Art galleries in rural churches

A breath of summer and spirituality floats this Saturday, July 19 on the church dedicated to Saint Quentin, in Montcavel, in Pas-de-Calais. Usually closed and silent for lack of celebrations, she comes alive with the sweet hubbub of the curious drained by the 4th edition of the event “of the bells, artists”.

Under the slender vaults, the capitals of the 15th century dialogue with the paintings, sculptures and ceramics signed by local artists. Like this village of 400 souls, eighteen other rural municipalities in Montreuillois open their churches to 50 artists from the region over three summer weekends.

In Montcavdel, among visitors, Denis and Carole Liagre, Red Retired Reds in their secondary house, come with three of their grandchildren: “We wish to send them the memory of the place, show them that they have a soul, it is essential,” says Denis.

Eugène, at the age of 10, scrutinizes the canvases with curiosity. Fantille, her cousin Nice of the same age, marvels in front of horse paintings, while her big sister, Sixtine, 14, slides: “Usually, the church is closed. It’s a nice surprise. »»

Unknown treasures

The mayor of Montcavel, Jean-Paul de Longueval, admits: “This building is a little-known treasure. By associating since 2022 with “bell towers, artists”, he also hopes that his church, partially restored, will seduce patrons to continue the work.

In the meantime, on the artists side, Nadine Hubinont and Marie-Amélie Lefebvre, two friends, like to exhibit in this place. “Each visitors feels welcomed, believing or not. I can exchange with them on my work, ”says Nadine. It also salutes the beauty of the site: “This vast and bright church has a unique raw charm. »»

As for Marie-Amélie, who discovered this demonstration at the bend of a bicycle ride, she took her first steps as an exhibitor. Like Constance de Longueval, the mayor’s daughter, who showed, not without emotion, her naive paintings for the first time to the public.

At the origin of this singular event: Father Bruno Dubreucq, parish priest of 32 bell towers in Montreuillois. Inspired by a discovery initiative during a stay in Anjou, he submitted his project to enhance rural churches in Past’Opale*. Under the aegis of the Pastoral of Tourism, this association defends an open and welcoming vision of the church: “Do we have the right to make the affront of a closed door? Asks Philippe Caralp, president of Past’Opale.

The fact remains that investing a church is not trivial. Consequently, a charter, signed by the artists, guarantees respect: to put anything on the altar, do not move religious objects, do not hide the Blessed Sacrament. “It is not a constraint, but a way of preserving the mind from these places while bringing an additional soul to it,” he explains.

On the organizational side, Dominique Toursel, the vice-president of Past’Opale, scums the exhibitions of the region to identify new talents. The number of artists determines the number of churches open to create a coherent circuit.

In four years, the event has been structured: signage in villages, leaflets, conferences, reception by volunteers … “We started with ten artists over a single weekend. This year, the operation extended over three weekends with 50 artists. Word-to-watch works well, ”she rejoices.

Elected officials mobilized

What is more, the Montreuillois tourist office supports the initiative by offering guided tours in certain buildings open for the occasion. Success is thus based on close collaboration between local elected officials, Father Dubreucq and Past’Opale. “Since the 1905 law, churches have belonged to the municipalities. We must therefore work together to bring them to life, ”insists Philippe Caralp. Present at the inauguration of the demonstration, the deputy for the district Philippe confirms it: “The church is part of our DNA. It is not just a place of worship, but a vector of culture, link and tourism. »»

Carried by its success, the operation “of the bell towers, artists” already plans its 2026 edition, with the ambition to reach an even wider audience. From Montcavel to the other hinterland villages, she wants to vibrate the whole territory, while instilling new impetus into local tourism, just two steps from the beaches of the Côte d’Opale. See you next summer!

* Contact: [email protected]