

When I bought the Chatette back in 2002, I had a completely empty canvass to take and do with as I chose. I'd been writing in my journal from the first moment I saw the wine cave:
This would be a beautiful gallery!

I would go downstairs and just sit here during those years when I could only steal snippets of time, and then during those months in 2005 before Hurricane Katrina. After I excavated the terrace that summer, I'd sit and think about what I'd like to do in the cave and began thinking about a vernissage for village artists. I'd visualize the cave full of love and creativity.


Returning in 2006 after Katrina, I hadn't given up on the idea. I'd talk to friends about it, and by 2007 I was certain I was ready. So much for certainty, my contractor walked off the job in New Orleans and I was forced to return and spend a much longer time there than expected to make sure everything on Columbus Street was on target. Needless to say, I returned with very little interest in trying to organize much more.
During 2008, Christiane, Patrick and Josie made a trip to the states with me. We did St. Louis, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and saw Elvis in Memphis before returning to St. Louis. It was quite a trip for all of us, one that we were very grateful happened when it did.

I began to get ready for a summer vernissage when we returned. I'd been talking to village artists and friends. Christiane put an article in the village brochure for me, and I offered a fruit collage class for the village too.
It would have just been any old run of the mill cave with overhead florescent lighting, but Patrick and Josie offered to make a gift to me of building and installing the beautiful lighting system you've seen. I was and still am so touched.


I offered the space to village artists and also offered them the opportunity to sell their work the night of the vernissage and beyond if they were interested in overseeing the cave as a community. No one was interested in selling their work, and no one was interested in a community gallery so the vernissage became a one night gallery opening and apero.
From 2008 through 2012, we had a vernissage in La Galerie dans la Cave. In 2010, the barn became part of our "We" and I would do special themed small exhibitions over there that were primitive, but beautiful in a very different way than the cave.


Those five years gone were hard for me. Every year, I'd think that if I were in Cadrieu we'd be having the vernissage. That made this year even more special for me. I knew it was important to have the vernissage this year, that it was a symbol for me of return AND I can really say I AM BACK!
As you have seen, La Galerie dans la Cave was gorgeous. We tried for the first time to ask for donations for a worthy cause. But, compared to other years, the attendance was very small.
I've tried to sort out what the reasons for the small numbers were. I believe that:
It was the first time that the event had happened in 5 years;
I wasn't as visible in the village this summer and some people didn't know I was here;
I didn't participate in village events this summer with some dangling personal issues; and,
Other events in the village were scheduled for the same evening.

We're already talking about next year and making plans. I'm excited and artists are too. The Barn will be back. Regardless of the numbers, this vernissage was a success and we've learned some things for next year.
For me, I am back!
Happy Thursday!
