René Goes to Paris
Bonjour my friend,
Did you notice how I wrote "Paris 2025 exhibition" in the heading above?
I have a new exhibit on view in Paris, and I now intend to exhibit in Paris—or another major city—every year from now on.
This has been a grand dream of mine, something I've been steadily working towards. After the success of my 2024 San Francisco exhibition (which you can read about here), now feels like the perfect time to move forward without hesitation and make this dream a reality.
See the Caféologie book on the counter? That was written by Gloria Montenegro of La Caféothèque de Paris, and her daughter, Christina.
If you know me, you know that I've been working hard at learning all of the things: not only the art making, but the art of business, too. How do I serve my community and keep up with exactly what you need?
Christina and Franco about to drift away in the breeze...
Toutes voiles dedans is our title; it is poetic and brings images of sailing ships, fluttering sails, and a story of exploration and journey.
This dreamy art fits this space so beautifully.
I am happy to report that these business practices are taking hold, not only for exhibitions—but for sales, especially for a collection of works sold to a dear collector from the U.K. who lives part of the year in Aubusson.
Thank you, I. and T. P.; you have made my work fruitful and rewarding.
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Now—on to discussions of PARIS!
Here, perfectly sited, is my painting of the Tropical Room at La Caféothèque de Paris in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, bringing the two cafés beatuifully together.
My dear friend Christina Chirouze Montenegro contacted me about a month ago to mount an exhibition at the Columbia University Global Studies Center. In the charming 6th arrondissement, tucked between Boulevard de Montparnasse and rue Notre-Dame des Champs, is nestled La Caféothèque Reid Hall. La Caféothèque was chosen to bring their expertise to the Global Studies Center as a result of their long-time relationship in building connections between cultures, "a high-quality café promoting humanitarian principles." There, in this prestigious center of learning, my large-scale art hangs fluttering in the breeze; inviting the students and faculty to study and discourse under the protection of my paintings.
Thank you, Christina, Reid Hall and La Caféothèque!
September 3 - November 6, 2025
Toutes voiles dedans
La Caféothèque Reid Hall
4, rue de Chevreuse
Paris 6e
75006 Paris, France
*Contact me for viewing appointment; reservation required*