Annie Kirsch, initiator of “Art takes off”, the artistic event at La Plagette, has passed away at the age of 83.
“Someone endearing, a whole person, sparkling and full of life.” It is in these terms that Alain Ricciardi, vice-president of the association of inhabitants of La Plagette, evokes the memory of Annie Kirsch. This adopted Sétoise, to whom we owe the meeting “Art takes off”, died this Friday, October 18 at the age of 83. “She had succeeded in bringing art back to this rather artisanal and industrial district”affirms Alain Ricciardi, friend and neighbor of Annie, who has followed the evolution of this event since its creation in 2009. This is because in many respects, the Sète story of this former plastic arts teacher is intimately linked to that of “Art takes off”.
The “Parisian” of La Plagette
Originally from the north of France, in the Valencienne region, Annie arrived on the Singular Island in 2002. “She was the foreigner as they say here, replace Alain, his artistic side surprised the neighborhood.” To the point that at La Plagette, we even baptize her a little too quickly “la Parisienne”. Seven years later, the woman who is also a sculptor created “Art takes off”, an initially bi-annual meeting, where artists exhibit their works and exchange with the public but also with each other. “It’s a moment of free sharing, we chat over a tielle or a beer from La Singulière”summarizes Alain Ricciardi.
A formula that works: the small meeting of artists initiated by Annie quai de la Daurade becomes more and more important over the years. Too important, even, for its founder who in 2015 is on the verge of throwing in the towel. “The number of artists had doubled, it had become too tiring for her”remembers his friend. So, in order not to see this event disappear, which has become essential for residents, it is the neighborhood association which decides to take over the organization. “But always with Annie’s participation”specifies Alain Ricciardi who wishes to emphasize the role she played for “re-enhance the image of the neighborhood”.
Growing success
Always growing, the success of “Art takes off” is such that the choice was made to switch to a now annual format. The 2024 edition even marks a record since more than 70 artists came to exhibit at La Plagette. And a sign that the event now has its place in the Sète cultural agenda, the mayor himself made a point of saluting the work of Annie who was offered a bouquet for the occasion.
There is no doubt that his disappearance will leave a great void in the hearts of the inhabitants of La Plagette and more broadly in those of Sétois. His loved ones and the family invite those who wish to a moment of contemplation, at the funeral home of Sète this Tuesday, October 22 at 10:30 a.m. And as long as “Art Takes Off” continues to exist, there will always have a bit of Annie along the Quai de la Daurade.
