At the Heart of the Van Gogh Academy: Michel Rayrole

The idea of founding the Van Gogh Academy was born in early 2024, when I was searching for the best way to revive and sustain the magnificent Musée de l’Absinthe, a small gem tucked beneath the Château d’Auvers. Although that effort ultimately ran into financial obstacles by the end of 2024, the Van Gogh Academy association had already been created—and it would have been a shame to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

After a few productive conversations with Alexandre and Raphaël Fonseca, local art collectors and gallery owners, the Academy found a new home within the Galerie de la Vallée de l’Oise, which they were in the process of completing. What began as a setback turned into a promising partnership, uniting an association and a gallery whose missions naturally complement one another.

This transition would not have been possible without the invaluable support of another generous soul from Auvers: Michel Rayrole, well known for founding the Facebook group “Auvers, j’y vis, je l’aime”. One might well add: “and I know it by heart.” Michel roams the village tirelessly, from the riverbanks to the plateaus, through every alley and path, with a photographer’s eye and a rare attention to detail.

But Michel’s knowledge goes beyond topography. He knows the people and the stories that make up Auvers. Still, he’ll always claim otherwise. Kind-hearted and deeply modest, he shares his insights and discoveries freely and humbly, with anyone who takes an interest.

A man of action, a natural organizer, a unifier with strategic vision and an instinctive grasp of communication, Michel plays a vital role in the growth of the Van Gogh Academy. He advises, manages our membership administration, and oversees our social media presence. During the inauguration ceremony on May 16, 2025, Michel was the quiet pillar holding everything together—so discreet, in fact, that I forgot to thank him in my speech!

Having Michel aboard our ship is an extraordinary stroke of luck. Thanks to him, we’re not just looking straight ahead—we’re charting a course for the distant horizon.