“Discovering and promoting artists”: in Lège-Cap-Ferret, Cap Sittelle is completing 20 years of exhibitions at La Forestière

Since 2006, the Farge couple have opened their Cap Ferret home to the works of 250 artists. They conclude their mission of support with a grand finale at the Salle de la Forestière.

They deserved it. The large hall at La Forestière was dedicated to 60 of the 250 artists Martine and Robert Farge hosted. For twenty years, the couple has exhibited works in their home at the entrance to Cap Ferret. Twenty years of modest yet ambitious work, where a sculpture was discovered on the kitchen serving hatch, a painting on the living room wall, an installation in the garden, or by the pool.

Twenty years: the count was round and good, and the passionate spouses decided to "let others take over," says Martine Farge, evoking the Jack Lang syndrome, immovable. "We've had our time, we have to know when to stop and that's not the case for everyone..."

In 2024, they confided their intention to hang up the walls the following year to Alain Bordeloup, the deputy for culture in Lège-Cap-Ferret. The elected official therefore offered them the Salle de la Forestière as a grand finale. Since Thursday, July 24, the large municipal hall has been hosting an XXL Cap nuthatch. "It's a wonderful gift, and a great pleasure to be here to complete the adventure," emphasizes Robert Forge. It's a logical reflection of their choice based on "creativity," the variety of proposals is wide.

Paintings, sculptures, decorations, jewelry, books: the annual stroll through the house, following a few creators, was a gargantuan journey. Leading the way, artist Dominique Dorié is the man behind these two decades of sharing between the couple. "We bought one of his paintings and welcomed his work into our home in Paris," explains Martine Farge. "He came to our home in Cap Ferret and convinced us to turn the house into a gallery!"

Exhibitions, musical evenings, fashion shows, and discussion sessions: the Farges have diversified their pleasures, and ours, while keeping the project alive throughout the year. "Tireless enthusiasts," summarizes Dominique Dorié at the time of the hanging. The ten volunteers from the Cap sittelle association have worked tirelessly to put together this retrospective (also featuring new works), which runs until August 3.

Thursday's opening featured a duo performance by Dominique Dorié and Jean-Philippe Lajus, one for a theatrical performance and the other as a multi-instrumentalist. This Thursday, July 31st at 8 p.m., harpist Marianne-Eva Leclerc will also perform on the Forestière stage. Romain, the Farge's son, designed the poster for this exhibition with his partner from the clothing and poster brand Absúrde. Six writers will be present. French and Dutch artists are also expected.

"We simply highlighted artists who touched us, giving them a springboard," summarizes Martine Farges. Until August 3, you are strongly advised to explore the 20 artists dedicated to this beautiful quest.

“20 years of artistic passion: Cap Sittelle”, every day, from Thursday July 24 to Sunday August 3, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free entry.