Memorable first Vernissage Photographique at Galerie d'Art Émergence
By John H. Grow ISA-AM, edited by Ava Ugolini
The doors opened not just to a photographic vernissage, but to an event that welcomed guests of all ages and styles for one unforgettable evening of photography. Galerie d'Art Émergence, a non-profit gallery supporting emerging Québécois visual artists, welcomed photographers from a wide variety of backgrounds, each offering guests a window into their passion and unique vision behind each photograph.
Where else can you meet such a diverse crowd, where the art on the walls shares the spotlight with the room itself — collectors mingling with business leaders, from high-tech executives to a lawyer specializing in space law, fashion mavens trading stories with writers and philanthropists?
The techno variation music set the mood, creating an upbeat vibe that moved the crowd into conversation and connection as they took in the visual feast around them. The energy in the room was palpable. A night for first time exhibitors and veterans alike, the vernissage was bursting with excitement.
The Photographers and Their Work
Stephanie Nofz, a young photographer full of passion, lights up when she talks about her work. She has a gift for framing everyday shapes into powerful visual statements. Her piece Urban Honeycomb captures a common architectural sight from a fresh perspective — can you guess what it is?
How do you define power in a single photograph? Brandford Amfo answers that question with Unbroken, a story of struggle, survival, and triumph captured in one frame. Words don't do it justice. Brandford spent the evening deep in conversation with guests discussing art, passion, and society, staying until the very last departure.
Throw caution to the wind — that's the spirit behind Thin Ice, a title that plays on the idea of danger hiding in plain sight. Ava Ugolini, a young photographer with a witty, bold and vibrant energy has a gift for capturing fleeting moments, as seen in her other piece, Listen. Ava is catching the attention of collectors who appreciate bold expression.
Charlotte Poitras, a dance enthusiast quick with her camera, could be called an action girl of photography. Check out her piece Sparks — can you guess where it was taken? Charlotte is a longtime favorite among photo buyers.
What's the most iconic spot to visit in Montreal? Hands down, it's Schwartz's Deli on St. Laurent Street. Sebastien Arbour captures what every true Montrealer knows and loves, which is part of why he's such a popular and engaging photographer. Beyond his keen eye, he brings the history and stories behind each image to life. Don't miss Schwartz's Montreal.
Marika Robitaille, a young artist with grit, edge, and warmth, whose work spans genres — from rock bands to still life to landmarks, she created a montage that not only has artistic interest but also decorative harmony. One standout: the Orange Julep on Décarie Boulevard in Montreal. Her piece Julep blends history, people, and place into one image.
I am sure that the Vernissage Photographique was nothing less than history in the making.
The featured Photographers of Exposition Photographique at Emergence Art Gallery located at 2130 Rue Crescent, in Montreal, are Anne-Claire Vimal du Monteil, Ava Ugolini, Brandford Amfo, Charlotte Poitras, Émilie Dubuisson, Étienne Bégin-Thibault, Gaétan Cormier, Hailey Byrde, Marika Robitaille, Maxime Gir, Michel St-Jean, Nathan Hu, Sébastien Arbour, Shane Joines, Stephan Pyram, Stephanie Nofz, Susan St-Laurent and Zakary Janvier.
You can find the gallery around the corner from the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts or up the street from the most famous mural of Leonard Cohen in Montreal.
About the Author
John H. Grow, ISA-AM (International Society of Appraisers, Accredited Member), is a partner at Prestige Evaluation Inc., where he holds dual accreditation in Antiques, Furnishings & Decorative Arts and Fine Art, with a specialty study in Horology (Watches & Clocks). He works with clients worldwide museums, corporations, foundations, financial and insurance firms, government agencies (including Canadian Border Services), and private individuals and wealth-management firms. He travels throughout North America and Europe for conferences and trade events, writes the "Appraisers Corner" column for the NAWCC Journal of Watches & Clocks Collectors Association and a monthly column for Cornwall Seeker Magazine, and is a frequent speaker and radio/TV guest. He has been an ISA member since 2014 and belongs to the Canadian Chapter of the ISA. [View his ISA profile](https://www.isa-appraisers.ca/appraiser/john-grow/)
He is a founding corporate director (Secretary/Treasurer) of [Orchestre Nouvelle Génération](https://orchestrenouvellegeneration.com/), a Montreal-based orchestra performing at the Conservatoire de Montréal's concert hall, and a corporate director (Secretary) of [Galerie d'Art Émergence](https://www.emergencemtl.com/).
Prestige Evaluation Inc. can be found at [prestigeevaluations.com](http://prestigeevaluations.com), or reached by email at prestigeevaluation@gmail.com.
John Grow Copyright @ 2026
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