A Happy Memory… or Time to Make New Ones
As Diane Dufresne sang in one of the most beautiful songs in her repertoire, “a happy memory is often more real than happiness itself, more real than all the words of the heart.” She also reminds us that “life passes in a flash,” a warning to beware of forgetfulness, that “dreadful thief.”
As the Centre culturel francophone de Vancouver celebrates its 50th anniversary, the idea naturally came to us to try to immortalize a few moments of joy we’ve shared together with the community — those happy memories — because it’s true that our lives too pass by in the blink of an eye.
For the most part, these “memory flashes” are close-ups of artists we’ve presented in our recent programming — many since 2020, if we draw a line there — but also photographs from our summer festival dating back nearly to its beginnings. For those who lived these moments, it’s true that a simple image captured at the time can instantly transport us back to those evenings, cradled by an artist’s music and words, when emotions and feelings surfaced and left us on edge, our skin tingling. It’s at times like those that something unforgettable happens — shivers, goosebumps — chasing away that “dreadful thief.”
As the Centre’s Executive and Artistic Director, of course, I have many such memories in mind. One especially magical moment was when Diane Dufresne came down into the crowd at the 2003 Summer Festival, surrounded by open umbrellas protecting us from a light drizzle, singing “Un souvenir heureux,” looking every spectator in the eyes as she passed. An unexpected and unforgettable moment.
But when we look at these photos, there’s always that “oh yes, I had forgotten.” And it’s then that photography alone becomes both a happy memory and a moment of joy.
I hope you experience many of them as you visit this exhibition. And if not, I hope you’ll feel inspired to join us next time — to, as Piaf once sang, “take the time to make new memories.”
Pierre Rivard
Executive and Artistic Director
Le Centre culturel francophone de Vancouver
EXHIBITIONS
Each year, Le Centre culturel francophone de Vancouver is proud to present five exhibitions of the works of talented francophone and francophile artists from British Columbia, and sometimes from other provinces. These exhibitions give sculptors, painters, photographers and multidisciplinary artists the opportunity to showcase their work professionally in the library of Le Centre for 1-2 months.
Each exhibition opens with a public wine and cheese reception, free of charge, where visitors can meet and talk to the artist.
Current exhibitions can be visited during the regular opening hours at Le Centre culturel francophone de Vancouver.
NEXT EXHIBITION AT LE CENTRE
Le Centre culturel francophone de Vancouver is celebrating its 50th anniversary!
To mark its 50-year history, Le Centre invites you on a journey through time with a photography exhibition. Candid memories, cultural discoveries, electrifying atmospheres, and loyal audiences come together to tell the beautiful story of Le Centre culturel francophone .
Each snapshot will bring back the laughter, chills, tears, wild nights, and unforgettable encounters that have shaped the francophone and francophile community over the years. Step into the excitement behind the scenes, feel the pulse of the events, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of these memories.
Come celebrate with us 50 years of culture, passion, and francophonie in Vancouver!
Share a message or your favorite memory in our guest book.
Special thanks to Gaëtan Nerincx, Andréa Saunier & Sacha Vanhecke
Delicacies and wines from British Columbia will be served.
No events at the moment
If you are interested in exhibiting your work at the Centre, click on the button below and fill in the form.
FREE ADMISSION
At Le Centre Culturel Francophone de Vancouver
1551 W 7th av, Vancouver, V6J 1S1