Letter from The Artist B.Gilbert Dionne

“The master of the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he is always doing both.” James A. Michener. 

What a way to live, to feel that work and play are one. I do not consider myself a master, but when I am painting I feel that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing, and that feeling is embraced with a deep sense of gratitude. I believe that is what doing both feels like. I get what James Michener meant, and I wish that for everyone. 

I have been painting, showing and selling my work for over thirty years. My husband, Gene and I owned and operated Dionne’s French Country Restaurant in Momence IL for thirty years. The walls of the restaurant were my Gallery during that time. Gene’s French Country cuisine attracted appreciators of good food and wine, and our restaurant guests also shared an appreciation of art. Many of our local customers brought out of town friends and family in for dinner. As a result, I have art collectors from across the country. I am thankful for each and every one. The building, since we have retired the restaurant, is now Dionne’s Gallery. 

Our home and my studio are on the south bank of the Kankakee River in Momence, IL. The river is a constant inspiration for my work, as is my garden, the farmer’s fields, the prairie grasses, the ditches, the moon, the stars and the sun. The Midwest is in my heart and soul; I love living here with the change of the seasons. My paintings are an expression of that love, they are the song of my life. 

Please contact me for private showings at the Gallery, or with any questions you may have about the paintings. I look forward to meeting you and sharing with you my life’s work. Every November I have an art show at the Gallery. I would love to send you an invitation. 

Each painting is beautifully framed and ready to inspire the space of your home or business. 

Peace, Joy and Happiness,
B. Gilbert Dionne  
Bette