“As a professional artist and educator with 24 years of experience, I had never attended an artist residency before—and I can honestly say that my time at Atelier Artist in Residence at Château de Cerisay was one of the most impactful experiences of my creative life.
The château itself is pure magic—every corner is brimming with beauty and inspiration. What made the experience so meaningful was the freedom to follow my own personal schedule and focus on goals that truly mattered to me. Being surrounded by nine other professional artists from a range of disciplines added a rich and unexpected depth. The conversations over shared meals—about creativity, process, and the unique paths we each walk—were as nourishing as the food (which, by the way, was absolutely incredible!).
If you're hesitating—don’t. This residency will stretch your imagination, fuel your practice, and wrap you in a warm, supportive, and inspiring environment. I’m already dreaming about going back.
The work I began during this residency has laid the foundation for my next body of paintings, deeply influenced by the landscape, the reflective time, and the creative energy of my fellow residents. It has also expanded my perspective as an educator—I'm returning to my teaching with fresh ideas, deeper insight, and renewed inspiration to share with my students.” - H.M. - 2025
“This experience has been worth so much more than I ever could have dreamed. The opportunity to be able to create and focus on doing what I wanted every single day of my two weeks is a priceless gift. What makes the time even more valuable to me was the chance to get to know so many other artists and see their creations. The community you come out with is so strong. They are there to support you and inspire you and cheer you on your off days. If I could do this every year I would jump at the chance to do so.” - E..F. - 2025
“I had the extreme pleasure of attending the Atelier Artist in Residence program at the Chateau de Cerisay in the Spring of 2025. I cannot recommend this program enough and it exceeded my expectations. The chance to get to stay in such a unique property in the beautiful French countryside with a group of likeminded and talented artists was a dream. The opportunity and permission to create, play, explore, relax, think and reflect for two weeks was a such a gift and joyous experience. It’s a magical container to explore your artist self, in whichever medium that may be, and to watch others around you do the same. I walked away feeling inspired and energized. A truly special experience, and the takeaways and friendships from my stay will last a lifetime.” - L.M. - 2025
“My experience at the Chateau and with Atelier was magical. I learned so much and enjoyed the peace and beauty in an area of France I might never have found.” - P.G., - 2023
“The residency was an incredible experience for me to explore my creativity alongside other talented artists.” - H.E., - 2023
“Well organised and well supported, the Atelier AIR program creates an environment of inspiration and support allowing artists the opportunity be fully immersed in artistic practice, all set within a beautiful location.
With all requirements taken care of, the very luxurious commodity of time is afforded at this residency. Time to create, time to be inspired and time to connect with like-minded passionate artists and arts professionals. The meals provided are delicious, the accommodation fabulous, the conversation stimulating, and the laughs abundant.
This residency has provided me with inspiration, knowledge, global connections, wonderful new friends, a new body of work underway and exciting new aspirations within the arts world. I highly recommend Atelier Artist in Residence programs to any artist wishing to immerse themselves in a transformative experience and broaden their artistic horizons.”, - T.S., - 2023, 2025
“To reside in a wonderful place where you are taken care of so you can fully focus on making art is a tremendous experience. Atelier AIR let’s you be, so you can do as you please. Choose that freedom wisely and you’ll have the time of your life.” - N.B., - 2023
“My experience with Atelier Air was transformative. I unplugged and felt free of distractions while spending time making art in the French countryside. The residency brought together a group of supportive and creative people in this incredible environment, and this allowed me to reengage with my practice and helped to foster the development and direction of a new body of work that I am incredibly excited to continue. I feel more excited about making art than I have in years.” - G.L. - 2023, 2024
“I am typically off and guarded about highly personal things in non-familiar settings. There was something about the space, people, and place that melted that away for me and actually gave me a desire to share. I opened up about things that I had not in a long time if ever. With that, I have found pathways forward and inspiration for future work that I did not think was possible. For that alone I am grateful to the experience and the new community that was created.” - J.S. - 2023
"Although I wish I was further along as a returning artist, I can honestly say that my time in residency changed me. Having the opportunity to spend time with and learn from artists who work professionally and to experience the local history have been invaluable. It has changed my daily routine. I've gone back to studying, both classes and other artists, sketching daily, and I am easing back into social media to follow and support artists/friends and (hopefully) share my journey.” R.M. - 2024
“Although I’ve been an artist, writer and commercial artist most of my life, I only started painting seriously again a couple of years ago. I found the Atelier residency on Instagram, and was instantly attracted to the idea of creating in such an idyllic setting with the camaraderie of other artists, and touring a castle or two! Lol. Also the two-week timeline was perfect with my vacation time from my day job. The entire experience blew me away. The chateau was lovely beyond description; history exuded from every surface. The colors and textures were so inspirational, and in my time there, I created a new body of work which centered around reimagining the chateau's family portraits in a modern, kinda punk way. The relationships I’ve made with the other artists has been life-changing — we inspire each other still via our group WhatsApp. And finally, the most important takeaway for me is that I now SEE myself as an artist and make decisions from that reality. Wow.” N.M. - 2024
“I had the most magnificent two weeks at the Chateau to finish the manuscript of my novella. The residency was beautifully curated to provide the perfect balance of freedom and activity, always with the option to fully immerse myself in the work. The chateau and the grounds were so inspiring that I will always be magically transported there whenever I read my novel—the place infused itself into the story.
The accommodations, meals, transportation, and service was brilliant. One of the highlights was Chef Gary. His sublime meals and vivid stories added a richness to our cohort that I didn't see coming. Overall, this was one of the most productive, delightful and meaningful experiences of my writing life. I would not hesitate to recommend Atelier Residencies to everyone.” S.A. - 2024
“My experience at Atelier in France was truly exceptional, surpassing my expectations. I was greeted by a stunning historic Château and an enchanting historic site. The majestic and well-preserved 16th-century Château and furnishings further enriched my art pieces. I was able to work on my art at my own pace in a tranquil and stress-free environment.” C.C. -2024
“As a busy working mother, what appealed to me about this residency was having the mental and physical space I needed to reclaim some of the real estate in my brain and body. It was so nice to just sprawl out into the experience and not have to worry about daily household chores or taking care of anyone else's needs but my own. I can not understate the value of not having to worry about preparing food. From fresh pastries in the morning, to professionally cooked dinners and dessert at night, it was so refreshing to unburden myself of that mental load for two weeks and really allow myself to lean in to rest, reflection, and creativity. As an artist, the residency was equally restorative. I arrived with a plan in mind to finish a draft of my book, which completely and organically meandered into other forms of creativity and emotional processing that ultimately helped me find a clearer structure and more honest voice as I continue to work on this project. The free-form flow of the residency was exactly what my artist-self needed at this stage in my career. Our host was professional and knowledgeable and I felt like I was in expert and hospitable hands, but also congenial and relaxed enough that I definitely count him amongst the new artist friends I made. I appreciated his ability to shift from logistics coordinator to dinner discussion leader to chauffer to tour guide depending on what the day's activities called for. He took great care of us. I highly recommend this experience to any artist looking for a great travel and/or creative experience and will definitely take part again when I can. It's worth it for this wonderfully unique journey and the chance to explore your artistry in a beautiful and inspiring location! “ L.W. - 2024
“The only thing I wish differently about this experience is that it had happened earlier in my life. Yes, I am forever changed in so many positive ways. I could write forever about what has occurred within me.
I had never been out of the country and worked as an educator for the majority of my years. Finally, pursuing a dream of a degree in fine arts, I was given the opportunity to go to France and experience the residency at the Chateau.
I don't think there will ever be a day that I don't recall some memory of being there. Every essence of my life has changed and most definitely for the better. Not just as an artist or a professional but as an individual as well. The residency gave me time to deeply reflect. I kept journals everyday and before I left the journal was with me all day long.
The experience at the residency completely changed my practices as an artist. It has caused me to reflect deeper on my decisions and the future decisions that are in front of me.
It has caused me to reflect on my diet and my health practices. To think about those things that will keep me forever young.
This experience has caused me to sit quietly and ponder peace. At levels that I didn't realize my soul and my home so desperately needed. It has also caused me to reflect deeply on the parts of fine arts that I deeply deeply love or deeply detest in my practice. By the time I got home, the very next day, even with jet lag, I completely remodeled my studio and the practices that I expected to take place within its walls. Down to literally painting the entire room!
At this point in my practice, I struggle with beginning any selection. Because I want those decisions to be profound. As profound as I practiced while being there. Nothing else will satisfy.
As I have told my husband, I pray everyday that I never come down with Alzheimer's or dementia as I age because I never want to lose these memories that I have been blessed with. I truly hope to return one day to my second home. Or maybe become an assistant or aide to help others be enlightened by such an experience!
Thank you for such a beautiful invitation to be at the Chateau.
My life has been forever changed.
In the deepest love for all of you at Atelier Artist in Residence.” A.G.M. - 2024
“My time at AtelierAIR was filled with making art, making friends, seeing cultural sites both historic and new, and eating some of the best food ever. It was an unforgettable experience. My stay at the chateau has spurred me on to greater explorations of drawing.” - K.C.K. - 2024