Discover your path
What drives your artistic vision? What stories do you long to tell? Through focused studio practice and hands-on mentorship, refine your craft and create work that’s deeply personal. Whether building a compelling portfolio or experimenting with new forms, this is your chance to embrace the discipline that sparks your passion.
Find your voice
Dive into the scenic beauty of rural Normandy and your chosen art form on Creative Pathways – our 9-week residential arts program.
Explore your passion for Film, Studio Art, Theatre, or Music through lively classes, hands-on workshops, and focused studio practice. Led by practicing artists, this unique creative community is the perfect place to build skills and develop your craft. With a balance of hands-on instruction and independent time, the program offers a dynamic environment to refine your artistic voice.
Each day is thoughtfully structured, with mornings dedicated to skill-building workshops led by professional artists and afternoons reserved for focused studio time. You’ll specialize in Film, Studio Art, Music, or Acting, developing techniques and completing personal projects while drawing inspiration from peers and mentors.
Living in a creative community, you’ll share your work, set goals, and exchange feedback, fostering growth through collaboration and mutual support. The program culminates in a final presentation, showcasing your work and celebrating your artistic evolution.
DAILY SCHEDULE
8:30: Breakfast
9:30: Community Hour
10:30: Morning Session
12:30: Lunch
1:30: Afternoon Session
6:00: Dinner
8:00: Evening Activity (Optional)
Wednesday: Half day excursion
Saturday: Full day excursion
Shape your future
This journey is about immersing yourself in the creative process, where your work is shaped by your surroundings, your peers, and your own artistic vision. By the end, you’ll leave with a stronger direction, enhanced skills, and renewed creative confidence.
Dates and Details
Program Length
58 Days
Program Dates
Feb 10th - April 9th, 2025
Feb 13th - April 12th, 2026
Cohort Size
Max 22 students.
Cost
$17,700 inclusive of all rooming, meals, excursions, activities and supplies. Not included in the cost is airfare to Paris, train to/from our location and some meals out.
Eligibility
Ages 17-22 of all levels of experience
Language Requirements
None.
College Credit and Scholarship
College credit is available for this program. Scholarships are available for this program.
Program Highlights
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Build Creative Skills with Professional Artists: Immerse yourself in hands-on classes led by seasoned artists, refining your techniques in your chosen discipline.
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Time for Personal Artistic Exploration: With ample studio time, dive deep into your own creative projects.
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Explore Historic Mont Saint-Michel: Discover Mont Saint-Michel, a breathtaking ancient abbey on a tidal island and UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Discover Medieval Bayeux: Learn about the Norman Conquest and visit Bayeux Cathedral and the Bayeux Tapestry, one of the most important surviving works of medieval art.
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Visit the Château Fort de Pirou: Learn about this important 11th-century castle offering panoramic views from its parapets.
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Reflect at the D-Day Landing Beaches: Honor the legacy of World War II by visiting the D-Day beaches, where the Allied forces landed to turn the tide of history.
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Explore Cherbourg’s Rich History: Visit Cherbourg, a historic port city, known for its Napoleonic fort and as the final stop for the RMS Titanic.
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Traditional Breadmaking at a 16th-Century Windmill: Step back in time at a 16th-century windmill, where you’ll learn how to bake bread using ancient techniques .
Paris Trip
Creative Pathways features a 6-day trip to Paris, the City of Lights. Explore iconic museums, historic landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods, immersing yourself in the art and culture that has inspired generations of creatives.
Paris Itinerary Highlights:
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Eiffel Tower: Visit the iconic Paris landmark, taking in stunning views of the city from above.
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Orangerie Museum: Explore Monet’s Water Lilies and other masterpieces in this beautiful museum located in the Tuileries Gardens.
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Rodin Museum: Wander through the sculpture gardens and admire the work of renowned artist Auguste Rodin.
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Louvre Museum: Discover world-famous art, including the Mona Lisa, in one of the largest and most celebrated museums in the world.
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Cinematheque Francaise: Immerse yourself in cinema history at this legendary film museum, dedicated to French and global film heritage.
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Explore Montmartre: Wander through the bohemian district known for its art history, cafes, and the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Program Pillars
Creativity
Creativity is essential to a fulfilling life, not just in art but as a way of thinking and self-expression. We value creativity in all forms—journaling, cooking, painting, and craft—and draw inspiration from artists and thinkers to inspire personal discovery.
Community
We value community for its role in personal growth and collective well-being, fostering meaningful connections through shared experiences. By caring for ourselves, each other, and the environment, we create a supportive space for learning and growth.
Contemplation
We encourage quiet reflection through time in nature, poetry, and contemplative practices like yoga and meditation. These practices nurture presence, self-awareness, and inner peace, helping us connect more deeply with ourselves and the world around us.
Culture
We believe culture enriches our lives and shapes our understanding. In Normandy, we explore how food, art, and conversation create joy and connection, drawing inspiration from poets, artists, and thinkers to live with passion and purpose.
Who is this program for?
This program is perfect for students eager to explore their creativity and develop artistic skills in a supportive community. Whether you’re into Film, Theatre, Studio Art, or Music, you’ll gain hands-on experience, learn from professionals, and build a portfolio. No prior artistic experience or French language knowledge is required—just a passion to grow and create.
Consider Creative Pathways if you would like to:
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Focus on one artistic discipline, building expertise and developing a disciplined, consistent creative practice.
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Build a foundation to your creative practice through collaboration and experimentation
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Experience the lifestyle of a working artist, balancing passion and practice in an immersive, creative environment.
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Learn from professional artists and explore career options in the arts or creative fields
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Build a portfolio of work for college applications or career advancement
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Immerse yourself in the beauty of rural France, living a creative life surrounded by French culture, cuisine, and nature.
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Develop valuable life skills like time management and project planning, while receiving support and guidance
What our students say
