The Concept of The Salon

I have been fascinated by the concept of The Salon for over 20 years, and at one time dreamed of calling my future studio "The Salon", but I was told by friends that people would think it was a hair salon. The idea of women gathering together (and here I have to apologize to my wonderful men friends, but in my dream it was always a gathering of women that I envisioned) to discuss ideas, share knowledge, support each other, and hopefully come away from it feeling enriched in some way has a huge appeal for me. I loathe small talk - there is nothing I like better than a deep and meaningful exchange with another person, no matter what the subject. Some of my most satisfying moments in Tangerine Dream Gallery came from such exchanges with people, and I was often amazed and moved by how real and honest people are willing to get, how deeply they will go into what really matters to them - with a complete stranger - if that stranger is willing to go there too. Thrilling!

I am offering a three hour session Fridays from 4 - 7 pm called "The Salon",  where women can come together to discuss books, art, relationships, personal epiphanies - really whatever subject comes up - while creating mixed media projects such as art journaling, altered books, personal art cards and other small mixed media projects. There will be nibbles and refreshments on offer as well.

PLEASE PRE -REGISTER FOR THIS ART SESSION!
lesleyfountainstudio@gmail.com

778 676-2346

"A salon is a gathering of people under the roof of an inspiring host, held partly to amuse one another and partly to refine the taste and increase the knowledge of the participants through conversation. These gatherings often consciously followed Horace's definition of the aims of poetry, "either to please or to educate" ("aut delectare aut prodesse est").

Salons, commonly associated with French literary and philosophical movements of the 17th and 18th centuries, were carried on until quite recently in urban settings." ~(full article here - and it is fascinating!  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salon_%28gathering%29)

Salonnières and their salons: the role of women

At that time women could be a powerful influence in the salon. Women were the center of the life in the salon and carried a very important role as regulators. They can select their guests and decide about the subjects of their meetings. Those subjects can be social, literary, or political. They also had the role as mediator by directing the discussion.

The salon was really an informal university for women in which women were able to exchange ideas, receive and give criticism, read their own works and hear the works and ideas of other intellectuals. Many ambitious women used the salon to pursue a form of higher education.


Two of the most famous 17th-century literary salons in Paris were the Hôtel de Rambouillet, established in 1607 near the Palais du Louvre by the marquise de Rambouillet and, in 1652, in Le Marais, the rival salon of Madeleine de Scudéry, a long time habituée of the Hôtel de Rambouillet. Here gathered the original "blue-stockings" (les bas-bleus), whose nickname continued to mean "intellectual woman" for the next three hundred years.


Casual art session where we discuss ideas, books, and whatever strikes our fancy, while creating art. Many different projects to choose from. Three hours - includes all art materials, nibbles and refreshments - 45.00 a session or four sessions for 160.00. A great way to unwind and start your weekend off with the gift to yourself of creativity, connection and community.

 PLEASE PRE -REGISTER FOR THIS ART SESSION!


lesleyfountainstudio@gmail.com

778 676-2346