Tribute to Nicole Côté

Welcome to DesPrés – Arts and Living Creation Space

This place, now open to everyone, brings together an artist residency, creative workshops, and a cultural meadow where works, encounters, and events take shape throughout the seasons. What is the story of this unique place in Sutton? Who nurtured its dream and enabled its development? Her name is Nicole Côté — a visionary woman, deeply attached to this land, whose commitment and generosity gave birth to this project.

Tribute to Nicole Côté, distinguished co-founder

Hello and welcome!
You are now at the reception pavilion. Look behind you: a large building houses an artist residency and creative workshops. If you follow the path, you will discover a cultural park where artworks are exhibited, as well as a natural amphitheater.
What is the story of this unique place in Sutton, open to all, all year round? Who had the idea? Her name is Nicole Côté, an extraordinary woman whose family had long been connected to the region.

A dream…

The story of D’Arts et de rêves begins in the summer of 2014, during the preparation for the Monumentum Sculpture Symposium. Nicole, co-founder, was already envisioning artworks exhibited in the heart of the village. Nicole (visual arts) and the late Henri Lamoureux (literature), united by life and their love of the arts, dreamed of an artist residency. They approached their niece Joanie Leroux-Côté (circus arts), who agreed to join them. Thus, a team of three co-founders representing three disciplines was born.

A dream that becomes reality!

After searching for a central, visible, and accessible location, Nicole made a gesture of great generosity by purchasing this land from the Henri Després estate to offer it to the organization. It then became necessary to bring the project to fruition, give it a name, and structure its operations. Over the years, Nicole chaired the board of directors, managed the organization, and carried its legacy with remarkable patience and determination.

Long live the volunteers

As early as 2015, the first work bees brought the community together. People worked in a warm atmosphere, characterized by mutual aid and encounters. Nicole was always the first on site and the last to leave. She thanked everyone, recognizing every contribution.

A new building

The building and facilities you see today have been transformed over the years. From work bees to major construction projects, everything was built with rigor and perseverance. The fundraising efforts were numerous, demanding, and often restarted.
Making the organization known, hosting artists, and organizing activities for the community require constant attention. Nicole always insisted that artists leave happy, marked by their time in this place.

The next generation

In 2023, Nicole passed the torch to her niece, Joanie Leroux-Côté, who now serves as president, ensuring the continuity of the project.

When my aunt entrusted me with her dream of creating, with my uncle, a cultural park and artist residency in Sutton, I was deeply moved. From the beginning, Nicole carried this project with remarkable determination and generosity; as an artist herself, she is convinced of the importance of supporting artists in their journey. In 2015, we founded D’Arts et de rêves. Over the years, through work, challenges, and shared dreams, we grew together and forged a precious bond. Dear Nicole, this project exists thanks to you, and we are deeply grateful. Thank you for offering Sutton this unique place. You are a source of inspiration, pushing us towards boldness and action.

Joanie Leroux-Côté

Nicole, a visual artist, is now returning to her practice as a sculptor-ceramicist, which she had set aside to focus her efforts on the administration of the organization when she was its President. Perhaps you will soon see one of her works in the park.
As you walk, look around you: this place bears the mark of her commitment.
Thank you, Nicole!

Written by Liliane Lessard, April 2026

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