10th Annual 'Promenade des Artistes' Starts Today

With the weather expected to cooperate this weekend, why not put on your comfortable shoes, grab your wallet and get ready to take a walking tour of some Larchmont homes for the 10th annual Promenade des Artistes (or artists' walk)?

This Friday and Saturday, the works of 36 artists from the French community – from painters and sculptors to photographers, jewelry-makers and even pastry chefs – will be on display and for sale in six private homes in Larchmont, starting at 25 Summit Ave.

The idea for the event was developed by members of Westchester Accueil  – a non-profit organization that was started 25 years ago to welcome those with connections to French-speaking countries – said its president Jovana Gobin. She explained that while the word bienvenue means "welcome," accueil is more warm and specific, meaning to welcome someone to your home. Those who have opened their homes to the event are also committee members.

 "What started out as a fun way to welcome Francophones has really grown," Gobin noted. "Some of the [participants] have become successful professional artists."

Among the artists featured are painters Corinne Thomas and Jean-Mehdi Grangeon; sculptors Isabelle Glaize and Anne de Villemjane; pastry chef Didier Berlioz; photographers  Emmanuelle Francoy and Nicolas Auvray; jewelry makers Christine Chavel and Claudia Bishopp; textile artists Joelle LeScornec and Soleil Basque; and glass painter Florence Pindrys.

Promenade des Artistes has always taken place in a neighborhood in Larchmont or Mamaroneck because of the many French-American residents here. Held every year since 2000 on the first weekend of May, rain or shine, the event has grown in popularity and anticipation, according to Gobin, who helped organize the event with colleagues Pauline Belmontet-Philpott and Francoise Chauveaux.

In addition to being a fun, unique way to shop and enjoy the artwork of area artists, Promenade des Artistes is also a fundraiser. Applicants – who must be members of Westchester Accueil or Accueil New York – agree to donate 15 percent of their proceeds to a pre-selected charitable organization. This year, proceeds will go to two groups: Entraide Francaise, a non-profit group that provides assistance for Francophones in need in the tri-state area; and Abraham House in the Bronx, which offers safe after-school programs for the children of inmates to help keep them off the streets and out of gangs.

"It should be a beautiful weekend, and this is really a beautiful event," Gobin stated. "And all the art is very affordable." Prices range from $5 to $3,000, so there is something for everyone on this unusual shopping excursion.

Other stops on the walking/shopping tour include 174 and 182 Larchmont Ave., 10 Rockhill Terrace, 25 Mayhew Ave., and 33 Stuyvesant Ave. Event hours are Friday, April 30th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Saturday, May 1st, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, send an e-mail to info@promenadedesartistes.org .