Festival d'Aquarelle de Wassy

An international festival dedicated to the art of watercolor

Created in 2005 by the association Expression Artistique de Wassy, composed of about twenty art, pigment, and water enthusiasts, the Festival d'Aquarelle de Wassy has established itself over its editions as a major watercolor event in France. Certified by the Société Française de l'Aquarelle, it benefits from national recognition and attracts artists from all over Europe and beyond. The festival is distinguished by its triennial rhythm, which allows each edition to offer an ambitious and carefully prepared program.

Exhibitions spread throughout the town

One of the particularities of the Festival d'Aquarelle de Wassy is its itinerant dimension within the commune itself. The works of the invited artists are exhibited in several heritage and cultural sites in Wassy, transforming the town into a true open-air gallery. The Halle, in the heart of the town center, hosts the main exhibitions with carefully curated displays highlighting the diversity of styles and techniques. The Théâtre de la Forgerie, a historic 19th-century performance hall renovated in 2009, offers an intimate setting for thematic presentations and screenings.

Workshops, demonstrations, and conferences

Beyond contemplating the works, the festival offers a rich program of encounters and knowledge sharing. Visitors can watch artists work live during open demonstrations, a rare opportunity to discover the gestures and secrets of watercolor. Practical workshops, led by about twenty professional artists, allow participants of all levels to learn or perfect their technique under the guidance of recognized masters. Thematic conferences — such as "Colors, a whole history" or "Watercolor in the 19th century: myths and realities" — enrich the cultural program of each edition.

Watercolor in all its diversity

The festival showcases watercolor in all its forms: landscapes, portraits, still lifes, travel sketchbooks, abstract art, and contemporary creations. Each edition invites artists with diverse universes, offering a complete panorama of this pictorial technique, which is both ancient and resolutely modern. Travel sketchbooks, in particular, hold an important place in the program, testifying to the growing enthusiasm for this artistic practice that combines drawing, writing, and watercolor.

An event rooted in local heritage

Wassy, a small town of character located in the Haute-Marne department, offers an ideal historical and bucolic setting for this artistic festival. The town, known for its architectural and industrial heritage, is adorned with watercolor colors during the event, captivating art lovers, families, and strollers alike. The warm welcome from volunteers and free admission to all exhibitions contribute to making this event a friendly and accessible moment for all audiences.