France: Aix-en-Provence Art Summer

CCIS Study Abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France

Program Overview

The Studio Art Program in Aix-en Provence in Southern France is offered at the Marchutz School of Drawing and Painting, located on the Tholonet Road, just outside Aix-en-Provence, near the Chateaunoir where Cézanne lived and worked. The Marchutz School, founded by German artist Léo Marchutz in 1971, is now under the auspices of the Institute for American Universities. Provence is one of the most beautiful, varied regions of France, roughly bordered by Toulon to the east, Nómes to the west and Orange to the north. The Mediterranean is the natural boundary to the south. The topography of Provence is marvelously diverse valleys, mountains, canyons, legendary beaches, and the salt marshes of the Camargue where horse breeding is still a thriving industry.

Academic Profile

Marchutz School of Drawing and Painting in Aix-en-Provence

The Marchutz School takes an interdisciplinary and holistic-approach to studio art. Painting and drawing, study in museums, and reading/writing assignments encourage students to explore the correspondences between natural and artistic forms. In the studio, figure drawing, portraiture, landscape and still-life painting are interrelated with copying, memory work, and sketchbook journals. Group and individual critiques are integral to the students' work. In seminars, students are asked to seek connections in their work with that of other artists and critics. Music, poetry, and theater are often compared to painting, sculpture, or architecture. Studio disciplines and aesthetics are taught separately, but presented as a unified corpus. Studio, writing, history, and criticism combine to form one seminar in seeing. The faculty considers each student as a working artist regardless of his/her level of experience. Whether beginning or well advanced, the student who will thrive at The Marchutz School is serious and committed.

Course Offerings

Studio Arts program; all courses are taught in English; students may opt for additional week in Paris at additional cost

Recommended Credits: 6 credits

Academic Highlights

Studio arts program, all courses are taught in English.

Activities and Opportunities

Student Life

Aix-en-Provence is a major cultural center, hosting the International Music Festival: jazz, pop, classical, opera. Cinemas, restaurants, cafes, and discotheques, as well as a variety of sporting events, are available to students.

Housing

Students are housed in French homestays in "demi-pension" (includes breakfast and evening meal seven days per week). Alternate accommodations may be arranged at additional cost.

Alumni Feedback

"Marchutz is a dream come true! I'm learning to paint in the shadow of Cézanne. The professors are amazing. They create a whole world for you to grow and thrive in artistically.
- Bridget Butler, Montclair State University (NJ)

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to improve your soul as well as your outlook on life. CCIS is very helpful in all the details in the study abroad application process. The sponsors were personable and knowledgeable in dealing with me and my questions about study abroad."
- Kelly Painter, Truett-McConnell College (GA)

Aix-en-Provence Summer Program Details

Duration

June 14 - July 26, 2008

Application Deadline(s)

May 15

Eligibility Requirements

A 2.5 GPA is required, along with transcripts and two letters of recommendation. The program is open to students from freshman through senior standing.

Language

English

Costs

$3,805 CCIS

$4,105 Non-CCIS

Costs Included

Instructional costs, insurance, administrative fees.

Costs Not Included

Airfare, personal costs, Housing ($1,500), Activity Fee ($250), Art Supplies ($275).

All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Please contact the appropriate individual to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program.

Submit Application Materials To:

Alci Arias, Assistant Director

Center for International Education Abroad Truman State University
Kirk Building 114
Kirksville, MO 63501
(660) 785-4076
(660) 785-7473 (Fax)
aclidean@truman.edu

- or -

Eva Fernandez
Office of International Education
Miami Dade College
300 NE Second Avenue
Suite 1450
Miami, FL 33132
efernan1@mdc.edu
(305) 237-3580
(305) 237-7439 (Fax)

How do I apply?

Start the CCIS Study Abroad application process by downloading and printing the following forms. These PDF documents are viewed using Adobe's Acrobat Reader plug-in, which is available free. If you don't have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, click here.

CCIS APPLICATION PACKAGE AND INSTRUCTIONS