Olivia Alexander

Back from Paris!

I've recently arrived home after five weeks in Italy and France where I had been on a painting trip and also to attend some award ceremonies where I was awarded two Diplomas recognizing my work as a professional visual artist. 

Societie Arts, Sciences, Lettres - Paris.

On June 14th I was honoured with a Pewter Medal and Diploma from the ASL Society.

Last year I was nominated for the award by my sponsor in France and was approved by the jury of the ASL. This is my second award from the ASL, the first being a Bronze Medal and Diploma two years ago. It will be another five years before I can be nominated again, which will be for the Silver Medal.   It was a spectacular night taking place in the Intercontinental Grand Hotel in Paris, just near the Opera. This breath -taking hotel was built for Napoleon III. The grand circular room, in which the ceremony took place, had floor to ceiling mirrors, chandeliers and pillars coated with 18 carat gold gilding. It had just been redecorated at the cost of 3 million euro.   I was the only Australian to receive an award and when I was called to the platform, my husband let out a roar of 'Aussie!' The room erupted in applause and I don't think it had ever hear anything like it before, lol!   There were many awards presented including Medals to surgeons, writers, musicians and other artists like myself.   We then had a great evening enjoying a spectacular dinner at the hotel with the opportunity to meet many people from around the world.  

International French Academy of Merit and Devotion

On Sunday 15 June we were back at the Intercontinental Grand Hotel where I was presented with a second award. A Silver Medal and Diploma from the International French Academy of Merit and Devotion. Like the ASL, this academy takes into account the whole career of the artist, writer or other professional and, once again, the candidate has to be nominated. The jury then studies the career of the entrant and decides on the award level.   I was very privileged to be given the award in a private ceremony as I was unable to make the presentation last December.   Mr. JP deBernis, President of the Academy, presented me with the award giving me several hours of his time to take photos of the group through out this amazing hotel.   I'll share more with you about the week of painting in Italy in San Meniao. That was amazing! Painting on the beach in the warm summer sun with 15 other artists from around the world! stay tunes for that blog coming soon. thanks for reading, Olivia