A unique creative venue called Maison Bokay has opened its doors in the heart of Courgeon, Orne, offering visitors a blend of art, culture, and relaxation. The multi-purpose space, operated by Estelle Verner and her husband Patrick Nupert, opened on August 1st and will remain open until August 31st as a temporary showcase for local and established artists.
The name "Bokay" evokes the concept of "proximity" in Creole, reflecting the origins of Patrick Nupert, who is a painter. This represents a growing trend away from highly selective and formal galleries toward more open cultural spaces that embrace diverse art forms and leisure activities. The couple discovered the Perche region while attending the art market in La Perrière and fell in love with the area, prompting them to leave their Parisian lifestyle in 2021 for a house in the center of Courgeon.
The small adjoining house, which had been somewhat abandoned, now serves as their exhibition space and boutique. "We cleared the entire garden and refreshed the whole house with the intention of preserving its authentic character," explains Estelle Verner, who works as a graphic designer. The stone building has been transformed while maintaining its original charm, creating an intimate setting for artistic discovery.
Together with her husband, who is also a musician, DJ, and founder of Kaphonic Records label, Estelle operates the Alfred Nicaise gallery. Through this venture, six established artists entrust their works to be exhibited and sold at major art gatherings around France and internationally. Their mobile gallery concept allows them to travel extensively, bringing art to diverse audiences worldwide.
The temporary space at 19 rue Sainte-Anne showcases works by several painters and artisans until August 31st, 2025. Among the featured artists is Guillaume Allemand, whose remarkable creations incorporate bones collected from cattle and small forest animals, transforming them into linear compositions that captivate the eye. Visitors can also admire Estelle Verner's famous dahlias, which she particularly favors in purple hues.
Beyond the main stone boutique, a conservatory at the rear houses a rum cave orchestrated by Rhum Store, where a masterclass took place on Saturday, August 16th. The venue offers hands-on learning experiences, with two additional workshops scheduled: an introduction to Ikebana (Japanese floral art) on August 22nd and 23rd, and jewelry and amulet creation classes with Maud Villaret on August 28th and 29th.
The property extends further into a garden equipped with tables and chairs, creating a tea room atmosphere where visitors can relax and engage in conversation with each other or the proprietors. Estelle takes pride in sharing her impressive collection of 400 dahlias, these pompon-like plants that add vibrant color to the outdoor space. The garden setting provides a perfect complement to the indoor artistic displays.
"We hope to open this pop-up shop approximately three or four times a year to showcase artists and artisans," Estelle Verner explains. The venue also aims to introduce visitors to new creations from local craftspeople, supporting the regional artistic community. Patrick has found particular fulfillment in the Perche region, where he now has access to a large studio that far exceeds what was possible in Paris.
"Patrick is very fulfilled in the Perche. He has a large studio here, nothing like what we had in Paris," Estelle notes. "His painting style, which focuses heavily on gestural work and paint layering, now has all the space needed for full expression." The search for artistic freedom continues in Courgeon, where turntables and musical evenings remain an integral part of their creative vision.
Maison Bokay operates on Thursdays and Fridays from 2 PM to 7 PM, Saturdays from 10 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 7 PM, and Sundays from 10 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 6 PM. The space can be contacted at 06 77 66 03 60 and followed on Instagram @maisonbokay for updates on future exhibitions and workshops.
