Celebrating an artist and an entrepreneur

MacLeod dedicated his catalog — The Lachine Canal: Past and Present, A Tribute to Peter McAuslan — to the brewery’s founder, who supported him throughout his career, purchasing his works and providing studio space. MacLeod developed his Lachine Canal series of paintings while an artist in residence at McAuslan Brewing, working in its visitors’ centre, now the Annexe St-Ambroise, from 2004 to 2008.

“Peter was an independent entrepreneur and I admired that. He was a model to all of us trying to make a living at what we love,” he says.

McAuslan had been brewing his own beer for decades when he and his wife, Ellen Bounsall, founded McAuslan Brewing in 1988.

The microbrewery came to be known for its award-winning St-Ambroise and Griffon brands. In 2013, McAuslan and Bounsall sold the brewery to Les Brasseurs RJ.

“Peter has been a bit of a father figure to me,” says MacLeod, who lost both his parents when he was still a child. “He is a very frank and agreeable man, who’ll always give honest advice.”

MacLeod has made his way as a painter and photographer, musician and film director. His work is featured in many permanent collections, including that of the National Gallery of Canada.

“I was always impressed with Scott,” says McAuslan. “Artists have to be entrepreneurs, too. It’s a hard way to make a living, and Scott was taking risks and getting out there.”

The arts and community have always been a part of McAuslan Brewing. As president and CEO of the company, McAuslan supported many non-profit organizations, such as St. Andrew’s Society of Montreal, the Empress cultural centre and the Montreal Fringe Theatre Festival.