Networking Archives - Network Provence

A Spring Gathering at Network Provence

Published on 9th April 2025 by Rebecca RonaneLeave a comment

Yesterday was Network Provence’s April meeting at Cafe de La Gare in Bonnieux featuring a presentation by Nancy Gilles.

Nancy is a well-being therapist for body and mind who engages her small troop of horses to enable a unique experience. Nancy gave a charming explanation of her practice, outlining what a therapy session is like with equine assistance.

Unfortunately, no horses were at the meeting, but it was very intriguing to hear how these animals can assist us humans in unblocking barriers in our minds and bodies. This is not something that requires riding skills or even horse knowledge. Still, I get the impression that after working on oneself with horse participation, one might have a great amount of horse appreciation. You can learn more and connect with Nancy through her website, https://lasantonneprovence.com

https://instagram.com/la_santonne

Celebrating Women in Art & Network Provence

Published on 14th March 202516th March 2025 by Rebecca Ronane

A small Network Provence group had big fun in Carpentras on March 12th. Other than its iconic proximity to and view of Mont Ventoux and its legendary Sunday brocante market, we all agreed we knew little more about this charming town.

The first pleasant surprise was our ‘bien reussi’ lunch at Chez Serge (large, tasty portions). After that, we squeezed in coffee and desserts, feeling like kids at the literal candy shop Clavel Confiserie.

Watching me trying to get to my ice cream before it melts, Network Provence, passionate -about- art-ladies, participated in a little presentation/discussion about the destinies of women artists in general, and specifically, women Impressionists and two distinguished female painters represented in the Carpentras Museum L’Inguimbertine. We talked about the underrepresentation of female artists in museums (only 1% in the National Gallery in London) and how their careers depended heavily on family support or the lack of it.

Finally, the crescendo of our gathering was the actual visit to the L’Imguimbertine museum. Nothing can prepare you for this stunning (in size, proportions, and overall beauty) building and its enormous collection. It took us almost two hours to browse the History of Carpentras exhibit corridors, the beautiful endless shelved armoires with tens of thousands of hand-copied books from centuries ago and finally, the beaux-art wing with an overwhelming number of paintings and sculptures done mainly by artists born or known in this region.
We didn’t even have time to see two chapels, the ancient pharmacy, the mediatheque, and the outside areas. Ultimately, we agreed to repeat this type of ‘museum visit’ – NP meetings in the future and to give our warm recommendations for a worthwhile visit to Carpentras.

Written By Mimi Barbulovic for Network Provence

“Inside Janice Jacquet’s Creative Process”

Published on 25th October 2024 by Rebecca Ronane

Today, Bonnieux artist Janice Jacquet treated Network Provence to a generous demonstration of her process for creating the colourful canvases we usually only see after completion.

With a dizzying array of colours, tubes, brushes and tools, Janice worked and talked us through what it was like for her to lay down, cover and reveal layers of glorious paint, which ended up in landscape abstracts to be defined by the viewer. There is something perfectly ASMR about watching and listening to the process. Janice’s voice and the sounds of various tools on the canvas, all the while revealing and changing such beautiful light, shadow and colour. It reminded me of artist Gina Southgate, who uses the sounds she creates while painting as experimental music while she paints other musicians’ creations. How lucky we are to experience this from one of our own NP women of Provence! It was such an informative event and extremely relaxing and inspiring.

Network Provence boasts a wonderful membership of creative and enterprising women; it is always so satisfying to experience each other’s worlds like this. Refreshments and socializing with friends and newcomers is a great pleasure indeed, and today revealed that there will be some very interesting meet-ups in the near future.
Join us for more upcoming Network Provence events listed on the website. This is a valuable two-way resource for those living and working in the region.

By Maryna Fontenoy