Revisit Expo 67 at Stewart Hall

The cultural centre on Lakeshore Road is hosting Expo 67 Revisited, to mark the 40th anniversary of the world’s fair that came to Montreal and feted Canada’s 100th birthday in 1967.

“The idea was based on what I remember from Expo 67 and for me that was the sculptures,” said Stewart Hall’s curator Joyce Millar. “I though it would be great to focus on the Canadian artists at Expo.”

Stewart Hall will feature the works of six Quebec artists whose sculptures were on display during Expo 67, including those of Armand Vaillancourt who will run a creativity workshop for the whole family starting at noon.

“It’ll be a group affair, something with wood, painting and canvas,” Millar said of Vaillancourt’s workshop. “It’ll be a surprise for young and old.”

Several ‘senior’ artists, now in their 70s and 80s, have been invited to the vernissage. Photos of their Expo 67 work will be on display, juxtaposed with some of their more recent works in the gallery. There are also a few smaller models of the original Expo 67 sculptures that will be on display.

As for Expo 67 in general, Millar said what she remembers most is the excitement in the air. “It was futuristic then but looking back now it doesn’t even come close to what we actually have now,” she said.

She also fondly recalled the ‘passport’ she carried and was stamped at each pavilion representing one of the different participating countries.

People attending the vernissage on Sunday, which runs from noon to 4 p.m., can write their memories of Expo 67 in a booklet.

Stewart Hall is located at 176 Lakeshore Rd., just east of St. John’s Boulevard in Pointe Claire.

For more information, call 514-630-1254.