Jessie Maisonneuve was a resident of Alert Bay where the ocean mist and thickly carpeted island inspired her lifelong passion to paint. Cormorant Island, a fishing centre that provided boats and ocean scenes for her paintings.
In the early 70’s, Jessie journeyed inland to the vastly different south Cariboo and its expanses of golden grasslands and mixed lodge pole pine, fir forest, derelict buildings, rambling fences, horses and cowboys started to appear in her art work.
From paintings, Jessie expanded to woodworking, mosaic tiles, wood pens and acrylic pens and wood burnings. She was an active member of the Clinton Art and Cultural Society and helps facilitate art events in the area.
Her most recent move to Barriere has influenced and shaped her present art and style once again.
After Jessie joined the Yellowhead Artists Co-op, she also became involved in the North Thompson Arts Council and Celebration of the Arts. Currently she is president of the North Thompson Arts Council, and thereby continues to promote the arts in our community of Barriere and beyond.
Jessie’s work, as well as numerous other artists and artisans, will be on display at the upcoming Celebration of Art in Barriere on June 23, 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, on the lawn at Sam’s Pizza and Rib House, Yellowhead Highway (just south of the Petro Can).