Crazy Fun May: Non-stop Exhibitions and Workshop Mayhem!

   

Above: all the posters from all the events in May

The month of May was unseasonably wet and cold and completely insane. Our big shindig was hosting a 8-night painting workshop with 6 hours daily of painting instruction for Frank's 10 students from the US, UK and Austria. He worked them so hard that they needed to be resuscitated with great food and wines from the region that we were happy to provide. Every night we had at least 18 around the table and I made some of my finest meals for all...but the sweetest reward was provided by the dessert team of Jorgie and her pal/artist Caitlin who excelled in making cheesecake, chocolate mousse and other delights. 

The artists painted "en plein air" and the locations couldn't have been more lovely....Ansouis, Bonnieux, Lacoste,  Lourmarin and in Rognes, at the artists' residence.  They painted all day at the Chateau St. Esteve de Neri in Ansouis where I delivered a gorgeous picnic onto the terrace of the estate where we  cleverly paired the vineyard's delish rosé.

The gang on top of Ansouis, a gorgeous village up high. 

Picnicking at the Chapel St. Marcellin in Rognes

Waiting for dinner at the Bastide du Fanny in Rognes

Drizzle chased artists under cover to paint this live model.

           

           

Frank giving a critique to his students before the concert

Gathering for the art exhibit and concert

Marie-Pierre Bout, piano, Jean-Christophe Selmi, violin
  

One "wall" of Frank's Expo at the Office of Tourism in Rognes

 

Behind the scenes:  Christine and I in the fridge on the big shopping spree at "Metro"

    Our hostess at the Bastide du Fanny, Marie-Pierre Bout, collaborated with us for an evening of art and music in which Frank's students displayed their work.   She played the piano accompanied by her friend, violinist Jean-Christophe Selmi to a crowd of 60+, many were their friends who brought desserts or wine from their vineyard for the after party. It was a fantastic event to end the workshop week.

    

Some of the goods...