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Francofiles delight
Ah, Paree! (P.S. No need to pack)

By Melissa Hirschl

Ah, Paris, a city of charm steeped in dramatic and colorful history. The Old World culture, chic shops, Eiffel Tower and stunning Champs d’elysees combine to make this a city of elegance and romantic allure.

While Paris may not be on everyone’s places-to-visit list this year, Kyrene Corridor residents can get a delicious sampling of French culture without anteing up megabucks for the trans-Atlantic flight.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 1, Alliance Francaise of Greater Phoenix will offer its first “Allèe des Artistes” in the courtyard of downtown Heritage Square. Aimed at promoting French art and culture, the event will showcase emerging French and American artists from around the Valley.

To complement the artwork and add to the enjoyment, vendors will be selling small gifts and food from the renowned Au Petit Four of the Arizona Biltmore. Also on tap will be raffles and live entertainment in the form of French singers, accordion players and a dance troupe.  During the entire event, French music will be piped in to accentuate the Kyrene Corridor resident Daniele Robert and her daughter Magali, active members of the Alliance, have been immersed in spreading the word of this diverse cultural event.

“The fair will be our main entry in the schedule of Valley-wide activities during National French Week 2003,” says Robert, who is also a language coordinator for the Alliance.

“As part of French Week, we are also involved with the Sister Cities program, ASU and many people around the Valley.”

Magali, a student at Corona del Sol High School, has chosen to do promotional work for the Alliance as part of an honors internship.

The ambitious senior teamed up with good friend Jenny Lutrell, and the two have been writing press releases and placing posters in stores.

“From working with the French Alliance, I have been able to learn so much about marketing and public relations,” says Magali.

“With the help of other members of the Alliance, Jenny and I have gotten a great experience in the professional world and are anxious to see the success of L’Allee des Artistes, because we have worked so hard to have it happen.”

Part of La Federation des Fraises, the group’s parent organization established in Paris in 1883, Alliance Francaise provides language instruction and social events to the local community.

There are more than 380 memberships in Phoenix alone and 140 chapters in the U.S. The all-volunteer, non-profit educational organization aims to develop knowledge and appreciation of French culture. In addition to encouraging the study of the French language, the Alliance aims to promote friendship between Americans and all French-speaking people.

According to the group’s president, Leanne Debeurre, the basic premise of the fair is to give an opportunity to members of the group who are culturally and artistically oriented. “Some members are in the Sonoran Arts League, and others are part of a Watercolors Association,” she says. “In all, about 40 percent of the artists will be members of the Alliance.

“Professional artists will be represented as well as others that have their own galleries and some who do shows around the country. The one thing all the artists have is that they are from around the Valley.”

Debeurre, who is the innovator of the Allee des Artistes, explains some of the organizations dynamics.

“A large part of the Alliance,” she says, “involves movies, seminars and presentations about France. Since we have no permanent building, we provide these services in libraries and other public places.  My special project for next year is trying to find a ‘home’ for us, which will be a challenge since our members are all over the Valley.”  

If you’re at all enamored of French culture, becoming a members of the Alliance is a great way to widen your scope of this fascinating country, regardless of whether you speak French or not.

Members have a plethora of social and educational options to choose from, such as Cabaret, Christmas Party, Bastille Day and cultural presentations. Speakers who address the group are typically journalists, artists, musicians and writers.

Monthly activities include lunches and dinners at area restaurants, weekly French conversations, Cine-Club and an international happy hour.

The group visited Las Vegas in October to hear French Canadian singer Celine Dion give a concert in French.

“Just for Kids” events include Mardi Gras, an Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween Party and Christmas Party with Santa.

Heritage Square is located at 115 N. Sixth St. in downtown Phoenix. The event is free of charge and everyone is invited to attend. 

Send email questions to president@afphx.org or call Leanne Debeurre at (602) 375-2016. Members receive a monthly eight page bi-lingual bulletin.

You can be a member of Alliance Francaise, even if you do not speak French.

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