VILLEFRANCHE DE LONCHAT.- Factura 2008 : the second International Painting Festival of Villefranche de Lonchat (a little "bastide-village" of the South-West of France, in the middle of a vast wine region, near Bordeaux, and even nearer to Saint-Emilion) will show about 130 works of art (paintings and sculptures), by twelve artists.

The region is magnificent and the Festival will take place in seven premises : the castle of Mondésir and six superb romanesque and gothic churches. The theme for 2008 is "Humaine condition", a tribute to the great 16th century French Writer, Montaigne, whose village is also included in the event. This theme, laden with significance, has inspired the participating artists to go well beyond their respective techniques by illustrating various aspects of the human condition with works of great depth and emotion.

Seven nationalities. Four Frenchmen : Jean Rustin (very often recognised as the most important living French painter), Enrique Samama, Marie Tillard, Robert Kéramsi (sculptor). Three Belgians : Camille De Taeye (a very significant painter on the Belgian pictorial scene), Serge De Backer and Bern Wery. One Englishman : Michael Bastow (the well known master of the pastel). One Pole : Magda Ulrych (who was plebiscited to show her works again, having already participated last year). One Mexican : Jorge De La Torre (etchings). One Haitian (Gérard Fortuné) and one painter from the Benin (Patrick Tchaou).

Dates : from 10 till 26 October 2008. Opening ("vernissage") on the 10th. A catalogue is available. The website http://www.festival-factura.org (in French) gives more details, and images.