Artists are individuals who show extraordinary talents in one or more fields of interest. Some find their talents anywhere from art to theatre to music. The artists of Tignish have shown that their talents can compete with individuals anywhere in the world. Some of the best known artists from Tignish include Alec Shea, Alma Buote and Benoit Poirier. Back to People

Alma Buote lived between the years 1894 and 1966. She is best known and loved for her artistic contributions; later in life, she became one of the directors of the"Tignish Arts Foundation." She became famous for her most remarkable work, "L'Acadienne," also called "La Dentellière," which appeared on the front cover of the specialized magazine, La Dentelle, published in Clermont-Ferrand, France.

Alma Buote was an accomplished women in many ways; not only was she an artist, she is also remembered as a writer, interior decorator, industrial designer, teacher and freelance journalist.

Alma lived in the Buote House in Tignish until her death in 1966. She bequeathed the home to the Tignish Co-op Association to be used for a doctor's office and residence. When the new Tignish Co-operative Medical Centre was built in 1974, the house was put up for sale. It was later purchased by Eugene and Anne Marie Perry in 1976. Mrs. Perry presently lives here with her daughter, Antoinette.

Alma passed away on Nov. 29, 1966. She was to be the last survivor of this remarkable lineage of the Buote family.

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Benôit Poirier lived between the years 1882 and 1965. The great-great- grandson of Tignish founder, Pierre Poirier dit la Grand 'Couette' Marie Chiasson, he is best known in his own right as an organist and composer of organ music. Initially inspired by the new church bell installed at St. Simon and St. Jude Church in Tignish in Oct. 1882, he would go on to play for 33 years at Montréal's prestigious Notre-Dame church. While in Montreal, he began an intensive period of composition, performances of many recitals and even radio programs. He later became the Vice- President of the Montréal Royal Conservatory where his legacy is still kept alive and well.

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James Alexander Shea (1903-1969) was born into a family known for its rich traditional musical heritage. Shea is best remembered for his observant, intelligent and fun-loving personality. At one time, he felt he had a calling to the priesthood, but this did not, however, materialize. Instead, he spent his life farming and fishing, delivering mail and also acting as a tailor's representative. Around 1930, Shea began composing his own lyrics based on traditional melodies. He wrote his own compositions rather than singing the old songs, from days-gone-by, that he learned from his father, another notable singer. The younger Shea started to draw attention when he wrote The Train Wreck song in February of 1932.

Over the years, Shea was best known for his song writing, particularly his satirical song writing, that made fun of both local and national politicians, as well as individuals who lived in the community. Often, his song writing was done in good humour; indeed, it was often an honour to be immortalized in song by Alec Shea. Shea's musical legacy still stands proud as a monument to his own ability, as well as to the heritage of those he satirized.

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