Proctor's European Art Classroom has provided outstanding weekly updates every Sunday afternoon throughout the term, shedding light not only into the daily lives of students living and studying in France, but into the amazing artwork this group of students has created during their time abroad.



While the community on campus enjoyed a weekend of artistic performances (see more here), today's Academic Lens post is written by David Fleming, co-director of the European Art program, and shares insights into the culminating academic projects and upcoming trip to Belgium. Thank you to the Flemings and the European Art Classroom crew for sharing the following text and images! 



European Art Classroom has officially wrapped up their academic studies. With their European Literature final exam on Thursday, Art History exam on Friday and presentations in French class equally on Friday, students are ready to enjoy their last week here in Europe.


(Olivia's painting);
"Enjoyment comes in many forms, however. Saturday as a group we visited the sea side village of Cassis and were rewarded with its beauty and calm. Quiet boats in the harbor, families strolling and children playing in the sand."



"Later that night some opted to stay home at La Lezardier, our dormitory, finish work in the studio or watch a movie, while some chose to blow off some energy at our local bowling alley. Regardless, they all are experiencing various forms of melancholy about the looming end to this amazing experience of living in southern France for the winter term."



"Today we leave for Brussels, Antwerp and Bruges, who’s medieval qualities will tie up their studies and understandings of art in the Renaissance. To have studied Hieronymus Bosch, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Albrecht Durer, Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck, and then to travel and see their work, is of course what makes this experience so powerful. These towns will possess their characteristic sharp windows, angled roofs, gray skies and dark shadows around every corner, but therein lies also the light of the Renaissance and of course the romance."



"Growth for each student has come in various forms. From confidence in catching trains, busses, trams and subways, to presenting research in front of a class. From honing the craft of oil or charcoal to speaking French without trying to translate every word. From living amongst peers and speaking with honest truth to learning the value of solace and quiet. Many are ready to see friends and family, but all have told that they are not ready to leave. It’s better to leave hungry than stuffed and ready for a nap."