A dozen of us met up in brilliant sunshine in the parking lot of the Lycée internationale in Ferney and set off on the 5 km cross-border loop through Ornex and Collex-Bossy. It is the eighth time that this exhibition has taken place and 47 works of art were on display. Most of the artists were local, including some exhibits from school classes in both France and Switzerland. The materials used were very varied, but some of the more fragile pieces had suffered somewhat from the recent “intempéries” that have plagued us this summer. However, each one was carefully studied along with the accompanying explanatory boards, and various sage critiques were proferred.
Our path went through pastures, orchards, vineyards and woods and was actually a revelation to some who lived in the vicinity and were not aware of what lay on their doorsteps. It made us realise how lucky we are to live in such beautiful surroundings and in particular, the views of the Jura were superb against such a clear blue sky.
The standard of the exhibits was somewhat varied, but each showed a certain degree of imagination and inventiveness. In particular, three children’s swings made almost entirely from old bicycle tyres and inner tubes were impressive, as were a set of three collages using dead honey bees.
A short muddy section through the Ornex woods had to be negotiated with care amid the odd complaint that was completely ignored! We emerged from the forest onto the brand new cycle/walking path that led us back to the cars.
Eight of us then proceeded to the Rajpoute restaurant where for the first time for some of us, our health passes were scanned at the door, as is now the law in France. A copious and tasty three course meal followed, washed down by Kingfisher beer for some and a surprisingly fine Indian red wine for others.
Attending: Tom Boult, Norman Eatough, Mik Ferran, Dave Gernandt, Philip Jenkins, Rob Mackenzie, Mike Price, Richard Saynor, Paul Sochaczewski, David Stieber, Gerry Swart and Mark Warren. Apologies from many, mostly because of being visited by, or visiting, families cut off by the pandemic.
Lovely, Richard: Mission accomplished in style