Artistes a Suivre

 Got back from frolicing in Tuscany late Friday night, in time for the Artistes a Suivre; only managed the road from St Jean de Paracol through Rouvenac to Fa and Couiza. Strangers to this ritual may not know that the Artistes a Suivre is a series of routes through our locality going from one arts destination to the next. The artists submit their work to a jury for selection and there are evening arts events arranged by the phenomenal organisers, Victoria Milroy and Caty Pech and their team. Our Jim does the web site which explains all, see
http://www.artistesasuivre.org 
One new thing has emerged this year. Local artists who are not included in the official event just open their studios and hang out a sign saying Expo Off - these events were as well attended as the advertised ones and everyone seemed happy about it. Expect more next year. 
Our Kat has opened her gallery and studio and has hung many of our artist neighbours... pop in this morning during the market (Rue de Republic, between the place and the bakers) There are several other spaces in Esperaza that are doing alternative expos. Kat has the map.

Last nights' party was at the Hameau Taziels, small place between Rouvenac and St Jean de P, in a large tent. Les Quat'Cats were playing - thats Eddie, Kate, Stan and Mark - seen here at the sound check before they changed into their very fetching stage gear. They played Beatles and Stones stuff guaranteed to please and the tent erupted into a frenzy of leaping artists as soon as they started to play. It was extremely cold so a very good way to warm up and besides, who can resist the pull of Paint it Black?
Should you be looking for a rock'n'roll dance band for any reason, take a look at their site
www.quatcats.com   They come with the full quota of stars and are professional and house trained:)

 My photos got worse, sorry - it was the red wine and the dancing - but got Olle-Bendick spinning Mary, below....

 The Captain didnt come with me as he was playing host to the football fans of Esperaza - Ryans parents are staying here and we hoped they would enjoy the British ritual of the cup final. And lo! WIGAN WON. Seems I missed a very good game but you can't do everything.

Below is the man himself, in, erm, Sienna? Florence? Piza? Its all a bit of a blur... holidays, BTW, are not at all relaxing. We got  pickpocketed in Piza ( I caught them and got wallet back but an unpleasant experience for all concerned) We were unknown in an hotel in Sienna where I had booked and pre-paid for our stay - worked out OK, but not easily. All balanced out with some serious upsides mostly to do with painting, despite the queues for everything. 

Anyone at a loose end is welcome to come and see 300-odd snaps of renaissance art and architecture.