Are you a plein air artist, who would like to paint at a private Château as if you are in another era?
Are you a costumer who would like to share your passion with your community & the public, and be a muse for artists?
This is your invitation to join us for the inaugural
Belle Epoch en Plein Aire Fête!
May 26 - 28 2023
Experience
La Belle Epoch
Costumers are invited to come and share their passion for historic costumes of the Belle Epoch era (French fashion from 1875 - 1914). Enjoy the company of others with the same passion, create your own social media content in the château and its grounds, and be a muse for plein air painters. Costumes do not have to be 100% historically accurate - "in the spirit of" the Belle Epoch is great for this event.
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Gather each morning to help your cohort dress and make fit adjustments. Treadle sewing machines are available. During the day you may stroll the grounds, share a picnic, pose for an artist, have your likeness taken by a photographer using period appropriate equipment & processes, and enjoy the company of like-minded people.
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Celebrate the event with high tea served on Sunday afternoon in the château for everyone in costume (included in your entry fee).
En Plein Air
Artists are invited to create works in the great outdoors - "en plein air." Work on the château grounds or nearby in our pretty town of Saint-Germain-des-Pres. We will provide a map of some interesting spots to choose, or pick your own.
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Plus, connect with costumers to bring a new element to your works. Discuss with the attendees to decide what feels right for everyone. Scenic picnics, strolling or posing, it's up to you and the costumer to find the right inspiration.
Picnics & Luncheons
You are welcome to bring your own refreshments and picnic on the château grounds throughout the weekend.
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Picnic lunches provided by your hosts may be reserved at time of registration, or over email at least 3 days ahead of the event (don't worry, we'll remind you!). The prepared picnic lunches are $12 per person, and included the rental of a blanket for sitting & enjoying your picnic.
Receptions
Informal Friday
Join your hosts on Friday night for an informal reception to meet the other attendees, and make your plan for the weekend.
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A glass of wine & non-alcoholic beverages are included.
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Light snacks will be served.
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Dress is casual, whatever your painting or travelling clothes permit.
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Champagne Saturday
Saturday evening you are invited to a champagne reception at the château.
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We invite you to get in the spirit of the Belle Epoch, and wear fancy dress or formal wear, should you wish. Please dress to your comfort level.
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A glass of champagne and another beverage of your choice
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Light snacks.
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The receptions are included in your entry fee.
Show & Sale
The culmination of the artists’ efforts, ready to share and celebrate. In the château, there’s a buzz of excitement as people come in to view and buy the beautiful works the artists created over the last 3 days.
The château & grounds will be open to the public. As a visitor, you can meet the artists, discover a piece you can’t resist, vote for your favourite for the People’s Choice award, and just enjoy the show!
Program
Friday May 26, 2023
9am - 5pm: Check in at Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés, collect welcome package including local maps.
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9am - 2pm: Photo booth available for era-appropriate images by John Higginson using processes, cameras and lenses from around the 1870 -1900 era. A sitting fee is required, prices available on site.
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5 - 7pm: Aperitif and informal gathering for all to meet your hosts and fellow attendees.
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9pm: Artists, if you wish to leave your canvases in the château for the evening, please bring them in by 9pm.
Saturday May 27, 2023
8 - 10am:
Artists: Pick up your canvas(es) if you left them safely at the château.
Costumers: Meet for last minute fit adjustments, cooperative work for small changes.
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9am - 2pm: Photo booth available for era-appropriate images by John Higginson using processes, cameras and lenses from around the 1870 -1900 era. A sitting fee is required, prices available on site.
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6:30 - 8:30pm: Formal cocktail party for all at the château to celebrate your fellow attendees. Two drinks on the house; additional drinks for sale.
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9pm: Artists, if you wish to leave your canvases in the château for the evening, please bring them in by 9pm.
Sunday May 28, 2023
8 - 10am: Artists: Pick up your canvas(es) if you checked them in at the château.
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12:30 - 2pm: Costumers' high tea at the château.
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2pm - 5pm: Show and sale. Château & grounds open to the public.
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Registration
Complete the two steps below to register.
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Fill the form & click 'Register'.
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Complete the payment for the registration fee.
Registration fee: €50
Frequently Asked Questions
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What other lunch options are available?
Other lunch alternatives in the area include the Boulangerie Falco in Saint-Germain-des-Pres for bread, patisseries & a small selection of light fare, or a selection of cafes in Excideuil, 5km away.
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May I take my painting to continue work in my studio?
In the spirit of plein air, we'd like works to be begun & completed on the weekend. Canvases may stay in your care, or be left at the Château overnight, for pick up the next morning to continue work.
Still have questions? Please drop us a line. We'll do our best to reply in 48 hours.