School of Visual Arts: Drawing Art History in Southern France

This program combines drawing and studying art history as a way to explore the South of France. The areas that we will focus on-Provence, the Ardeche and the Southern Rhone Valley-offer everything from the prehistoric caves of Chauvet to ancient Roman towns; monuments of the middle ages to the studio of Cézanne. We will investigate Romanesque and Gothic history on site, the work of Vincent van Gogh and several contemporary art museums of the region. The program is based in the picturesque town of Avignon, renowned for its history, bustling and authentic central market, numerous fine shops and eateries. Walking tours and museum visits within Avignon, such as the Popes' Palace, Petit Palais Museum and Lambert Collection are included. In Arles we will see where Van Gogh's "Yellow House" once stood and the hospital grounds where he painted many of his masterpieces; In Marseille we will visit the extraordinary Mucem. Excursions to Nîmes, St. Rémy, Aix-en-Provence and Les Beaux de Provence, to name a few, promise participants an unforgettable two weeks that they will record in their sketchbooks and photographs.

Time outside of excursions and coursework will allow participants to freely explore the area on their own or with fellow classmates to sketch, sightsee, shop or swim. All students are required to keep and submit a sketchbook for review as well as complete a final assignment. The program will focus on how art history can be mined as a source of inspiration in contemporary art-making practices. A recommended reading and supply list will be provided.

This program is co-taught by faculty members Laurence Minard-Amalou (SVA Destinations) and Peter Hristoff (BFA Fine Arts, Visual and Critical Studies, Design). Open to all levels.