The new East Angus CHSLD (Centre d’hébergement de soins de longue durée) is presently one of the most modern of these facilities in Quebec. In addition of housing its main beneficiaries, long-term care residents, the centre offers a range of services such as nursing care, medical day centre, rehabilitation, pastoral services and leisure activities.

Sous le grand arbre was completed in January 2017 and produced in the context of the politique d’intégration des arts à l’architecture et à l’environnement du Québec, 1% program. The work is composed of numerous pieces that are integrated to the ceiling alcoves situated on 4 floors.

The work majestically welcomes visitors to the lobby, suggesting that the center and its staff play a protective role here like a big tree. The tree is a universal theme that expresses the life process, from the germinating seed to the flower that gives fruit. A parallel can be made between the evolution of tree and the human being. The big tree is also old and mature, and wise in its experience and knowledge, passing on values and protecting the community. Sous le grand arbre illustrates the scope of the tree’s role and its various components; racine, feuille
and fleur that are spread out on the ceilings of the other levels. This theme has a symbolic meaning as well because historically, it marks the importance of the pulp and paper industry in the East Angus municipality.

About Elisabeth Picard

Elisabeth Picard is a Montreal artist. She has received bursaries and grants from SSHRS, FQRSC, Concordia University, CALQ and SODEC to pursue her sculpture research. Since 2006, her work has been exhibited in Quebec, Ontario, Cuba, France and Lithuania and was included in various publications in Québec, US, Italy and Malaysia. Her artworks have been presented most notably at the Red Music Academy at Phi Center, at Division Gallery in Montreal, at MATERIA in Quebec City, at the Biennale Internationale du Lin in Portneuf (2013), at the Biennale nationale de sculpture de Trois-Rivières (2016), QC and at Lonsdale Gallery, which represent her work in Toronto. Her work is in the public collections of the Ville de Montréal and Ville de Laval and private collections in Québec, France and Portugal.

Data Sheet

Project Title: Sous le grand arbre : racine, feuille et fleur

Project Completion: January 2017

Artist: Elisabeth Picard

Materials: Dyed zip-ties, painted aluminum, LED projectors
Dimensions: 13 x 20 x 5 feet in the lobby, 48 inches in diameter on the other floors

Projectors: lumencove nano from Lumenpulse

Site: 118 Lafontaine Street, East Angus, QC, J0B 1R0
Client: Centre de santé et service sociaux (CSSS) du Haut-Saint-François

Production: Elisabeth Picard, Ghislain Brodeur, Josée Picard, Andréanne Godin, Fal Petit et Les Couleurs Caméléon

Technical Drawings: Ghislain Brodeur

Installation: Elisabeth Picard, Ghislain Brodeur, Andréanne Godin et Matthieu Sabourin
Architect: Paul Faucher from Espace Vital

Photographer: Michel Dubreuil