Beauxarts Heritage Art Gallery stands for the finest artworks and quality services through better prices and customer value. The gallery is founded and run by Haitian impressionist Andre L'abbe.

Biography

Monsieur Andre L'abbe was born on January 20, 1950, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

After his classical schooling, Andre began studying drawing, watercolor and painting at the atelier Maitre Dieudonne Cedor in the year 1969.

During his studies he worked with his friend Emmanuel Pierre Charles, who was also his drawing and painting instructor. At the end of nine months, Emmanuel Pierre Charles enrolled Monsieur L’abbe at the Academy of Fine Arts of Haiti, where he spent three years doing drawing, portraits, watercolor and painting.

By 1971, L’abbe had become an excellent portrait artist, a resounding success at watercolor and a master of contemporary impressionist painting. His fine talents were widely appreciated and sought after by both Haitians and those abroad. At the end of 1971, L’abbe, along with a group of other Haitian artists, took part in an exposition at the Kiosk Oxyde Jeanty, which enjoyed a huge success by all participants.

The year 1975 proved to be a flourishing period for the Haitian arts. Monsieur Georges Nader then organized an exposition in view of unveiling the work of Jacques Roumain, “il s’agit, Gouverneurs De La Rosee” (Concerning Governors of the Dew). In this exposition Monsieur L’abbe presented his work,”L’endroit ou Manuel Trouva de L’eau” (The Place Where Manuel Found Water). During the course of the following years, a grand master of Haitian painting, Nehemy Jean, aided L’abbe considerably along artistic and cultural lines.

In 1977, Monsieur L’abbe made a visit to Mexico City to study the cultural aspects of Mexican friends, and to pursue a study in living portraits. Around the year 1980, however, a period of artistic decadence set in. In order to fill this void, Andre commenced invaluable studies at the French Institute of Haiti; at the end of the year 1985 he was graduated from this institution.

During the year 1985, Mr. Ludovic Louidhon became interested in Andre L’abbe’s works. Mr. Ludovic Louidhon then arranged a painting exposition for L'abbe in Miami, Florida; accompanying also, were two other Haitian artists, Louines Mentor and Frantz Charles. This exposition also enjoyed a huge success and gained international recognition. In fact, the paintings of L’abbe caused the subject of nature to become more alluring and fascinating.

From the year 1988 onward, Andre L’abbe commenced making trips to the United States for the purpose of broadening his horizons.

From 1990 to 1992, L’abbe realized murals for different churches in Immokalee, Florida. The Naples Daily News wrote an article on Andre, and PBS (Public Broadcasting Station) Television also presented his works to the public in a television documentary entitled “CULTURAL TIES”.

August, 1992 the Griffin Gallery, also known as the American Center for Haitian Art, presented an exposition of many of L’abbe’s paintings.

November, 1992, the Mayor of Ft. Myers hosted “Arts in the Air”, a fine arts exhibition of paintings, sculptures and graphic art. L’abbe’s “Celebration” won a second place award from the Ft. Myers Chamber of Commerce in this annual juried art show.

February, 1993, the Lee County Alliance of the Arts/William R. Frizzel Cultural Center presented an art exhibition in honor of “Black History Month”, where L’abbe exhibited his pieces reflecting “Folkloric Haitian Dance”.

The Galleria at Fantasy Island of Sanibel also honored L’abbe and his works at a reception and art display.

May, 1993, the Oak Creek Gallery of Bonita Springs presented an exposition and lecture of Haitian art, sculpture, crafts and metal artwork organized by Alan and Diane Palmer of Naples. L’abbe demonstrated his acrylic and watercolor techniques, all of which were covered by the Bonita Banner and Ft. Myers New Press (Naples Edition).

July, 1993, the Island Reporter of Sanibel interviewed L’abbe regarding his life, work and the political situation of Haiti. The article was also printed by the Ft. Myers Observer and Cape Coral Daily Breeze entitled “Such Memories of Homeland Bring Life Into the Paint Brush of An Haitian Artist”.

Since 1993, L’abbe’s works have been exhibited in various Southwest Florida galleries, i.e. The Lady from Haiti, Fifth Ave., Naples; Shirley Allen, Black Orchid Art Gallery and the Matsumoto Gallery on Sanibel Island.

Very recently, L’abbe has been involved in serious study of Small Business Administration.

Being an artist for over 36 years, L’abbe works in many media: pen and ink, water color, acrylic and oil; his favorite subject being marketplace and landscape.

L’abbe's exceptional talent continues to provide joy and happiness to his admirers who see him as a master of contemporary painting.