Welcome to the Studio of the South

In February of 1888, Vincent Van Gogh arrived in Arles, France, with a grand plan. Weary of the drab Parisian landscape and cliquish art scene, Van Gogh sought the colors of the country - and a revival of the purity of the arts. The latter he planned to achieve by forming a utopian community of artists, a community where the greatest painters would come together to work, to teach, to learn and share - to produce works that reveled in the color and light of the French countryside - works in which expression and communication were unhindered by worldly concerns and amplified by collaboration and community. Van Gogh called this ideal community The Studio of the South. This project seeks to revive that spirit.

Our Studio of the South is founded on the goal of creating a unique space for the Arts. Our Studio of the South will be a meeting place to share ideas and accomplishments. Our Studio of the South is an experiment, an investigation into the power and potential of the Arts and the Artist. More than anything else, our Studio of the South is a journey. Our destination is unclear, but there is much to learn along the way.

Over the coming weeks and months, the Studio of the South will continue to grow and evolve. Its resources, information, and subjects will continue to expand. Throughout this process, we will continue to work toward Van Gogh’s vision of creating a community of artists. This is a journey that is only beginning to take shape.

We cordially invite you to join us in this journey - to influence our path - to share your knowledge and experience and to continue Van Gogh's dream.