Monday, May 25, 2009

Joan of Arc Book Club begins July 15



On the day after Bastille Day, we'll be meeting at Garden District Book Shop on Prytania Street at 6:00 p.m. to begin what we hope is an annual tradition...the Joan of Arc Book Club, a three-part series created out of public demand to know more about our "Joanie on the Ponie".


Known to many locals by her golden French Quarter statue, and to others from their Catholic childhoods as "St. Joan", most don't know the amazing details of her short life, nor the additional characters that inhabited it and helped her to succeed--or caused her to fail.


The three selections below were chosen for their range of information, accessibility, and scholarly importance. The group will be led by Garden District Manager and Book Club Diva Deborah McDonald, who, lucky for us, is also a lead member of the Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc.


Each book night we'll have some entertainment to kick off the discussion. For example, for the second book club on September 16th, NOCCA students will read and perform excerpts from Shaw's play.


The Garden District Book Shop will offer a 20% discount for book club participants on these three titles.


JULY 15TH 6-7:15 p.m. JOAN OF ARC: A LIFE by Mary Gordon


SEPTEMBER 16TH 6-7:15 p.m. SAINT JOAN by George Bernard Shaw


NOVEMBER 18TH, 6-7:15 p.m. JOAN OF ARC: HER STORY by by Regine Pernoud and Marie-Veronique Clin.



Monday, May 18, 2009

Mermaids, Warriors, and Knights Welcome!


Traveling Mermaid, a New Orleans blog penned by a woman named Charlotte, mentioned The Joan of Arc Project in her latest entry. Thanks, Charlotte--and come out and join us! Mermaids, warriors, knights, kings, queens, peasants, fairies, and even judges and bishops are welcome!

Membership for the Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc opens in mid-June 2009, after our first official board meeting.

Email stjoankrewe@yahoo.com if you'd like to receive a notice with membership details. Stay tuned here and to www.joanofarcproject.org. Membership will be $100 for individuals. Additional tiers tbd.

Monday, May 11, 2009

THE JOAN OF ARC PROJECT LAUNCH



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Amy A. Kirk-Duvoisin, Director, The Joan of Arc Project

(504) 251-5046



THE JOAN OF ARC PROJECT IS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED IN NEW ORLEANS


ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF JOAN'S LIFTING OF THE SIEGE OF ORLEANS, FRANCE



New Orleans, May 8, 2009---Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc members, French Quarter community leaders, business owners, Francophiles, musicians, and artists gathered at The Bienville House Hotel courtyard on Friday, May 8, to celebrate the expansion of The St. Joan of Arc Parade--which rolled for the first time this Twelfth Night, January 6, 2009--into the multifaceted non-profit, the Joan of Arc Project..

Guests were treated to food by Iris Restaurant, French gypsy jazz music by Pierre Pichon, krewe members dressed as Joan of Arc (Caye Mitchell and Kelley Fauchaeux), horses dressed in medieval costumery, signature throws, and announcements by krewe members and community leaders (photos available upon request).

The mission of the St. Joan of Arc Project is to celebrate the relationship of Joan of Arc to New Orleans and to highlight the relationship and lineage of New Orleans to France. The Project is a secular organization whose primary focus is to produce an annual parade and an annual fete honoring Joan of Arc; inspire the public to visit her statue in the French Quarter and understand its significance to New Orleans; represent the medieval times in which she lived; present an artistic interpretation of her pursuits, successes, and failures; celebrate French holidays and significant dates with the public as an opportunity to honor New Orleans’ French heritage; and to evoke pride in our city’s uniqueness by utilizing Joan as a symbol of individual strength, determination, and loyalty.

The Joan of Arc Project is comprised of the Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc, The Joan of Arts Fete, and the St. Joan of Arc Parade. The first annual Fete, an all day arts and culture conference focusing on Joan of Arc and medieval culture, will be held on January 3, 2010, at the Bienville House Hotel, the official hotel of the Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc. The second annual St. Joan of Arc Parade will roll again on Twelfth Night, but with an extended route beginning at the Bienville statue at Decatur, going up Conti to Chartres, down Chartres through Jackson Square to St. Phillip, to the Joan of Arc statue at Decatur. The Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc will participate in all of the above activities, as well as other French heritage and artistic events throughout the year.

As founder Amy A. Kirk-Duvoisin said on Friday, "We are here to put the French back in the French Quarter and the artistry back into Mardi Gras!" She said the group is committed to being a traditional Mardi Gras walking parade, emphasizing the creation of handmade costumes and throws, including handpainted Saint Joan medallions from saintsforsinners.com and ceramic butterflies made by local artist Julie Wallace, which were given to guests at Friday's gathering.. As Kirk-Duvoisin explained, "Everything we do with the St. Joan of Arc Parade has meaning and relates to the theme...the butterflies reflect the legend that Joan's banner was followed by white butterflies everywhere she went...although we are committed to the historical truth of Joan's story, we are equally intrigued by the artistry she evokes, using the many stories and myths about her as our
Muse."

Another interesting artistic venture was the mention of Delgado Community' College's Carpentry program's partnership with the Project through the college's service-learning program to create authentic, wooden, medieval carts for the 2010 parade. Beyond the French Quarter, Garden District Book Shop on Prytania Street has offered to host a Joan of Arc Book Club, led by Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc member and GDB manager Deborah McDonald . The book shop will host three nights of discussion--in July, September, and November--and offer a 20% discount on selected books. See http://www.joanofarcproject.org/ "calendar" page for book titles and exact dates.

Kirk-Duvoisin also spoke of the significance of the new parade route. "Just as there would be no France without Joan of Arc, there would not be a New Orleans without Bienville and Jackson...by the time we reach Joan's statue on Twelfth Night, after beginning at the Bienville Statue and walking through Jackson Square, we hope that Joan is as well-known to New Orleanians as those two are!"


This historical aspect of the parade seems key to the support offered by Kenneth Ferdinand, Executive Director of The French Market Corporation, which oversees the New Place de France, where the golden Joan of Arc statue stands. "We are proud of all of the cultures that have made New Orleans, but we are especially excited to honor our French heritage in the French Quarter, with the help of The Maid of Orleans".

After Mr. Ferdinand spoke, Cecile Andry, President of the New Orleans Council of French Societies, expressed her enthusiasm for this new group. "The Joan of Arc Project seemed to come out of thin air, and is coming at a perfect time to breathe new life into the many French cultural organizations in the city, " she said. She then encouraged attendees to come to the Market Cafe on Decatur Street behind the Joan of Arc statue on Bastille Day, July 14, at 10:30 a.m., to celebrate France's day of independence with The Council of French Societies, Consulate General of France, The Joan of Arc Project, and others.

There were many other French connections mentioned, such as choosing May 8 for the Project launch: On this day, in Orleans, France, the French celebrate Joan's military victory against the English and its significance in altering the course of the Hundred Years' War and ultimately, in saving France from the English. Kirk-Duvoisin pointed out that in Orleans, citizens were celebrating both the May 8th victory in 1429 as well as VE "Victory over Europe" day, when the Nazis surrendered to the Allies. She also noted that the inspiration for the St. Joan of Arc Parade was born of the parade and festival they hold each year in France, at which Joan of Arc is a central figure.

"Just as they do in France, we will have a contest, which will be announced at the beginning of next schoolyear, to choose a girl who will lead our parade...each year we will have a New Orleans' high school girl lead us...most Mardi Gras parades have Kings and Queens..we will have a Maid lead us."

Others present at the event expressed their enthusiasm for the Joan of Arc Project and its many plans and possibilties. One woman brought a sculpture she had made signifying Joan's burning at the stake. Another woman, a filmmaker, offered to arrange a film series for the Project, including the classic silent Carl Dreyer film from 1928, "The Passion of Joan of Arc."

On the business side of things, Community Affairs Director of the French Quarter Business Association, Annie Flettrich, was present, stating that she had attended the inaugural parade. "We welcome this vibrant, culturally rich, and educational event to the French Quarter and support all efforts to keep it going," she stated. Larry Hesdorffer, Director of the Vieux Carré Commission, said, "This is great (because) it's got such meaning and historical value..."


Shannon Fitzpatrick, from Metropolitan Women and Girl's Center, which serves battered women and rape victims, said the organization was invited to join because Joan of Arc is considered the patron saint of domestic violence victims. In her speech, Kirk-Duvoisin said that the Metropolitan Center was the Project's chosen charity partner, and that they'd be folded into the parade with typical Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc quirkiness..."We're thinking of making them dress in armor and hold a sign that says 'TAKE BACK THE KNIGHTS..."

Kirk-Duvoisin noted that you don't have to be French--or speak it--to join the Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc or participate in some way with the Joan of Arc Project. Kirk-Duvoisin has no French bloodline, but she was pleased to find out that her Scottish heritage was linked in some way to Joan of Arc. "Many people don't realize how many connections there are to Joan of Arc. For example, we have Bob Grubb here today, who will be at the front of next year's parade with other bagpipers from New Orleans, because Joan of Arc was led into Orleans in 1429 by bagpipers...the Scots formed an army to join her in battle to fight against their common enemy, the English."

She closed her speech by inviting artists, musicians, costume designers, historians, and basically anyone with an interest in Joan of Arc to contact the group via its newly launched website, http://www.joanofarcproject.org/.

"We even found a place for the Krewe de Faye, a Mardi Gras group that dresses up as fairies, to participate in next year's parade...because Joan of Arc probably danced at the fairy tree in her hometown of Domremy, although she denied it during her trial. But we think she probably did dance there, like any normal medieval girl would. And we're okay with that. She was human, after all."


Friday, May 8, 2009

Thank you, Bienville House and Iris Restaurant!


Today's media party at the Bienville House was a treat..perfect weather from Mother Nature, delicious food from Iris Restaurant, a gorgeous courtyard setting provided by The Bienville House Hotel, amazing music from Pierre Pichon and company, and great eye candy provided by several krewe members in costume.
Above, Cecile Andry, president of the Council of French Societies, speaks about her enthusiasm for the Joan of Arc Project and our upcoming Bastille Day celebration on July 14th at 10:30 a.m. at The Market Cafe, behind the Joan of Arc statue at New Place de France (St. Phillip and Decatur Streets).
Artists, community organizations, writers, photographers, krewe members, and French Quarter businesses were present today to celebrate the launch of our website, the expansion of our group from the St. Joan Parade to the Joan of Arc Project, (which includes the Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc, The Joan of Arts Fete and the St. Joan of Arc Parade) and to hear about our upcoming events and collaborations. New friendships were made today with the Consulate General of France, Metropolitan Center for Women and Children, the Krewe du Faye Fairies, the Vieux Carre Commission, and more. Thanks to all who came out to support us, take photos, and keep the spirit of Joan alive. This was a great kickoff to a wonderful year ahead!
Please visit our website and check out the community page, calendar, and contacts page...where you can reach out and join us!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Media Party at Bienville House Hotel


PLEASE JOIN THE JOAN OF ARC PROJECT AND KREWE DE JEANNE D'ARC

FOR A MIDDAY MEDIA PARTY Friday, May 8th 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.

at the Bienville House Hotel 320 Decatur Street (garden court)
_____________________________________________________
Contact: Amy A. Kirk-Duvoisin to RSVP or for additional information
(504) 251-5046 or stjoankrewe@yahoo.com

Who: The Joan of Arc Project, which consists of the Krewe de Jeanne d' Arc; the St. Joan of Arc Parade; and the Joan of Arts Fete invites you to this celebration of Joan's victory at Orleans, France in 1429! We're using this opportunity to announce our "battle plans" for 2009 and 2010 as a newly formed krewe and expanded organization.

What: We will have food, drink, French gypsy jazz music, krewe members in costumes, and previews of our signature parade throws to give to guests (limited number).

When: May 8th is the anniversary of Joan's lifting of the siege of Orleans, France. This victory is ultimately what saved France from the English in the Hundred Years' War and renewed confidence in France's military power. It was Joan's first military victory...and she was only 17 years old!

Why: The Joan of Arc Project grew out of the first annual St. Joan of Arc Parade, held January 6, 2009. The Project includes a new membership-based krewe; a one-day Joan of Arts Fete, to be held January 3, 2010; and a new, expanded parade route. We also have several community partnerships and special events we'd like to tell you about that will keep Joan of Arc in the public's mind throughout the year, and give everyone an opportunity to learn more about and celebrate Joan and her significance to New Orleans.

Mission: The mission of the St. Joan of Arc Project is to celebrate the relationship of Joan of Arc to New Orleans, and highlight the relationship and lineage of New Orleans to France. We are a secular organization whose primary focus is to produce an annual parade and an annual fete honoring Joan of Arc; educate all ages about her story; inspire the public to visit her statue in the French Quarter and understand its significance to our city; represent the medieval times in which she lived; present an artistic interpretation of her pursuits, successes, and failures;celebrate French holidays and significant dates with the public as an opportunity to honor New Orleans’ French heritage; and to evoke pride in our city’s uniqueness by utilizing Joan as a symbol of individual strength, determination, and loyalty.

Because Joan of Arc’s birthday is the same day we celebrate Twelfth Night in New Orleans (January 6th), the connection between her life and our city is multilayered. Our signature production is a parade in the French Quarter, selected as our inaugural and our primary activity because it is the most visible, theatrical, and accessible way to engage the general public about Joan of Arc. It is also a nod to the parade held each year in our French sister city of Orleans, France, where a young girl leads a parade on May 8th each year in honor of Joan’s lifting of the siege of Orleans.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Joan Lifts the Siege of Orleans: May 8, 2009

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history.do?action=Article&id=4958

During the Hundred Years' War, the 17-year-old French peasant Joan of Arc leads a French force in relieving the city of Orleans, besieged by the English since October.

At the age of 16, "voices" of Christian saints told Joan to aid Charles, the French dauphin, in gaining the French throne and expelling the English from France. Convinced of the validity of her divine mission, Charles furnished Joan with a small force of troops.
She led her troops to Orleans, and on April 29, as a French sortie distracted the English troops on the west side of the city, Joan entered unopposed by its eastern gate. Bringing needed supplies and troops into the besieged city, she also inspired the French to a passionate resistance and through the next week led the charge during a number of skirmishes and battles. On one occasion, she was even hit by an arrow, but after dressing her wounds she returned to the battle. On May 8, the siege of Orleans was broken, and the English retreated.

During the next five weeks, Joan led French forces into a number of stunning victories over the English, and Reims, the traditional city of coronation, was captured in July. Later that month, Charles VII was crowned king of France, with Joan of Arc kneeling at his feet.
In Orleans, France, they celebrate Joan's victory every year on May 8th:

Friday, May 1, 2009

Leonard Cohen sings Joan of Arc














When I first heard this song I didn't like it because I thought that Cohen was claiming that Joan literally wants to wear a wedding dress..then I realized he's saying she's married to her destiny...(I think!)

It's just another great example of how many different people interpret Joan, are inspired by her, and are visited by her as Muse. This is why we'll be exploring Joan of Arc in various art forms at our Joan of Arts Fete, to be held January 3, 2010, at The Bienville House Hotel in the French Quarter. Join us as an artist or audience member!

There will be panels and workshops on everything from Joan as Muse to a songwriting contest about Joan of Arc...


Now the flames they followed Joan of Arc
as she came riding through the dark;
no moon to keep her armour bright,
no man to get her through this very smoky night.
She said, "I'm tired of the war,I want the kind of work I had before,
a wedding dress or something white to wear upon my swollen appetite.
"Well, I'm glad to hear you talk this way,you know I've watched you riding every day
and something in me yearns to win such a cold and lonesome heroine."
"And who are you?" she sternly spoketo the one beneath the smoke.
"Why, I'm fire," he replied,"And I love your solitude, I love your pride.
"Then fire, make your body cold,I'm going to give you mine to hold,"
saying this she climbed insideto be his one, to be his only bride.
And deep into his fiery heart he took the dust of Joan of Arc,
and high above the wedding guests he hung the ashes of her wedding dress.
It was deep into his fiery heart he took the dust of Joan of Arc,
and then she clearly understood if he was fire, oh then she must be wood.
I saw her wince, I saw her cry, I saw the glory in her eye.
Myself I long for love and light, but must it come so cruel, and oh so bright?


--Lyrics by Leonard Cohen

see him sing it on YouTube at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqShebAkMQE

What is The Joan of Arc Project?


The Joan of Arc Project is a secular organization whose primary focus is to produce an annual parade and annual fete honoring Joan of Arc, educating all ages about her story, and inspiring the public to visit her statue in the French Quarter and understand its significance to our city. As we produce the parade and fete we hope to achieve our additional goals of: presenting and encouraging artistic interpretations of Joan's pursuits, successes, and failures; celebrating French holidays and significant dates with the public as an opportunity to honor New Orleans' French heritage; and evoking pride in our city's uniqueness by utilizing Joan as a symbol of individual strength and loyalty.
We will be opening the Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc to new members in June 2009, after our first official Joan of Arc Project board meeting on June 5th. Email me if you would like to join: stjoankrewe@yahoo.com.