The Aylmer Arts Council was born in 1955 when the late Marjorie Fortey (nee Lusk), an intrepid artist, opened her doors to other artists in the area. Suddenly, a world of possibilities was opened to women on a quest for creativity. Their meetings, workshops and other adventures made headlines.

In 1964, under the direction of Robert Hyndman, portrait artist and renowned professor, the Association of Aylmer and Surrounding Areas was founded. At the time, the Association had six committees, each with its own director: music, painting, theatre, dance, literature and fine crafts.

Joan Wright was the first president of the Association. Courses were offered to both adults and children in the community.

A.Y. Jackson, of the Group of Seven, hosted the first Arts Festival held at Aylmer's City Hall in 1964.

In the years that followed, other important figures in the arts, such as Henri Masson, Arthur Price and Michael Pantazzi were involved in various Association shows.

In 1967 The Association inaugurated the Centenary Ball, hosted by the Lieutenant Governor of Québec, Monsieur Hugues Lapointe. This cultural entertainment made history and was greatly appreciated by the citizens of the community at the time.

At the opening of 10th Annual Aylmer-Lucerne Arts Festival in 1974, president Helen Peach and founding member Mary Howell announced that the Association was developing a Historical Society. The Society held its first meeting on September 10, 1974 and became a driving force for the preservation of Old Aylmer.

In 1978, the Association incorporated and became the non-profit organization known as the Aylmer Arts Council.

In the nineties, thanks to the efforts of its members and its leadership - Mrs. Hétu, the Council gave Aylmer it's first Cultural policy. Now, Aylmer is a sector of the City of Gatineau and with the new city's help, the Council is still evolving and pursuing its mandate of promoting arts and culture in the community and surrounding areas.

Marjorie Fortey (nee Lusk) was the mother of the Arts Association of Aylmer and Surrounding Areas, since renamed the Aylmer Arts Council. A graduate of the Ontario College of Art, she won many awards and mentions, such as those of the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour in Toronto. Thanks to her generosity and kindness, the Council enjoyed a richly artistic debut.

Joan Wright orchestrated the founding of the Aylmer Arts Association as its first president. She also developed the first municipal library in Aylmer, to the great benefit of the children and other citizens in the region.

Robert Hyndman, portraitist and well-known professor, was the artist who formalized the Arts Association of Aylmer and Surrounding Areas.
Alice O'Gorman, the second president of the Association, witnessed a great number of artists joining the Association as members. The Centenary Ball was held during her presidency and many citizens felt it was the premier event of the Centenary festivities.

Shirley Van Dusen, a graduate of the Ontario College of Art and renowned portrait artist, has had the opportunity to paint the families of John Diefenbaker and Brian Mulroney. She is also the mother of seven children, and during her three-year tenure as president she played a key role in coordinating arts courses for children. Mrs. Van Dusen is still a member of many organizations in the area and paints in her studio in Ottawa.

Mary Howell was keenly interested in architecture and passionate about the preservation of Aylmer's culture. She was the driving force behind the creation of the Aylmer Heritage Association.

Pauline Faithfull, a graduate of the Guilford School of the Arts in Surrey, England, was also for many years the Association's Painting Coordinator. Her commission depicting the community's historical buildings was appreciated by both the citizens and by the Aylmer Heritage Association.