The Panel: artist and Fellow Sharon Shapiro, VCCA Director of Artists' Services Sheila Pleasants, writer Avery Chenoweth, Artistic Director Craig Pleasants, writer and Fellow Rachel Unkefer (not shown: writer and Fellow Wendy Gavin Porter) Presented by the Piedmont Council for the Arts and WriterHouse, "An Insider's Guide to Artist Colonies and Residencies" was held on September 13 at CitySpace. For about an hour, panel members shared colorful stories about their residency experiences at VCCA, Yaddo, MacDowell and other artists' communities, both in the US and abroad. They gave advice on choosing the first colony, insights on the selection process, and why writers, artists and composers consider the residency experience beneficial to their work. (A big increase in productivity!) It was a relaxed and informative opportunity for folks interested in applying for residencies, so when the discussion opened for audience participation, there was a liv...

Paul Reisler's songs have been recorded by singers from Delbert McClinton to Cracker. But on Sunday, September 16, he took a break from his VCCA-France residency to perform his own songs for the citizens of Auvillar.  He was accompanied by friends, neighbors and local musicians in La Place de la Halle , a circular hall built in 1825—relatively new for the medieval village of Auvillar. While in residence at Moulin à Nef , Paul Reisler completed his musical, Bouncin, for which he wrote both the music and score . For more about Paul and his concert, read the story in La Depeche .