Every now and then we get an email from our friend Elisabeth Callihan, who has been living in Paris for the last year. Elisabeth was formerly the Public Relations and Public Events Manager here at the Brooks and she is simply fabulous. She feeds us little tidbits of cool stuff going on across the pond. Her most recent email says, everyone is obsessed with florals here lately - dresses, pants, shoes - everything in florals. Also, drinking outside is big. So put on your best floral dress and come to the Brooks for a drink on the patio.

Florals and drinking aside, it’s been all about France at the Brooks this summer. We even had a Bastille Day celebration with the opening of our new show, The Impressionist Revolution. Come to the Brooks for some French inspired fun, which will continue through early October. Here’s a sampling of what you’ll experience:

-Nicoise Salad, Quiche Lorraine, and more at the Brushmark Restaurant

-95 works of French and related Impressionism paintings

-French pop and hip-hop music by DJ Leroy Trenton during Brooks After Hours

-French films

-A “Kid’s Café” gallery featuring scent games, dress up, and more

-French wine tastings

-Screenings of French operas and ballets

-Sidewalk Impressionists Chalk Festival on September 24

That’s A LOT of French fun! And for a lot less than a plane ticket to Paris. So what are you waiting for? Take a trip to France without the annoying and invasive security checks. Join the Brooks now at www.brooksmuseum.org/join or call Andrea Carlisle at 544-6230.

This blog has been written by Diane Jalfon Director of Development at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.