The rural community of Saint-Norbert, Que., has unveiled a permanent digital public artwork as the latest step in the transformation of a repurposed church building.

SOLEILS is a sculptural and digital artwork by Étienne Paquette. It extends in and around the former church, now known as the Espace culturel Jean-Pierre Ferland.

“SOLEILS was the result of sustained cultural and artistic development efforts, and of a collaboration that I think is fairly rare—between an artist and a municipal institution in a rural, agricultural setting,” says Paquette.
Saint-Norbert Mayor Sonia Desjardins says the space gives voice to the soul of Saint-Norbert. “I am extremely proud of this project, which brings our community together and carries it forward.”

Four components

The artwork features four components. The “Solar Organ” is an interactive steel sculpture that creates gentle sounds by interpreting temperature, UV radiation, and luminosity data. The “Musical Anemometers” installation includes six musical instruments crafted from wood and worked metal. Visitors can activate them by breathing into them or using their hands.

At the entrance, the “Iris Portal” is a Corten steel sculpture made from photographs of the eyes of 105 students from the village’s elementary school. Each evening at sunset, the “Narrative Façade” lights up the bell tower and illuminates the building façade.

The outdoor components of SOLEILS remain open year-round; however, the “Solar Organ” closes only in winter. The indoor component opens during free visits on summer Friday mornings and during events at the cultural space.

The historic church building avoided closure thanks to community mobilization and a benefit concert. Built in 1868, the church held its last mass in August 2015. Financial pressures forced the church to close. Officials moved much of the artwork, including statuary and paintings, to nearby churches.

After renovations, the building now serves as a children’s centre. It offers learning activities and workshops in handicrafts, theatre, and reading. The centre is named after the celebrated Québécois singer Jean-Pierre Ferland.