St. Paul’s Centre Communautaire was transformed on Saturday night, with the mellow sound of jazz drifting through as artists transformed blank canvases into works of art under twinkling lights.
This year’s edition of Jazz Art saw newcomers come in to take what they felt was a unique event for St. Paul, combining the jazz stylings of Edmonton-based band Celsius with the work of artists Jacques Martel, Sylvia Grist, Daltry Rose and local artist Herman Poulin. About 100 attendees enjoyed what they described as “fantastic” food, drinks and atmosphere.
“I think the combination of both (art and jazz) is something different,” said Charlotte Hedin, adding the event was “so sociable.”
For others, the cultural aspect of the event was part of the draw, with Charlene Whiskeyjack noting that coming from a First Nations background, she had never been to an event put on by St. Paul’s French Cultural Association (ACFA) before.
“I thought it was very exciting and I’m looking forward to coming again and trying something new, particularly because I’ve never experienced something so out of my culture,” she said.
Those who’ve been to previous years’ Jazz Art events also expressed appreciation for the yearly event, with Mark Beland declaring, “I just love this environment.”
However, he noted, “I’m very biased; I love jazz.”
While he dabbles in playing the saxophone, he has a deep appreciation for musicians, from the ones playing on stage on Friday night and his wife, who plays the piano.
Beland also noted he came out to support the event because his son attends the daycare, as the event raised funds for the daycare and ACFA. Once the artists were done their creations, their work was auctioned off, with emcee Pierre Lamoureux doing the auctioneering honours. According to ACFA, about $7,000 was raised for the two causes by the end of the night.
