Chapter Ten: Week 10

Open Studio Day Prep and Night Celebrations

Workday 29/11/2024

The last day of the open studios is always a mix of joy and sadness. The morning was emotional, especially with one artist leaving early and missing the evening event. As I had predicted, goodbyes were the hardest—there’s always uncertainty about when you’ll see someone again. Whether it’s months or years, I like to think of it as “see you later.” To brighten the moment, I organised a personality impressions activity where each artist wrote down their impressions of one another. It turned out to be a beautiful gesture, as each artist left with a sheet full of heartfelt memories and descriptions of themselves, the perfect parting gift.

The night off was a success, as expected. The turnout was overwhelmingly positive, with visitors coming from all over the French Riviera and abroad. Seeing all the artists present, and Nelcy smiling at me, thanking me for my work and dedication, filled me with joy. The work the artists produced took a great deal of time and thought, but the exhibition and its organisation were also a collaborative form of art. It was incredibly rewarding to see everything come together and to be part of such a meaningful event.