Beyond Sandy: An Art Viewing
In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, La Napoule Art Foundation joined in the recovery effort by inviting eleven artists impacted by the storm for a one-month residency at the Château de La Napoule. These artists had lost equipment, studios, materials, homes, and irreplaceable artwork. The storm’s widespread effects halted the creative process emotionally, physically, and economically.
The Château de La Napoule offered these artists a place for reflection and renewal. Removed from the distractions of daily life and surrounded by the spectacular views and light of the Mediterranean, the Château provides artists with an unencumbered setting to exchange ideas and create.
American expatriates Henry and Marie Clews purchased and restored the Château after World War I, transforming the building and grounds into a haven for creative minds. The couple’s eccentric lifestyle included a stream of guests - many of whom were among the most influential creative and artistic visionaries of their time. Frederick Delius, Pablo Picasso, and Van Cliburn were visitors. Natasha Clews Gallaway, great-granddaughter of Henry and Marie, and Chair of the Residency Committee shares, “It was their dream to offer the retreat they created for themselves to nurture artists for generations to come. At LNAF, we are proud to continue this legacy today with a formal Artist-in-Residence Program.”
Nearly six months have passed since the Beyond Sandy residents were at the Château. The discoveries, progress, and ideas that these artists found there are as diverse as the artists themselves. But all walked away with a sense of fresh inspiration and ideas. Christian Maychack, echoing the thoughts of his peers, was grateful for the chance to break free from the malaise Hurricane Sandy had left: “Up until the time of my residency at La Napoule I was only able to work in fits and starts, never feeling like I had the ability to get a new body of work off the ground. My time at La Napoule changed that, giving me an extended period of time to focus, to shed my doubts and fears, and to gain momentum in the studio.”
To celebrate the accomplishments and fortitude of these remarkable artists as well as the restoring and transformative effects of a residency on the creative mind, LNAF has organized Beyond Sandy: An Art Viewing. Join us in NYC for a chance to enjoy pieces of work from many different genres of contemporary art, united by the simple idea that out of unexpected tragedies artists can generate new ideas, make discoveries, and create amazing art.
LNAF would like to thank Phillips, the Pollock-Krasner Foundation, and Diago for their help in making this program possible.
Beyond Sandy: An Art Viewing April 9 & 10, 10 am - 6 pm Philips, 450 Park Avenue, New York, NY.
