A Swedish painter has given back to the charming French village that captured his heart by donating one of his original works to the local community. Anders Ståhl presented his oil painting "Le pont de Grez, vue des jardins de la fondation Hôtel Chevillon" (The Bridge of Grez, View from the Chevillon Hotel Foundation Gardens) to the village of Grez-sur-Loing in Seine-et-Marne. The artwork joins the municipal collection alongside other paintings depicting the historic village.
This generous donation comes shortly after another significant artistic gift to the village - an exceptional piano from Nicole Rivière that recently debuted in the Sadler Hall. The timing creates a symbolic connection to Grez-sur-Loing's unique relationship with Swedish artists that dates back over a century.
Ståhl, a self-taught artist, describes his lifelong passion for visual art. "I grew up with a brush in my hand. I was always drawing on walls - it was instinctive," he explained. The landscape painter specializes in plein air painting and first discovered France at age 17, immediately falling in love with the country.
In October 2023, through a fortunate turn of events, Ståhl secured a last-minute spot at the Swedish artists' pavilion, the Hotel Chevillon. "I fell in love with this place. It was a dream, much more than I could have imagined," he recalled. After staying for two weeks, he made every effort to return just a few months later.
Since that initial visit, Ståhl has made multiple trips to the village, tirelessly painting the local scenery and surrounding areas. His donated work was created during one of these stays at Grez-sur-Loing, capturing the village bridge as viewed from the Chevillon Hotel Foundation gardens.
For Ståhl, the decision to donate the painting felt natural and necessary. "Everyone has been so kind to me, I wanted to pay tribute to them and leave a trace of my passage!" he said. The artist wanted to give back to a community that had welcomed him so warmly.
During a special ceremony, the village presented Ståhl with a certificate and honorary medal in recognition of his generous gift. The painting will be displayed in the municipal council chamber alongside numerous other artworks depicting Grez-sur-Loing. The collection is accessible to the public upon request at the town hall-museum.
Mayor Jacques Bedossa expressed his appreciation for the meaningful gesture. "Our village has always been sensitive to art. This is a beautiful gift for all residents, and we are grateful," he stated. The mayor emphasized how the donation reflects the village's long-standing commitment to supporting and celebrating artistic endeavors.
Valérie Lacroute, mayor of Nemours and president of the community of communes, attended the ceremony and saw broader cultural possibilities in the donation. "We have a beautiful castle-museum in Nemours. Why not imagine a collaboration with Swedish artists in the future?" she suggested, pointing to potential regional artistic partnerships.
The Swedish artistic colony established in Grez-sur-Loing since the late 19th century is experiencing a revival, playing an increasingly active role in the local cultural landscape. This historical connection between Swedish artists and the French village continues to flourish through contemporary artists like Ståhl.
Looking ahead, Ståhl is already planning his return next year, this time accompanied by approximately fifteen other Swedish artists. This group visit aims to perpetuate the long-standing artistic tradition that has connected Sweden and Grez-sur-Loing for more than a century, ensuring the cultural exchange continues for future generations.
