Three French artists will exhibit works in Norman through Norman Arts Council’s Cultural Connections Program. Clermont-Ferrand-based artists Hervé Bréhier, Cecile Gambini and Anne Marie Rognon will showcase works made onsite and abroad from Friday, September 8 through Friday, November 10 at MAINSITE Contemporary Art, 122 E. Main, Norman.

A public opening reception will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, September 8 with the closing set for 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, November 10, both in conjunction with the free monthly 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk. An artist and curator gallery tour will also take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 9 for those wanting to learn more about the artists, their works and the culture of their city.

Norman Arts Council developed the Cultural Connections program in 2015 with the aim of furthering the bonds of Norman and its sister cities across the globe through cultural and art exchanges.

This cultural exchange follows a successful two-part exchange with Arezzo, Italy. The first half of the Clermont-Ferrand exchange took place in May, bringing Norman artists Jason Cytacki, Ginna Dowling and Daren Kendall to create and exhibit works in the historical Chapelle de l’Oratoire during the city’s annual art festival Les Arts en Balade.

The three Norman artists selected from dozens of applicants by a panel of stakeholders representing the Norman and Clermont-Ferrand arts and cultural interests all celebrate local life, community and neighborhood connections through varied mediums, approaches and perspectives.

Bréhier, Gambini and Rognon were the current artists taking part in a city-sponsored arts residency in Clermont-Ferrand. Bréhier is a skilled sculptor and installation artist. Gambini specializes in illustration, both fine art and for assorted publications and children’s books. Rognon is a multi-disciplinary artist with a penchant for playful creations.

To further Cultural Connections’ aim to promote the understanding of our sister city’s culture, Norman Arts Council is partnering with Le Monde International School for A Night of French Immersion from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 31 at MAINSITE Contemporary Art. The event will include refreshments and light, sweet & savory French hors d’oeuvres courtesy of La Baguette, along with a French-themed silent auction to benefit Le Monde. It’s also the public’s first chance to greet the visiting artists and see their art installation in progress. The evening is free and open to the public, but those interested should RSVP to Cher Duncan at cher@normanarts.org.