Henry Jackson-Spieker: Artist Residency at Chateau d'Orquevaux

Alum Henry Jackson-Spieker (Art Studio BFA, '13) enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pursue his work at the historic and idyllic Chateau d'Orquevaux in France. The Chateau provides a studio, room and board. Some facilities are located within the chateau, while other rooms are locate in the converted stables.

The artists in residence span multiple disciplines, including visual art, literature, and music. "There are people from all over coming and it's in such an intimate setting that you get to know everyone really well."

The residency has been active since 2015, and restoration of the buildings and grounds is still underway. There are discussions about creating a sculpture park on the property.

Jackson-Spieker (who was also recently profiled in Crosscut) created "a little installation in the old greenhouse in the Orchard" during his time at the chateau, which led to his being asked to design another outdoor sculpture for the face of planned gallery space.

The nearby village of Orquevaux has about 75 residents, so "you're really removed and just have these beautiful rolling hills, forest and farm lands surrounding you" says Jackson-Spieker of the bucolic setting.

Originally built in the early 18th-century in the  in the style of Louis XV, Château Orquevaux is a private residence now owned by the Attias family. Ziggy Attias is an artist, award-winning filmmaker and the founder and director of the Chateau Orquevaux Art Residency. Attias took on this project in the hopes of creating a community and home for artists of all mediums, backgrounds, and stages in their journey. The residency has grown remarkably over the years and is now proudly hosting artists from over 32 countries worldwide.

Photos by David Marriott