Student Experience Program / Artisans Exchange Program
RICHARD MORRIS HUNT FELLOWSHIP
Since 1990, French Heritage Society, in conjunction with the American Architectural Foundation, has sponsored the annual Richard Morris Hunt Fellowship. Named for the first American architect to study at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris and to bring its teachings and principles to the United States, the fellowship was conceived as a means to introduce experienced preservation architects in France and the United States to working methods and theories in each other’s countries. Awarded in alternate years to an American and to a French counterpart, it includes extensive travel and interaction with local architects in the host country. This much praised program broadens the outlook of the participants by providing a wider vision of their discipline. Americans see a variety of regional and historic styles and are introduced to the state institutions that govern monuments historiques in France. French recipients are introduced to the more variable and localized preservation initiatives in the United States. The seventeen architects who have participated in the program since its inception stay in touch through an active RMHF Alumni Association.
FRENCH HERITAGE SOCIETY INTERNSHIP FOR FRENCH ART AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
For a graduate student who has completed the course work for an M.A degree in conservation or art history with an emphasis on French art in any medium.
Made possible by French Heritage Society
For further details about the application process and requirements for non-U.S. citizens, please go to www.metmuseum.org/education/er_internship.asp. Applications must be postmarked by January 4, 2008.
SEMINAR IN FRENCH ARCHITECTURE AND DECORATIVE ARTS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FRICK COLLECTION
Founded in 1989, this program was developed under the leadership of Anne L. Poulet, former Curator of Decorative Arts at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and currently Director of The Frick Collection in New York, and an Honorary Director of FHS. The seminar, held in France, has offered in-depth explorations of particular subjects in French art for the benefit of art historians, museum curators, and serious collectors. Subjects have included “Romanesque Art in Southwestern France: the Road to Campostela,” “Art Nouveau in Nancy,” “The Silk Industry in Lyons,” “Renaissance Châteaux in the Loire Valley.”
The Fall 2008 seminar will be "Versailles: Architecture, Gardens and Decorative Arts." and will be held from October 5-11, 2008. From 1682 when Louis XIV moved the French court from Paris until 1789 when Louis XVI was forced to return to the capital, Versailles was the center and symbol of power in ancien regime France and the most significant palace in Europe.
In recent years, the gardens and palace of Versailles have undergone meticulous study and extensive, carefully considered restoration. Many original pieces of furniture have been acquired; architecture, painted decoration, and sculpture have been cleaned and restored; fabrics have been rewoven; the park and gardens have been replanted. In the process, our knowledge and visions of the aesthetic effect and iconographic meaning of the ensemble have been enlarged and even transformed. Along the way, curators and conservators have made discoveries and have been confronted with difficult choices.
This exceptional seminar will offer participants a new perspective on this familiar monument, the epitome of French art and culture. The program of study will be led by Anne L. Poulet, Director of The Frick Collection, Monique Barbier, FHS coordinator and art historian, and Béatrix Saule, Directeur du Centre de Recherche du Domaine de Versailles, with the participation of Pierre Arizzoli-Clémentel, Directeur Général, and other distinguished scholars. The seminar will provide an in-depth examination and analysis of the architecture and gardens of Versailles, as well as of the furniture and objets d'art found in the public and private spaces. Participants will stay at the Hotel la Residence du Berry in Versailles. Simultaneous English translation will be provided.
For further information, contact Caitlin Davis, Director's Office, The Frick Collection, fhs@frick.org
STUDENT EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
Since 1985, French Heritage Society has sponsored an educational program for American and French college students of architecture or art history. French students work as interns at French Heritage Society sponsored projects, museums or cultural institutions in the United States, while their American counterparts spend time in a French château or other historic building aiding in the restoration work or serving as guides to interpret the site for visitors. The programs mix the practical with the personal, by providing students in both cultures with exposure to the complex process of architectural maintenance and restoration; as well as with the opportunity to live and interact with their host families.
PURPOSE
To provide American students with the opportunity to live in an historic house or a place of cultural interest as a member of a French family, with the goal of participating in and enjoying new experiences while providing services in needed areas related to French historic patrimony. These are non-paying internships. The host family, in exchange for assistance, provides room and board, enabling interns to share in family life. Families also often take time to visit other interesting sites in the area.
PROGRAM
Participants spend three weeks with a French family in a landmarked house during the months of July or August. For the Summer of 2007, three host families will welcome two students in the Dordogne, Charente, and Lot regions. Interns will take part in activities based on their individual skills and interests. Responsibilities may include:
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Restoration work (paintings) and other objects (subject to level of skill)
Working in the private library cataloguing family collections and archives
Specialized horticultural program working in gardens of French châteaux (open to well qualified students)
Serving as an English speaking guide
ELIGIBILITY
The program is open to students 20 to 26 years of age in any academic field.
Cost and Application Procedure:
There is a non-refundable fee of $25 to participate in this program. To apply, students must provide a CV, photo, cover letter of interest, and a letter or recommendation from a professor familiar with his/her character and abilities. Candidates will be interviewed by phone (and/or in person by a French Heritage Society Chapter representative) on their U.S. home city. Please indicate the period of summer preferred (July or August). Usually a three-week internship is ideal. Proof of health insurance is required. International transportation and all other expenses are paid by the student. Transportation in France is provided by FHS.
Please note this program is now full, for further information, please contact:
French Heritage Society
Attn: Mme. de La Rochefoucauld, Mme. de Roquette-Buisson
34, avenue de New York, 75116 Paris
FRANCE
tel: (33) 1 40 70 07 57
fax: (33) 1 40 70 07 86
e-mail: paris@frenchheritagesociety.org
ARTISANS EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Accurate historic restoration is only possible if craftsmen are available to duplicate the techniques employed by the original builders. These traditional methods have been handed from one generation to the next through apprenticeship. The success and continuance of preservation efforts in Europe and America relies upon the training of artisans. French Heritage Society has developed a program that offers craftsmen in many fields (wood working, gilding, masonry, stained glass, etc.) the opportunity to refine their skills.