The Marchutz School of Art
Unique in its conception, the Marchutz School of Art takes an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to learning/creating art and is suited for students and artists of all levels. The mission of the school is, above all, to develop the student's capacity to see. Masterworks, architecture, landscape, the human imagination, memory, perception, craft - students at the school look around them as well as within themselves until their artistic expression springs from a union of sight and insight. The school's professors have collaborated in the studio, in the landscape, and in the classroom for over thirty years. These profound bonds, together with deep familiarity with the museums of Europe, are invaluable for helping inspire students to think and create beyond their normal expectations.
The Program
The Marchutz School combines studio work, an intensive interdisciplinary art criticism seminar, liberal arts courses at the Aix Center, French language study, and excursions to European museums and cities, including Paris, Giverny, and Venice. Studio work informs the museum excursions, while the seminar discussions and museum study enhance the on-site painting sessions. An in-depth study of the locales that inspired masterworks by Van Gogh and Cézanne benefits every individual's own way of seeing. All of these activities interweave to give each artist a perception of his or her own contemporary work in relation to the art of the past - an essential step toward self-discovery. A current and complete list of course offerings is available online at www.iaufrance.org/marchutz.
The Facilities
Situated on the outskirts of Aix-en-Provence, along the historic Route de Cézanne, the studio was designed by architect Fernand Pouillon. Although modern in style, it maintains the classical simplicity that marks the region and is built from the same stone, stucco, and tile found in the 17th and 18th century architecture of the region. Archives include voluminous correspondence between the school's founder, Léo Marchutz, and art historians John Rewald, Lionello Venturi, Adrien Chappius, Fritz Novotny, and others. Throughout the year, Marchutz School students have access to presentations by visiting artists, symposia, and lectures sponsored by IAU's Aix Center and the town of Aix.
Candidates
The school's diverse student body is one of its most exciting resources. Each cohort usually consists of twenty individuals who have a varied range of experiences. Studio art and art history majors, working artists, MFA candidates, art minors, and other students with a real interest in art all bring their particular insights to a shared space and common themes. As students engage in artistic endeavors, their range of ages and achievements enriches the quality of dialogue and expands the capacity for growth. An individual?s willingness to embrace this challenge of new exchange matters more than work already accomplished. The professors consider every student a working artist regardless of his or her level of experience, and for this reason, slide portfolios are beneficial but not required for admission.Fall, Spring, Academic Year, and Summer.Homestays, including most meals with French host.www.iaufrance.org/marchutz and www.marchutz.org
Sessions
Fall, Spring, Academic Year, and Summer.
Lodging
Homestays, including most meals with French host.
More information and online application
www.iaufrance.org/marchutz and www.marchutz.org
