Acclaimed French artist to discuss her life, art at Texas State

SAN MARCOS—French artist Christiane Baccou Pettersen, whose work is owned by former U.S. President Bill Clinton and civil rights leader Nelson Mandela, will give a talk on her life and art at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, in Centennial Hall G02.

The talk, in English, is sponsored by the French national honor society Pi Delta Phi and the Department of Modern Languages. It is free and open to the public.

Pettersen, who has lived in France , Iran , Iraq , Tunisia , Costa Rica , and Norway , began her art career at age 40. She produces semi-abstract and geometric works in a variety of mixed media, oil on canvas, and sculpture. Since her first show in Paris in 1984, she has had shows throughout France (one introduced by French President Jacques Chirac) as well as Spain , Norway , Denmark and Florida . Many of Pettersen's works have been purchased by the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line for display on their ships. Pettersen is also known as an interior designer, having designed the interior spaces of apartments, houses and offices in France , England , Norway and the U.S.

?Ms. Pettersen loves to talk to students because she believes she had a second chance in life. She did not paint or create until she was nearly 40 and her art became a huge part of her life,? said Moira Di Mauro-Jackson, Pi Delta Phi sponsor and lecture organizer. I believe that our students will benefit by hearing from someone whose vision about her identity is so clear.

For more information on Pettersen's talk, contact Di Mauro-Jackson in the Department of Modern Languages via email at md11@txstate.edu.