Montréal, May 4, 2010Donate your used eyeglasses and, at the same time, join in the creation of a collective work and a humanitarian gesture. That’s the invitation launched by the MAC to the public for this year’s Montréal Museums Day, to be held Sunday, May 30, 2010, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event is planned to tie in with Montréal City of Glass 2010, organized by the Board of Montréal Museum Directors. The day’s schedule revolves around the theme of glass, and admission to all the activities is free.

Collective work: With Glass, and for All

On Montréal Museums Day, not only can visitors to the MAC bring in their used glasses, they can be part of the creation of a collective work: the glasses they contribute will be carefully incorporated into a collective work that will then be put in display in the museum foyer.

From May 5 until August 29, glasses (clear or tinted lenses, prescription or non-prescription) will be collected in various places, including the MAC. Next September, they will be handed over to the organization Optométristes Sans Frontières which will then distribute them to needy people in disadvantaged countries. Members of the public can come in any time during museum opening hours and drop their glasses off in special boxes set up in the foyer.

Exhibition: With Glass, Under Glass, Without Glass

The presence of glass as a significant component is the common thread in the exhibition With Glass, Under Glass, Without Glass, which brings together a dozen major works chosen from the Musée Collection and produced by nine artists: Gwenaël Bélanger, Philippe Favier, Claudie Gagnon, Wyn Geleynse, Claude Hamelin, Jacques Hurtubise, Mario Merz, Stephen Schofield, Keith Sonnier and Catherine Widgery. Glass, neon and mirrors; sculpture, architecture and furniture; film screenings, miniature painting and the blank page of paper: all these elements and media are there for the public to discover in this exhibition mounted specially for Montréal City of Glass.

Visitors can also enjoy the latest MAC shows highlighting art, architecture and design with Yesterday’s Tomorrows, film with Runa Islam, photography with David K. Ross and painting with the exhibition Borduas: “Les frontières de nos rêves ne sont plus les mêmes.” Finally, this will be the last chance to see Arrimage 2010 – Distortion, showcasing works created by more than 700 students from twenty Montréal elementary schools following their visit to the MAC.

Art workshop: Ciboulette

The Musée’s art workshops will welcome you with a workshop for all, with family or friends. Jacques Hurtubise’s eye-popping work Ciboulette, 1968, will give you a chance to spotlight your own creativity. In the Musée’s workshops, you will make a luminous image out of cellophane, featuring vibrant motifs. When held up to a window, your picture will reveal its dazzling, colourful transparency. Afterwards, you’ll take your work home with you. Special schedule for Museums Day: 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m.

Ice cream

In a fitting accompaniment to the ultra-cool theme of glass, Bilboquet ice creams and sherbets will be on sale in the museum foyer ($2/cup). The brave among you can choose from four mystery flavours that conjure up different aspects of glass, or, if you prefer, you can have lemon, mango, coffee or chocolate!

Source and Information

Anne Dongois
T. 514 826-2050
[email protected]