A gift you might say...
marketplace
Market near le Muguet

 

 

 

Much of my  enthusiasm for France is fueled by the way this country embraces the art of living well; an abundance of colorful markets which lend themselves to long slow fulfilling meals & conversation. This beauty is something I try to embody in each of my newsletters. In this issue I feature an award-winning local NY artist, Chris Kogut. Her travels have also taken her to France and Italy as well as to Burma. I hope you are moved by the way Chris has captured a forgotten people, still completely dominated by a lawless regime.

 

  Ginny

 

Chris Kogut orphan
Burmese orphan

 

Our sleepy burg of Canandaigua surprises us with

some welcome art events and it was at just such an opening at Finger Lakes Gallery and Frame that I was riveted by the work of Chris Kogut, a photographer from nearby Pittsford.  Wandering from one exhibit to the next, nursing a cool glass of Finger Lakes chardonnay, I found myself immensely drawn to the Burmese exhibit of Chris' photography.  "Burma desperately needs tourism money" Chris remarked and for this reason she donates the proceeds of her Burmese photography back to the people of Burma. 


 

From a distance of a few feet I sensed the playful juxtaposition of a shade of red fabric I could only describe as hauntingly richly red against an elaborate milky white façade of carved columns. Closer up, her title summarized it perfectly: "Monkeying Around"- Thirteen similarly attired boys, dressed in red robes, frolicking, playing, monkeying around. 


 

Oh to have a gallery of this journey to Burma gracing my office, where I could turn away from my computer screen and be transported to a place so very far away physically and spiritually. Later on I had a chance to speak directly to Chris about her impressions of this forgotten frontier and the upcoming Fall 2011 Burma tour they will lead.

 

 

Read on... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monkeying Around
Monkeying Around
 
Chris Kogut 2
Leap of Faith
 
 Fabulous France

 

  • PHOTO TOUR- enjoy visiting Fabulous France! 
  • FESTIVALS you won't want to miss this summer in Europe

Festival d'Avignon  If you're into theater and fine medieval towns, check out the Festival d'Avignon July 8-27.

Ghent Festival

 

If you're around Ghent mid-July, check out the Ghent Festival, the largest open air cultural and popular festival in Europe.  

 

L'Ardia di San Costantino

- Italy (Sardinia)

Also in early July, this Sardinian festival is fraught with danger and meaning for the locals, and a great picture-taking opportunity for tourists.

 

National Eisteddfod of Wales

From singing, reciting, and dancing to food and football, this is the biggest traveling folk festival in Europe. It all started in 1176. Late July to early August.

 

Edinburgh Festival

 

One of Europe's best known fine art festivals, mid August to early September.

 

 

Helsinki Festival

"Finnish and international performing and creative arts, while featuring artists, ensembles and exhibitions of the highest level." Mid August to early September.

 

 

Puck Fair - Ireland

Held without fail on 10th, 11th and 12th August every year with 12 hours of free family street entertainment including horse fair, parade and coronation ceremony of King Puck, open air night concerts, fireworks display, children's competitions, street entertainers and dancing displays.

 

 

Tomatina Festival

-Spain

The part of the fair and Parties of Buñol in late August, you get to pelt everyone with the excess of tomatoes that appear in August.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

group  It's easy to join our owner groups in southern France. Contact me to find out how to begin enjoying life, one delicious bite at a time... 
  
  
  

Ginny Blackwell
French Property Shares
(001) 585 905-0849

info@frenchpropertyshares.com