Atelier de Brienne is the working studio of artist and art therapist, Christine de Brenni. It is situated in a rural setting just over the hills from the beautiful Barossa Valley, one of South Australia’s premier wine growing regions. As well as its wines, the Barossa Valley is building a reputation for fine food and the creative arts.

The atelier is part of an historic, stone barn which is over one hundred years old.

The word atelier is derived from the old French word, astelier, meaning ‘ a shaving’ or ‘a splinter’, originally from the carpenter’s workshop. Its modern meaning is, ‘a studio, especially for an artist or designer.’

It is named for Christine’s husband, Jules’s family name; de Brenni, originally de Brienne, meaning from the village of Brienne (Brienne le Chateau) in the Champagne region of France.

Christine’s vision of a working studio and workshop and exhibition space which would provide, not only a place for her to work but which would also be available and accessible to others to explore their creativity, was rekindled during her travels in France and Spain in 2007.

Atelier de Brienne was officially opened on 2nd August 2007, with a SALA (South Australian Living Artists) festival exhibition, Ancient, by well known local identity, Colin Angas. Over one hundred people attended, creating a warm, vibrant atmosphere in the old barn space on a cold, wet winter’s afternoon.

Christine de Brenni acknowledged the traditional keeper’s of the Land, the Peramangk people and dedicated the exhibition to the memory of Richard Hunter who sadly passed away in 2006.Richard was a respected elder of the Nganguraku with Peramangk connections. He was also a recognized anthropologist. Richard was a great inspiration to Christine.

Christine finds Atelier de Brienne a peaceful, pleasant place in which to work, whether this be making mosaics, painting on silk, conducting workshops and retreats, organizing occasional exhibitions or simply to meet and share with other artists.

Atelier de Brienne provides a little taste and ambience of France.

What art offers is space…
A certain breathing room for the spirit.
(John Updike)