anne-Marie Bouchard.