Maple Ridge, B.C., September 8, 2026 –This fall, The ACT Art Gallery invites residents to experience Créatrices d’images, a solo exhibition of new works by Vancouver-based artist Laurence Belzile. The first of the 2026-2027 season, this exhibition centers around five large-scale abstract paintings dedicated to five artists who influence Laurence Belzile’s practice: Betty Goodwin, Faith Ringgold, Georgia O’Keeffe, Françoise Sullivan, and Marlene Dumas. The exhibition will be on view from September 12, 2026, through November 7, 2026.
Belzile's vibrant, textural artworks embrace the language and nature of abstract painting. The artist draws inspiration from the five visionary female artists to create works that reflect elements of storytelling and representation. Through bold colours and expressive brushwork, Belzile reinterprets each artist’s techniques in her own style.
At 54 x 76 inches, the large-scale paintings create an immersive gallery environment that draws visitors into the work. Abstract paintings are paired with reference materials and experimental works, anchoring Belzile's artistic practice within a lineage of influential women artists.
In recognition of Belzile’s active role within Vancouver’s francophone community, all exhibition information panels and printed promotional materials are presented in both French and English.
On Saturday, September 12, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m, the public is invited to attend a free opening reception, featuring an interview-style conversation between the artist and ACT Art Gallery curator, Courtney Miller, at 2:30 p.m.
Exhibition Dates: Saturday, September 12 – Saturday, November 7, 2026
Regular Gallery Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Thursdays 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., other selected evenings
Location: The ACT Art Gallery (at The ACT Arts Centre), 11944 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, B.C.
“I’m excited to begin the 2026-2027 season with Laurence Belzile’s vibrant abstract solo exhibition, Créatrices d’images,” says Courtney Miller, Gallery Manager and Curator. “Through her homage to five women artists, Belzile highlights their presence within art history while offering viewers insight into the artists who have shaped her practice.”
The ACT Art Gallery has distributed an elementary school tour and workshop program based on the exhibition to teachers and other education practitioners in SD42.
About the Artist
Born in Gaspésie (QC) in 1994, Canadian artist Laurence Belzile lives and works on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, in what is now known as Vancouver (BC). She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University (2016), with a major in painting and drawing, as well as a Master of Fine Arts from Université Laval (2019). Since 2016, Laurence Belzile has presented her work in both group and solo exhibitions across Canada, including at the Vernon Public Art Gallery (BC), the Richmond Art Gallery (BC), Galerie Montcalm (QC), the Centre d’art de Kamouraska (QC), and Galerie Champagne et Paradis (QC), which represents her. Her work has been supported, among others, by the Canada Council for the Arts. Her artworks are part of the public collection of the City of Boucherville and the Méduse Collection of the City of Québec.
About The ACT Art Gallery
The ACT Art Gallery is owned and operated by the City of Maple Ridge and is located within The ACT Arts Centre, a community hub for arts and culture. The Gallery presents rotating exhibitions featuring emerging and mid-career artists from across the region and beyond.
For additional information, contact TheACT@MapleRidge.ca and follow the @ArtsMapleRidge on Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates.
Visitor Information
General admission to The ACT Art Gallery is free. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours on Thursdays until 8:00 p.m. The ACT Art Gallery is located at 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC. For additional gallery information, call 604-476-2787 ext. 1 or visit MapleRidge.ca/ArtExhibitions.
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Media Contact:
Courtney Miller, Gallery Manager and Curator, Arts Culture and Events
T 604 358 7980
E CMiller@MapleRidge.ca