The Villa Théo workshop: A story of passion and transmission
The Villa Théo visual arts workshop celebrated its 30th anniversary with an exhibition showcasing works by its 150 students.
In June, the visual arts workshop of Villa Théo of Saint-Clair, in Le Lavandou, celebrated its 30th anniversary. For the occasion, the association presented its major annual exhibition at the Espace culturel, bringing together 200 works by its 150 students.
The opening took place in the presence of the mayor, Bertrand Carletti, and his deputy for culture, Marine Couraud. They praised the work of the artists, both children and adults, as well as the vitality of this local institution.
A transmission born from a tragedy
At the heart of this success is Dany Bochatay, president of the association since its creation. Her commitment was born from a moving story: the project of an art school was initially suggested in 1995 by her husband, Max Bochatay, to the mayor at the time, Gil Bernardi.
The idea had immediately appealed to the new Municipalité. But fate struck tragically when Max Bochatay suffered a heart attack at the very moment the Conseil municipal was voting to accept the proposal.
It was then his wife, Dany, who took up the torch with admirable determination, ensuring the durability and development of the workshop for thirty years.
Showcase
Thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers and recognized teachers, the workshop has become a center of artistic excellence open to all, including the inhabitants of Bormes-les-Mimosas.
The teaching, provided at Villa Théo, is not limited to painting. It covers a wide range of artistic disciplines, including drawing, pastel, pottery, and ceramics, allowing each member to find their creative path.
Today, the association relies on a solid board composed of Jacky Détot, Béatrice Barouin, Françoise Goux, Bruno Lehaut, Nicole Henri, Odile Yvorra-Simon, Marie Dancoing, Lucie Eyermann, and Fabienne Warson.
The pedagogical supervision is provided by passionate teachers such as Paule Forner for painting, drawing, and pastel, Florence Portal for watercolor, and Stéphane Jacson, Laurie Giraud, and Edith Besson for pottery.
Although the workshop focuses on training, the memory of the great cultural trips organized in the past to Paris, New York, Milan, or Barcelone remains vivid, hinting at the possibility of relaunching such initiatives in the future.
Article from the print edition of La Gazette du Var