« La végétale », Foire aux artistes
Agen (47)

The Fair before draining the “Baignoire”

After the 13th “Foire aux Artistes” at the Gravier in Agen this weekend, it will be the end of ArteFact The gallery has provoked a lot of waves in the alternative artistic milieu in Agen. Artefact Association (50 members) had filled “La Baignoire” (“bathtub”) earlier this year with a foam of atypical alternative culture of all kinds. Exhibitions, of course, but also many concerts, performances, lectures and theatrical performances made the place very lively. The lease ends at the end of the month, but the association cannot renew it and the volunteers’ commitment of is not always enough. "It was a great adventure, now we start on something else," says Francis Morlaès, Artefact president. And "something else" just for the moment is (artistically?) unclear. "We made the request for a local town, we have to wait for the moment, the mayor does not have to pay," he continues. A mayor who put his hand into the dough by allowing Artefact association to squatter the Gravier, also allocating them chairs and tables. "Until now, no one asked anything, but once you have a need, they respond positively," Francis says.
What a “Foire Végétale”!
But before you completely drain the tub, there is the preparation of the said fair. A ray of sunshine and contemporary artists head out of the water (the bath) and proliferate. One hundred participants from all over France (Strasbourg, Bayonne, etc.) install their works throughout the weekend on the Gravier esplanade. The theme: the Vegetal in all its forms. A bit green at heart, one that promises to be as a cry for the environment. Even the bar starts to the agenda by dressing in a salad, lettuce version. Yet no one grows and all are busy with the task. This 12th edition must be perfect. And imagination flourishes. Many artists worked on this theme in order to join the party. In addition, several guests present their products (sunflower oil, essential oils, etc.). Or sing on the main stage (see program below). So a bath of artists and works in the outdoor is closing the “Baignoire” adventure. And what a bath!

L.V.

2007 GRAVIER – FOIRE AUX ARTISTES - A rich program

For the 13th edition of “Foire aux Artistes”, Artefact has done things on a large scale. All forms of art (painting, sculpture, photography, land'art...) will be represented on Saturday and Sunday at the Gravier. There is also a conventional glazing oven made ​​with Le Creuset association: a rustic oven, made ​​from clay, straw and sand. The theme for this year, the Vegetal that inspired all kinds of imagination. But in addition to art installations that abound, the place will be full of entertainment such as music, workshops, etc. Opening on Saturday at 11 a.m. Concerts and performances start at 1:00 p.m. and end at 10:00 p.m. with Nill Lefoll Duo (song), CLIVH (theatrical happening), Candy Pink and the 7 Dwarfs (Jazz), Nomadalme (Latin jazz), Michael Jehl, Mata Manu and their trailer and High Light (reggae). On Sunday, from 11 a.m. onwards. Michto La Pompe (gypsy jazz), contemporary dance, Davemartine (song), Do Harson and his students (jazz) and La Petite Mort (French song). Snack bar is available on site. Open to all, free admission.
Posted on 06/29/2007 10:34 AM - La Dépêche du Midi, Agen.