Médard Bourgault (1897-1967)

Born in 1897 in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, Médard Bourgault became, over the course of time, a famous woodcarver whose reputation soon surpassed the borders of Quebec. After finishing his studies, he turned sailor and traveled the seas of the world, before returning to his home town during the 20's to work in his father's joinery woodwork. After a dozen years spent studying wood sculpture, he decided to devote himself to this art around 1928.

His works, inspired by both regional and religious art, sold well, and his customers seemed satisfied. But Bourgault, like the modest man he was, doubted his talent. In 1931, he opened a studio with his brother Jean-Julien, likewise a joiner and sculptor. Their brother André next joined them. Together, they were to contribute to the fame of the small community of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli as the Mecca of wood sculpture.