Help Send Me to the Château d’Orquevaux Artist Residency in France

For the past 14 years, I’ve dedicated my life to documenting places, preserving stories, and connecting people through watercolor. From the streets of Jacksonville to international urban sketching events, my art has always been about slowing down, paying attention, and finding beauty in the places we often overlook.

Today, I’m honored to share one of the biggest milestones of my artistic career:

I have been accepted into the prestigious Château d’Orquevaux International Artists & Writers Residency in Champagne-Ardenne, France.

This two-week residency, beginning at the end of January 2027, brings together artists from around the world to create, study, and grow in an environment dedicated entirely to artistic exploration. It is an incredible opportunity to step away from the daily demands of running a small business and immerse myself in creating new work inspired by France’s history, architecture, and landscape.

For me, this isn’t simply a trip to France.

It’s an investment in the next chapter of my career.

As a self-taught watercolor artist, educator, and owner of Teresa Cook Art , I’ve spent years building a business centered around sharing creativity with my community through workshops, live painting, exhibitions, and public art experiences. Every opportunity I’ve had has helped me grow—and I’ve always brought those experiences back home to share with others. Whether you’re able to donate, purchase artwork, or simply share this campaign, you’re helping make this dream possible. I can’t wait to bring what I learn back home and share it with all of you.

This residency will allow me to:

• Create an entirely new collection of watercolor paintings inspired by France, with new techniques, materials and more.

• Fill sketchbooks with studies of historic villages, architecture, and the French countryside.

• Experiment with new techniques and ideas without the distractions of everyday business responsibilities.

• Return home with fresh inspiration to share through future exhibitions, workshops, artist talks, and community programming.

Why I’m Asking for Help

The residency fee is €3,951 ($4495), which is divided into three payments of €1,317 ($1,498), beginning in August, the September, and October.

These funds cover my residency, accommodations, private studio space, and the creative environment that makes this opportunity possible.

How Your Support Helps

Your generosity will directly support my participation in the Château d’Orquevaux Artist Residency in France, where I will spend two weeks immersed in creating new watercolor work, expanding my artistic practice, and collaborating with artists from around the world.

Fundraising Goal

* Residency Fee: €3,951 (paid in three installments of €1,317 beginning in August)

* Roundtrip Airfare: $1,100

* Art Supplies: $300

* Shipping Artwork Home: $250

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps make this opportunity possible. Any funds raised beyond these expenses will go toward additional art materials and future community programming, including workshops, artist talks, and exhibitions inspired by the work created during my residency.

This isn’t just an investment in one trip—it’s an investment in new artwork, new experiences, and the opportunity to bring those experiences back to share with my community through future exhibitions, classes, and creative programming.

As an independent artist, opportunities like this are life-changing—but they also require significant financial investment.

If you’re able to contribute, you’ll be helping me take part in an experience that will influence my artwork for years to come.

If donating isn’t possible, you can still support me by:

* Purchase original paintings

* Buy prints

* Buy MINI paintings

* Commission artwork

* Attend a fundraising studio sale -TBD

Come Along for the Journey

Throughout the residency, I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes moments, daily sketches, watercolor studies, photos, videos, and stories so you’ll experience this creative journey alongside me.

When I return, I plan to share everything I’ve learned through new artwork, exhibitions, workshops, and community events.

Thank you for believing in my work and for helping me continue to grow as an artist. Your encouragement has carried me this far, and I’m excited to bring this experience back home and share it with all of you.

Every painting I’ve created, every workshop I’ve taught, and every opportunity I’ve received has been made possible because of this incredible community. Whether you’re able to donate, purchase artwork, or simply share this campaign, you’re helping make this dream possible. I can’t wait to bring what I learn back home and share it with all of you.

With gratitude,

Teresa Cook

Teresa Cook Art