Quebec Cancer Foundation's news
Art therapy loses its founder
- 26 November 2018 -
- News
It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of silversmith and jeweler Maurice Brault. Mr, Brault, who was a pioneer of art therapy in Quebec, passed away on October 29, 2018 at the age of 88.
Michel L. Lesage, Chairman and Marco Décelles, Director General of the Quebec Cancer Foundation, together with all the employees and members of the Board, send their deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
Maurice Brault made an enormous contribution to the Quebec museum and art community. After his studies at the École des Beaux-Arts de Montréal and further training in Europe, he began his career as a jeweler in Montreal in 1967.
He has received many awards, including 1st prize of the Guilde canadienne des métiers d’art and the Gold Medal of the Canadian Handicrafts Guild. In 2002, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Canada for his liturgical art.
He also distinguished himself through his social commitment and his promotion of the therapeutic uses of art, particularly for Quebecers with cancer. The art therapy program he originated in 1977 was the first of its kind in Quebec.
Maurice Brault brought to light the therapeutic power of art, which at that time was unknown: “Art can become a means of internal integration through the release of pure emotion. It promotes the awakening of creativity as a source of strength, power, balance and independence, helping to overcome and supplant physical and emotional pain.
There is no need for talent, only creativity, and creativity is something everyone has. It is a source of joy and it permits one to exchange with others who are also living with cancer. It is an oasis where moments of happiness can be found."
The latter years of his career were spent at the Quebec Cancer Foundation, where, in 1997, the art therapy workshop that bears his name was established, and where he was highly appreciated by employees and beneficiaries alike. With artwork hanging everywhere on its bright yellow walls, the studio has always been a place of joy.
Maurice, you may be sure that every time we enter the Foundation's art therapy workshop, we will be thinking about you. On behalf of those whose lives you have changed through art, and those whose lives you will continue to change, just as you stretched out your hand to those dealing with cancer, we want to express to you our deep admiration and gratitude. Thank you for your invaluable contribution.
Michel L. Lesage, Chairman and Marco Décelles, Director General of the Quebec Cancer Foundation, together with all the employees and members of the Board, send their deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
Maurice Brault made an enormous contribution to the Quebec museum and art community. After his studies at the École des Beaux-Arts de Montréal and further training in Europe, he began his career as a jeweler in Montreal in 1967.
He has received many awards, including 1st prize of the Guilde canadienne des métiers d’art and the Gold Medal of the Canadian Handicrafts Guild. In 2002, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Canada for his liturgical art.
He also distinguished himself through his social commitment and his promotion of the therapeutic uses of art, particularly for Quebecers with cancer. The art therapy program he originated in 1977 was the first of its kind in Quebec.
Maurice Brault brought to light the therapeutic power of art, which at that time was unknown: “Art can become a means of internal integration through the release of pure emotion. It promotes the awakening of creativity as a source of strength, power, balance and independence, helping to overcome and supplant physical and emotional pain.
There is no need for talent, only creativity, and creativity is something everyone has. It is a source of joy and it permits one to exchange with others who are also living with cancer. It is an oasis where moments of happiness can be found."
The latter years of his career were spent at the Quebec Cancer Foundation, where, in 1997, the art therapy workshop that bears his name was established, and where he was highly appreciated by employees and beneficiaries alike. With artwork hanging everywhere on its bright yellow walls, the studio has always been a place of joy.
Maurice, you may be sure that every time we enter the Foundation's art therapy workshop, we will be thinking about you. On behalf of those whose lives you have changed through art, and those whose lives you will continue to change, just as you stretched out your hand to those dealing with cancer, we want to express to you our deep admiration and gratitude. Thank you for your invaluable contribution.
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