Here's what I have so far with recent changes:
UPDATED INFO!: This active French Pastel Assoc. has asked me to be their Guest of Honor with an exhibition of my work, along with theirs, and to do a workshop along the River Epte. I will also paint in Monet's Gardens in the evenings after the public has access.
Paris airport to Giverny is approx. 1 hour by car or train (from Paris Gare St Lazare station to Vernon station nearby)
The firm dates of our time in the town of Giverny are May 22-31. Ron and I arrive on Friday and are hosted by 4 FR Pastel Board members to a stay in a shared cottage through the 31st.
I immediately submit my 15-20 completed and matted (to their cm measurements!) pastel paintings to be popped into their waiting frames and installed for the exhibition. The exhibition hall is near the river Epte, in Giverny and will also feature their annual international pastel show that I am to help jury for awards. The exhibition opens on Saturday, May 23th, with an awards dinner to follow.
On Monday May 25th, there is a scheduled paint-out and demo along the river Epte, with the public invited to attend and bring their picnic & wine! Many artists will participate in this event and it must be big draw for the public according to a few photos they shared--sounds like fun!
ARTISTS: On Tues. & Wed., I will teach (w/ the help of a translator) a plein air workshop to a maximum of 12 pre-registered students (FR & US) near the exhibition hall, and this is restricted to only those registered. They loan plein air equipment, but pastels and paper are not provided. Cost per day is 65 Euro, 35 for 1/2 day, and a little more info is at the end of their schedule, which I've copied below. Registration is now up on their website: http://www.artdupastelenfrance.fr
Or you can email the secretary directly: [email protected]
NON-PAINTERS: If you're not interested in the workshop, these 2 days would be great for you to tour, bike or paint the area, gardens and villages surrounding. Artists may be painting all over the area!
Once the workshop ends, I am to do daily demos and will be somewhat free to tour/paint the area during the day from Thu to Sun., however I have special permission to paint IN the Gardens from 6-8 each evening Mon-Fri and I plan to take full advantage of the opportunity. At 8pm, I'll be ready to join everyone for dinner & wine!
The Pastel Board encouraged me to let my friends know that any lodging should be secured NOW, due to the large crowds in Giverny and Vernon (nearby) that time of year. Here are a few that my friends Marti & Terri found:
https://www.expedia.com/Hotel-Search?destination=Giverny%2C+Eure%2C+France&startDate=06%2F01%2F2020&endDate=06%2F
Ron & I are in "Printemps"at the Four Seasons, which offers these also: https://www.giverny.fr/en/tourism/accommodation/lodging/giverny-cottage-the-four-seasons/
From Terri Ford: "This is the Gite in Giverny…https://www.giverny.fr/en/tourism/accommodation/bed-and-breakfast/giverny-bed-and-breakfast-christine-et-stephan-cloos-ristich/
I think it was better than the pictures. The owner Christine is an artist and shares a gallery with another artist down the street from the Gite. This is at the other end of town from the exhibit and we had a car which was helpful when carrying paint gear, however I walked when I was hands free.
Another place in Giverny where someone in my workshop stayed is le Petite Giverny, a great little place with just 5 rooms, closer to the exhibit venue. It is owned by a charming couple and has a restaurant.https://le-petit-giverny.com/en-us
Tickets for Monet's Gardens should also be secured online sooner rather than later. Apparently, they have greatly restricted artists' access recently, so I feel very fortunate to have my request honored by the Foundation.
Below is a copy of the Art Du Pastel En France schedule, exactly as I received it:
GIVERNY 2020 INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION
During Giverny 2020 international Pastel exhibition, several special events linked to the Art of Pastel will be organized
at the location of the exhibition. A maximum of demonstrations will be provided.
Here under is the planning of some events (which can be updated)
Saturday, May 23, 2020 Opening of the exhibition – Art preview 6.30pm
Sunday, May 24, 2020 Possible demonstrations (excluding intervener)
Monday, May 25, 2020 Pastellists' Day on the banks of the Epte - Meeting with the public (plan your picnic) - "Demonstrations" by exhibitors
Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Workshop with Mrs Nancie King-Mertz (full day) Possible demonstrations (excluding intervener)
Wednesday, May 27, 2020 Workshop with Mrs Nancie King-Mertz (full day) Possible demonstrations (excluding intervener)
Thursday, May 28, 2020 Possible demonstrations (excluding intervener)
Friday, May 29, 2020 Possible demonstrations (excluding intervener)
Saturday, May 30, 2020 Possible demonstrations (excluding intervener)
Sunday, May 31 , 2020 Demonstrations by selected exhibitors
Withdrawl of art works at 6pm and closure of the exhibition
Workshops :
Workshops are organized depending on public's application following a list of intervening people presented during the
pastel exhibition. These workshops are open to all (minimum 5 persons) and will take place by half or full days, in the
open if weather permits, otherwise under a tent close to the exhibition room.
Inscriptions are accounted, by mail , by e-mail ([email protected] ), or at the exhibition room. It is
wise to book one's space, by sending a €20 check (or Paypal) to the account of Art du pastel en France. This check is
given back during the workshop (in case of withdrawal, it is meant to compensate the teacher). Payment must be sent
to :
Tresorerie d'Art du Pastel en France
Chemin des carrières – Callac 56420 PLUMELEC – FRANCE
Equipment can be lent.
Costs of workshops are : € 65 (full day), and € 35 (½ day).
The Association takes care of a €10 flat fee on the cost of workshops for APF members that have their memberships up
to date. (Public can not attend workshops, those are only intended for registered people)
Demonstrations : are opened to the public and do not require registration. They are free.
Note : « Pastellists' day » can be considered as a day of open demonstration : painting in the open on the shores of the
l'Epte
OUR LOOSE SCHEDULE: Ron and I will spend 3 days in Paris (May 16-19 in Duquesne Eiffel Hotel) so that I can paint some cityscapes there, and will research cities between Paris & Giverny to for painting/lodging along the way. The French pastel Society prefers that I exhibit cityscapes since my selection as their Guest of Honor is due to my depiction of cities--an unusual subject for the pastel medium. Our location & itinerary prior to Giverny is vague at this point, but I will need to make a plan soon because of the work required for the exhibition. The region we will be in is Normandy and offers interesting cities and architecture that could provide inspiration for some of my final pieces for the exhibit. If anyone has suggestions, they are welcome!
Ron and I will have a car, and he should be available to "hang out" while I paint during the day, both as we make our way to Giverny, and once we're there. Our stay after is very limited, as my June workshops begin on the 8th in the States.
If I get more information that is helpful to you for planning your trip, I'll be sure to share!
