« Artists in the gardens is one of the most interesting cultural options in the streets of the Alouette district… Puits de Roulle, Appy, Cottages, Belvédère, Einstein and Neuf de Pissevin. Madeleine Sallès, president of the neighborhood committee, talks about this special weekend. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., again this Sunday, May 22.
For Madeleine Sallès, these days are a meeting place, a moment of happiness for the district. ” I had seen about the same thing in the Planet district but it was a bit amateurish. I have a nursery in the Chemin du Puit de Roulle with the photographer Jacques Rouquette, Francine Millet visual artist and photographerthe Puits de Roulle publishing house, ToffyChristiane Pagès who is a photographer, even Jean-Baptiste Hugo, Victor’s great-great-grandson… And I have been immersed in culture since my first diapers because my father was a friend of Antoine de Saint- Exupéry, they went to school together and lived together until 1940 when he left for the USA. “A fertile ground for a welcoming ground.
The Artists in the Gardens event begins in 2018. This is the fourth edition because the Covid has taken one hostage. ” During the first two years we were confined to the only Chemin du Puits de Roulle but as the inhabitants themselves had a network of artists, we grew a little more each year. Last year during the election period, we even had all the elected officials when they ignored us before… Sophie Roulle was happy and offered me a partnership. This year I even have a photographer who comes from Ghent in Belgium so we are also internationally Chez Jacques Rouquette also there are people who come from outside! »
This year, around fifty artists are gathered in eight gardens. Painters, sculptors, ceramists, photographers… And the gardens are magnificent! Really, take a few hours of your precious time to visit these havens of peace enhanced with works of art.
« My idea was to open up the district, to bring people in, get them around our neighborhood in the summer and show the people of Nîmes that we are not a peripheral district of the ZUP, very tree-lined, people love it and find the corner very pretty. There is a very good atmosphere, we have the village spirit and we are not handicapped by delinquency. We have never had any problems with young people, they don’t come, but I intend to get closer to the associations that manage the ZUP’s youth actions so that they come, such as the Carmel summer camp, ARAMAV… continues Madeleine Sallès.
We are already thinking about next year. Madeleine Sallès is already on it. the principle is that each garden owner offers to welcome the artists he wants. He organizes himself as he wants with the artists but must still provide them with something to drink, rest or rest…
« We will talk about what was good this year, what was less so and we will adjust. We would like to count visitors and perhaps give them the opportunity to fill in a guestbook so that people can also give us ideas. In any case, both artists and garden owners are happy to meet new audiences. It’s a real wealth, it gives a good image of the district, it’s positive. People who wouldn’t dare to open the door of a gallery like to come here. The artists are very approachable, they are happy to see this new audience and they sell a lot. In addition, there is no percentage taken by the gallery owners. Some artists love to exhibit outdoors, in an unusual environment, it gives another dimension to creation and to art in general. “says Madeleine Sallès.
As you will have understood, Artistes aux jardins is ready to take a step forward. With such an organization, it would be a shame if after five editions animation fell into oblivion. Intrigued visitors, welcoming owners and pedagogical artists, Artistes aux jardins has a future and promises some cultural walks that you shouldn’t miss!
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