Photographers, artists to view France through lens, pen
by Leslie Knott
reporter

TCC students can travel to France and return with not only souvenirs but also college credit this summer.
Photography, art and French students can earn three credits while spending ten days, May 13-24, in various parts of France with an instructor.
Studio Arts in France will offer college credits in Photography II, Expressive Photography, Drawing II or Painting II or continuing education credits. Art in Paris will offer the option of Art Appreciation, a credit class, or non-credit courses in art or French.
The 12 students who participate in Studio Arts in France will spend their first night in Chartres, where they will visit the Gothic cathedral, Notre Dame de Chartres. Seven nights will be spent on a private estate in the French countryside. In addition, the family of the estate will prepare a dinner for the students, served in the manor house dining room.
The Le Moulin de Croix-val is a 19th century restored mill on the property of a French family who supports and has an interest in the fine arts. The property is seven kilometers from Montoire, the largest city in the region. The estate lies in the valley of the Loir River, which is dotted by ancient ruins, chateaux and small churches.
“During our time in the country, we will stay on a private estate that fronts on the old pilgrimage road used by travelers hundreds of years ago,” Patty Richards, NE Campus photo instructor, said.
According to Richards, the destination area is ripe with legends.
“The 16th century poet, Pierre de Ronsard, said to be the soul of the area, lived across the road from the estate. The legends about him and the ghosts of those long gone will be part of our study,” she said.
The following two nights will be spent at a hotel in Paris. Students will visit Lavardin, which locals claim to be the most beautiful village in France, Richards said. The village has a medieval bridge, castle ruins and a 12th century cathedral with frescoes. Students will experience a gourmet lunch in Lavardin, included in the stay.
Next on the itinerary is Montoire, which Richards describes as rich with history and the site of a visit by Hitler during World War II. Students will also see Troo, a village with cave houses as well as the country grounds and gardens of Roc-en-Tuf.
Free time is also built into the schedule, and after the completion of the course, students can visit outside the countryside to explore on their own time.
“We will have the opportunity to wander the town markets, visit local churches and cathedrals, photograph 13th century frescos, explore the Loir River, visit Amboise where Leonardo di Vinci spent his final four years, photograph the royal gardens at Chenanceau, sample the local cuisine and share ideas over group cooked meals,” Richards said.
Students must attend a three-hour planning session prior to the trip.
Once in France, they will receive several assignments based on group activities, and guest lecturers will add their expertise, Richards said. Each student is required to keep a journal.
Chemicals for black and white film development will be on site, but students will need to take their color and slide film into town to be developed.
Richards said the course offers more than a learning experience for the students.
“We will also serve as ambassadors from Tarrant County College to this part of the European continent and have our photographs added to the town archives,” she said.
Students who are interested in a medium other than photography can sign up as well since art students will have ample time to paint and draw.
The photography trip costs $2,575 plus TCC tuition and fees. This includes airfare, airport transportation, accommodations, eight breakfasts, six dinners, one gourmet lunch, transportation by private minivans and airport transportation in Paris. Each student is responsible for lunches, slide and color film development, personal supplies and spending money.
The class is limited to the first 12 students who pay their nonrefundable $700 fees. The course will be credited for three hours summer I, 2004 credit in Photography II, Expressive photography, Drawing II, Painting II or through continuing education.
Art in Paris will take 14 students to museums in Paris, including the Palace of Fontainebleau. Dr. Jane Harper, humanities division chair, and Martha Gordon, art department chair, are instructors.
Total cost of the Paris trip is $2,900 plus TCC tuition and fees. The amount includes airfare, metro pass, hotel (double occupancy), museum entrance fees, daily breakfast, one lunch, two dinners and one excursion.
Enrollment is limited to the first 14 students who complete the Art in Paris application and pay a $725 deposit.
“This trip provides each of the participants with the opportunity for immense personal and professional growth and will be long remembered,” Richards said.
To register, contact the NE Campus art department at 817-515-6571 or e-mail Richards at prichards2@earthlink.net. Because this is a restricted course, online registration is not available.