“This is my cathedral,” says Hélène Garon, owner of the place since 1992, without hesitation, as she brings the author of these lines into the building.
The least we can say when visiting the barn is that the place is impressive. The height of the ceiling is impressive, as is the selection of artwork and historical artifacts that decorate the place.
Located in Saint-Siméon, in Charlevoix, the barn has been on sale since November 1, at the price of $595,000.
The Poterie de Port-au-Persil boutique is steeped in Quebec’s agricultural heritage. (RE/MAX 1er Choix)
For nearly 33 years, Ms. Garon has been turning pottery, from May to October. Still passionate about “her cathedral”, she nevertheless feels ready to prepare for her retirement.
“I have to start mourning the pottery, because I will be 71 years old and if I get sick tomorrow, without having found a replacement, I will have the impression of having betrayed the place.”
— Hélène Garon, owner of Poterie de Port-au-Persil
However, there is no question for Ms. Garon of passing the torch to just anyone. She assures that she will take the time to find the right person, who will have “bigger ideas” than a simple desire to mass produce and sell ceramics.
“You need someone who has the taste, the taste for authenticity, the taste for learning from others, but also for showing others, someone who believes in Port-au-Persil Pottery,” underlines the one who is originally from Montreal.
A women’s story
The famous yellow barn, located on the side of Route 138, was built at the beginning of the last century by the Belley family, who owned the farm of the same name.
In 1974, Évelyne Mainville, wife of master potter Pierre Legault, bought the building. Since 1976, the barn has housed a shop as well as pottery workshops. Currently, the boutique exhibits the works of around fifty ceramists.
“Take note to feminists, this pottery is a women’s story!” notes Ms. Garon proudly.
The owner thinks that there are multiple possibilities for future buyers of the place: a café, a restaurant, an art gallery, an architectural office… or all of that at the same time.
The pottery is easily recognizable by its characteristic yellow color. (RE/MAX 1er Choix)
She assures that the barn has been carefully maintained over the past thirty years, and that very few renovations need to be done. The north and south facades were recently covered with cedar shingles, while the roof was refinished three years ago.
“The person who is going to take over this place is going to be a millionaire, so to speak of course,” illustrates Ms. Garon.
Democracy above all
Ms. Garon has always been passionate about art and culture. However, she humbly admits, to anyone who will listen, that she “is not a ceramist” and that she has never received training in the field.
“Me, if I took over the gatehouse in 1992, it was for politics and heritage, with capital Ps,” explains the woman who studied political science at university.
Hélène Garon, owner of Poterie de Port-au-Persil since 1992. (Félix Lajoie/Le Soleil)
According to her, the place is highly important for Quebec history and culture. Moreover, she is looking for a new generation who will be as passionate about heritage as they are about the arts.
“When people come here, I often tell them: this is one of the only places where we can talk freely about politics!” she says, before adding that there is no question of activism.
“It’s a place to emulate ideas, to exchange freely. It’s like a confessional. I am interested in the people who pass here, I always ask them where they come from, what field they are in.”
— Hélène Garon, owner of Poterie de Port-au-Persil
Repeatedly during the interview, she assures that the exchange of ideas that takes place in the barn, like the workshops and courses that take place there, are “democratic”.
“Here there is no story of a minimum number of courses to take from this time to this time, or of specific models of parts to be produced. We let people find their creativity, their own way, while promoting quality,” she explains.
Visitors to the pottery can even relax and exchange ideas on the terrace at the back of the barn, with its view of the river. (Hélène Garon/Poterie de Port-au-Persil)
Who says democratic, says open to all. It therefore welcomes with the same warmth local people, small families, American tourists, beginners or ceramic experts, as well as wealthy families such as the Desmarais, Prices, Cabot, Molson or Taft.
Despite the barn being put up for sale, the Poterie de Port-au-Persil will open its doors as usual next year, at the beginning of June, from Wednesday to Sunday.
The workshops, which are given by Bertrand Dion, Ms. Garon’s partner, will also be available by reservation. The place is currently closed for the winter period.
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