Les Ateliers créatifs W
Where imagination comes to life, one leap at a time!
Our Values and Approach
Our goal is to develop a person’s creativity, potential and confidence by offering artistic, educative and community projects.
Art and culture are essential for the development of communities and an individual’s well-being. Being creative is an immense advantage at any age and helps us face the numerous challenges of life. Creativity can also bring together individuals above and beyond their particular cultures and differences. This is why we take to heart the full development of a person’s creative potential – especially for children and young people. This is done by putting forward the importance of cooperation and the development of connections between people – notably between generations and the various linguistic communities. As well, recycling and protecting the environment are also a part of our values.
In order to accomplish our mission, Les Ateliers créatifs W maintains collaboration and partnerships with the various cultural and community actors as well as organizations from Waterloo and neighbouring communities.
Waterloo, a creative community!
The identity of our community is flourishing. Rooted in its rich historical and cultural heritage, the arts are driving a renewed momentum, fueled by a growing number of engaged and active citizens, as well as a strong presence of local artists and artisans. Our artistic experiences offer unique opportunities to meet them, exchange ideas, and connect in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Some artists and artisans with whom we have collaborated over the past few years:
The executive board
Our team is composed of experienced people, skilled in dealing with everyone, regardless of age or ability!
Sylvie Blais
President
Following her studies in fine arts and art history with a focus on heritage, Sylvie Blais spent 26 years as a development officer with the Quebec Ministry of Culture and Communications. Beyond her work in heritage, she has managed a wide range of strategic mandates, including municipal cultural policies, performing arts presentation, tourism, and cultural programs within schools and for youth.
Throughout her career, she has remained dedicated to a core mission: bringing culture, heritage, and the arts into the daily lives of people—with a heartfelt focus on the growth and experiences of children and adolescents. This lifelong commitment continues today in her role as President of Les Ateliers Créatifs W, where she continues to champion accessibility and artistic engagement for all.
Martin Thivierge
Secretary
Originally an art history professor at the collegial level and later a museology consultant, Martin Thivierge has worked across every region of Quebec. After serving with the City of Montreal’s Cultural Affairs Department, he spent 18 years with the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC) following its inception.
He later served as Executive Director of the Conseil des métiers d’art du Québec (CMAQ), where his deep industry knowledge was instrumental in organizing major commercial events—such as the Salon des métiers d’art du Québec and Plein Art Québec—as well as managing specialized boutiques and driving overall sectoral development. Now retired, he shares his refined expertise in arts and culture with Les Ateliers créatifs W.
Caroline Lanctôt-Benoit
Director
Caroline Lanctôt-Benoit is both a jeweller and a financial security advisor—a unique blend of expertise that allows her to guide our organization through her diverse knowledge. She has been teaching jewelry creation since 2003 and has been a member of the Tour des Arts since 2009. Deeply involved in her community, she lives by the philosophy: “Creation gives the mind its full freedom!” Caroline also contributes as an artist-instructor for several of our activities.
Paul-Éloi Dufresne
Director
A proud resident of Waterloo for 88 years, Paul-Éloi Dufresne is a former automotive parts business owner and served as a city councillor for 12 years. He has played a vital role in the growth and development of our city through numerous leadership positions. His achievements include serving as the founding president of the Sea Cadets and co-founder of the Amis du Bassin-Versant du Lac Waterloo (now Action Lac Waterloo). For many years, he has served on the board of Entraide Jeunesse François Godbout, an organization dedicated to the development of youth in Waterloo and the surrounding region.
A father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Paul-Éloi remains tirelessly committed to his community. He firmly believes in the beneficial impact of arts and culture on youth development, viewing it as an essential part of one’s life journey.
Renée Paquette
Treasurer
Following her training in Drama Education, Renée Paquette led an extensive career in government youth services, beginning with art workshops for children aged 6 to 12. She went on to lead numerous projects designed to help young people build strong ties within their neighborhoods and the broader community.
With over 38 years of experience, she has witnessed firsthand how vital it is for youth to explore and develop different modes of expression. For her, the arts and their diverse disciplines allow one to express “what cannot be said,” capturing experiences that words simply cannot translate. She is deeply committed to providing free, accessible workshops for those who lack the opportunity or means. Renée also serves as an essential volunteer facilitator.
Noémie Savard
Director
Noémie Savard holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and a Master’s degree in Environmental Science, fields where she combines professional rigor with a commitment to a sustainable future.
An avid runner and sewing enthusiast, she finds in these activities a perfect balance between personal achievement and creativity.
As a mother of three, she is involved with Les Ateliers créatifs W to ensure that art remains a central part of her children’s lives and development.
Francine Charland
Director
Being part of the community: the driving force behind everything we do!
Now a grandmother of four, she is eager to share her vast skills and expertise with all those who value the arts and human potential.
A few examples of cooperation:
- WATT Committee
- Social Pediatrics Center of Haute-Yamaska
- Yamaska Literacy Council, Waterloo
- Secondary School Wilfrid-Léger
- Primary Schools L’Orée-des Cantons and Wateloo Elementry
- Maison des familles Granby and surrounding regions
- Action Lac Waterloo and Maison des jeunes l’Exit
However, the community project that has received the greatest commitment in terms of energy and volunteer hours since 2023 is the development of a future community cultural centre for Waterloo. Our most important project: the construction of a Community Cultural Center in Waterloo (Centre culturel communautaire Waterloo). For more information:
Become a partner and support our mission
Interested in building a project with us?
We offer tailor-made collaborations designed around your specific goals and situation. Contact us today—
we would be delighted to meet with you and develop innovative initiatives together, regardless of the participants’ age, language, or abilities.
Les Ateliers créatifs W is a non-profit organization.
Our activities are only possible thanks to the financial support from Entraide Jeuness François Godbout and the City of Waterloo.
Les Ateliers créatifs W is recognised by the City of Waterloo and is a member of the following agencies in Quebec: the Loisirs et sports Montérégie; the Conseil de la culture de l’Estrie; and the Conseil québécois du loisir.
Francine Charland was fortunate to grow up in a family that encouraged her to express herself through the arts. Her passion for sharing knowledge led her to lead workshops, create murals, and pursue formal studies in visual arts. Her professional journey has focused on collective art projects, working extensively with diverse and marginalized communities. In 2001, alongside a dedicated team of volunteers, she founded Atelier 19, a community arts organization based in Granby.
For 22 years, she developed and led the organization, turning it into a model of inspiration for other communities. After mentoring a new generation to ensure the continuity of this youth-focused mission, she retired in 2023. Now a grandmother of four, she is eager to share her vast skills and expertise with all those who value the arts and human potential.