Van Gogh’s South of France: A Francophonie Painting & Wine Workshop

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Alliance Française de Portland - The Historic Kamm House

Celebrate the Month of Francophonie with an evening where art, wine, and culture meet

For this special Sip & Paint workshop, we step into the world of Vincent van Gogh, the Dutch artist who found his artistic voice in France. Our focus turns to his luminous years in the South, where the colors, light, and floral beauty of Arles and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence inspired some of his most celebrated works.

Guided step by step, participants will explore watercolor techniques while recreating Van Gogh’s iconic floral compositions — selected for their expressive forms and accessibility, even for those new to the medium. This is not about perfection, but about experiencing the joy of color, movement, and creativity.

Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy curated wines from the same regions that shaped Van Gogh’s artistic journey. Wines from the regions that inspired Van Gogh will be available for purchase, but enjoying them is entirely optional — this workshop celebrates art, creativity, and the spirit of Francophonie for everyone, whatever your preference. As you paint, you’ll also travel through the gardens and fields of Southern France — through their colors, textures, and seasonal charm.

The workshop is led by Isabelle Rastoin Harrison, a French artist living between Paris and Portland, whose artistic practice beautifully bridges French culture and creative exploration.

No prior painting experience is needed. Whether you come for the art, the wine, or simply the pleasure of a creative Francophonie-inspired evening, this workshop offers a relaxed and welcoming space to experiment, learn, and unwind.

Join us for a night of color, conversation, and inspiration.

The workshop will be led in both English and French, with the artist speaking in the language of each participant’s choice. English and French speakers alike are warmly welcome. Come as you are, bring a friend—or come to meet new people—and leave with a unique artwork and a little piece of van Gogh to take home.

Materials are provided.

Isabelle Rastoin Harrison

Isabelle Rastoin Harrison was born in 1970, in Limoges, Haute-Vienne, the famous city of porcelain named « La capitale des Arts du Feu ». Living in the beautiful neighborhood, la cité jardin of le Vésinet, all her childhood, she got inspired since she was a little girl by its amazing environment, the architecture, and the gardens. Naturally, she chose to study at l’Ecole Supérieure des Jardins in le Marais, Paris, and worked with the most talented French landscapers, such as Philippe Niez and Gilles Clément. When everything became computerized she preferred to remain a drawer and a painter. Then, she founded « l’Atelier rue Greuze » in 2010, located in an Art Deco building, where all the kids of the 16th, Paris, learned everything about Art and celebrated their birthdays. 🎈Later on, in 2017, she opened the most darling art gallery with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower: La Galerie du Trocadéro.
Currently, she is living between Paris and Portland, her husband being a native from Oregon.

TICKET PRICING & MEMBER BENEFITS

Admission: $41 for Alliance members, $49 for non-members.

Discount automatically applied for Alliance members—one of the many benefits of being part of our community. 

Painting materials are included, and wine is available for purchase separately.

All sales are final.


Sorry, you've missed the RSVP deadline for this event.


 

PARKING

Street parking on SW 20th St. facing the Kamm House is limited. Free parking is available in Lot A at SW 18th and SW Columbia. Please obtain a parking pass from the office. After 6 pm weekdays, students may park in the Willamette Dental lot at SW 20th and SW Jefferson as available.

OFFICE HOURS

The Alliance office is open 10am-3pm Monday through Friday.
Call us at 503.223.8388 during business hours or leave a message.
Email us at  info@afportland.org.

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