She had had a lovely, solitary week and a half reading books, drawing, journaling, working on the computer AND making fires in the fireplace.

Here is the rest of the story about how we found the cottage.  As some of you know, Laurie Corral, of Asheville Bookworks, and I were asked to teach a 9 day workshop at Chateau du Pin in the Loire Valley.  When Clara had the idea to find a place for a month-long retreat she suggested I ask, Peg Gignoux, the woman who hired us to teach at the Chateau.  As it turned out, Peg’s cousin Marie had cottages for rent just down the road from the Chateau.  Have I lost you yet?

During our time at the cottage we made buddies with Marie (our land lady) and Louise (Peg’s sister) who is living at the Chateau for 3 months to help with the family business.  This is how it came to be that we received a personal tour of the grounds.

The story of the Chateau is an interesting one.  Louise told us various tid-bits; it was seized as living quarters for the Nazi’s during the war and at present it’s owned by almost 20 members of the French-American Gignoux family.

Pretty nice eh?

The story continues…Clara has a rule for herself when it comes to France: Never go to France without going to Paris for a few days.  So, staying true to her rule, she had planned 5 days in Paris at the end of her month-long stay.  Being the lovely person she is, she invited me to come along.  Who passes up being in Paris? Not me!

Come to the Loire Valley (in France!!!) this July and make books and mini-prints with yours truly and Laurie Corral of Asheville Bookworks. This heavenly 9-day workshop will be given at the Chateau du Pin, a half hour drive from Anger, and includes everything from creative guidance, sleeping in a castle, lovely five course meals every evening and ample quiet time for contemplation and daily walks.  What more could you ask for!

(Laurie and I are soooo excited!! Thanks for having us Peg and David!)

PRINTMAKING AND BOOKARTS with Laurie Corral and Annie Fain Liden
July 23-31, 2010 | $2,500 9 day workshop (includes lodging, breakfast and dinner)

In this workshop, we’ll be explorers of Le Pin, using the gardens, woodlands, vineyards and castle as inspiration for miniature prints and hand made books. Students will climb through the centuries; photographing gargoyles, recording textures, sketching and abstracting ideas for images suitable for printing. Mini prints can be created as individual works and/or integrated into hand made books with a distinctive point of view. Studio investigations will also include stitching, working with collage and paint, antique french papers and fabrics and various book bindings. Come explore the extraordinary and exotic! All levels welcome. College credit available.

To register or for more information contact Peg Gignoux/David Summer at mjgignoux.

It’s the time of year again for the largest, annual bookarts event in Western North Carolina;  BOOK OPOLIS. If you happen to find yourself in the Asheville area this weekend come on by and check it out.  To see a slide show of a Book Opolis past click here.

The Fifth Annual BookOpolis 2009
September 25 & 26, 2009

Exhibition Opening and Reception
Friday, September 25, 2009
6:00 – 9:00 pm

Demos and Exhibit Hours
Saturday, September 26, 2009
noon – 6:00 pm

NEW for 2009
Extended Exhibit Viewing Hours
1:00 – 4:00 pm Monday – Friday, September 25 through October 2

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