Marcelle Ferron
Non titré (Vitraux)
1976
Presentation of the artwork
A major figure in modern Québec art, Marcelle Ferron (1924–2001) is recognized as one of the signatories of the Refus global manifesto and as a pioneer of abstract art in Canada. Beginning in the 1960s, she reinvented the traditional art of stained glass through an innovative technique that integrated antique glass elements, joined by polymer seals, into a hermetically sealed insulated glass unit. This advancement made it possible to protect the artworks from climatic conditions while preserving their transparency and remarkable luminous quality.Rather than depicting figurative scenes, Marcelle Ferron used light, colour, and abstract forms to create vibrant and immersive works. Her coloured glass compositions transform public spaces into true sensory experiences, where natural light continually animates the artwork.
Through her bold approach, Marcelle Ferron helped democratize art and bring modern artistic creation into the public realm. Her stained-glass works remain an important symbol of Québec’s artistic heritage and of innovation in the visual arts.
The artwork can be viewed during performances and cultural activities presented in the venue.
Associated events
These stained-glass windows were originally created for the former chapel of the Sisters of Providence community. When the building was converted into a community centre, Marcelle Ferron’s stained-glass works, along with the liturgical furnishings designed by Charles Daudelin, were preserved and integrated into the architectural redevelopment project. 
Succession Marcelle Ferron/ CARCC, Ottawa (2026)
crédit photo: Marc-Olivier Bécotte, 2024
Marcelle Ferron
Marcelle Ferron was born in Louiseville, near Trois-Rivières, in 1924. After studying at the École des Beaux-Arts de Québec (1941-1942) under the direction of Jean-Paul Lemieux, she distinguished herself on the Montreal scene of the mid forties among other young artists working towards a new vision of art. Having met Paul-Émile Borduas in 1945, she participated in the Automatist adventure and its various exhibitions and manifestations from 1946 to 1953. A co-signor of the “Refus global”, Ferron remained faithful throughout her career to the aesthetic principles underlying the Automatist movement, namely the respect of gesture as an essential feature of authentic artistic expression. As a master glassmaker, Ferron made many contributions to architecture and public art.
Awards and honours
- Grand Offier, Ordre national du Québec, 2000
- Chevalier, Ordre national du Québec, 1985
- Prix Paul-Émile-Borduas, gouvernement du Québec, 1983
- Prix Louis-Philippe-Hébert, Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste, 1976
- Médaille d'argent, Biennale de Sao Paulo, 1961
Presentation of the artwork
A major figure in modern Québec art, Marcelle Ferron (1924–2001) is recognized as one of the signatories of the Refus global manifesto and as a pioneer of abstract art in Canada. Beginning in the 1960s, she reinvented the traditional art of stained glass through an innovative technique that integrated antique glass elements, joined by polymer seals, into a hermetically sealed insulated glass unit. This advancement made it possible to protect the artworks from climatic conditions while preserving their transparency and remarkable luminous quality.Rather than depicting figurative scenes, Marcelle Ferron used light, colour, and abstract forms to create vibrant and immersive works. Her coloured glass compositions transform public spaces into true sensory experiences, where natural light continually animates the artwork.
Through her bold approach, Marcelle Ferron helped democratize art and bring modern artistic creation into the public realm. Her stained-glass works remain an important symbol of Québec’s artistic heritage and of innovation in the visual arts.
The artwork can be viewed during performances and cultural activities presented in the venue.
Associated events
These stained-glass windows were originally created for the former chapel of the Sisters of Providence community. When the building was converted into a community centre, Marcelle Ferron’s stained-glass works, along with the liturgical furnishings designed by Charles Daudelin, were preserved and integrated into the architectural redevelopment project.
Marcelle Ferron
Marcelle Ferron was born in Louiseville, near Trois-Rivières, in 1924. After studying at the École des Beaux-Arts de Québec (1941-1942) under the direction of Jean-Paul Lemieux, she distinguished herself on the Montreal scene of the mid forties among other young artists working towards a new vision of art. Having met Paul-Émile Borduas in 1945, she participated in the Automatist adventure and its various exhibitions and manifestations from 1946 to 1953. A co-signor of the “Refus global”, Ferron remained faithful throughout her career to the aesthetic principles underlying the Automatist movement, namely the respect of gesture as an essential feature of authentic artistic expression. As a master glassmaker, Ferron made many contributions to architecture and public art.
Awards and honours
- Grand Offier, Ordre national du Québec, 2000
- Chevalier, Ordre national du Québec, 1985
- Prix Paul-Émile-Borduas, gouvernement du Québec, 1983
- Prix Louis-Philippe-Hébert, Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste, 1976
- Médaille d'argent, Biennale de Sao Paulo, 1961
