‘…be present in your own life morning, noon, and evening’
As I was looking back on the photographs of my time at Studio Faire for inspiration to write this testimonial, a beautiful thing happened: I got a text in a group thread with the two other residents (both brilliant artists) who I met during my time there. It was one of my new artist-friends sharing a poem, “Yes” by William Stafford. The poem is about how there are no guarantees in life but that we do have “bonuses, like morning / like right now, like noon, / like evening.” That encapsulates what someone can expect at Studio Faire: Studio Faire offers you the ability to be present in your own life morning, noon, and evening. You have the opportunity to live out the day how you want to. Studio Faire is where you get to experience just how nice one day of your life can be. And then, impossibly, somehow, you have another day and another.
In my experience, independence was the most important ingredient to writing well at Studio Faire. While there, I experienced rich moments of social connection, whether eating dinner with other residents and our hosts, interacting with kind local folks, or sharing what we produced at the end of the residency. At the same time, as a writer, you’re given a lot of space, as well as many literal writing spaces, to just do the writing. So, a lot depends on the will of the writer to find motivation and seek out inspiration. I would recommend this residency for writers who value autonomy.
‘I would recommend this residency for writers who value autonomy.’
Thankfully, Studio Faire is a motivating and inspiring place. In Nérac, there are panoramic views of the old town, side streets for getting lost, neighborhood cats, farmer’s markets, baguettes and the best pastries of your life, green walks along the river with birds, vintage shopping, small souvenirs and postcards in corner shops, cafes for cold drinks and people-watching, local restaurants that have homemade hummus and sorbet and more. It’s easy to feel grateful for the everyday rhythms of Nérac and how they influence your mood while you’re writing.
The tone within the residency chateau is set by the hosts, who are frankly just cool-ass people. Listening to music produced by Julia and Colin was a highlight of my time. Many modes of creative expression were taking place simultaneously at Studio Faire. That exchange of energy felt exciting and propulsive, even when we were focused on our own projects. Because most residents are in one wing of the main house, this residency attracts people who also value conscientiousness about shared living spaces.
‘Many modes of creative expression were taking place simultaneously at Studio Faire. That exchange of energy felt exciting and propulsive, even when we were focused on our own projects.’
The residency at Studio Faire is not just a place for producing writing (though it is that, thankfully). The residency is a whole bundle of positive memories, a whole circle of connections that I carry with me. I will continue to look back fondly at the photographs (so many of Julia and Colin’s pets!) to access it all. …
‘Studio Faire is an artistic achievement unto itself.’
Marnie Ritchie, June 2025
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