La Maison des Arts Rive-Sud came into being in 1997, when Louise D’Aoust  contacted about 30 artists of the region to discuss the possibility of creating  a multi-disciplinary art school. Several artists were interested in the project, and “Art en Liberté workshops” was born.

The school was so successful that larger premises were soon required. An agreement was made with the City of St-Lambert, and courses are presently given at the Seaway Pavilion (430 Riverside) and the Community Center (31 Lorne)

Some important dates :
September 1997:   Start of the school
December  1997:   La Maison des Arts Rive-Sud is officially recognized as a non-profit organisation.
January      1998:            Association with Bishop’s University, which offers a program leading to a Certificate  in Studio Art.
March        1998:            Creation of a yearly event : “Nuit de la peinture”, by Claire Vaillancourt.   
September 97 to present: From a group of 20 students the school has grown to about 200  students. 

The Board of Directors of La Maison consists of well-known people from the art and business milieu. The school is managed by a Board of Administration  as well as a Board of Directors consisting mostly of the school’s teachers.