As spring finally arrives here in Andover, our European Art Classroom group has been enjoying wonderful weather, beautiful landscapes, and learning to live in community in the south of France. Read more about the first two weeks of European Art Classroom through the eyes of Rose ‘24 and Winifred ‘24!
Rose '24
With the honor of writing the first blog post of the season, I have the pleasure of introducing this Spring’s Euro group through our adventures and artistic endeavors. Upon our arrival, it was Dave who had the opportunity to pick up eight hungry and sleep-deprived high school students from the Marseille airport. Nevertheless, our excitement and optimism were not forgone. As we approached the house, we were awestruck at the sight of its mountainous surroundings. Jen stood outside to welcome us to what we will call home for the next two months.
Our first day in town was a market day, so there was a tremendous crowd of people as we aimed to familiarize ourselves with the city of Aix-en-Provence. In terms of school, the schedule is pretty sweet. Jen teaches our literature class in a cafe called “Le Festival”. Art, History, and French are held in the comfort of our home. However, the beauty of European Art Classroom is that we never stop learning. Aix-en-Provence is its own historical art piece, and we are lucky enough to have it at our fingertips. Furthermore, the excursions we have with Dave are once-in-a-lifetime experiences that teach us so much.
As a group, we each have our differences. This makes us stronger collectively as we help each other out. Many of us faced immediate intimidation, whether from the art, having to speak French, or being in an unfamiliar environment. However, it helps to have such a good group of friends there for encouragement. After just one week, I greatly appreciate this little group of people and the experiences we share.
Winifred '24
As the Euro Spring 2024 group continues to travel in and around Provence, France, and other countries in Europe our group has enjoyed a ton of art and fairytale scenes. The past couple of days have been filled with history, art, and a lot of laughs. Exploring new places Van Gogh for example had once painted and lived in during his time here has made everyone curious about other new places. How, after many years, can Proctor students stand in the very same place as a historical painter once stood, creating incredible artwork and finding words to describe it?
As we visited Van Gogh’s hospital he stayed in towards the end of his life, inspiration flowed as we began our 2nd Plein Air paintings. Everyone focused on various parts of the hospital, the buildings, the flower gardens and the landscape. To try and capture the day’s adventure though didn't go according to plan for the group. Overall success with our first paintings at Monique Curto’s house set high expectations for our second Plein Air painting.
Monique's house was covered with brilliant paintings and antiques that awed all of us. One of the most charming and kind souls all of us could have hoped to meet. She was a true highlight for every one of us this week. Fun planned picnics and home-cooked meals added to the European Art Classroom experience!
Aix, our town, is still being explored by us, and more gems are being found within the city every time we are there. New favorite restaurants and shops pop up and we all wish to revisit when the time comes. However, the Euro group soon travels to Vienna, Austria for the week. We will enter new lands with grand art museums, attend performances, experience culture, and lifestyles. Embarking each day onto finding new places and with new learning! Fun adventures and art await us. Lots of love from Euro Spring 2024!
Check out more photos from European Art Classroom on Flickr!
- European Art Classroom
- Off-Campus Program