Geneva is to host a weekend gathering of internationally-recognized award-winning authors at the 11th Geneva Writers’ Conference at Webster University.
Between 2 and 4 March 2018, more than 200 writers and aspiring writers will take part in a weekend of workshops, panels and networking, organized by the Geneva Writers’ Group.
Among the big names who will be leading sessions at the conference are British writer, Bernadine Evaristo; Hungarian-born poet, George Szirtes; author of over 30 children’s books, Rachel Vail; and BBC producer, author and historian, Colin Grant.
Other instructors include leading writers of fiction, non-fiction, travel and poetry, as well as representatives of literary agencies and publishing houses.
Conference Director, Katie Hayoz, told knowitall.ch, ‘The conference brings together English-Language writers, from aspiring authors to multi-published ones, for a weekend of instruction, support and creativity. We offer workshops, networking and discussion.” She added, ‘Whether you are a published author or are just beginning to write, this is the place to be.’
If one of your new year resolutions was to take up a new hobby or develop a new skill then why not give ceramics a go?
With all the possibilities that this unique craft offers, you don’t have to be a skilled artist to enjoy it. The potential for making new friends and enjoying a new cultural experience can provide all the incentive you need to take up this sociable pastime!
To help more people “discover” the world of ceramics, professional ceramics artist, Lynn Frydman Kuhn, is offering clients the possibility to sign up for a free 3-hour ceramics class at her workshop in La Rippe, Vaud. Normally priced at Fr. 50.- per session, these classes provide a wonderful opportunity for anyone to try their hand at throwing on the wheel, modelling, sculpture or slip casting with porcelain.
Lynn told us, “Ceramuse is all about positive, happy, creative energy! Working at the Ceramuse is about getting the creative juices flowing and simply enjoying the experience of making ceramics. There is always an excellent atmosphere and delicious tea!”
The online art magazine, Art Decision, has just officially been launched in Geneva.
Informing the English-speaking community about all things art-related in and around the Lake Geneva region, the new website covers everything from exhibitions, paintings and photography, through to sculpture and architecture.
It also includes interviews with artists and related specialists such as gallery owners, as well as a section devoted to ArtTravel which covers interesting events in cities much further afield, such as London, New York and Moscow.
Why launch a new art magazine?
The idea to create a new online art magazine in this region was born about 4 years ago when two art enthusiasts, Kristen Knupp and Irina Vernichenko, arrived in Geneva: Kristen from US via London, and Irina from Russia via Belgrade and Lugano. Kristen told knowitall.ch,
“We had difficulty finding out about what was going on in the Geneva art world. With educations in Art History and previous careers as art dealers, we were keen to discover and participate in the art world of Geneva. However, this lack of information gave us the impression of Geneva not having much cultural life.”
Come and join the co-founders for an apéritif at their launch event on 7 November!
A new website featuring news, events and articles all about Sion and the surrounding area in the Swiss Alps will be launched on Tuesday, 7 November 2017.
A launch event for media, partners and supporters will take place on the same day at À La Croix Fédérale, Rue du Grand-Pont 13, 1950, Sion. All are welcome to come for an apéritif at 10h30 followed by a presentation at 11h. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 079 5068459 to confirm your presence.
Living In Sion will cater to English speakers, of many different nationalities, who live in the area or who visit for business or tourism every year.
Co-founded by freelance writers, Catherine Nelson-Pollard and Rachel Beacher, the new site will open with an article explaining all about Sion’s ambitious bid for the Winter Olympics 2026, and an interview with two ex-pat trek leaders from Bramois, who know all the best family-friendly places. There are also features on the Friday market in Sion, hiking in the Valais and the Pierre Arnaud Arts Centre in Lens just a short drive from Sion.
A new “mobile” paint-your-own-pottery studio has been launched in the canton of Vaud.
Called Doodlepotz, the studio was launched just a few months ago, by local mompreneur, Lucy Gottelier. A former management consultant with worldwide experience on fast-changing projects, Lucy decided to launch her own business in Switzerland after taking a career break to start her own family and and working as a part-time paint-you-own-pottery teacher whilst living in the US!
Lucy told us, “When our family moved to Coppet in 2016, I had the good fortune to meet life coach, Milena McRae, who inspired me to think hard about what I really wanted in life. I soon discovered that painting pottery was a passion that I was keen to continue so, in May 2017, Doodlepotz was born – a name inspired by the family’s new puppy, an Australian Labradoodle!
Lucy trained with UK-renowned Paint-your-own-pottery expert, Rachel Byass, and she is supported behind the scenes by the artist and teacher Joanna Foray-Mason, previous owner of "Glazy Days" in Coppet. She is also a member of multiple professional Paint-your-own-pottery Facebook groups, and she actively looks to share best practices across these networks.
