Local artist Claudine Marot has claimed the top prize in the annual painting competition held in Saint-Jacques-de-Thouars, a small commune in the Deux-Sèvres department of western France. The competition served as the culminating event of the Festival of Painters, organized by the town's festival committee.
The 2025 edition of the festival faced challenging weather conditions during the week when participating artists worked throughout the commune's territory. Unlike last year's exhibition day, which was marred by heavy rainfall, this year's opening day on Saturday, July 26, brought favorable weather for the final exhibition that marked the conclusion of the artistic celebration.
Claude Jamin secured second place in the competition, finishing just behind winner Claudine Marot. The annual event has become a significant cultural highlight for the small French town, bringing together local and visiting artists to capture the scenic beauty and character of Saint-Jacques-de-Thouars through their paintings.
The Festival of Painters represents an important tradition for the community, providing artists with the opportunity to work en plein air throughout the commune while creating original works inspired by the local landscape, architecture, and daily life. The week-long event concludes with a public exhibition where visitors can view all the completed works and celebrate the artistic achievements of the participants.
Despite the unpredictable weather that challenged artists during their creative week, the festival maintained its reputation as a premier artistic gathering in the region. The event continues to attract both amateur and professional painters who appreciate the opportunity to work in the picturesque French countryside setting.
The competition and festival contribute significantly to the cultural life of Saint-Jacques-de-Thouars, fostering artistic expression while bringing visitors to the commune. Local organizers from the festival committee work throughout the year to ensure the event's success, coordinating logistics and providing support for participating artists.
Marot's first-place victory represents not only personal achievement but also recognition of artistic excellence within the regional painting community. The annual competition has established itself as a respected platform for artists to showcase their talents and compete for recognition among their peers.
