On Tuesday, Oct. 4, Carmen's Veranda hosted two events by artist/photographer Helene Lacelle. The first was an Homage to a long time employee and friend of Carmen's, Jacques Couillard, who died of brain cancer; the second event was a retrospective show of Lacelle's art.
The Homage to Jacques Couillard, housed upstairs at Carmen's, consists of a decade of photographs and personal stories by Lacelle that represents their early years as close, creative pals. The collection of Lacelle's art spanning twenty years is displayed in the lower level, set against Carmen's cherry red walls, transforming the restaurant into a salon gallery reminiscent of those early soirées so enjoyed in France.
Homage to Jacques Couillard
By 7 pm, Carmen's was full as almost 50 people crowded in to sample gourmet appetizers prepared by Carmen Letourneau and her gracious and amazing staff. The evening was warm and neighbourly as the guests sipped wine, sampled appetizers, reminisced and enjoyed the presentation.
"I don't think we could have hoped for a more perfect evening," Lacelle commented as the evening wound down. Moe and Jeanine Couillard, Jacques' parents, thanked all who came to celebrate the life of their son. Jacques enjoyed life and while in palliative care at the Elizabeth Bruyére Centre told his mom that he was ready to go without regrets since he had such a full and remarkable life. As they left, Madame Couillard put her arm around Helene. "I had no idea that so many people loved my son."
The show runs until Dec.31, 2011. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. Carmen's Veranda, 1169 Bank Street, Ottawa. You can see more of Helene Lacelle's art at her website here.