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2010 AUVILLAR WORKSHOPS
Enjoy lush and rolling Gascony, the region of France known for its superb Armagnac brandy and excellent wine cellars; its fine dining, beautiful countryside and contented people. Gascony is a delightful, green land of sleepy, fortified hilltop villages, or bastides, that date from the 13th century when the region was fought over for a hundred years by the English and the French. In addition to its gorgeous countryside, the region offers some of the finest examples of medieval and Renaissance architecture in all of France. Ancient priories, castles, and monasteries stud Gascony's vineyards, sunflower fields and gorges. –Sara Taber, VCCA Fellow
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O TASTE AND SEE: WRITING THE SENSES IN DEEP FRANCE
This is a writing workshop with emphasis (but not limited to) poetry writing, in which we invite language to help us celebrate the sensory joys of being in Southwest France. The workshop is entering its second season: both returning students and new students are welcome to join and to deepen their work. We are located in the village of Auvillar, one of the "most beautiful villages in France," where food is fresh and delicious, the scenery is vibrant and the light changes hundreds of times each day. The Garonne River courses by and offers its own poetry. The 13th century walls, built on Roman ruins, evoke history at every turn. Click for more information. And click here to read Marilyn's blog, all about her first season in Auvillar, at Red Room.
Right: Photo by Karen Bell
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FROM STORYTELLING TO STORY SELLING
The magical light and serenity of Auvillar, one of France’s most beautiful villages, is an ideal haven for writers, one that is both inspiring and exhilarating. In this workshop for fiction and nonfiction writers, we will explore the demands of storytelling—finding a voice, a form, and a publisher for your work—as we explore the French countryside, dining in local restaurants, shopping in open-air markets, and immersing ourselves in contemporary village life amid the reminders of a medieval past. The instructors will provide individual attention to both the stories you bring with you and the many new stories that will be inspired by the sights, sounds, and scents of Southwest France. Click for more information.
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PAINTING IN SOUTHWEST FRANCE
Participants will explore the quaint village of Auvillar, one of France’s 100 most beautiful villages, its surrounding fields, riverbanks, and vineyards while painting, sketching and photographing en plein air. Field trips to locations that demand an artist’s attention include the nearby villages of St. Cirq Lapopie and Moissac, plus the lively local market. We will learn the ancient art of making pigment from woad and view works created 20,000 years ago at the caves of Pech Merl. There will be ample studio time as well as one-on-one work with the instructor. In the evenings, we will meet for a friendly critique over aperitifs, followed by a group dinner. This workshop is suited for any level and medium. Click here for more information.
Right: Photo by John Alexander |
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WRITING EN PLEIN AIR
The charm of the village of Auvillar will inspire your work--novels, short stories, memoir, and creative nonfiction. In addition to daily writing workshops, you will experience improvisational exercises and the joys of writing en plein air--in the outdoors. You will work alongside visual artists and create new work inspired by field trips to St. Cirq Lapopie and Moissac, the lively local market, and the ancient caves of Pech Merl. Click here for more information. |
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