The Buzz at l’Abeille
The “buzz” around here is that Sergio’s first public art commission was recently inaugurated as part of the “Euroméditérrannée” urban renewal project in the La Joliette neighborhood of Marseille.
Happy New Year 2019
As the New Year begins, I wish you all a year of renewal and time to be silent, time to go outside and to walk to restore your spirit. The question is not “How can I be happy?” but rather “How can I be free?”
Leo Marchutz – A Guiding Light
Who was Leo Marchutz, this Franco-German painter and lithographer who died in 1976 – four years before my arrival in Aix?
Lavender in July
In the heat of July, Provence is colored in shades of purple as the lavender flowers bloom, releasing their sweet, heady scent.
Moving Mountains Exhibit Preview
ON TOUR THIS SUMMER — International sculptor, Sergio Ruffato, and French based, Atlanta-born painter, Jill Steenhuis, will be showing an exceptional selection of artwork, including metal sculptures, oil paintings, and lithographs in Wilson, Wyoming from August 2-4, and in Hamilton, Montana on August 7th and 8th.
Poppy Profusion for Painting Workshops
SPRINGTIME IN PROVENCE — An unusually rainy spring led to more bountiful flowers in the landscape for my two oil-painting workshops in May. In spite of some rainy days, we journeyed out en plein air to experience nature and allow our inner poetry to emerge on the canvas.
Steenhuis Ruffato Family Aix-hibition
ANCIENT SPACES SHOWCASE BRAND NEW ART — Once again we are thrilled to be exhibiting our work in the beautiful Galerie de la Prévôté here in Aix. The 11th century building and courtyard, nestled just under the magnificent Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, is an oasis from the bustling streets of Aix and a perfect place to showcase our … Read more
Jill and Sergio – 2018 Spring Tour
French-based artist Jill Steenhuis arrives in the U.S. this spring, bringing in her bags the sun and skies of Provence. In Aix-en-Provence, where Jill has lived and painted for over three decades, spring comes early, with the budding of almond trees, streaky crimson-slate sunsets, whiffs of wild thyme and rosemary, the reawakening of nature. All … Read more
2018 Greetings from Aix
As some of you already know, in France it is bad luck to send your New Year’s greetings before the new year has begun & then you have until January 31 to do it. Having adopted the French ways that suit me, this is one that I like. “Here’s my secret, it’s very simple: It … Read more
Jill Selected by The Salmagundi Club – NYC
From January 29-February 15, 2018, the Salmagundi Club in New York will be showing Jill’s lithograph “The Sower Went Forth to Sow” in their competitive Printmaking Exhibition.
5 Steps to Hosting a Successful Art Show
Share your passion of art by organizing an event of Jill’s work. Sound daunting? It’s not! Here’s how in five steps.
My Silk Story
It all started 17 years ago when I bought my first Van Gogh silk scarf of the Irises from the Musee d’Orsay shop. I was always disappointed with the postcards and posters of the great master works. The reproductions were so poor, never like the painting I had just seen. Then I discovered the … Read more
A Letter from Camp Desoto
Dear Friends, I’m at Camp Desoto and I wish you were here. Camp is just as much fun as I remember it. Phil and Marsha have pulled out all the stops to make our painting retreat one to remember. And boy will we remember it! Each meal we eat together at a long table in … Read more
Spiritual Retreat at Camp Desoto
The idea came about when some Camp Desoto “girls” attended my oil painting workshop in Provence a few years ago. You see, once a girl spends a month on Lookout Mountain at Camp Desoto, she becomes a Desoto girl. No matter where life takes her, with the familiar melody of a song, the smell of … Read more