Since 2021 and the exhibition of my trompe-l'œil at the Pontet kiln, I've enjoyed a very warm welcome from a team of dedicated volunteers, some of whom I'm beginning to recognise. personalities.

This year, with Jean Marie ZACCHI, we have chosen two guests of honour: Véronique Pico, sculptor, and Serge Krewiss, painter. These two professional artists can only add to the prestige of the festival. We will also be delighted to welcome 3 artists from the Friends of the Four Pontet network: Capton, Claire Crétu and Eva Czaplicki.

Being a jury is risky, and I'd add: being its chairman is no easy task!

You have to get out of your own bubble, open up without denying your own values and convictions, broaden your horizons in a spirit of openness, but with the demand for "fine work" and expertise. 

It's a balancing act, which generally succeeds in the fact that the participants in this college often rate their respective results in a consensual manner. But while what we know can form an opinion, I find it difficult to pass judgement on it. And as someone who continues to learn with my students, I'm not known for my multi-directional benevolence or hypocritical indulgence. 

"I forget my friends, I forget my enemies, I remain humble, I look and I vote objectively". This must be the motto of the members of the Jury.

Richard Gautier