‘Coming Through, A Sign of Hope, Hirtle’s Beach, NS’. Photo: Paulette Melanson.
A little piece of Nova Scotia will now become part of the permanent display at the Canadian embassy in France after Premier Tim Houston gifted a painting of Hirtle’s Beach while on a diplomatic visit to France.
The painting titled ‘Coming Through, A Sign of Hope’ features a vista of Hirtles Beach with the sun beaming through the clouds and was made by Acadian artist Paulette Melanson.
She submitted the painting along with four others when the government asked for artwork from Acadian artists as they searched for a gift to present while Premier Houston on his diplomatic visit.
Delighted to welcome this wonderful artwork by fellow #NovaScotian, #Acadian artist @PauletteSMB, which Premier @TimHoustonNS has brought us tonight on behalf of #NovaScotia. Mille mercis to my home Province! pic.twitter.com/UB2vdTZgwQ
— Amy Baker (@AmyBakerCAN) May 16, 2022
“I was shocked and hounoured when I heard I had been selected,” Melanson said. “The painting is set to be put on permanent display in the main residence where all the events and dignitaries are hosted and I’m just so pleased to be a part of that,”.
Melanson’s Acadian heritage goes back to the 1600s, with her being a direct descendant of Charles Melanson, who established Melanson Settlement, an early Acadian farming settlement near Annapolis Royal.
“My artistic approach reflects my heritage, my life experience, what I see, what I feel and my deep love of nature. I work mainly in acrylic, watercolor and mixed media. My works include landscapes and abstract paintings inspired by my Acadian heritage as well as the environment where I reside (southern NS and Grand Pré during the summer).”
-Quote from Melanson’s webpage
The painting was presented by Premier Houston to Amy Baker who serves as Chargée d’affaires at the embassy on Tuesday as he finishes up a diplomatic trip to Europe that saw him visit Dublin, Edinburgh and Paris.
