As Proctor's European Art Classroom Winter 2024-2025 program comes to a close, students share their final reflections on a term studying in Aix-en-Provence, France. Over the past eight weeks, they have lived together and studied art history, literature, and the French language while experiencing daily life in southern France. From painting en plein air on the Mediterranean coast to exploring museums in Paris, Madrid, and Florence, students have immersed themselves in both creating and appreciating art. The group has balanced studio art with cultural experiences – cooking meals together, sketching in local cafés, and discovering the beauty in both famous masterpieces and their everyday surroundings. Each student shares below their memorable moments, new perspectives, and insights that have shaped their European Art Classroom experience, accompanied by a favorite photo from the term.
Elsa ’25
This was an educational experience filled with laughter, tears, and love! I never imagined that right after finishing my college supplemental essays on January 1st, I’d be painting plein air at Tête on January 2nd – even if I was half-asleep and half-awake. It was an opportunity that taught me so much: from the legendary stories of Paul Cézanne and various art movements, to adding darker tones to my paintings, and even ordering freshly squeezed orange juice in French. I absorbed endless knowledge. I also went through so many experiences, from initially feeling awkward pulling out my carnet de voyage in restaurants to now sketching everything I see anytime, anywhere – even skipping shopping in Italy to sketch at a café. I’ve changed immensely and learned to truly live in the moment. If Ocean Classroom forced me to embrace being present, then European Art Classroom taught me to spontaneously cherish the now and appreciate everything around me. I’ve also grown to better understand how to admire great artwork and express my own emotions through them. Finally, thank you, Jen and Dave, for giving – and providing – us with the greatest opportunity ever!
Milo ’25
These past two months have been an incredible, eye-opening experience into European culture and art history – something I never imagined having the opportunity to experience at such a young age.
Before this journey, making or appreciating art was never something I adored. I always felt shy and worried about what others thought. But all of a sudden, in week three, everything just clicked. What we were learning started to make sense. As Dave would say, “You are the god of this painting and what you create.” From that moment on, European Art Classroom changed my perspective on creating art with confidence and freedom.
From exploring Roman ruins in Arles, admiring churches and cathedrals that are over 600 years old (admiring in awe at the precision it takes for every brick to fit perfectly), painting on the rocks in Cassis, experiencing Flamenco dancing in Madrid, to savoring amazingly rich steak and pasta in Florence, learning about the world’s most famous museums, artists, and artwork has been both incredible and life-changing.
This unforgettable experience wouldn’t have been possible without my all-star mother, who has supported me every step of the way. I’m also thankful for Melanie Maness and Peter Southworth, my two advisors throughout my Proctor career, for their wisdom and guidance. Thank you to Dave and Jen for hosting and crafting this experience, making it personal and meaningful for everyone fortunate enough to take part. LLPM.
Lily ’25
What a fantastic term it has been on European Art Classroom! As I prepare to journey back home tomorrow, I am reflecting on how incredible my experience has been for these past two months.
Just yesterday, we returned from Florence, Italy, my personal favorite trip. Florence’s vibrant architecture, spectacular food, energetic culture, and fantastic art history made it a trip to remember.
My favorite memory this term was our first excursion to Cassis, one of France’s many amazing coastal towns. While in Cassis, we had a spectacular picnic upon a rocky cliff, painted our stunning view from said cliff, and followed that with a refreshing jump into the Mediterranean. This day was inimitable. The combination of perfect weather, delicious food, painting en plein air, and the Mediterranean Sea was gorgeous, relaxing, and unlike any other experience I have had.
Overall, this was a term to remember with incredible views, memories, art, and so much more! Thank you to Jen, Dave, my family, and the whole Proctor community for creating this opportunity!
Seth ’25
When I applied to Proctor, never in a million years would I have guessed that I would end up studying art in France. I’m dysgraphic, and I have always struggled with my pen to paper skills. I also had never seen myself as an artist. I applied to Euro because I was interested in traveling through Europe and learning about Art History. What I didn’t expect was that I would experience such a dramatic improvement in my ability to paint and sketch. As the term flew by, my eyes became more attuned to seeing values and perspective. With each passing day I grew more and more inspired by the art I was seeing and learning about. By the end of the term, I was left with a sense of immense gratitude and pride. I want to give a special Thanks to Dave and Jen for facilitating this amazing experience and supporting me every step of the way. I also want to thank my parents and Alan McIntyre for helping me to get where I am today.
Bella ’25
Looking back over these last eight weeks, I can’t help but feel incredibly grateful for everything I’ve learned about art, history, and, most importantly, about myself. It’s been a journey of growth and discovery, both in terms of the skills I’ve developed and the new perspectives I’ve gained. One of my absolute favorite memories was our last outing to the Mediterranean Sea, more specifically Cassis, where I had the chance to not only immerse myself in the breathtaking beauty of coastal France. It was a moment of pure joy, being surrounded by a great group of people and the sea.
Beyond the art lessons, our trips to Paris, Madrid, and Florence were eye-opening in their own unique ways. Each city had its own distinct vibe, history, and cultural richness that made exploring them so memorable. Paris was everything I had imagined – alive with art and history around every corner. I’ll never forget wandering through the Louvre, standing in awe of the Mona Lisa, or sitting in a café watching the world go by. Madrid had an energy that was infectious – the vibrant street life, the architecture, and of course, the food. Then there was Florence, a city where history feels almost tangible in every building and cobblestone. The Renaissance art and architecture were truly beautiful, and standing in front of Michelangelo’s David was a humbling moment, in my attempt of drawing the statue. Each city brought something new to the table, not just in terms of art and history but in how they each reflected different lifestyles, traditions, and ways of living.
These experiences, these cities, and the people have all had a profound impact on me. Not only have I learned more about art and the history of these incredible places, but I’ve also come to understand more about who I am.
Emma ’25
Wow, what a past two months it has been! From wandering the lively streets of Paris in the rain to plein-air painting the Mediterranean Sea after a delicious seaside picnic on the rocks, all of our experiences on European Art Classroom are sure not to be forgotten.
The unique opportunity to visit Paris, Madrid, and Florence and immerse ourselves in the art, history, and cultures of France, Spain, and Italy while simultaneously making ourselves at home in the beautiful town of Aix-en-Provence has been truly special. Whether it was having Literature class with Jen in Le Festival, sketching in our carnets as a group in our favorite cafe, Book and Bar, or setting up our easels with Dave to capture (with our best efforts) the beauty around us and then quickly rushing home to make a home-cooked traditional French meal, each moment quickly bonded us as a group.
As I reflect on these past eight weeks, I am filled with immense gratitude for this incredible experience and for Dave and Jen, who do so much to make European Art Classroom the best possible experience for each individual. The connections I have built, the confidence I have grown, and the lessons I have learned throughout this whole experience will be treasured, and I will always be thankful for how much this program has helped me grow not only as an artist but as an individual as well.
Paige ’25
These past two months have been crazy but in the best way possible. I mean, who knew that on a random Wednesday night, I would play a game of basketball with random strangers in Florence? I sure as heck didn’t at the time, but I’m so glad I did! Not only have I grown as an artist but also as a person. I’ve been able to take steps forward in overcoming personal challenges during my time here. I know I’ve definitely come a long way from when I first came to Proctor to where I am now, and I couldn’t be more grateful for everyone who supported and believed in me. I know for years to come, I will look back at the photos and the artwork, and I will remember this as one of the coolest experiences of my life. The memories I’ve made on this trip are irreplaceable, and so are the life lessons I’ve learned. It’s an odd feeling knowing that I’ll never be back in that house with the same people ever again or visit certain places, but I’m glad that I even got the chance to do so.
View More Photos From European Art Classroom 2025!
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