{"id":3137,"date":"2026-04-19T08:01:31","date_gmt":"2026-04-19T12:01:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/espacedespres.ca\/tribute-to-nicole-cote\/"},"modified":"2026-08-03T09:55:30","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T13:55:30","slug":"tribute-to-nicole-cote","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/espacedespres.ca\/en\/tribute-to-nicole-cote\/","title":{"rendered":"Tribute to Nicole C\u00f4t\u00e9"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"chapeau wp-block-paragraph\">Welcome to DesPr\u00e9s \u2013 Arts and Living Creation Space<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 C\u00f4t\u00e9 \u2014 a visionary woman, deeply attached to this land, whose commitment and generosity gave birth to this project.   <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tribute to Nicole C\u00f4t\u00e9, distinguished co-founder<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hello and welcome!<br\/>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.<br\/>What is the story of this unique place in Sutton, open to all, all year round? Who had the idea? Her name is Nicole C\u00f4t\u00e9, an extraordinary woman whose family had long been connected to the region.    <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A dream\u2026<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The story of D\u2019Arts et de r\u00eaves 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-C\u00f4t\u00e9 (circus arts), who agreed to join them. Thus, a team of three co-founders representing three disciplines was born.    <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A dream that becomes reality!<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After searching for a central, visible, and accessible location, Nicole made a gesture of great generosity by purchasing this land from the Henri Despr\u00e9s 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.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"657\" height=\"208\" src=\"https:\/\/espacedespres.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/article-hommage-projet-reves.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1834\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espacedespres.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/article-hommage-projet-reves.png 657w, https:\/\/espacedespres.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/article-hommage-projet-reves-300x95.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 657px) 100vw, 657px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Long live the volunteers<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.   <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A new building<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<br\/>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.   <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"657\" height=\"208\" src=\"https:\/\/espacedespres.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/article-hommage-projet-nouveau.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1838\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espacedespres.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/article-hommage-projet-nouveau.png 657w, https:\/\/espacedespres.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/article-hommage-projet-nouveau-300x95.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 657px) 100vw, 657px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The next generation<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2023, Nicole passed the torch to her niece, Joanie Leroux-C\u00f4t\u00e9, who now serves as president, ensuring the continuity of the project.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"quote-left\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-quote-left \" role=\"img\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" style=\"font-size:1em\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M0 216C0 149.7 53.7 96 120 96l8 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-8 0c-30.9 0-56 25.1-56 56l0 8 64 0c35.3 0 64 28.7 64 64l0 64c0 35.3-28.7 64-64 64l-64 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 216zm256 0c0-66.3 53.7-120 120-120l8 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-8 0c-30.9 0-56 25.1-56 56l0 8 64 0c35.3 0 64 28.7 64 64l0 64c0 35.3-28.7 64-64 64l-64 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64l0-136z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>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\u2019Arts et de r\u00eaves. 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.      <span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"quote-right\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-quote-right \" role=\"img\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" style=\"font-size:1em\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M448 296c0 66.3-53.7 120-120 120l-8 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32s14.3-32 32-32l8 0c30.9 0 56-25.1 56-56l0-8-64 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64l0-64c0-35.3 28.7-64 64-64l64 0c35.3 0 64 28.7 64 64l0 136zm-256 0c0 66.3-53.7 120-120 120l-8 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32s14.3-32 32-32l8 0c30.9 0 56-25.1 56-56l0-8-64 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64l0-64c0-35.3 28.7-64 64-64l64 0c35.3 0 64 28.7 64 64l0 136z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:200;text-transform:uppercase\">Joanie Leroux-C\u00f4t\u00e9<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<br\/>As you walk, look around you: this place bears the mark of her commitment.<br\/>Thank you, Nicole! <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:200;text-transform:uppercase\">Written by Liliane Lessard, April 2026<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Testimonials<\/h3>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">An amalgam of exceptional intelligence and fine artistic sensibility. Nicole puts one at the service of the other and adds her audacity to conceive and realize large-scale artistic projects that, at once, open up to the world and to her immediate community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:200;text-transform:uppercase\">Nicole Beaudry<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nicole is the love of culture, for which she has so generously invested herself. Nicole is the embodiment of determination and perseverance. Nicole is the one who opens new horizons, new spaces. Nicole is the one who offered us a magnificent gift in a superb setting.<br\/>Thank you, Nicole.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:200;text-transform:uppercase\">Fran\u00e7ois B\u00e9rard<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When I think of Nicole, I see a woman of conviction who, since her involvement in the popular legal clinic of Saint-Henri more than 50 years ago, has defended a left-wing philosophy with unwavering consistency. I also see a bold and courageous woman who reoriented her career, abandoning law for ceramics. And also, a visionary and generous woman with her time and money to bring to fruition often innovative cultural and social projects.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:200;text-transform:uppercase\">Jeanne Morazain<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nicole, a great Lady of patronage! A visionary who knew how to give back and offer the Sutton community an exceptional creative center, a gathering place where it is good to live and settle down. Her generosity matches her ambitions and courage. Honoring Creation is her quest, and her quest is her life\u2026 DesPr\u00e9s is her signature. Thank you, Nicole, it is an honor to have walked this path by your side.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:200;text-transform:uppercase\">Jean-Jacques Pillet<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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? <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3139,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3137","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-non-classe"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/espacedespres.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3137","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/espacedespres.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/espacedespres.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/espacedespres.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/espacedespres.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3137"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/espacedespres.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3137\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3142,"href":"https:\/\/espacedespres.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3137\/revisions\/3142"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/espacedespres.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3139"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/espacedespres.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3137"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/espacedespres.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3137"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/espacedespres.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3137"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}