About the Event

The major event organized by A.I.R. Vallauris, “Small Art Objects”, is a competition, exhibition and sale of small art objects. A different theme is defined for each event, while constraints governing the size of each work are maintained. The well-publicized exhibition focuses on the artists and their creations, highlighting their skills and the quality of their work.

A call for entries is communicated to solicit artist participation from all over the world. Small art objects can be made from any material, but are restricted in size to 15 cm x 15 cm x 15 x cm (6 inches x 6 inches x 6 inches). Creations must also be consistent with the theme determined for the undertaking.

All submitted entries are exhibited online, in the gallery, and are compiled into a publication. This undertaking encourages ongoing relationships with alumni resident artists, many of whom continue their involvement by submitting works and also serving on the jury for the event.

Small Art Object 2013

Timing for this exercise is concurrent with the Fête Picasso, a popular celebration that takes place annually in Vallauris in honour of its most famous artist in residence. From 1946 and for 10 years, Picasso discovered ceramics with a passion in Vallauris. Coincidentally, Vallauris was already thriving economically with traditional pottery and was a lively and rich cultural environment, enhanced by the presence of Baud, Capron, Derval, Eluard, Picault and Ramié.

Picasso’s arrival in Vallauris stimulated an artistic effervescence, prompting the influx of numerous artists and intellectuals at that time such as Aragon, Brassaï, Cocteau and Prévert, who came to visit Picasso in his studio. Corridas as well as Picasso’s birthday parties were organized and celebrated in his honour by the town’s population. The “Picasso Effect” was equally evident in the development of the arts. Several painters and sculptors, among them Chagall, Matisse and Brauner followed Picasso into studios in Vallauris. Many ceramists: les Argonautes, Baudard, Collet, Crociani, Gerbino, Gourju, Kostanda, Perot, Raty, Roy, Thiry, Valentin, Volkoff, le Tryptique (Del Pierre, Dialto, Portanier), also worked and created during this same period and were encouraged and entranced by the active artistic ferment.