Fête des Arts de Damvillers

Art and local produce celebrated in Damvillers

Every first Sunday in August, Damvillers' Jardin des Rainettes comes alive with the rhythm of the Fête des Arts, an event that celebrates artistic creation, craftsmanship, and the Meuse region's produce in a green and welcoming setting. Organized by the Société Historique et Culturelle du Damvillois (SHCD), this day has become a popular summer gathering in the north of the Meuse.

Painters in freedom

One of the most original aspects of the Fête des Arts is the presence of painters working in the open air who set up their easels in the park and paint live in front of the public. Landscapes, portraits, still lifes, and abstract compositions take shape before the visitors' eyes, who can chat with the artists, follow their creative process, and acquire their works. This lively and participatory dimension distinguishes the Fête des Arts from traditional exhibitions.

A space dedicated to books

A book area brings together authors, writers, and poets who present their works and offer signing sessions. Novels, historical works, poetry collections, and illustrated books make up a varied literary offering, linked to the history and culture of the Meuse region.

Craftsmanship and local produce

Craftspeople exhibit and sell their creations: pottery, woodwork, jewelry, textiles, and other manual skills are represented. A local market complements the offering with regional products: cheeses, honey, jams, cured meats, and wines from the Côtes de Meuse.

Vintage vehicles

An exhibition of vintage vehicles (classic cars, vintage tractors, vintage motorcycles) is organized on the outskirts of the Jardin des Rainettes, attracting lovers of fine mechanics and automotive heritage.

Damvillers, a village of history

Damvillers, a small commune in the north of the Meuse located about twenty kilometers from Verdun, has a rich historical heritage. Birthplace of the painter Jules Bastien-Lepage (1848-1884), the village maintains a strong connection with the art world, which gives full meaning to the Fête des Arts.