Sheila & Ernie's Visit to Croissy

October 29 - November 2, 2008

Based on the pictures below, it might seem that this was only about partying and boats (which, I'll confess, I love), but there was much, much more.  

Most exciting was discussion about the upcoming exposition of Brian DeWolf's photos of Croissy.  Organized by Croissy sans Frontieres, the Expo will be May 13-27, 2007.

The plan is to hang 30-35 pictures in the Chapelle Saint Léonard (12th century).

But that's not all!  What's also exciting is that the Fete de la Grenouillier takes place during these two weeks.  It's May 16-17, the first weekend of the Expo.  So, there is growing excitement that this might be a time Genevans would wish to visit in 2009!  Stay tuned.

And for artists, May 17th is the en plein aire competition!

Also discussed was Geneva History Center's "Tale of Two Cities".  We carried a DVD of the Oct 16th presentation, which Croissillons were reviewing as we left.  I can't wait to know their response!

For now, there some pictures of partying and boats!  You'll see many members of the Croissy san Frontieres (CSFs) delegation who visited Geneva in April!

Did I say boats?

Dinner at Marie-Christine's

Boating on the Seine (Sequana)

It  turns out that there was quite a tradition of "Canotage" during the Impressioniste era.  Canotage is  boating for pleasure.  On the island with La Maison Fournaise, there's a boathouse for renovating and storing (and parading) Impressioniste-period boats.  Don't we need something like this for the Fox River, or is there something like it????

Sequana Tourboat (weather not permitting when we were there)

Steamboat, beautifully rebuilt, from Impressioniste days

Canotage is plaisir boating

It's not at all about sport or competition!

More canotage

These were our hosts for the outing.  It turns out that Marie-Christine, when she was Alderman in Chatou, sponsored the building of the boathouse!  She's a REAL builder!!!

Fresh Oysters and wine (weather permitted!)

This event was recorded in Croissy sans Frontieres' November newsletter (below).  See also that Brian DeWolf's photos (top left) are being used on post cards to raise funds for Croissy sans Frontieres:

Discarded Messerschmitz fuel tanks became kids' boats

Marie-Christine DAVY organized the renovation of La Maison Fournaise.  She's  a real mover and shaker!

Gathering for lunch at La Fournaise

Renoir's "Porch" with renovated metal raililngs

Renoir's famous boaters painting from the Porch

Other Impressioniste art

Pierre Rannaud is a prominent painter in the Impressioniste style

Pierrick collects vintage Renaults

Gathering at Jean Louis Ayme's

Describing a Croissy tombstone that was found in the foundation of a newer building.  It had been vandalized along with the Chapelle during the French Reign of Terror!

CSFs caught admiring Brian's new Croissy photos (see http://www.briandewolf.com/Temporary/temporary.html).  This interrupted Jean Louis' presentation, so you know they're good!

Jean Louis making music in the Musee de la Grennouillier.  There's much, much more to see at the Musee; also at the Memoire de Croissy, another museum in the Croissy "Chateau". 

.....

Stay tuned!   Sometime May 13-27 should be a great time to visit Croissy. 

Also, make sure you catch the reruns of "Tale of Two Cities".  Croissy add-ons could start appearing. We might someday have a French version!  This is a truly educational project for both sides of the Atlantic.

Thanks & regards, Ernie Mahaffey

November 10, 2008