In French, the word “L’Atelier” refers to the artist’s studio or workshop. It originally comes from the Latin word “astella”- which means “little splinter.” From this “little splinter” comes the idea of the wood shop, then ultimately, the workshop. Just uttering the term would make any Frenchman (or woman, of course), think not only of the space where an artist, sculptor, or craftsman would create their work, but also a place where creative thought flourishes, inspiration is born, and where artistic ideas are brought to life.
At L’Atelier, we will provide you with an opportunity to grow your ideas, sharpen your skills with expert advice, and develop or add to your portfolio as an art student. Whether you’re supplementing an AP portfolio or just exploring your passion for drawing, this program offers you the time, space, and guidance you need while providing a global experience through food, culture, and authentic French accommodations and excursions.
By the way, if you’re having difficulty pronouncing “L’Atelier,” here’s a little help so that you can impress your friends and family when talking about the program:
“ah- too- lee- a” (the last “a” is a long one).
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Jean-Paul may hold the world record for never going anywhere without a sketchbook locked under his arm, an artistic obligation he has fulfilled for perhaps thirty years. It was in these sketchbooks that he documented his travels in France, Italy, Greece, Egypt, and many other places, where Jean-Paul has laid out his works and his dreams, and how he has for a long time envisioned a retreat for artists in France. During his 12 years as a teacher at Pomfret School and for the twenty-five years he has been known as a professional artist, Jean-Paul has dreamt of returning to and working in the place where he spent much of his youth. He is excited to invite students to join him in this ongoing dream, so that they will not only improve their skills as artists, but also delight in the beautiful country of France, its language, and people. He also hopes they will all go home with a sketchbook and never leave home without one again, something many of his previous students have taken to doing.
Jean-Paul holds the position of Artist in Residence at the Pomfret School. He has taught there since 2000. He holds a BA in Illustration from Syracuse University. He has also studied in Florence, Italy. And don't worry, he is fluent in French.
Although she is still searching for a fitting medium to express her interests, Beth prides her self on being a “Liberal Artist.” With degrees in classical languages, philosophy, and history, she has an eye for the esoteric and a continual thirst to learn.
It just so happens that her two great passions in life are education and hospitality, both of which will be extensively exercised at the chateau this summer. Having grown up in a culinary family but having chosen to teach classics at Pomfret School, Beth has happily had a foot in both camps for the last ten years. In a perfect world, she would spend her days eating exceptional food in exceptional surroundings with fabulous and creative people (with her two children close at hand!). So, for her, L’Atelier is the ideal fit, a summer cooked to perfection. At L’Atelier she hopes to open the students' eyes to the joys of lifelong learning while graciously hosting them as if they were staying in her own home.
Beth has taught Latin and History at the Pomfret School since 2002. She holds an MA in history from Vermont College and a BA in Latin and Greek from Boston University, with minors in philosophy and ancient history. She has also studied at the American Academy in Rome and at Harvard University.
Remy and Coco are very excited to return to France. In fact, Remy brings up the chateau at least once a week (not to mention the snails, the frothy warm milk, the cheese, etc). They hope to learn some more French from their father, some Latin from their mother, eat well with their grandparents, and do some coloring alongside the busy students!
Ever since he could pick up a pencil (or 4-color Bic pen), Bud has been covering every surface he can with color and line.
Working as a web master full time, Bud has less time than he would like to be creating art. Still, he finds time to attend a fine arts figure drawing session locally (at the Silver Circle Studio), where he met Jean-Paul! This session, so productive, gave way to a painting session held every other week where Bud lets off steam and the stresses of a hard day's work by manipulating the paint brush, and other various media, to see where he can take the image, or where the image takes him.
Having spent several days in Paris on his honeymoon; Bud has been itching to get back, especially to eat fantastic food and draw all day! When Jean-Paul mentioned the opportunity, Bud jumped at the chance to be a part of such a wonderfully creative and exciting undertaking.
Bud resides in Woodstock, CT with his wife Suzanne and daughter Sarah - along with two dogs and one mouse!
Bud is the proud owner of a BFA in painting/printmaking from Rhode Island College. As an illustrator, Bud has worked for such esteemed clients as Wizards of the Coast, Dark Horse Comics and Image Comics.
Without a doubt, Wilfred Beriau's life revolves around two things: food and family (in no particular order). Fishing would be a close third. Chef Beriau has been a professional chef for over 35 years and has worked in some of New England's finest establishments, including the Balsams Grande Resort Hotel in New Hampshire. However, don't forget, family is also very important to Chef Beriau, which is why he left behind 80 hour work weeks in order to become a culinary educator 25 years ago. In his time teaching, he has been named both Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation and Chef Educator of the Year, and was most recently awarded the the Hermann G. Rusch Lifetime Achievement Award. He is very excited to join the team again at L’Atelier, anxious to return to the culinary capital of the world and scope out carp in the Seine! Have no fear, there is no carp on the menu.
Chef Beriau graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, and holds a MA in Education from the University of Southern Maine.
Gitana might be best likened to the Wizard of Oz. She, without a doubt, is the one who makes things happen, even if she's behind a curtain doing so. She's thrilled to be working at L’Atelier, as it will allow her to reunite her love of the arts with her professional status as an educator. An artist in her own right (she's a cellist and former dancer), Gitana is also well versed in art history and culture. She has led students on tours to Austria and Italy, alongside her husband, Wilfred, and has also led intensive wilderness excursions through the mountains of Maine, New Hampshire, Colorado and New Mexico.
Gitana holds a degree in musical performance and a minor in art history from Plymouth State University and recently earned her MA from Lesley University.
L’Atelier au Chateau Registration
c/o Elizabeth Jacquet
PO Box 13
Pomfret, CT 06258
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Payment is due in full by February 15th, 2013. Payments can be made by check or money order, addressed to L’Atelier au Chateau.
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