Welcome to AZULE's monthly friendly letter! YES, we want to keep in touch and, with your support, develop the mission of AZULE: "To Provide An Environment Where Artists and Community Meet, Work And Learn Together Through The Arts In Their Many Forms". Send us your news, comments, hopes and connections.
First make sure you remember AZULE new e-mail address:
Same for Camille Shafer - the great "Builder" of the place - use her new address :
Many people enjoyed the ANNUAL FALL EVENT at AZULE. You can see pictures of it and of the "PORTRAIT PROJECT 2011" on our website www.AZULE.org
As our virtual space is falling into place, OUR PHYSICAL SPACE IS GROWING! Come and visit. We have started a RESIDENCY PROGRAM for artists in all disciplines. The next Newsletter will present the work of the artists from last year and this year. We will also develop the purpose behind this program. Get informed on line, support the residency program and, why not, apply for a residency. You may do so here. You may also VOLUNTEER for 2012, since we have started a VOLUNTEER PROGRAM. See our needs on our Volunteer section on the website.
The best conclusion for this first newsletter is a set of picture of one of the main rooms, as it stands right now.
This room is called "The LIBRARY", a perfect place for meeting and get lost in shelves - or boxes - full of books and magazines: local history, arts and crafts, French literature, nature and survival skills, social sciences and so much more
Dear AZULE's friends,
The mission of AZULE is "To Provide An Environment Where Artists and Community Meet, Work And Learn Together Through The Arts In Their Many Forms".
One of the ways we live our mission is through offering the place for residencies, retreats, meetings and learning opportunities
In November, Jennifer Fadel took the opportunity to spend two weeks as an artist in residence at AZULE. Here are her comments:
"I showed up with my textile printing studio, enough groceries for two weeks and I was ready to start some printing projects I had not been able to get to over the last year. As I met more people involved in creating AZULE as a community in the arts I felt I too would like to become a part of AZULE.
"At the annual event, I met many more people from the community and got a really good feeling of how much history AZULE has in the area and just how many people are working together for the future of AZULE. The party had a big turn out which was a wonderful contrast to the quiet, meditative days I had working in the first floor studio. I loved the indoor/ outdoor quality of the studio space especially since the weather was beautiful. And Camille or Gwylene were close by to share a meal sometimes or for a conversation.
"I spent my time well there, it seemed like a few days and it seemed like a month of work. I left with some great new textiles and a knowing that I would be back. It is exciting to know such an inspiring environment with so many creative thinkers is ng to be in North Carolina."
On our website you will find detailed information and applications to the program. Do not let yourself be scared by our fee. Propose. This is a portion of our present cost. But although we are an emerging program which needs to grow its income, we wish to grow a community as well, which will add meaning to AZULE and help develop its sustainability. We are here as much to listen to you, experiment with bartering and time-banking, and nurture our development with you. We encourage collaboration. And you should also know that going through a successful residency at AZULE (www.AZULE.org) gives you knowledge and access to a full world of connections, from the Alternate ROOTS network (www.alternateroots.org) to a rent-free apartment in Paris!
Residencies may be anything from a private retreat time to a neighborhood partnership. The sky is the limit. If you are not interested in a residency time you may be interested in proposing classes on site or you may suggest someone to be invited. You may wish to participate in discussions around a good meal or become a volunteer or a board member. And maybe you are able to support/contribute/endow a residency once a year, or provide scholarships. All that for AZULE to live its mission and become a meeting point known for its architecture and its programs, a witness to what artists can accomplish.
To schedule a visit or a tour, call Camille at 828-622-3533. To discuss a residency or any proposal call Gwylene at 843-607-5811 or send an e-mail to
Enjoy the holidays and give yourself or your loved ones the gift of a residency/retreat at AZULE in the beautiful Appalachian mountains of North Carolina. The BOARD of AZULE wishes you a cool walk from 2011 to 2012.
Remember AZULE new e-mail address is
Camille Shafer - the great "Builder" of the place - new address is
Visit us at www.AZULE.org
