Springing Out with Network Provence 

April has been a banner month within the links of Network Provence, proving once again that connection is so vital.  

The first meeting in February at our new location in Cafe de la Gare, Bonnieux, prompted a fortuitous collaboration between gallery owner Miriam Hartmann of Gallerie Á in Aix-en-Provence and several Network Provence artists. This culminated in a special exhibition of 5 women at the beautiful Gallery A. Janice Jacquet, Lynn Rousseau, Raina Stinson, Claire Wyldbore and host Miriam for a pop-up showing of their works in paints, textiles and photography. It was such a show of the talent pool available through NP. The openness of networking afforded such a nuanced exchange between creatives participating and observing. Provence is, of course, a very recognized hub for visual arts, so it is wonderful to watch the links made among so many talented women who might not otherwise have met each other. 

 

 

Next, a few of us were fortunate to celebrate our fearless leader’s birthday, Rebecca Ronane. Many happy returns, Rebecca, and gratitude for bringing this group to fruition! 

Last week, we were back at Cafe de La Gare with some new members for an excellent presentation by Raina about Mindfulness in Photography. If you get an opportunity to take one of Raina’s workshops, it is a brilliant way to learn photography tips and new ways to connect with all five senses to the world we make pictures of. 

Afterwards, we all went along to Maison Victoire for the April midi sage event for Aurelie Rocher(sculpture) and Hans Silvestre (photographer), where we were able to view more amazing art and share a social moment with other NP members as well as meet new friends. It’s admirable how Network Provence member and Maison Victoire founder Victoria Templeman uses her space to promote arts and culture in the Luberon and create a convivial meeting point for many of her customers and acquaintances. We are fortunate to be able to gather and share such a powerful feeling of community. 

What exciting opportunities lie ahead for Network Provence? Keep an eye on your newsletters and social pages, as both May and June are packed with events that you won’t want to miss. Check out the events list HERE. 

Furthermore, if you are a member of Network Provence, remember to use the Facebook group to let people know what you are up to regarding businesses, projects, art expositions, and more. Over 1,000 readers will see your posts, so get the most out of being a member! The whole point of networking is to promote yourself alongside like-minded creatives and professionals, to make connections, and to find collaborative outlets. 

I am looking forward to seeing you soon. 

Maryna Fontenoy for Network Provence

Two Top Places to Discover In Provence

The past few days have positively swirled with Network Provence energy, and two major events have shown the actual value of connections made through our network, with upward spirals of collaborations in play all over the place.  

On Thursday evening, Ruth Ribeaucourt of Faire Press and founder of Mira Menerbes and Faire Residency hosted a book launch for her formidable collaboration on the Antoinette Poisson “A Year In the French Style” Interiors and Entertaining with Jean-Baptiste Martin and Vincent Farelly. This book, the papeteries and fabrics alongside as well as all the Antoinette and Poisson accessories, are heart-stoppingly beautiful, of course, but also unique and far away from the “look” we usually are served as French style, while all at once presenting such a marriage of antiquities and glorious colours and design of right now. Ruth captures magic in photographs and sends it straight to hearts like no other. The words, the images and the glimpse into the possibilities of their collaborative book are jaw-dropping.

They may become a bible of striving towards the ultimate beauty of living a French-styled life. The celebration at Mira was sublime, with sponsorship by Victoria at Maison Victoire to provide wine from Racines in Bonnieux, served up by Jess and Pierre with mini-lessons about their delectable vintages on offer. We had a sumptuous table of treats from the authors themselves. Many women of Network Provence were present, and the sparkling community of creatives and connoisseurs were an absolute delight. You can visit Mira Menerbes to see the world of Antoinette Poisson until November 26th. 

Following this on Friday, we met again at the vernissage of Janice Jaquet‘s exhibition “Landscapes in Chromatic Abstract” Ode To Provence, at Le St Hubert in Saint-Saturnin les Apt. Long-time member Janice presented her beautifully executed, ethereal and dreamlike paintings that graced every wall of the restaurant. The canvases in this collection represent Provence’s skyscapes, landscapes, and colours, echoing the rich glow of light that causes the viewer to see in paint the views we imagine we are looking at in the dawns and golden hours, which nature treats us to here. The turnout of guests was formidable, and the only negative was the brevity of time allowed before the restaurant hosted a private dinner with the artist. Again, many of the audience were NP ladies, always an inspiring mix of personalities and talents. One could have spoken for hours with all the guests; however, time was limited as we were seated to enjoy a delightful meal inspired by Janice’s Caribbean, Indian and Scottish heritage. St. Hubert did a fantastic job interpreting this fusion to make the meal delicious. Ode to Provence will be showing at Le St Hubert through December 24th. As Lise has recently announced new hours (and menus!), we highly recommend visiting to view Janice’s heavenly paintings and experience the restaurant’s hospitality.

We are fortunate to have this community and these outings to meet our fellow Provence lovers in person. Even at such high-profile events, it is certain that you will feel not only inspired but included with Network Provence. Of course, not everyone can attend the daytime meetings, but going out together allows us to speak, dream up future collaborations, and see what is happening in the region.

By Maryna Fontenoy for Network Provence

A Celebration of Artists in Provence

A Celebration of Artists in Provence

Saturday Network Provence was privileged to join Nicky Ginsburg at her NG Art Creative Residency to celebrate the artists who have passed there this year working on their creative endeavours. If you’ve never been to the Moulin de Gréoux, it is a work of art in itself and well worth a visit while you can view the current exhibitions, which are up through October 15th.
A presentation of the Malaika Foundation took place, which helps support street kids in Nairobi. This project is just one of the charitable organizations NG Art Creative Residency supports. There were also sumptuous tables heavy with fruits and planchas of cheese, meat, and delicious comestibles cooked up by Nicky and her team. Wine flowed, music charmed, and with over 50 artists working on the show, it was a very interactive evening.
We were thrilled to see four works by Janice Jacquet of Network Provence on display and look forward to seeing more at her upcoming Luberon exhibitions.

It was a starry night indeed, and what a beautiful place to enjoy great art and company.

By Maryna Fontenoy for Network Provence