2024

Join Villa Albertine Houston for its signature French outdoor festival, Films on the Green. On April 19, the festival will feature Caroline Vignal’s award-winning comedy, My Donkey, My Lover & I. Antoinette, a schoolteacher, is looking forward to her long planned summer holiday with her married lover Vladimir, the father of one of her pupils. When she learns that Vladimir has to cancel because his wife organized a surprise hiking vacation, Antoinette decides to follow their tracks, accompanied by a protective donkey named Patrick. This event is free and open to all. In French with English subtitles.

The Orchestre national Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes will be touring the United States between April 12 and 20, 2024 for a series of concerts. The orchestra will be led by principal conductor Thomas Zehetmair, with cellist Sung-Won Yang as soloist, and will perform with a 25-strong orchestra of string and wind players. This world-class orchestra, traveling all the way to Anderson from France will perform a selection of music that truly represents the INMC’s international nature! Playing pieces from Austrian composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Joseph Haydn, and Hungary’s Béla Bartók. Their last concert will take place in Norman (OK) on April 19, 2024, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the cities’ twinning with Clermont-Ferrand.

Join us for a live concert with French band Kirby-sur-Seine! You will hear authentic French acoustic music with two guitars and a singer, and you will be able to enjoy food while listening.

Spectacular Street Art Experience! Join us for the unveiling of 9 new Big Art Bigger Change Murals in downtown in presence of curators and artists, followed by a short art-walk guided tour around nearby murals. Three french artists are part of the 9 murals going up this season: MrD 1987, Romain Froquet and Mantra. Big Art Bigger Change Murals is an unprecedented series of now 44 large murals curated by Street Art for Mankind and created by prominent international and local artists to amplify social and environmental justice in Houston and beyond, and to beautify and redynamize the Downtown and make it “The New Street Art Destination”. The themes chosen for each mural are inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the diversity of the local community and the drive of local people and organizations who make a difference in Houston and around the world. The Big Art Bigger Change series was made possible thanks to a partnership with Downtown Houston and Harris County. It was also supported by the City of Houston and TotalEnergies.

Join us for a socially distanced, indoor storytime featuring books and activities for everyone in the family! Encourage your family’s love of reading through this cross generational literacy experience. Registration is required and will open two weeks before the event. In celebration of the National French Cultures Festival from March 20th – April 20th we will be hosting a storytime that celebrates French culture.

With support from the Albertine Cinémathèque, UTSA will be organizing its first French Film Festival in spring 2024. Films will represent the diversity of French and Francophone filmmaking and be introduced UTSA faculty. Discussion with faculty and audience members will follow.

With support from the Albertine Cinémathèque, UTSA will be organizing its first French Film Festival in spring 2024. Films will represent the diversity of French and Francophone filmmaking and be introduced UTSA faculty. Discussion with faculty and audience members will follow.

You are invited to join Alliance Française de Tulsa for a wine reception to celebrate the opening night of Farewell, Mr. Haffmann (Adieu Monsieur Haffmann) on April 19 at Circle Cinema. Beginning at 6:00 p.m., come to mingle with others, enjoy light refreshments, and learn more about this WWII historical drama. This reception is free and open to the public. Alliance Française members will receive one free drink ticket to enjoy a glass of wine. Following the reception, you are invited to purchase a ticket to view the French film Farewell, Mr. Haffman. (Exact showtime will be determined one week in advance.) Learn more about the film below. You may purchase your ticket at Circle Cinema or in advance through their website. Film Description: After the Nazi occupation of Paris, a talented jeweler, Joseph Haffmann, arranges for his family to flee the city and offers one of his employees the chance to take over his store until the conflict subsides.

La Journée de la Francophonie sure le thème des Jeux Olympiques au lycée français est une célébration immersive qui fusionne la passion du sport avec la richesse culturelle des pays francophones. La journée débute par une cérémonie d'ouverture multiculturelle, suivie d'ateliers olympiques francophones et d'une exposition artistique reflétant la diversité de la francophonie. Les élèves participent à des rencontres sportives inter-classes, renforçant les liens communautaires, et toute la journée il y a un banquet francophone festif, partageant des mets typiques des pays francophones. Cet événement transcende le sport pour devenir un hommage vibrant à la diversité culturelle et linguistique qui unit la communauté francophone.

Engage in an enlightening conversation, conducted in both English and French, delving into the essence of the Francophonie, the dynamic evolution and significance of the French language, and the literary works of Alain Mabanckou. Attendees will have the exclusive opportunity for book signings with the esteemed author.

With support from the Albertine Cinémathèque, UTSA will be organizing its first French Film Festival in spring 2024. Films will represent the diversity of French and Francophone filmmaking and be introduced UTSA faculty. Discussion with faculty and audience members will follow.

With support from the Albertine Cinémathèque, UTSA will be organizing its first French Film Festival in spring 2024. Films will represent the diversity of French and Francophone filmmaking and be introduced UTSA faculty. Discussion with faculty and audience members will follow.

With support from the Albertine Cinémathèque, UTSA will be organizing its first French Film Festival in spring 2024. Films will represent the diversity of French and Francophone filmmaking and be introduced UTSA faculty. Discussion with faculty and audience members will follow.

With support from the Albertine Cinémathèque, UTSA will be organizing its first French Film Festival in spring 2024. Films will represent the diversity of French and Francophone filmmaking and be introduced UTSA faculty. Discussion with faculty and audience members will follow.

Isabelle Perreau’s new exhibition is a lover hand extended to the viewer, in an invitation to take a carefree, romantic stroll through the picturesque Paris of tourists, lovers, and revelers from all over the world. “Let’s stroll along the bustling boulevards, and climb up the steep narrow streets to Butte Montmartre”, she entreats.”Then, we’ll get lost in the intimate maze of Le Marais. Let’s blend into the Parisian crowd, admire all the prestigious monuments, then go sip a glass of Chardonnay on the terrace of the Café de Flore.” “Then let’s just walk around to find the well-hidden gems off the beaten track. And breathing in the exciting air of old Paname, we’ll remember Victor Hugo and Sarah Bernhardt and Jean Paul Sartre, and the many other luminaries of the Ville Lumière. We’ll go sing on the Champs Élysées, and dance on the Left Bank! We will have so much fun and take many selfies together, and then stop for a delicious bite at sweet Angelina’s salon de thé.” “And, of course, we will make love, and when we fall asleep , we will be exhausted, but there will be so many stars still in our eyes! And then, tomorrow, we will start for even more adventures throughout the magic city….”

Join us for a family event celebrating French culture through reading, history, and speaking French. There will be a storytime in French. We will learn about the history of Notre Dame and make “stained glass” windows out of construction paper. Bethany Meadows has a passion for sharing the French language with others. She spent ten years as a full-time teacher and now works as a French tutor for children. Bethany’s goal is to use literacy as a way to foster bilingual learning for all ages.

Celebrating the unity of French and American culture through Jazz, that’s what the Django Jazz Soirée is all about. You will hear tunes from the great French guitarist Django Reinhart, and tunes from American artists like Sydny Bichet and Louis Armstrong, the great inventors of New Orleans Jazz. Jazz is an American art form, however, jazz has absorbed musical influences from many cultures and most notably, French. The Django Jazz Soirée looks to highlight the French influence with the Soirée Jazz Ensemble featuring some of Houston's best jazz musicians. The ensemble features piano, bass, drums, guitar and saxophone and is led by David Parker. There will be featured guests on vocals that will perform songs by France’s great Edith Piaf and Joe Dassin.

This short movie night is a great way to explore the art of various French-speaking film directors. The program is a part of the annual Short Movie Festival (La Fête du court métrage) and includes a variety of short films on topics such as sports, arts, women's rights and immigration. Join us for this adventure and discover artistic creations from many film directors, including Mathieu Kassovitz, James Bort, Théophile Gibaud and many others. Food and beverages will be provided.

During the Houston Jewish Film Festival, we will have a Women's Night: French wine and cheese, featuring the film Simone: Woman of the Century. Olivier Dahan’s intimate biopic chronicles French Holocaust survivor Simone Veil's remarkable, decades-long career fighting for women’s rights as France’s health minister and as the first female president of the European Parliament. Consul General of France Valerie Baraban will be in attendance to introduce the film!

The Consulate General of Switzerland in Atlanta and the Consulate of Switzerland in Houston are delighted to invite you to an exclusive screening of "BISONS", directed by the renowned Swiss filmmaker Pierre Monnard. As part of Le Mois de la Francophonie and the French Cultures Festival, we extend our warm invitation to join us for an unforgettable cinematic experience celebrating the diversity of French-speaking cultures around the world. Immerse yourself in the captivating story of a young Swiss wrestling champion who is dragged by his brother into a series of clandestine fights to raise money to save the family farm. Presented in French with English subtitles, "BISONS" promises to enchant and inspire audiences of all background. Please note that some scenes depict violence associated with wrestling and fighting. This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Make sure to reserve your spot.

EXFORME is une histoire de ciel en confiture, a journey into the desert with amphoras, dogs, whistling rocks, goat heads, lounge chairs and boxers. MAINTENANT is pleased to present an exhibition of paintings by French artist Philippe Tourriol made in Marfa, TX during his summer 2023 residency with the experimental studio and research program Fieldwork: Marfa. Tourriol is carrying out research in the desert, the plastic signs and the trace objects that compose them. After his 2023 residency, he decided to continue this work by trying to organize his time between Paris (France) and Marfa, TX. ON VIEW MARCH 23– APRIL 20, 2024 Every Saturday 6-8PM + By appointment

Snuggle up to a good book at the Houston Public Library’s Pajama Storytime. Wear your pajamas and bring your bedtime friend as we sooth you into an evening storytime. In celebration of the National French Cultures Festival from March 20th – April 20th we will be hosting a storytime that celebrates French culture. All ages welcome.

Snuggle up to a good book at the Houston Public Library’s Pajama Storytime. Wear your pajamas and bring your bedtime friend as we sooth you into an evening storytime. All ages welcome. Registration is required and will open two weeks before the event. In celebration of the National French Cultures Festival from March 20th – April 20th we will be hosting a storytime that celebrates French culture.

The 2024 Billy Joe Turner Interdisciplinary Writing Symposium, hosted by the Department of English, World Languages & Philosophy at Texas Southern University, will feature a series of conference presentations on "Nourishing the Soul: Food, Culture & the Arts".

A World Without End’ exhibition about the energy As part of the Green Autumn cycle, the exhibition Un Monde Sans Fin (A World Without End) inspired by the eponymous comic strip by Jean-Marc Jancovici and Christophe Blain, illustrates the meeting and dialogue between the two authors, on the theme of energy: its use throughout history, the rise of fossil fuels and the impact of humanity on its environment and, in particular, on climate change. There is no doubt about it: action is needed! But where do we start and what can we do? Carbon-free energy, food, transport, urban planning: the exhibition also looks at possible solutions.

The Department of English & World Languages will be showing "Les recettes du bonheur" le 27 mars et "Chocolat" le 28 mars, bringing together French cultures, strong Women leads in cinema and cuisine, as an introduction for our Symposium held April 18-19.

Join us at the Alliance Française of Houston to (re)discover Alain Mabanckou ‘s novels and work. Born in 1966 in Congo, Alain Mabanckou is the author of several novels, including "Mémoire de porc-épic" (Seuil, 2006) for which he received the Renaudot Prize. He lives in the United States, where he teaches French literature at UCLA, and in France. His work has been translated into some twenty languages. "Verre cassé" has also been adapted for the stage in several productions. In his latest book, "Le commerce des allongés" published in 2022 by Seuil, Alain Mabanckou plunges us into the heart of his favorite city, Pointe-Noire, to show us that the dead are not dead, but simply passed into the camp of the invisible. Based on the funeral rites of the Congo-Brazzaville of his childhood, the writer has composed a fable from beyond the grave, whose hero, an extralucid dead man, dialogues with the dead and denounces the inequalities of contemporary Africa. While listening Alain Mabanckou, we will offer delicious Congolese specialities to make you try : Saka-saka, pondu, safou, etc. A signing session is planned after the meeting.

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we showcase the extraordinary works of Johanna Makabi, a visionary filmmaker who has captivated audiences worldwide with her unique storytelling and breathtaking aesthetics. Born in Paris in 1993, Johanna Makabi has established herself as a prominent figure in the world of cinema. Her films, including Grace (2022) and Keepin’ It Real (2020), illuminate the intricacies of human existence with stunning poetic beauty, capturing the essence of life in mesmerizing detail.

Aurora Picture Show and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston co-present the US premiere of Baba Hillman’s lyrical essay film Kitâb al-Isfâr: Book of the Journey, followed by an in-person conversation and Q&A with the filmmaker. Drawing upon the writings of Sufi mystic, poet, and philosopher Ibn ‘Arabī, the film is a poetic exploration of a near-death and mystical experience in the mountains north of Malaga, Spain. Hillman's seven-year journey of return to Spain, Norway, and Scotland is guided by teachers and fellow travelers met along the way, including German avant-garde artist Mary Bauermeister and author Denis Gril, a leading scholar on the work of Ibn ‘Arabī. Hailed as a masterpiece by French film critic Raphaël Bassan, Kitâb al-Isfâr: Book of the Journey is a kaleidoscopic travelog of overlapping languages and geographies, with their landscapes evoked in luminous fragments filmed on 8mm and 16mm film.

Our Texas State University French Club, Le Cercle Français, has this annual event inspired by The Cultural Services of the French Embassy and the Consulate of France in Houston's Festival des Cultures. Le Cercle Français is presenting a specialty event, French Outside of France, celebrating the French language and the diversity of French-speaking cultures in Texas. Meeting on April 2nd, Tuesday at 530pm in CENTENNIAL HALL 100, Le Cercle will be hosting this internationally themed event, with special guest international speakers presenting on how French exists as an active force in the world today, often used as a tool to connect people. Texas State International students, as well as other Multicultural organizations are invited to share in this International and supranational event on campus. Speakers from all over will showcase their countries, including a TAPIF alumnus. Celebrating La Francophonie is recognizing the potential of language and culture to unite people, to create spaces of solidarity and mutual understanding, to reflect together on our common future.” - UNESCO

Come all for this fun family and French movie night! Belle et Sebastien is a classic movie that will remind parents of their childhood, and kids will love this story of 10-year-old Sebastien reluctantly spending his vacation in the mountains with his grandmother and aunt. He is to help them with the sheep, hardly an exciting prospect for a city boy like him... but that is without considering his encounter with Belle, a big dog mistreated by her owner. Ready to do anything to fight injustice and protect his new-found friend, Sebastien will spend the craziest summer of his life. Movie by Pierre Coré - 2022 - with Michèle Laroque, Robinson Mensah Rouanet, Alice David, Caroline Anglade - In French - English subtitles

Education Francaise Austin (EFA) will host a French Cine Club afternoon on Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 1 to 3 pm at Magellan International School, Bull Creek Campus, 7501 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78731. Entry is free and open to the public. Three French movies (without subtitles) will be screened simultaneously for ages 5-7, 8-12, and 13+. A sign-up form must be completed in advance per family. This event is part of the French Cultures Festival coordinated by the Cultural Service of the French Embassy in Houston.

Alliance Française de Tulsa welcomes Swiss author Thomas Sandoz for an evening discussion about his experiences as a French-speaking author in Switzerland. He will speak about the writing and publishing process, the value of literature in the global market, his book “Croix de bois, croix de fer” and more. Join us on Tuesday, March 26, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Magic City Books. This event is free and open to the public. Wine is available for purchase by the glass at Magic City Books. Attendees will have the opportunity to pose questions to Thomas Sandoz and enter to win a signed copy of “Croix de bois, croix de fer.” The raffle takes place at the end of the event. Three winners will receive a signed copy of the book, generously donated by the Consulate of Switzerland. There will be an interpreter present throughout the event to help facilitate dialogue in both English and French. Thomas Sandoz is a prolific Swiss author, epistemologist, and doctor of psychology. His published works include several novels, essays, articles, monographs, and more. Alongside his personal projects, he runs writing workshops and works on commission as a cultural mediator. Thomas Sandoz will discuss the realities of being a Swiss Francophone author in 2024, such as the following: - What is the book world like in Switzerland, a small country with four official languages ? - Is there a change in attitude among active authors? - What does it mean to be an author in the age of streaming and ChatGPT? Thomas Sandoz will draw on his personal experience and background in cultural psychology to answer these questions and others that will emerge from the discussion with the audience.

To honor Francophonie Month, our school is organizing a festival called “Francofun”. This festival consists of highlighting a variety of family-focused activities dedicated to the language, culture and gastronomy of French-speaking countries. (Sale of crêpes and other delicacies, pétanque, creative workshops, soccer, pêche a la ligne) On the principle of a fair, entry is free but participants are invited to purchase tickets for drinks and food. The event will be held at our school in San Antonio. Volunteers, members of the French-speaking community of San Antonio, as well as school employees will take care of the sale of French-speaking dishes (Mafé, crêpes , cakes, quiches, bbq) as well as the activities set up.

Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting tapestry of Francophone cultures at our school's festive event! The evening begins with a cinematic experience, showcasing the beauty and diversity of French cinema. While the film transports you to the heart of Francophone storytelling, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the tempting allure of pastries in our French interactive café provide a sensory experience like no other. As part of our "sequence d'apprentissage" (learning sequence), Mme Lasu will lead an engaging educational session, offering insights into the linguistic nuances and cultural intricacies of the French language. Discover the joy of language acquisition in a fun and interactive setting. Texas Health proudly sponsors a captivating Book Walk, inviting you to explore literary wonders inspired and written by Francophone authors. Meander through the library, where each step unveils a new chapter in the world of French literature. We will have books for all ages available! For those seeking hands-on creativity, the PTA hosts a cultural craft station. Unleash your artistic flair and craft your own piece inspired by the vibrant traditions of Francophone cultures. This event promises a delightful blend of entertainment, education, and community, fostering a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of French-speaking societies. Venez nombreux and let the celebration begin!

Join us for a socially distanced, indoor storytime where we’ll read stories and sing songs together. Recommended for ages 5+. Registration is required and will open two weeks before the event. In celebration of the National French Cultures Festival from March 20th – April 20th we will be hosting a storytime that celebrates French culture.

Join us for a socially distanced, indoor storytime featuring books and activities for everyone in the family! Encourage your family’s love of reading through this cross generational literacy experience. Registration is required and will open two weeks before the event.

As a part of the French Cultures Festival 2024, come and spend the afternoon with Education Abroad enjoying croissants, pain au chocolat and light refreshments while learning about studying in France! We will also speak about French Language classes in UHCL you can enroll to improve your French language skills !

Most people are familiar with the spectacular country of Switzerland. However, what many do not realize is that this small country has four official languages and almost a quarter of the entire population is French speaking. To discuss Francophone culture, Alliance Française d'Oklahoma City with the support of the Consulate General of Switzerland, welcomes Swiss writer, epistemologist and Doctor of Psychology, Thomas Sandoz, to Full Circle Bookstore in Oklahoma City. Mr. Sandoz has published several notable novels, essays, and monographs on cultural phenomena. He has also made a name for himself through articles on popular science and cultural critique. Thomas Sandoz is widely recognized and has received several awards including the Swiss Schiller Foundation Prize in 2011. Everyone is welcome to this free public event at Full Circle Bookstore, the largest independent bookstore in Oklahoma. Since 1970, this venerable institution has hosted the biggest names in culture and literature at readings and events and as such is a fitting venue for the Thomas Sandoz Author Event. The central theme of Sandoz’s latest novel Croix de bois, croix de fer (Wooden Cross, Iron Cross) is charity towards others. After the early death of his brother, a missionary, a man is invited to a memorial. Looking back on his own childhood and youth, he recalls how his brother proudly continued in the missionary tradition of the family, and how he called into question his own life choices. Award winning author Thomas Sandoz will draw upon his personal experience and knowledge of cultural psychology to delve into Francophone culture and answer audience questions. Join us for an enlightening discussion on culture, language, and resulting influences on literature.

Let chanteuse Deborah Boily take you on a journey of French music from the robust to the sublime while you enjoy the fabulous French and Belgian fare, wines and beers offered by Cafe Brussels. Deborah has performed extensively throughout Europe and the US. She and pianist Jerry Atwood have been performing their annual French show at Cafe Brussels for many years.

Maud Snell, President and long-term member of the Alliance Francaise d'El Paso, passed away on January 31, 2024. As a loving tribute to Maud's dedication, commitment and generosity to the Alliance Francaise d'El Paso for over 30 years, the Board of Directors is organizing a dinner in her memory. This will also be an opportunity for members and friends to donate funds towards the Maud Snell Student Scholarship that was established by the Board in her memory, as this was her last wish 2 weeks before her unexpected death. A special dinner will be prepared to include Coq au Vin, which was one of Maud's favorite French dish and cooking lesson to members and friends of the Alliance.

Spelling bee competitions offer many educational and cognitive benefits, making them a valuable and engaging activity for participants. While English Spelling Bee competitions can be found at nearly every school in the United States, French Spelling Bees are extremely rare. With Austin International School offering the French curriculum, we felt it was important to celebrate our students’ knowledge of the French language and challenge them with a competition that enhances vocabulary skills, improves language proficiency, and fosters a deeper understanding of word meanings and usage. Participating in a spelling bee also enhances public speaking and communication skills. Contestants develop confidence in their ability to articulate words clearly and accurately under pressure, improving their overall communication abilities. Additionally, spelling bees create a sense of camaraderie and community among participants, The French-speaking community in Central Texas is small, but mighty. And we wish to bring all French-speaking students together to showcase their language skills, whether they attend our school or not.

Koslov Larsen presents Mujeres: The Beat of a Wing, a solo show by French artist Delphine Blast. This show is presented in association with the 2024 FotoFest Biennial: Critical Geography, which reexamines traditional Western and historical understandings of geography while investigating shifting and emerging relationships with the land. Mujeres: The Beat of a Wing combines three acclaimed series: Flowers of the Isthmus, Cholitas, and Dancing Flare. Paying tribute to the indigenous women of Latin America, Blast’s work follows the Zapotec women of Tehuantepec, the Bolivian cholitas of the plains of the Altiplano, and the bright and colorful spirit of the folk ballet dancers of Querétaro, Mexico. In Flowers of the Isthmus, the traditional dress of the Zapotec women is paired alongside bright backgrounds and oil cloth frames. The series celebrates the intricate and diverse ways in which traditional garments are worn by a new generation of women dedicated to proudly preserving their histories and cultural artifacts. Vibrant and almost sculptural, the intricate garments have inspired many artists over the years, including Frida Kahlo. The Cholitas series follows the style of dress worn by the indigenous Aymara peoples of modern-day Bolivia. Posed in front of traditional fabrications, the rounded compositions encase and bring attention to the movement qualities of the dresses and shawls. Blast emphasizes an intent to “highlight the cholitas' very special outfits, inspired by Andean traditions, but above all to reveal their femininity, elegance, and dignity.” In Dancing Flare, the dancers of Querétaro, Mexico move energetically and dizzyingly throughout the images. Accentuated by longer exposures, the layered, spinning dresses linger in the air as new movements find their way into the images. Blast captures the spirit and body intertwining, celebrating the longevity of female artistic traditions in dance and costume. On view March 8 - April 13, 2024.

The Lafayette Musicians are focused to play soul lifting classical music. Thanks to its great musical background, the conductor Matthieu Peyregne du Motier, who have been performing with the best french early music ensembles and orchestras (Les Arts Florissants, Les Talents Lyriques, Correspondances,...) all over the world, wants to spread his musical knowledge and experience with musicians from the Dallas Fort Worth area, including vocalists and instrumentalists. At every concert, we provide beautiful booklets with precious explanations about the pieces so that every people in the audience can understand the context in which the pieces have been composed, and their deep meaning. The whole program is translated in english and french, since at least 50% of our audience is composed by french people.

Join us for a live concert with French band Kirby-sur-Seine! You will hear authentic French acoustic music with two guitars and a singer, and you will be able to enjoy French food while listening.

Join us for a live concert with French band Kirby-sur-Seine! You will hear authentic French acoustic music with two guitars and a singer, and you will be able to enjoy Belgian food while listening.

Join us for a live concert with French band Kirby-sur-Seine! You will hear authentic French acoustic music with two guitars and a singer, and you will be able to enjoy French food while listening.

Join us for a live concert with French band Kirby-sur-Seine! You will hear authentic French acoustic music with two guitars and a singer, and you will be able to enjoy food while listening.

Experience the rich tapestry of French culture at our French Cultural Festival. Explore the grape varieties typically grown in the Rhône Valley with a wine tasting from French Connection Wines, embark on fun-filled games to learn more about the history and culture of France with Austin Accueil, or create a wine charm to take home. This event is part of the French Cultures Festival coordinated by the Cultural Services of the French Embassy and the Consulate of France in Houston. Museum exhibition galleries will be open for exploration between 5 and 7 p.m. All activities are included in the price of exhibition admission. Onsite exhibition admission ticket sales end at 6:50 p.m. Featured Activities: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. § Explore the La Belle exhibition to learn about the 17th Century French explorer La Salle, discover how the sinking of his ship changed the course of history, and how technological innovations led to the excavation and conservation of this 300 year old ship. § Participate in a game on French culture and history with Austin Accueil. § Enjoy a wine tasting with French Connection Wines. § Craft Corner - Design your own wine glass charm in our Third Thursday Craft Corner with the Bullock Museum staff.

In this invited lecture, History Professor J. Shango, who is conversant in Wolof one of the local languages in Senegal and Gambia, will use this forum to explore the infusion of French in West African languages in these two countries. After giving students a broad overview of his travels and work in this region, Professor Shango will describe the situational, generational, and regional differences in the uses of Wolof and French. For example, many younger Senegalese speak Wolof, but they defer to French in some instances, especially in the capital and urban cities. On the other hand, the counting system is exclusively French, and therefore French is used in the marketplace, in taxis, and for other monetary transactions. This will lead to a broader discussion of how languages and cultures influence one another, particularly in situations of unequal social status. From his perspective as a historian, Professor Shango will consider the history of this region and its cultural influences. He will also discuss the broader impact of the legacy of French colonial rule in West Africa.

Please join soprano Dr. Dominique McCormick and pianist Keith Weber at the Alliance Française in Houston for an afternoon concert of French Mélodies of the Belle Époque. The concert will highlight the rediscovered and rarely performed works of composer Martial Caillebotte, the younger brother of the famous impressionist painter Gustave Caillebotte. Through his exploratory harmonies, profound word painting and creative compositional techniques, Caillebotte transports the audience into a musical world that is influenced by the impressionist movement. Caillebotte's pieces will be performed side by side with those of his better known contemporaries: Charles M Widor, Jules Massenet, Cécile Chaminade, Pauline Viardot and Ernest Chausson. Equally important to the mélodies of the Belle Époque are poets and their poems: you will hear works by Theophile Gautier, Alfred de Musset, Victor Hugo, Felix d'Arvers and Pierre de Ronsard. The program is the embodiment of the research found in Dr. McCormick’s dissertation: Martial Caillebotte’s Melodies and Scenes Lyriques: Analytical Essays and Performance Guide.

Eating a bite of chocolate consumes all of your senses, and everything from the way it feels in your mouth to the aroma. What king of flavors can you sense in these chocolates ? Put your taste buds to the test by tasting craft chocolate bars from French craft chocolate makers, called MOF ‘Meilleurs Ouvriers de France”. Quintessence is a gift box of 15 chocolates (5 différentes pralines x3). A real flavorful score composed by four hands. Quintessence was born from an outstanding partnerships between 2 lifelong friends, both « Meilleurs Ouvriers de France ». Georges Larnicol and Jean-François Castagné, two of France’s finest chocolate makers, were brought together by the desire to express their affinity and synergy. The gift box is composed of lavish pralines with delicates notes and a powerful Terra Negra (unique recipe created by Jean-Francois Castagne of 70% cacao dark chocolate with cacao bean from Jakarta and Ghana) chocolate coating, whose tones come to life on the palates of chocolate lovers.

In the opening to his 1863 manifesto, “The Painter of Modern Life,” the French art critic and essayist Charles Baudelaire urges his readers to embrace the aesthetics of a “particular beauty, the beauty of circumstance and the sketch of manners.” One may also consider a “particular” beauty to be one that is distinct, individual, or subjective. Indeed, the historical arc of nineteenth-century French art has been a specific one, one reflecting the cultural and political positions of white male artists. While the long nineteenth century witnessed cultural advances, including the manufacturing of the first steam engine connecting two international European capitals, the invention of photography, industrialization, increased globalism, and the use of electric lighting, the era was also tarnished by colonial operations, pseudoscientific constructions of race, pollution, and labor exploitation. A Particular Beauty: 19th-Century French Art at the McNay, reflects upon whom the nineteenth-century European art historical canon has traditionally represented and served. With a refreshed approach towards presenting European artworks in the McNay’s collection, the exhibition and accompanying essay confront topics on exoticism, colonialism, class, gender, ecocriticism, race, disability studies, and LBGTQ+ studies. The exhibition displays 12 paintings and works on paper from the McNay’s permanent collection by artists including Édouard Manet, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Berthe Morisot, Camille Pissarro, Camille Corot, Jean-François Millet, Gustave Courbet, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, among others. A Particular Beauty: 19th-Century French Art at the McNay is curated by Noelle Yongwei Barr, Semmes Foundation Intern in Museum Studies.