06 Dec 2024 Artist of the Month: Susan L. Peterson – Two weeks at the Chateau

I spent two weeks living a dream last March. I participated in an art residency at the Chateau d’Orquevaux in France. Studio space was provided, delicious meals were served, and creative energy flowed from the 22 participants from six countries.

And to think I almost didn’t go.

The Château, located south of Paris in the small village of Orquevaux, is a private home. Since 2015 it has operated as an International Writers and Artists Residency Program, hosting visual artists, writers and musicians from around the world. Owner Ziggy Attias and artist Beulah van Rensburg open their doors with the mission of providing an international environment where artists can empower their creative spirits.

The concept of combining art and France appealed to me. I love all things French–the language, the food, the wine, all the people I have met. And since retirement, I have been creating art. I’ve explored painting in oils, acrylic and pastels. I also explore pottery and have created everything from bowls to magnets to wall sculptures.

The application was detailed, but I bravely sent it off, and in fall of 2023 I was accepted! But I was hesitant to choose a date, second guessing if it was the right thing to do. Traveling alone was not a problem. I questioned if the time and money would be worth it. After all, couldn’t I just paint at home? Mostly, I wondered if my work was good enough. I never responded.

A few months later I received another email asking if I was still interested. I wrote back and was noncommittal but told them to contact me again if there was a last-minute cancellation. 

Then I talked to my friend and fellow artist Marilyn Rishkofski. She lit up at the topic of a residency: “Oh, can you imagine how wonderful that would be to experience something like that?” she exclaimed. I felt a stab of regret. 

Then a few days later, there was a cancellation. It seemed fateful. I said yes and started making last-minute travel plans. 

On the morning of March 17th, several of us who chose to take the train from Paris met at the station with our suitcases loaded with clothing and supplies. Soon, we were whisked off on a speeding train south to Chaumont and then picked up by vans from the chateau.

As the entourage of writers and artists entered the village of Orquevaux, we got a glimpse of the chateau through the just-budding trees. We were not disappointed. Beulah and Ziggy, the owner and director, were on the steps to greet us, along with a few other artists who had already arrived.

We were given our room assignments and studio spaces and then reassembled a few hours later for wine and orientation. Beulah gave us a brief tour of the site. She reminded me of a Cheshire cat, but without any of the smugness. She appeared and disappeared magically, and knew answers to all our questions. And then the fun began.

We were told, “Do whatever you want; just don’t disturb others if you get up in the middle of the night. And, it’s ok if paint gets on the studio walls—just don’t paint them black.” In the basement, we toured the extensive wine cave that opened every evening at 6 p.m., the costume room burgeoning with colorful clothing, an art supply closet and the laundry.

Our days began with a breakfast of fruit and freshly made baguettes and croissants. The first days were spent organizing the studio space and exploring the hiking trails or strolling through town. I enjoyed conversing with some of the 75 local townsfolk in French. 

But mostly, we were getting to know each other.

At 6 p.m. we would gather in the sitting room, drinking wine and recounting our accomplishments for the day. The dinner bell would chime at 7 p.m., with Chef Marie presenting the menu in her best English, “And ’ere we have zee local beef with… .”

There was Naja, the only person I’ve met from Greenland. “There aren’t that many of us,” she quipped. There was the Israeli woman who left a prominent law position to explore dance and art. A young graphic artist from San Francisco introduced herself as a social worker and Mary Ann, who wrote of her daughter’s struggle with cancer.

We raided the costume room and dressed outlandishly for dinner, donning feathered hats, furs, capes and ball gowns. We roasted marshmallows over the fire pit under a full moon. We sang, played music and danced, and while the pond was a bit too chilly for a dip to me, that didn’t stop some of them.

Creativity abounded. There were 22 strangers from six countries, including another Arkansas artist, Bentonville’s Kellie Lehr, who was assigned the studio next to mine. I enjoyed watching her turn yards of material into stunning wall art.

Brandon conducted a “burning” of his work during the full moon, melting cellophane into glistening sculptures. Mark made large patterns that extended from the walls to the floor. Michal played music and had us put paint on the canvases that she then dispersed with her bare feet. Monet-like flowers adorned Sonal’s studio.

For two weeks we became a family living in a world of inspiration, imagination, and encouragement. I came home with several paintings, one of which is now hanging in my living room, and we each donated one work to the town of Orquevaux.

Our decisions direct the stories of our lives. Looking back, I don’t know why I hesitated to say yes to this experience. Now in my 73rd chapter of life, I hope to continue to say yes, to embrace new adventures and discover more about our wonderful world. 

Who knows what the next chapter will bring.

Susan’s paintings and/or pottery are available at Fig Modern on Front St. in Conway, The Showroom and Gallery 26 in Little Rock, and the North Central Arkansas Art Gallery in Fairfield Bay. She also sells directly at local art markets and events.