Hi. I am Denise of The Little Barn Project - which supports artists in a range of different ways. At the little house in France, I host free artist residencies (twelve artists will come in 2027), free open calls (sixty women artists aged sixty and over will show work June to September '27 and am in the process of organising not for profit workshops and retreats in other places.

The dream has always been to find a space within walking distance of The Little Barn, where artists can find a haven of peace and tranquility outdoors. There will be veggies in raised beds, fruit on trees and a summer kitchen where al fresco lunches cab be prepared. Artists will be able to make work, read, sleep- do whatever they need to do!

In 2026, I was lucky enough to 'borrow' a garden (exchanging then weeks of dog-sitting per year for it) and set up a summer studio, complete with sofa, dining table and chairs. Already, four Artists in Residence have enjoyed the space and in August, we hosted the first two artist events in the garden.

The owner of the garden has now offered to sell it to me for the project and this is very exciting.

The garden, with taxes and notaire fees will cost approximately £8000.00 (give or take a few quid) and it is going to be worth it.

So, if you are able to and want to get involved with something awesome, then please consider donating the cost of a coffee and a piece of cake to the fund... I will be eternally grateful.

For those of you who don't know me at all - I am an English teacher by training and trade and a Documentary Photography graduate too. I turned sixty in June, 2026 and am determined that this decade will bring my dreams of a not-for-profit artists' hub to reality.

I do not charge for residencies, nor open calls and I have no intention of ever doing so. I am very happy to put aside most of my salary (as a roving teacher who dogsits to avoid rental fees in the UK) towards The Little Barn Project, but would really love a bit of help to buy the garden.

It's a lot to ask, when the world is literally burning, but I do hope that enough of you will be interested enough and encouraging enough to donate a few pounds/dollars/euros towards the magic which is The Secret Garden.

The question is, with it being so wonderful, can I keep it secret for much longer?

Thank you for reading this far!

Big hugs and all best things to you,

Denise

p.s. Photographs include Brigitte Jarvis' artist's event in August!