Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/779409
RU LE FRENCH With more than 20 international talents alongside a celebrated Houston street- artist, seven master pastry chefs in from Bordeaux, programming reaching hundreds of school children, and a performing arts component, France Pavilion promises to make a cultural impact when it lands at Washington Avenue Arts District next month. Catherine D. Anspon traverses the highlights. F rancophiles, collectors, and the culturally curious will experience Houston's inaugural France Pavilion, rolling into town Thursday through Sunday, March 2 through 5, at Winter Street Studios. The Pavilion is entering its third year, with previous editions in Miami (Art Basel fair week), Manhattan (Times Square's Best of France), and Washington, D.C. (at the French Embassy). French Consul General in Houston Sujiro Seam and wife, Jan Ren, act as honorary chairs. Among the visual lineup, all offered for sale, is hometown honoree Sebastien Boileau, aka Mr D, marking his 30- year career as a risk-taking street artist, first in France, now in Houston(creator of our city's largest mural). More must-sees: Richard Orlinski of the Pop sculpted animals; photographers Alexandre Ubeda, walking the edge between fashion and celebrity, and Maurice Renoma's haunting animals in human garb; visionary artist Flore Sigrist (whose Sotheby's record tops $100,000); and French artists residing in Houston, Agnes Bourely and Emilie Duval. Miami- based art adviser Sebastien Laboureau serves as lead curator, with Houston gallerist Yvonamor Palix as guest curator. France Pavilion at Winter Street Studios, 2101 Winter St.; Thursday, March 2 (School Day, Vernissage); free to the public Friday and Saturday, March 3 and 4, 10 am to 8 pm; Sunday, March 5, 10 am to 6 pm; Nuit du Champagne benefitting TFAA, Friday, March 3, 7 pm, tickets $TBD, francepavilion.com. COURTESY THE ARTIST AND FRANCE PAVILION Alexandre Ubeda's Pandora, at France Pavilion AMA PHOTOGRAPHY, COURTESY THE ARTIST AND FRANCE PAVILION Honoree artist Sebastien Boileau, aka Mr D