May 9, 2027 - May 23, 2027
In this two-week workshop, artist Alejandra Almuelle will guide participants to create a figurative wall sculpture while exploring the dynamic relationship between form and surface. Working with two complementary slab-building techniques, you’ll learn methods that allow the figure to be shaped simultaneously from both the interior and exterior, encouraging a fluid, sculptural approach to construction. Using the anatomy of the head and hands as a point of departure, we will investigate how structure can support expression—learning when to rely on anatomical reference and when to let intuition guide the work. The workshop invites you into the fertile space where technical understanding and poetic interpretation meet, resulting in figures that feel both evocative and deeply personal.
Surface development will become an integral part of the sculptural process, transforming each piece with richness, depth, and quiet narrative. Through a range of playful yet purposeful techniques, you’ll explore creating organic textures, weathered finishes, and nuanced patinas. Demonstrations will include the application of slips and dry clays on greenware, along with approachable methods for layering oxides and underglazes to build complexity, atmosphere, and visual resonance. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have developed both a finished figurative sculpture and a deeper understanding of how surface can amplify the emotional presence of form.
Throughout the workshop, participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
This week-long ceramics intensive with internationally-acclaimed Spanish artist-instructor Alberto Bustos offers an immersive experience that brings together material practice, landscape, and reflection. Designed for all levels of students and practicing artists, the course invites participants to focus, work attentively, and engage clay as both medium and language.
Grounded in Bustos’ self-taught practice and a lifelong attraction to nature, the workshop is informed by the concept of natuRareza—a return to our elemental essence through direct contact with earth. Participants will explore ceramics as a means of expressing emotional and ecological narratives, responding to the visible and invisible impacts of environmental degradation through form and surface.
The primary focus of the course is hand-building without conventional tools. By working directly with the hands, participants develop an immediate, physical relationship with the clay, allowing intuition and sensation to guide the process. Using the “launch” technique, students will create textured slabs, as well as flat, square, and rectangular filaments that serve as structural and expressive elements.
Surface development is approached experimentally and holistically. Participants will create stone-like textures using pigmented clay “cookies” and apply pigments, glazes, powders, and liquids directly onto wet clay using brushes, toothbrushes, strainers, and other simple implements. These layered applications are designed to achieve depth, nuance, and complexity in a single firing.
Bustos encourages the use of unconventional materials—cardboard, sponges, baking paper, aluminum foil, plastic wrap—combined with clay, glass, pigments, and glazes in both powder and liquid form.
This workshop is ideal for participants seeking a focused, materially rich studio experience within a historically and environmentally resonant setting—one that supports experimentation, thoughtful making, and a renewed connection to place and process.
Throughout the workshop, participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO) aboard our comfortable private bus. Single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
May 2, 2027 - May 9, 2027
October 24, 2027 - November 7, 2027
When we sculpt the human figure, we engage in visual storytelling. This two- week intensive, figurative-sculpting, workshop, is designed to empower participants to communicate emotive visual narratives in clay. Students will gain tools to investigate, uncover, and create stories that convey meaning; recognized through gesture and expression.
Participants will have the opportunity to sculpt one, lifesized bust, one small seated figure and multiples of 1⁄2 scaled wall hanging heads/busts. Instruction will begin with the technical aspects of using multiple hand-building techniques to shape the human form. During the workshop, students will have ample opportunity to explore both ceramic and cold finishes on their pieces. They will be encouraged to experiment with combinations and layering of the two. Through demonstrations and practice, we will learn body and face proportions; later investigating how both slight and dramatic manipulations of the clay can signal emotion and conceptual threads towards narrative. We will work to develop our personal visual vocabulary; exploring themes of myths, allegory and iconography; diving into personal experiences spoken through the dynamic art of ceramic figurative sculpture. We will ask ourselves what we are trying to communicate through our hands that our voices alone cannot fully express. We will give a still and silent object, movement and voice.
Throughout the workshop, participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
June 6, 2027 - June 20, 2027
Make art that moves! There is something that brings out childlike joy and wonder when a piece of art escapes the regular limitations of a singular image and becomes interactive. Parts of the image lift and move, revealing surprising hidden elements, adding layers of narrative and meaning.
In this 2-week course you will create an entire interactive art book. We will dive into paper engineering in my own unique approach. Unlike 3-D pop-up art, my focus is on expanding on 2-dimensional artwork in new and unexpected ways. You will learn many techniques such as lift flaps, spin wheels, and several different kinds of pull tabs. I’ll teach you how to sketch concepts, create prototypes, and turn it into a final work. By the end of the course, you will create several completely functioning interactive works in your own style within a completely special one-of-a-kind art book.
Throughout the workshop, participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
August 15, 2027 - August 29, 2027
The objects made throughout history can be described as intriguing, inspiring and mysterious. They are lush with complexity and alluring in form and context. In this two-week workshop, students will look at objects made throughout history to inspire and generate ideas in their own vernacular. Through exploration and play students will come away with how to turn simple hand-built forms into pieces with dynamic dialog. We will work with traditional ways of making and explore terra sigillata, a simple clay slip, that has been gracing the surfaces of ceramics for thousands of years throughout the world.
Students will learn several hand-built techniques that will include, coil and pinching, soft and hard construction, lids, spouts, handles and darting. Surfaces discussed and explored will be mark making, mono-printing, and various ways to achieve weathered surfaces in the electric kiln. In addition to working with clay we will venture to museums and basilicas to further find inspiration in architecture, frescos and objects.
Throughout the workshop, participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
September 12, 2027 - September 26, 2027
This two week hands-on immersive experience focuses on traditional and untraditional techniques to make realistic or stylized sculpture in clay.
These two parts are equally important to my work: the first is hand building the figure solid and how to prepare it for firing. The second is about some important post-firing tactics as gluing parts, using accessories and painting the piece realistically after it is fired.
In order to experiment directly on all those points every participant will be encouraged to work on two projects: a faster warm-up piece and a more challenging and focused medium sized one at 25 inch standing figure. The point of the first small piece is to be finished quickly and fired within the first week so that it enables experimenting on post firing techniques in the last three days. Sculpting the medium size figure will be the main focus.
As a start, every participant will make a mask or copy an object at hand (a shoe, bag, cloth, fruit and so on) that can be next to the sculpture at all times for reference. The piece or pieces made will be fired during the middle of the workshop and will provide a ‘canvas’ for painting and finishing practice during the last three days.
The mask project is ideal to dive into the deep end without being too precious or invested and being able to focus on the process as opposed to the end result. After breaking the ice we’ll focus on a more challenging piece that will be more specific to every individual, encouraging self tailored projects and offering instructions, help and suggestions at all times. Every stage will reinforce concepts from the first three days and delve deeper.
The workshop will cover all topics involved with each stage and all precautions in between:
- Concept and narrative
- Reference preparation
- Hand building solid using a pipe armature.
- Roughing in clay, identifying main shapes, planes and volumes
- Defining progressively the piece in all its parts
- Cutting the solid piece in sections.
- Hollowing and reassembling.
- Sculpting and Refining
- Details
- Firing
- Post firing, glue and tools
- Painting and finishing techniques
- Accessories and different materials
***Firing of the last piece is not guaranteed, it will depend upon the number of sculptures and their size relative to kiln space.***
Throughout the workshop, participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
September 26, 2027 - October 10, 2027
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Nunc vel urna pellentesque, vulputate nisl sed, mollis diam. Nam ac malesuada urna, sed cursus est. Aenean tristique semper purus eu laoreet. Proin rutrum orci nec libero ultricies volutpat. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Phasellus vestibulum libero cursus risus viverra volutpat. Orci varius natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Donec dapibus, sem at porttitor ullamcorper, felis ante semper erat, a semper urna arcu ac justo. Sed tincidunt rhoncus neque, id tempor nibh convallis eget. Maecenas nec est aliquet dui mattis fringilla a id augue. Morbi cursus facilisis nulla id tempus. In sed sagittis magna, et semper arcu. Cras risus massa, malesuada nec malesuada quis, sollicitudin eget turpis. Nullam ornare blandit mi in viverra. Praesent sed laoreet ex, sed lacinia massa. Vestibulum ut quam tincidunt, aliquet ante eu, viverra arcu.
Throughout the workshop, participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
October 10, 2027 - October 24, 2027
This two-week workshop explores the relationship between handbuilt pottery and surface imagery, using soft slab construction as a foundation for creating both utilitarian and ornamental ceramic objects. Working with fresh slabs of clay, participants will learn strategies for building vessels and small forms that invite surface imagery, pattern, and narrative.
Monte Castello di Vibio and the surrounding Umbrian landscape will serve as an active source of inspiration. Throughout the workshop we will scavenge for visual ideas in architecture, historic ornament, local flora and fauna, and everyday visual culture.
Participants will push the boundaries between functional and ornamental objects, exploring how ceramics intended for the table or wall can shape both form and surface decisions. Chandra will demonstrate how to make plates, bowls, and cups as well as more sculptural tableware such as butter dishes, vases and salt and pepper sets. We will also step away from function by making small hollow wall tiles.
Together we will experiment with ways imagery can convey meaning by responding to the shape of a form. Participants will develop layered and colorful surfaces through techniques such as carving, inlay, underglaze application, sgraffito and water etching.
The course includes two excursions designed to deepen our understanding of regional ceramic traditions and the visual language of Umbria. One trip will visit the historic ceramics center of Deruta, where participants will study the tradition of majolica production and observe decorative processes that have influenced Italian ceramics for centuries. A second excursion will explore nearby towns and landscapes, gathering visual material and inspiration for our designs.
Demonstrations, presentations, discussions, and individual feedback will guide participants as they develop a series of handbuilt works. This workshop is ideal for ceramic artists interested in strengthening their hand building skills while exploring surface design in an inspiring setting.
All experience levels are welcome, though some familiarity with clay will be helpful.
Throughout the workshop, participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
July 5 - July 12
Join food-stylist Nicole Dowds and florist Julia Kim for a relaxed and inspiring workshop in the heart of one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. Using floral elements in arrangements with Italy's famous charcuterie and cheeses, participants will learn strategies through which they can to bring beauty to their homes and tables. Throughout the workshop, all will be inspired by the timeless charm of Monte Castello’s medieval streets, sun-drenched piazzas, and sweeping Umbrian landscapes.
Participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshoppackage is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO) aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual suppor
July 19 - August 2
This 14‑day workshop led by Ivan Albreht invites you to a hands-on, sensuous exploration of clay and the overlooked objects of everyday life. We will take a hybrid approach that blends contemporary, industrially informed techniques within the quiet traditional setting, transforming plastic and glass bottles, cases, aluminum trays, cans and other consumer remnants into molds and new forms. The workshop is designed to be tactile and immersive, encouraging curiosity, risk taking and the pleasure of making.
You will learn practical mold making methods, from simple 1- and 2-part press molds to more complex 2-to-4-part molds for slip casting, then move into casting and assembly as soft and hard casts become modular elements for sculptural or vessel-based work. Each participant will make at least one mold and will be able to share and trade cast parts, so ideas circulate through the group. While the focus will be on the process with an open-ended outcome, several smaller scale pieces will be created by participants. Surface options include glazing or leaving pieces unglazed to emphasize form and texture.
Participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
May 23, 2027 - May 30, 2027
This workshop on sculpting the human figure in clay emphasizes an experimental, improvisational approach to discovering movement, gesture and vitality. Through live demonstrations, hands-on exercises and slide presentations, participants will learn to manipulate the clay figure and push past common stumbling blocks of proportion, movement and balance.
Students will build small-scale maquettes in anticipation of larger work, learn solid sculpting methods, and discover how to hollow and prepare pieces for firing. We'll break the figure down into basic components to explore their potential for various poses, with special sessions focusing on challenging areas such as heads and hands.
Surface techniques will be explored using texture, underglazes, stains, pencils and mark-making to strengthen the form and develop rich visual effects. Michelle will work individually with each participant on their artwork. All skill levels welcome!
Participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
September 14 - September 16
ICARTS Italia is proud to announce
our collaboration with the renowned, Court of Master Sommeliers of Europe who will offer their 3-day, Introductory Sommelier Course at our facilities in Monte Castello this October. We are indeed honored to provide the opportunity for our program participants to conducted by the worlds premier sommelier training and examining body!
The course fee for the Introductory Sommelier Course includes the course and instruction, wine and classes, as well as a light lunch on the course days.
For millennia, the peoples of the Italian peninsula have produced some of the most extraordinary wines in the world. Today Italy is the worlds largest wine-producer and also maintains the greatest diversity of autochthonous (indigenous) wines to be found anywhere! In fact, here in Umbria, our village is surrounded by vineyards producing varietals that are found nowhere else - it is the perfect setting in which to begin your journey into becoming a sommelier! Our objective in this workshop provide this geographic and cultural backdrop to the rigorous sommelier certification program (Level 1 and 2) offered by the Court of Master Sommeliers. The class is intended for food and wine industry professionals seeking to develop their wine theory, tasting, and practical expertise.
It is important for participants to be aware that this rigorous program is demanding, requiring a 60% pass mark on both written and practical evaluations in addition to two-days of in-person coursework and lecture. The lectures are presented by Master Sommeliers using a power-point format interspersed with wine tastings, plus a practical service demonstration. The examination comprises a multiple-choice theoretical paper plus a short elementary practical service test. The Introductory Sommelier Certificate examination is held on the morning of the third day of the introductory program. After examination results are tallied, those who are successful will be invited to participate in the Certified Sommelier examination, to be held later that day.
The 3-Day experience hosted by ICARTS in collaboration with the Court of Master Sommeliers class culminates with exams on Friday. For those traveling from abroad, we highly recommend enrolling in our concurrent, Week in the Green Heart of Italy program, which provides and ideal companion experience to the Sommelier Program. It presents an opportunity to stay at ICARTS facilities in Mionte Castello and to dine at the school on our breathtaking terrace over the Tiber Valley.
Optional addition: A Week in the Green Heart of Italy
(Please note that the Week in the Green Heart of Italy Program is NOT included in the price of the 3-day Sommelier course. No meals or accommodation are included in the price of the sommelier course.)
For those traveling from abroad, the program offers an ideal opportunity to acclimate to the time change, relax and prepare for the Sommelier Course with MA. For those coming to ICARTS to participate in the Sommelier program, our Week in the Green Heart of Italy Program offers a very attractively priced all-inclusive package of meals and accommodation.
For those interested in traveling with a partner or spouse, the program provides ideal activities for a companion with a week of relaxation filled with immersive experiences that will soon become treasured memories. From pasta-making to truffle hunting to watching the traditional ceramic techniques of the nearby majolica capital, Deruta in action. We will visit the incredible Marmore Falls - the highest in Europe. We will sample regional wines and typical products at nearby wineries, learn about the wonderful olive oils of Umbria, and celebrate the ancient culinary traditions of our fascinating Region. We share the same respect for the territory and the landscape which has been our and passion over the years.
The all inclusive experience provides accommodation in our beautifully preserved 14th c., medieval hill town in a former convent, called: "Asilo." The simple rooms convey the experience of the nuns who lived here in quiet contemplation, while each has a window overlooking the stunning Tiber Valley. Double occupancy accommodation upgrades are available with private bath, AC, etc., are available on request. We provide Welcome and Departure services on selected days from the Rome/Fiumicino, Leonardo da Vinci International (FCO) airport as well as airport transfer by private bus. Our private bus transports participants to off-campus excursions to vineyards, etc. Using locally sourced and artisanal ingredients, three traditional meals are lovingly prepared by our kitchen staff Monday through Friday. Saturdays and Sundays, we provide an incredible brunch with fresh baked bread and pastries, a variety of eggs, cheeses, and cured meats, as well as fresh yogurt and fruit. Of course, all accompanied by chilled Prosecco! Saturday and Sunday dinner are also "grill-day’s" and we will enjoy savory grilled meats (including wild game), fresh vegetables, and more! All lunches and dinners are accompanied by local wine, wines from our extensive Wine List available for purchase. Our bi-lingual staff is on hand 24/7 to fill your needs.
Please note that the Week in the Green Heart of Italy Program is NOT included in the price of the 3-day Sommelier course. No meals or accommodation are included with the sommelier course.
The below is taken from the Court of Master Sommeliers website at: https://www.courtofmastersommeliers.org/qualifications/
(https://www.courtofmastersommeliers.org/introductory-sommelier-certificate-3-days/)
A three-day, intensive program comprised of two days of coursework followed by one day of examinations.
Prerequisite: Hospitality industry experience and a good basic theoretical knowledge of wines.
"The content of the course covers:
"Candidates who satisfactorily gain this certificate will be able to:
(https://www.courtofmastersommeliers.org/certified-sommelier-examination-1-day/)
"The Certified Sommelier qualification is the primary certification for wine and beverage professionals, comprised of one full day of examinations. There is no coursework for this level."
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Level 1 course.
"Objectives:
"The Certified Sommelier Examination comprises three parts:
September 16 All day
ICARTS Italia is proud to announce our collaboration with the renowned, Court of Master Sommeliers of Europe who will offer their 3-day, Introductory Sommelier Course and Exam and their Certified Sommelier Examination at our facilities in Monte Castello this October. We are indeed honored to host these classes which are to be conducted by the worlds premier sommelier training and examining body! The Course fee includes the course and instruction, wine and classes, and testing for both Level 1 and 2 certification. (Please note, certification is not a guaranteed and is contingent on passing the appropriate exams.)
For millennia, the peoples of the Italian peninsula have produced some of the most extraordinary wines in the world. Today Italy is the worlds largest wine-producer and also maintains the greatest diversity of autochthonous (indigenous) wines to be found anywhere! In fact, here in Umbria, our village is surrounded by vineyards producing varietals that are found nowhere else - it is the perfect setting in which to begin your journey into becoming a sommelier! Our objective in this workshop provide this geographic and cultural backdrop to the rigorous sommelier certification program (Level 1 and 2) offered by the Court of Master Sommeliers. The class is intended for food and wine industry professionals seeking to develop their wine theory, tasting, and practical expertise.
It is important for participants to be aware that this rigorous program is demanding, requiring a 60% pass mark on both written and practical evaluations in addition to two-days of in-person coursework and lecture. The lectures are presented by Master Sommeliers using a power-point format interspersed with wine tastings, plus a practical service demonstration. The examination comprises a multiple-choice theoretical paper plus a short elementary practical service test. The Introductory Sommelier Certificate examination is held on the morning of the third day of the introductory program. After examination results are tallied, those who are successful will be invited to participate in the Certified Sommelier examination, to be held later that day.
The 3-Day experience hosted by ICARTS in collaboration with the Court of Master Sommeliers class culminates with exams on Friday. For those traveling from abroad, we highly recommend enrolling in our concurrent, Week in the Green Heart of Italy program, which provides and ideal companion experience to the Sommelier Program. It presents an opportunity to stay at ICARTS facilities in Mionte Castello and to dine at the school on our breathtaking terrace over the Tiber Valley.
Optional addition: A Week in the Green Heart of Italy
(Please note that the Week in the Green Heart of Italy Program is NOT included in the price of the 3-day Sommelier course. No meals or accommodation are included in the price of the sommelier course.)
For those traveling from abroad, the program offers an ideal opportunity to acclimate to the time change, relax and prepare for the Sommelier Course with MA. For those coming to ICARTS to participate in the Sommelier program, our Week in the Green Heart of Italy Program offers a very attractively priced all-inclusive package of meals and accommodation.
For those interested in traveling with a partner or spouse, the program provides ideal activities for a companion with a week of relaxation filled with immersive experiences that will soon become treasured memories. From pasta-making to truffle hunting to watching the traditional ceramic techniques of the nearby majolica capital, Deruta in action. We will visit the incredible Marmore Falls - the highest in Europe. We will sample regional wines and typical products at nearby wineries, learn about the wonderful olive oils of Umbria, and celebrate the ancient culinary traditions of our fascinating Region. We share the same respect for the territory and the landscape which has been our and passion over the years.
The all inclusive experience provides accommodation in our beautifully preserved 14th c., medieval hill town in a former convent, called: "Asilo." The simple rooms convey the experience of the nuns who lived here in quiet contemplation, while each has a window overlooking the stunning Tiber Valley. Double occupancy accommodation upgrades are available with private bath, AC, etc., are available on request. We provide Welcome and Departure services on selected days from the Rome/Fiumicino, Leonardo da Vinci International (FCO) airport as well as airport transfer by private bus. Our private bus transports participants to off-campus excursions to vineyards, etc. Using locally sourced and artisanal ingredients, three traditional meals are lovingly prepared by our kitchen staff Monday through Friday. Saturdays and Sundays, we provide an incredible brunch with fresh baked bread and pastries, a variety of eggs, cheeses, and cured meats, as well as fresh yogurt and fruit. Of course, all accompanied by chilled Prosecco! Saturday and Sunday dinner are also "grill-day’s" and we will enjoy savory grilled meats (including wild game), fresh vegetables, and more! All lunches and dinners are accompanied by local wine, wines from our extensive Wine List available for purchase. Our bi-lingual staff is on hand 24/7 to fill your needs.
Please note that the Week in the Green Heart of Italy Program is NOT included in the price of the 3-day Sommelier course. No meals or accommodation are included with the sommelier course.
The below is taken from the Court of Master Sommeliers website at: https://www.courtofmastersommeliers.org/qualifications/
(https://www.courtofmastersommeliers.org/introductory-sommelier-certificate-3-days/)
A three-day, intensive program comprised of two days of coursework followed by one day of examinations.
Prerequisite: Hospitality industry experience and a good basic theoretical knowledge of wines.
"The content of the course covers:
"Candidates who satisfactorily gain this certificate will be able to:
(https://www.courtofmastersommeliers.org/certified-sommelier-examination-1-day/)
"The Certified Sommelier qualification is the primary certification for wine and beverage professionals, comprised of one full day of examinations. There is no coursework for this level."
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Level 1 course.
"Objectives:
"The Certified Sommelier Examination comprises three parts:
September 13, 2026 - September 17, 2027
ICARTS Italia is proud to announce our collaboration with the renowned, Court of Master Sommeliers of Europe who will offer their 3-day, Introductory Sommelier Course and Exam and their Certified Sommelier Examination at our facilities in Monte Castello this October. We are indeed honored to host these classes which are to be conducted by the worlds premier sommelier training and examining body! The Course fee includes the course and instruction, wine and classes, and testing for both Level 1 and 2 certification. (Please note, certification is not a guaranteed and is contingent on passing the appropriate exams.)
For millennia, the peoples of the Italian peninsula have produced some of the most extraordinary wines in the world. Today Italy is the worlds largest wine-producer and also maintains the greatest diversity of autochthonous (indigenous) wines to be found anywhere! In fact, here in Umbria, our village is surrounded by vineyards producing varietals that are found nowhere else - it is the perfect setting in which to begin your journey into becoming a sommelier! Our objective in this workshop provide this geographic and cultural backdrop to the rigorous sommelier certification program (Level 1 and 2) offered by the Court of Master Sommeliers. The class is intended for food and wine industry professionals seeking to develop their wine theory, tasting, and practical expertise.
It is important for participants to be aware that this rigorous program is demanding, requiring a 60% pass mark on both written and practical evaluations in addition to two-days of in-person coursework and lecture. The lectures are presented by Master Sommeliers using a power-point format interspersed with wine tastings, plus a practical service demonstration. The examination comprises a multiple-choice theoretical paper plus a short elementary practical service test. The Introductory Sommelier Certificate examination is held on the morning of the third day of the introductory program. After examination results are tallied, those who are successful will be invited to participate in the Certified Sommelier examination, to be held later that day.
The 3-Day experience hosted by ICARTS in collaboration with the Court of Master Sommeliers class culminates with exams on Friday. For those traveling from abroad, we highly recommend enrolling in our concurrent, Week in the Green Heart of Italy program, which provides and ideal companion experience to the Sommelier Program. It presents an opportunity to stay at ICARTS facilities in Mionte Castello and to dine at the school on our breathtaking terrace over the Tiber Valley.
Optional addition: A Week in the Green Heart of Italy
(Please note that the Week in the Green Heart of Italy Program is NOT included in the price of the 3-day Sommelier course. No meals or accommodation are included in the price of the sommelier course.)
For those traveling from abroad, the program offers an ideal opportunity to acclimate to the time change, relax and prepare for the Sommelier Course with MA. For those coming to ICARTS to participate in the Sommelier program, our Week in the Green Heart of Italy Program offers a very attractively priced all-inclusive package of meals and accommodation.
For those interested in traveling with a partner or spouse, the program provides ideal activities for a companion with a week of relaxation filled with immersive experiences that will soon become treasured memories. From pasta-making to truffle hunting to watching the traditional ceramic techniques of the nearby majolica capital, Deruta in action. We will visit the incredible Marmore Falls - the highest in Europe. We will sample regional wines and typical products at nearby wineries, learn about the wonderful olive oils of Umbria, and celebrate the ancient culinary traditions of our fascinating Region. We share the same respect for the territory and the landscape which has been our and passion over the years.
The all inclusive experience provides accommodation in our beautifully preserved 14th c., medieval hill town in a former convent, called: "Asilo." The simple rooms convey the experience of the nuns who lived here in quiet contemplation, while each has a window overlooking the stunning Tiber Valley. Double occupancy accommodation upgrades are available with private bath, AC, etc., are available on request. We provide Welcome and Departure services on selected days from the Rome/Fiumicino, Leonardo da Vinci International (FCO) airport as well as airport transfer by private bus. Our private bus transports participants to off-campus excursions to vineyards, etc. Using locally sourced and artisanal ingredients, three traditional meals are lovingly prepared by our kitchen staff Monday through Friday. Saturdays and Sundays, we provide an incredible brunch with fresh baked bread and pastries, a variety of eggs, cheeses, and cured meats, as well as fresh yogurt and fruit. Of course, all accompanied by chilled Prosecco! Saturday and Sunday dinner are also "grill-day’s" and we will enjoy savory grilled meats (including wild game), fresh vegetables, and more! All lunches and dinners are accompanied by local wine, wines from our extensive Wine List available for purchase. Our bi-lingual staff is on hand 24/7 to fill your needs.
Please note that the Week in the Green Heart of Italy Program is NOT included in the price of the 3-day Sommelier course. No meals or accommodation are included with the sommelier course.
The below is taken from the Court of Master Sommeliers website at: https://www.courtofmastersommeliers.org/qualifications/
(https://www.courtofmastersommeliers.org/introductory-sommelier-certificate-3-days/)
A three-day, intensive program comprised of two days of coursework followed by one day of examinations.
Prerequisite: Hospitality industry experience and a good basic theoretical knowledge of wines.
"The content of the course covers:
"Candidates who satisfactorily gain this certificate will be able to:
(https://www.courtofmastersommeliers.org/certified-sommelier-examination-1-day/)
"The Certified Sommelier qualification is the primary certification for wine and beverage professionals, comprised of one full day of examinations. There is no coursework for this level."
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Level 1 course.
"Objectives:
"The Certified Sommelier Examination comprises three parts:
October 11 - October 25
This workshop addresses the question, “just how much can I communicate on the ceramic surface, and how deep is it really?” Over this two-week intensive, Eva offers step by step technical demonstrations, probing writing and imagery prompts, one on one mentoring, and open-forum discussion, as we create several series of investigative tiles and wall boxes. Our emphasis will be on creative experimentation and exploring strategic layering and combinations of techniques in order to develop tableaux of complexity and depth, be your aim dramatic and lively, or subtle and resonant.
All techniques will be low-tech but high-impact, meaning they can be used in any studio setting, using any clays and any firing temperature, with no need for special materials or equipment. The magic is in how we apply them in service to our vision, and there will be as many approaches as there are makers. Employing Eva’s “freestyle” way of hand
building, we compose personal narrative and meaning through the interplay of form, mark making, texture, and color.
This is an opportunity to hone in completely on the painterly potential of ceramic materials and processes. An intensive session of discovery, reflection, and production will impact our existing studio practices greatly, broadening the spectrum of means for bringing creative vision to light: this exploration is applicable to pottery, sculpture, or even painting with non-ceramic media. This workshop is open to all levels of experience.
Participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
October 4 - October 11
This workshop on sculpting the human figure in clay emphasizes an experimental, improvisational approach to discovering movement, gesture and vitality. Through live demonstrations, hands-on exercises and slide presentations, participants will learn to manipulate the clay figure and push past common stumbling blocks of proportion, movement and balance.
Students will build small-scale maquettes in anticipation of larger work, learn solid sculpting methods, and discover how to hollow and prepare pieces for firing. We'll break the figure down into basic components to explore their potential for various poses, with special sessions focusing on challenging areas such as heads and hands.
Surface techniques will be explored using texture, underglazes, stains, pencils and mark-making to strengthen the form and develop rich visual effects. Michelle will work individually with each participant on their artwork. All skill levels welcome!
Participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
August 30 - September 13
In this workshop we will explore new ways to construct functional pottery forms from slabs and paper templates, and transforming those flat shapes into functional pots. Focusing on the intimate objects that we use regularly; primarily cups, mugs, bowls, and vases, we will use these objects as canvases to explore surfaces and develop new ways to convey and layer our ideas. Working within our beautiful Italian surroundings, we will use our time equally between making and looking. We will step out of our comfort zones, finding beauty in the mundane, and finding surfaces that are captivating in both our environment as well as our pottery. We will utilize various regional clays to make terra sigilatta, historically used in this region of Italy since the Etruscan times, that will become our canvas to build upon in our explorations.
Participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
September 20 - October 4
Staging the Narrative:
Ceramic Hand building with Ceramic and Cold Finishes
Inspired by Monte Castello di Vibio's Teatro della Concordia (the smallest Italian style theater in the world) and grand theatrical vision of La Scarzuola, let's explore the drama of the human narrative! During this retreat Kirsten will guide the class to build a 3/4 life size head that can hang on the wall or sit on a table. Kirsten has a step-by-step approach to figurative ceramics that is easily accessible, even for the beginner. Her class demonstrations and hand-outs are followed-up with individual tutorials, enabling her to help each student achieve their narrative vision.
After the build, Kirsten will explore the potential of adding layers of texture before firing. Post-firing, Kirsten will guide the class in using cold finishes to mimic, complement, or enhance ceramic finishes. She will share her techniques as well as encourage experimentation and play with different mediums. Participants will walk away with a stronger knowledge of human anatomy and the narrative value of expression, as well as an approach for finishing their works that is layered and complex. Finished sculptures will be able to be packed in a carry-on suitcase for travel and transportation convenience.
In addition, participants will enjoy several excursions to nearby Umbrian towns such as Perugia, Spoleto or Todi to explore the history and art that shines in the green center of Italy. Participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio where you can wonder its quiet streets and enjoy the vistas of the valley and other hill towns. Explore the history of this medieval village and experience the jewel-box of a theater that is one of the smallest theaters in the world.
Your weekend is free to catch up on studio work, relax, or take advantage of the other sites or activities in Umbria. These additions can be arranged through ICArts for an additional fee. This class is for ALL LEVELS: whether you have never touched clay but yearn to stretch your creative potential, or if you are a seasoned ceramicists that want to add a few new techniques to your toolbox.
Participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
July 5 - July 19
In this course, we will sculpt a 24” tall portrait bust, with the upper torso, using contemporary hand building techniques informed by Renaissance and 19th century sculpting practices. We will sculpt from a live model, focusing on the large masses of the body, and how they move in concert together to form a clear gesture. Our approach is based around close observation, and an emphasis on anatomical structure and form relationships. Students will learn how to think three-dimensionally, judging likeness with volume and mass.
The class will cover basic anatomy, and how to use proportional cannons or measuring systems to sculpt a well-proportioned figure at any scale. We will cover basic “block-in” technique, learning how to accurately establish the large relationships of the figure, before moving on to modeling and finishing techniques for clay.
We will be slab building pieces that can be fired at the end of class, so students can go home with a finished sculptural vessel. The class will include sculpting demonstration, constructive critiques, and lecture. No experience is necessary, teaching will be tailored to individuals and students will return home with a finished sculptural vessel.
Included in the cost of the course are day trips to Deruta/Assisi and Orvieto.
On our Deruta/Assisi trip, we will start the day at the Santuario della Madonna dei Bagni, a sanctuary constructed around a tree where an apparition of the Virgin Mary appeared to a shepherd, distraught over his wife’s grave illness. According to legend, he prayed to the Virgin and his wife was cured. For centuries afterward, pilgrims have come to the church to pray for loved ones who were injured or ill. Later, in gratitude some donated a votive majolica plaque commemorating the accidents and illnesses from which victims were saved through the intercession of the Virgin. What remains is an intimate and moving glimpse into the lives and struggles of individuals who sought spiritual intervention in times of need throughout centuries.
Moving on to Deruta, we will tour several local ceramics studios who work in the maiolica tradition, and visit the extraordinary, Museo Regionale Della Ceramica di Deruta. We will next travel to Assisi to visit Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, decoratedwith frescoes by Cimabue, Giotto, Simone Martini, Pietro Lorenzetti, and possibly Pietro Cavallini. The range and quality of the works give the basilica a unique importance in demonstrating the outstanding development of Italian art of this period.
Finally, we will visit Spello, to see the astounding frescos by Pinturicchio in the Cappella Baglioni, as well as the mosaic work in Villa de Mosaici, a beautifully preserved Roman Villa with mosaic floors from the imperial era. Before returning to Monte Castello, we will have dinner that includes a wine tasting, and enjoy the region’s famous terroir.
Our second trip will be to Orvieto here we will see the cathedral, full of rich architectural ornament, mosaics, and the beautiful fresco Cycle in the San Brizio Chapel, begun by Fra Angelico, and finished by Luca Signorelli, Michelangelo’s forerunner in painting. We will also visit the The Pietà Ippolito Scalza, 1579 Duomo of Orvieto, Italy. For wine enthusiasts, there will be many available options for sampling some of the best wine in Italy. Afterward we will have dinner in Orvieto, which will feature a tasting of several of the Regions excellent wines.
Participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO) aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided. Materials for the course will be available in the ICA Art Supply store in Monte Castello.
May 31 - June 14
Fueled by a new interest in the individual, the birth of the Renaissance in Florence in the 15th century brought a rebirth of the long dormant art of Portraiture. What better place to study the art of Portraiture than in Monte Castello di Vibio, just a stone’s throw from that extraordinary city?
This comprehensive two-week workshop offers a unique opportunity to study classical realist Portraiture in both two and three dimensions under the expert guidance of renowned sculptor Constance Ramsey Bowden and acclaimed painter Karen Warshal.
Workshop Focus
Working from live models in an intimate studio setting, students will explore the fundamental principles of portrait creation across three classical mediums: drawing, painting, and sculpture. This intensive program emphasizes the essential building blocks of representational art, making it ideal for both beginners seeking solid foundations and more seasoned artists looking to refine their skills. The small class size ensures ample individual instruction for each student.
Class Structure
Students will draw or paint the model in the morning. After lunch, students will sculpt the same model in water based clay. Models will maintain the same pose for the duration of the workshop.
Curriculum Highlights
* Design Elements: Explore the principles of traditional design inherent in each portrait.
Cultural Immersion Beyond the Studio
Students will journey to the artistic heart of Renaissance Italy with guided excursions to Rome and Florence. These field trips will serve to deepen students’ understanding of the skills and concepts they’re learning in the studio. In addition, they’ll come to appreciate the history of Portraiture itself and its place in the overall history of art.
Florence: visit to the world class Palazzo Pitti, including the Galleria Palatina and the Gallery of Modern Art. The Palatina features some of the greatest paintings of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, while the Moderna hosts masterpieces of traditional art from the 19th century.
Rome: visit to the Musei Capitolini complex, filled with many of the finest Roman copies of Greek sculptures in existence.
Weekends
Weekends are reserved for relaxing and recharging, with optional visits to nearby towns such as Deruta and Todi. Open model time will also be available for those interested.
Join us for this unique experience in Monte Castello di Vibio, where life is always just a little bit magical!
Included in the price
Transfer to and from airport on designated pick-up and drop off dates*
Transportation for excursions to Florence and Rome
Entrance fees to Palazzo Pitti e Musei Capitolini
All class instruction
All meals except for lunch and dinner on the days of our field trips to Florence and Rome
Accommodations in single room with shared bath in the Asilo. (One “matrimoniale” room is also available.)
Private tour of the Teatro della Concordia
Clay and armatures for sculpture
Not included in price
Optional excursions on weekends
Housing upgrades to private room with bath or entire apartment (see options below)
*Pick-up and drop-off at Fiumicino airport on days other than those designated. For those arriving at a different time, an additional charge will be added.
About the food
Delicious meals are lovingly prepared by our expert chefs, Cristiano and Loris. Featuring traditional Umbrian cuisine and always using the freshest ingredients purchased daily, Cristiano and Loris work hard to please everyone, honoring dietary restrictions and food preferences. Breakfast (buffet) and lunch are served indoors, while dinner is held on the scenic rooftop terrace ove
rlooking the valley surrounding Monte Castello di Vibio. To say that this is a breathtaking venue and an extraordinary experience would be an understatement.
Class Schedule
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (of both weeks):
9:30-1:00 class (drawing/painting)
1:00-2:00 lunch
2:00-2:30 rest
2:30-6:00 class (sculpture)
Wednesdays: field trip Saturdays, Sundays: optional field trips, optional model time, free time
A PERSONAL NOTE FROM CONSTANCE AND KAREN TO YOU, OUR POTENTIAL STUDENTS:
We’ve designed this program with the goal of maximum learning because, as teachers, that’s our responsibility and it’s also who we are. But remember that this is YOUR special experience and it needs to meet your needs. This is an intensive program, so if you’re tired, take a rest. If you miss an hour or even a session, the world won’t come to an end.
May 23, 2027 - May 30, 2027
Join me for a relaxed and inspiring travel sketching workshop in the heart of one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. Using ink and watercolour, we’ll capture the timeless charm of Monte Castello’s medieval streets, sun-drenched piazzas, and sweeping Umbrian landscapes. My workshops focus on simplifying complex scenes, finding your personal sketching voice, and embracing the imperfections of on-location sketching.
Participants will work with portable materials — pens, travel watercolour sets, and sketchbooks — ideal for capturing moments on the move. Monte Castello’s unique, car-free setting means we can sketch in peace, surrounded by ancient stone buildings, flower-draped balconies, and panoramic views without the interruption of traffic. It’s a dream location for artists and travellers alike, offering endless inspiration at every turn. Whether you're new to sketching or an experienced artist, this is your chance to slow down, observe deeply, and sketch your adventures.
Materials for the course will be available in the ICA Art Supply store in Monte Castello, but if you prefer to bring them from home, you will need: pencil (B or 2B), eraser, pen with waterproof ink (fineliners are a good option: 0.3, 0.5, 0.8 by brands such as UniPin, Micron, Copic, etc), watercolour brushes: one large (#10 round) and one small (#4 round or 1/4inch dagger), watercolour sketchbook (at least 200gsm, 300gsm preferred), watercolour set (12 colours is fine, artist grade preferred – St Petersburg White Nights, Rosa Gallery, Roman Szmal, Royal Talens Van Gogh (higher end student grade), Daniel Smith, Winsor Newton are all good brands and variety of price points), pot for water, cloth to wipe brush.
Participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshoppackage is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO) aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support.
June 21 - June 28
Our in-depth animal sculpture workshop will allow you to immerse yourself in your art. Nick will demonstrate the importance of observation, show you how to make an emotional connection with your subject and realize your own creative vision. Our extended workshop format allows plenty of time for instruction and practical work.
Under Nick’s expert guidance, you will make your own animal sculpture. Combining a mix of one-to-one and group demonstration and tuition, Nick will teach you building techniques and help you hone your modeling skills. No prior experience is needed and all the tools and materials you’ll need are provided.
Participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
A Note to Participants:
When packing:
Materials to bring from home:
September 28, 2025 - October 5, 2025
Join us in the heart Italy - in our mountaintop "castle town" of Monte Castello di Vibio for an intensive week of wood kiln construction with renowned potter and master kiln-builder, Rudie Delanghe!
Here, deep among the mountains and ancient forests, Roman and Etruscan kilns still dot the clay-rich landscape of the Tiber Valley. Our participants live and work in an ancient mountain village made of stones, which is unchanged since the middle ages. We are surrounded by vineyards and olive groves -and steeped in traditions. This is truly a side of Italy that most travelers never experience!
In this landscape where past meets present, we will follow in the path of the ancestral crafts of the region as we construct a kiln that Rudie has designed and has himself built many times. The 1.5 meter wood fired trolley kiln we build together will constructed with over 2,000 refractory insulation bricks and provide a useable space 100 cm wide, 120 cm long, 130 cm high. This remarkably efficient kiln design is very economical in its use of wood and easy to fire by one person.
Building a wood-fired kiln is a complex process that requires both extensive knowledge and experience as well as careful planning. Rudie will select materials, weld our metal frames and trolley, and lend his direction and masonry expertise to the group as we build the kiln itself. Participants will learn principles that underlie the successful design of a wood kiln and the complex process behind its construction from a master European kiln-builder! This workshop is open to all levels of experience. Those interested in firing their work and experiencing the kiln in action, should consider our subsequent Workshop: Earth, Hands, and Fire: Building Epic Vessels for the Wood Kiln with Eva Champagne October 5- 19, 2025.(Be sure to inquire about reduced pricing for both workshops.)
During the Workshop, participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO) aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
0 people are attending Building a Wood-fired Kiln with Rudie Delanghe
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Charcuterie-styling workshop with Nicole Dowds
Want to impress your family and friends for with your unique charcuterie board? Are you interested in adding classic Italian salumi and cheeses to your repertoire of flavors?
Then join us for this exclusive event and learn how to create an elegant charcuterie board with unforgettable traditional ingredients and flavor combinations that will blow your guests away! In this workshop, we put the tools right in your hands!
The Course is led by Nicole Dowds of the celebrated, Charcuterina. In addition to Charcuterina, Nicole is also a food stylist, classic piano player, and world traveler. While living in in Rome, Nicole experienced and was enchanted by authentic Italian cuisine. She is the ideal guide to your adventure in the world of Italian Charcuterie.
The workshop includes the Full kit (instruction + supplies + premium ingredients), a beautiful olive wood board to bring with you after the workshop with Italian Local Wine Pairing.
Mastering Wine-tasting with Sommelier, Rowena Dumlao
Considering wine paring, Italy is the worlds largest wine producer and it is appropriate that afternoons will be devoted to understanding paring Italian charcuterie and cheeses with wines of the country. With this in mind you'll learn about the native grapes and their fascinating histories, and, when possible, meet the passionate producers who are reviving them. We’ll provide printouts to enhance your learning experience to supplement tastings and offer visits to Umbrian wineries. You'll delve into the winemaking process, explore different types of terroir and their effects on wine, and learn how to properly assess wine using visual, olfactory, and gustatory senses, all under the guidance of a professional sommelier. Our guide to wine will be renowned food and wine critic and sommelier, Rowena Dumlao. With her guidance, you'll explore wines from each of Italy's 20 regions. Rowena has meticulously selected 2 wines from each region, highlighting the country’s remarkable vinicultural diversity. Each day includes an informative presentation followed by a tasting session featuring 8 distinctive wines, allowing participants to sample over 50 different wines throughout the workshop.
Throughout the workshop, participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
Join us for a week of immersion in local tradition among the green hills of Umbria, in the heart of Italy. Here, in the ancient medieval village of Monte Castello di Vibio, time stands still. One of the most finely restored of Italian Hill Towns, Monte Castello has been recently been added to the list of "Most Beautiful Villages of Italy." Its stands among the hills of the Tiber valley, looking over the entire valley. From our vantage point, it is possible to admire the nearby historical cities of Todi, Perugia and even Montefalco on clear spring days.
Please note: This experience is held concurrently with our Sommelier Certification Course and particularly for those traveling from abroad, the Week in the Green Heart of Italy workshop presents the ideal meal and accommodation package to accompany that course - provided at very competitive rates. For those traveling with a partner or spouse, family member or friend, the workshop makes it possible to enjoy the intimacy of our spectacularly beautiful village and for the companion not participating in the Sommelier course, provides interesting activities and the possibility of dining together. However, the Sommelier Course is NOT INCLUDED IN THIS PROGRAM.
The International Center of the Arts will make you feel at home during your stay, pampering you with our local cuisine created by our chefs Cristiano and Loris whose kitchen utilizes locally-sourced, seasonal products and traditional recipes of Umbria. Truffles, local mushrooms, wild boar and many other regional ingredients accompany great local wine ad olive oil, freshly-baked bread! During your stay, a cooking course will allow you to learn the secrets of the art of hand-made pasta according to the family recipe of Cristiano and his grandmother Anna: fun with your hands in the pasta is guaranteed as is the flavor!
The program offers a week of relaxation filled with immersive experiences that will soon become treasured memories. From pasta-making to truffle hunting to watching the traditional ceramic techniques of the nearby majolica capital, Deruta in action. We will visit the incredible Marmore Falls - the highest in Europe. We will sample regional wines and typical products at nearby wineries, learn about the wonderful olive oils of Umbria, and celebrate the ancient culinary traditions of our fascinating Region. We share the same respect for the territory and the landscape which has been our and passion over the years.
Your all inclusive experience provides accommodation in our beautifully preserved 14th c., medieval hill town in a former convent, called: "Asilo." The simple rooms convey the experience of the nuns who lived here in quiet contemplation, while each has a window overlooking the stunning Tiber Valley. Each room contains a sink and vanity, but the bathrooms are shared 2-3 rooms to a bath. Accommodation upgrades are available with private bath, AC, etc., are available on request. We provide Welcome and Departure services on selected days from the Rome/Fiumicino, Leonardo da Vinci International (FCO) airport as well as airport transfer by private bus. Our private bus transports participants to off-campus excursions to vineyards, etc. Using locally sourced and artisanal ingredients, three traditional meals are lovingly prepared by our kitchen staff Monday through Friday. Saturdays and Sundays, we provide an incredible brunch with fresh baked bread and pastries, a variety of eggs, cheeses, and cured meats, as well as fresh yogurt and fruit. Of course, all accompanied by chilled Prosecco! Saturday and Sunday dinner are also "grill-day’s" and we will enjoy savory grilled meats (including wild game), fresh vegetables, and more! All lunches and dinners are accompanied by local wine, wines from our extensive Wine List available for purchase. Our bi-lingual staff is on hand 24/7 to fill your needs.
Would you like to master one of the most intriguing graphic techniques?
Join "Linocut and Book Illustration" course, which will open up a world of creative expression through linocut and the art of illustration!
You will learn about the history of linocut — from its origins to modern trends.
Understand how different types of strokes, lines, and dots affect the final image.
Gain practical knowledge of compositional rules and learn to convey space, light, and shadows through line work.
Immersion in the creative process:
The course is divided into three practical themes:
You’ll learn how to turn the abstract ideas of poetry into concrete graphic elements, balancing both the text and imagery in a harmonious composition. This will be a opportunity to combine literature and graphic art, allowing participants to deepen their understanding of both mediums while creating a series of meaningful, artistic works.
Join us for an immersive two weeks of creating meaningful ceramic vessels and firing them in ICA Italy’s new wood kiln. Be in the first group to fire this custom-built kiln!
Throughout history ceramic vessels have told stories far more profound than the mere fact of storage or service. During this workshop, we plumb the depths of our own motivations to create vessels which carry our contemporary, personal narratives.
Taking inspiration from the landscape and historical-cultural milieu of Umbria, as well as the unique ideas and influences we each contain within us, we create a series of works that embody a specific moment, investigation, and touch. This workshop explores the vivid possibilities for expression when one adopts a “freestyle” approach to making. We create personal narrative and content through the interplay between form, surface embellishment, and wood firing atmosphere on a series of works inspired by vessels of antiquity.
Eva’s intuitive hand building method creates 3 dimensional “canvases” upon which to explore multiple techniques for mark making, printing, adding depth and texture— in effect, telling a visual story across the surface of each vessel, and then offering these highly expressive works to the new wood kiln, allowing it to have the final word in design.
During our first week together, Eva offers step by step technical guidance, demonstrations, one on one mentoring, and open-forum discussion, as we create our series of vessels at varying scales. We quickly hone our hand building skills, develop tactile acuity, and push our ability to make clay do what we want and convey the thoughts and concerns we wish it to. We investigate numerous ways that the form and surface can be handled for expressive results, be your aim dramatic, vivid, or subtle.
At the end of the first week, we dig up some local clay to work with, allowing us to compare the material qualities and firing results between clay bodies. During week two, we turn our attention to finishing touches to our series, drying them, and preparing for the wood firing. We discuss all aspects of this process, and everyone is hands-on during the inaugural firing itself, which takes about one day. We experience the exhilarating freedom of giving our works over to the wood kiln, since results cannot be entirely predicted. Our process can be described as a collaboration between the maker’s planning and execution, and the kiln’s sweeping endowments and editing: a meeting of intention and fortune.
This intensive period of creative reflection and production undertaken in such a breathtaking setting as Monte Castello Di Vibio will impact your studio practice for a long time to come. This workshop is open to all levels of experience.
Participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
Ancient cultures resonate in Umbria and in particular was the cradle of Etruscan Civilization. In respect for these traditions, ICA is proud to offer an intensive -hands-on- studio pottery program on the techniques of Ancient Ceramics, focusing on Greek and Etruscan Pottery. Experts in these techniques will lead participants into one the most appreciated ancient forms in the history of ceramics: Greek and Etruscan Vases. Participants are accommodated in Monte Castello, and the workshop is to be held at our Deruta laboratory, in the Umbrian town renowned for its majolica traditions.
The intensive workshop provides four days of "in-class" work studying decorative techniques of the famous black-figure and red-figure vessels focussing on analysis of specific examples such as the Krater of Euphronius, which describes the history of the Trojan War. The workshop includes lectures focusing on history of the medium with special attention to technical aspects and practical dimensions as well as aesthetic considerations -manifest in their classic shapes and colors.
Participants will work with shapes and decoration characteristic of the Greek Classical Period. The workshop will also focus on sources of the pigments which were harvested from the earth and decanted from clays. The colors we use will be derived from clays, just as in ancient times - participants will even paint their pots with brushes specially made with hare whiskers. Traditional techniques to be covered include: painting, scgraffito, sanding and firing - there will also be a traditional "egg" decoration test, in which color changes with heat, providing insight into a simple but historic decorative technique.
Throughout the workshop, participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
Closely linked to Zen culture, in which the beauty and harmony of simple things is exalted, the Raku technique was born in the 16th century as an art for the creation of bowls used during the traditional tea ceremony. It is characterized by a rapid production process and a particular process from which ceramics are obtained which differ in their characteristic cracking and coloring, giving life to unique pieces.
In the 16th century, a type of rapid clay firing, called Raku, was discovered in Japan. This Japanese term has the meaning of "relaxed, pleasant, joy of living" and is traced back to the suburb of Kyoto where clay was extracted at the time. The birth of the Raku technique for creating ceramic objects seems to be attributed to a Korean craftsman, Chojiro. This ceramist, who mainly made tiles, began to use the particular clay, rich in silica sand, to speed up the production process of bowls for the tea ceremony.
The origin of Raku ceramics, with an improvised appearance, full of defects, almost unfinished, is closely connected to Zen thought which is inspired by simplicity, poverty in forms. All those that may seem like "imperfections" in Raku objects are instead exalted and considered "beautiful" in Zen culture. This aspect is also evident in the Kintsugi technique, which involves the repair of a vase or other object through the use of a precious metal: this Japanese art valorises "flaws" and becomes a metaphor of resilience.
The four-day course will cover: modelling, creation of sheet shapes, brush and airbrush glazing techniques, firing with crackle and metal effects. The course also includes 2 or 3 firings which are one of the most fascinating things about the technique.
Throughout the workshop, participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
Kurinuki (the term is Japanese) is a Japanese ceramic technique that embraces the natural surface of the clay and the individual imperfections that form in the intuitive process of making. Each vase is hand built and hand carved inside and out.
The kurinuki process is a "sculptural" technique of volume formation: instead of adding material, as happens in the dovetail or slab construction, we start from the block of clay and gradually remove it, digging internally and modeling the external wall with the help of tools, until the desired shape is obtained. It is therefore a question, as in sculpture, of freeing a form enclosed in the formless.The idea of the artistic object may not be clear at the beginning: it is precisely the lack of clarity (not seeing clearly) that guides the path, that digs a path. What he obtains in the end is a symbol, something that continues to be linked to his origins, but like a child his destiny is autonomous.
The program will also be a way to travel internally, allowing yourself to abandon yourself to this ancient art, creating unique objects linked to Zen culture with different stoneware clays. At the end, a tasting of Japanese tea will be offered on cups made of kurinuki.
To complement the program, a visit to the famous Deruta, its museum dedicated to majolica and a Deruta artisan workshop.
Throughout the workshop, participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
Join us for a week art-making, cooking, and immersion in local tradition among the green hills of Umbria, in the heart of Italy. Here, in the ancient medieval village of Monte Castello di Vibio, time stands still. One of the most finely restored of Italian Hill Towns, Monte Castello has been recently been added to the list of "Most Beautiful Villages of Italy." Its stands among the hills of the Tiber valley, looking over the entire valley. From our vantage point, it is possible to admire the nearby historical cities of Todi, Perugia and even Montefalco on clear spring days.
The International Center of the Arts will make you feel at home during your stay, pampering you with our local cuisine created by our chefs Cristiano and Loris whose kitchen utilizes locally-sourced, seasonal products and traditional recipes of Umbria. Truffles, local mushrooms, wild boar and many other regional ingredients accompany great local wine ad olive oil, freshly-baked bread! During your stay, a cooking course will allow you to learn the secrets of the art of hand-made pasta according to the family recipe of Cristiano and his grandmother Anna: fun with your hands in the pasta is guaranteed as is the flavor!
The program offers a week of relaxation filled with creative activities. From the traditional ceramic techniques of the nearby majolica capital, Deruta to Raku firing with our partners at Mondoceramica , participants will and model and decorate clay objects made with their own hands. We will visit the remarkable, nearby city of Orvieto and the incredible Marmore Falls - the highest in Europe. We will regional wines and typical products at the excellent Paolucci Winery, our partner in the celebration of the ancient culinary and wine traditions our fascinating Region. We share the same respect for the territory and the landscape which has been our and passion over the years.
Participants will be housed in the relaxed environment of Monte Castello di Vibio, free from tourists, souvenir stands and the stress of commercial travel. From the time we pick you up at the Rome/Fiumicino Airport (FCO) until we return you with our fond farewells, all your needs will be met. Our workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
Take a look at the itinerary and contact us for more information on possible accommodation upgrades available within the village to further customize your stay!
Italy is synonymous in many minds with olive oil and it has traditionally produced some of the finest in the world! Here, in Umbria - the region called the Green Heart of Italy - a land of olive trees, grape vines, wheat fields, and rich in ancient traditions - we are very fortunate to produce some of the finest oils in Italy. Our little village is surrounded by olive orchards in every direction and their yield has claimed numerous regional and national awards. This Green-Gold as it is sometimes called, is the pride of our region and our locality. Those who have never experienced the flavor of freshly-pressed Umbrian pure virgin olive oil will be amazed by the complex flavor: smelling of the green of freshly cut grass, then rich and buttery, and finally - a spicy finish - it is among the most complex oils in the world!
From our mountain castle village, we are fortunate to be within a mornings walk of Passo del Palomba, a farm estate owned by Alessandro Gilotti and his wife, Claudia. Sandro is an internationally renowned expert on olive oil, and owner of one of the most highly-regarded producers in the region. The couples passion for this land as well as for the oil and wine they produce, is infectious and participants will soon be won over by their enthusiasm for the health benefits of his oil and his vast knowledge of cultivation and production.
The course is designed for all levels of interest, those with a general interest in simply learning more about quality olive oil in spectacularly beautiful setting will be equally enriched by the workshop as those with careers in the culinary arts, seeking to enhance their expertise and credentials. The week-long workshop, will consist of four, three-hour classes, held on the farm of the Passo del Palomba estate from Monday to Thursday. Day-five will be held at our Asilo facility, where we will do a tasting paired with dinner, accompanied by local wines of note. Afternoons will be spent in Monte Castello with excursions to local wineries, food and wine tastings, and a truffle hunt.
Topics to be addressed in our time at Passo della Palomba:
During your stay, you will be housed at a beautiful and grand, 17th c. villa, located on a forested mountain overlooking Tiber valley.
Surrounded on all-sides by olive groves, carefully kept lawns and grand cypress trees, hedges of lavender and rosemary grace the landscape, with a vegetable garden for guest use - the setting is idyllic. The stately villa itself is completely gated and fenced and features unique architectural elements, such as beautifully painted beamed and brick domed ceilings, terracotta tiled floors, stone walls, unique fireplaces, arched doorways and wooden-shuttered windows, all complemented by the stylish furnishing and decor throughout. The designer kitchen features the most elegant contemporary appliances and features.The main house sleeps ten (four bedrooms, all en-suite). In addition, a stone cottage and sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms, with a separate bathrooms, and provides several sitting and relaxation areas in addition to a very comfortable main lounge. A large upper terrace includes a shaded area, perfect for dining and appreciating spectacular sunsets and mountain views. The lower patio surrounds a magnificent infinity pool. The villa is a stunning property that will provide unforgettable experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.
Mastering Still Life in Oil Painting: The Play of Light and Shadow with Daria MostWe invite you to discover the enchanting world of still life through the technique of oil painting! This course will help you not only master practical skills but also unlock your creative potential by working with everyday objects and conveying their essence through the interplay of light and sh
adow. The course is suitable for both beginners and intermediate artists.
Course Program:
The study of human anatomy in Italy is a long and distinguished tradition. The extraordinary anatomical theatres in medical schools at the University of Padua and the University of Bologna bear witness to this history and were among the first of their kind in existence. Even today, we marvel at the accuracy and lifelike intensity of the 17 th c. wax anatomical models in the Specola Museum in Florence, which were made to allow medical students to observe venous, muscular, and skeletal systems without a cadaver. In this regard, the study of anatomy in Italy has profoundly impacted not only our understanding of the human body, but also the study of medicine in the western world.
Surprisingly, this history also reveals much about the significance of the role of visual art in furthering science and medicine. In his brilliant series of lectures at the Art Students League in New York, artist, anatomist, and scholar, Robert Beverly Hale once said: “science had actually sprung from art, that it had developed in those great periods when artists had looked at nature very closely and carefully, and had tried to record exactly what they saw. That, what we explained, was what scientists have been doing ever since.”
To support Hale’s observation one need look no further than Leonardo’s anatomical studies. These drawings are incredible not only for their accuracy and beauty as works of art, but also as a highly accurate analysis of function, of what anatomist George Bridgeman referred to as “the human machine.” Leonardo is perhaps unequalled in his analysis of the form of the human body as a manifestation of the interrelationship of functioning systems. It is known, for example that Leonardo once injected the heart of an ox with hot wax, then made a glass model of the casting. He then pumped the model with water to analyze the circulation of fluids in the human heart. Incredibly, Leonardo’s conclusions were not fully corroborated by cardiologists until the 1980’s.
The objective of our Human Anatomy intensive is to follow in this tradition. Thus, we will not only identify anatomical structures of the human body, but we will also analyze the function of those structures and their effect on its outward form. Throughout the workshop, we will reference functional systems in understanding their manifestation in surface anatomy of the figure.
Our focus will be on the skeletal and muscular systems, with some analysis of the major arteries of the venous system. We will work from a variety of sources, including real human skeletons as well as drawing from our collection of anatomical models and plaster casts. Our medium in the course will be various drawing media in large-format sketchbooks as a means of note taking for the course.
Our approach will be in the form of lectures and hands on drawing focusing first on the skeletal system. We will draw from real human skeletons as well as anatomical models. We will explore one area of the body at a time, first in analyzing the skeletal structure of the
torso. Afterward, we will move on to the head, arms, and legs, as well as hands, and feet. Participants will produce life-sized drawings with charcoal on heavy paper as well as drawings in sketchbooks of details such as joint articulations.
Afterward, the course will focus on the muscular system first through lecture and note-taking then by drawing from anatomical models, plaster casts, and the live model, in the same order. However, we will in exploring the muscular system we will utilize tracing paper and colored pencil, in order to add layers of muscles over our previous skeletal drawings.
In addition to the intensive schedule of daily drawing and lecture, we will make an excursion to the famed Specola Museum in Florence where we will draw from their collection of 16 th to 18th c. wax anatomical sculptures. The incredibly lifelike flayed figures are shockingly lifelike - at once factual and at the same time, powerfully expressive. Here, the wax models will provide an overview of the skeletal and muscular systems as well as an introduction to the venous system.
Throughout the workshop, participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
Of Sibyls and Source: Performance in the Landscape is a two-week exploration of live art in geo-mythic sites in the Central Italian regions of Umbria and Marche.
This dynamic residency is guided by research, inquiry, and connection through myth-making and embodied presence in/with/of the land. We will spend three days exploring the Parco Nacional di Sibilline, part of the Apennines named for the Sibyl, or prophetess of antiquity, who is believed to have lived in a cave at the top of Monte Sibilla. This includes a day-long hike to the top of Monte Sibila and an excursion into the Gola dell' Infernaccio, a protected landscape of ancient beech trees and gorges crossed by an ancient pilgrimage trail. We will experience sites of ritual and esoteric rites related to the myth of the Sibyl mentioned in literary sources as well as living local folk traditions dating back thousands of years.
Our time together will also include day trips to the Nera River with Roman ruins whose source is the Monti Sibillini and entrance into the remarkable Frassasi Caves. Performances may take place at any or all of these locations including the impeccably maintained medieval town of Monte Castello di Vibio, our home base. At the conclusion of the residency we will hold a screening and live performance event in Monte Castello di Vibio. Our group includes a collaborative documentarian, misael soto, to help participants realize our work through video documentation as well as other methods in addition to providing critical feedback. (see below).
Please note this Residency includes physical complexities: moderate hiking up to an altitude of 7654 ft (2333 m), cold-water wild swimming and a cave visit. Applicants are responsible for their own physical wellbeing. With these logistical and locational considerations in mind, a brief Project Proposal (of approximately 300 words) is required for this workshop. Additionally, please specifically identify project proposals related to Parco Nacional di Sibilline, Nera River and Frassasi Cave for consideration. Please submit the proposal with a current CV and images of recent work (or link to a website) via email to: icarts.info@gmail.com Responses will be issued within 48 hours.
Participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your Residency package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO), aboard our comfortable private bus; single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available); 3 meals* per day, when on campus, Monday-Thursday; Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (when on campus) No meals are served on Friday - our excursion day - unless previously arranged. Your workshop includes the excursions below, however, many additional options are available for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bilingual support is provided. *Meal service is provided while in Monte Castello only, unless otherwise noted. Meals on excursions and admissions are not included in the cost, unless specifically noted in the itinerary.
Our Documentarian
Born in Puerto Rico (1986) and based in Miami, misael soto’s practice interrogates and subverts contextually associated everyday objects and systemic roles, disrupting and manipulating space, systems, and frameworks. The publicly accessible, time-based, and ephemeral work involves interventions made upon existing objects, performative activations, institutional mediations, and is often a combination of these elements. misael received their MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (2018) and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Art History from Florida Atlantic University (2008). misael was the first ever Art in Public Life Resident with the City of Miami Beach's Department of Environment and Sustainability and Oolite Arts, where they founded the Department of Reflection. Beyond their public artworks which they have shown extensively for many years, misael has exhibited at MCA Chicago, Open Engagement 2015, the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami, Material Art Fair in Mexico City, David Castillo Gallery in Miami, and Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, amongst others.
Stories in Clay with Gerit Grimm
This workshop delves into the precise methods and sophisticated tools essential for crafting a bust directly from a live model. Participants will explore in-depth the intricate anatomy, structural nuances, proportional considerations, cranial aspects, and facial features, while meticulously observing a diverse range of expressions and potential interpretations. Moreover, attendees will gain insight into the time-honored techniques employed by Italian and European old Masters. The program features a blend of interactive group discussions and personalized demonstrations tailored to participants' needs. Open to individuals of all skill levels, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to engage with the art of portraiture.
During the workshop, we will also take a day trip to Perugia in order to visit the National Gallery of Umbria and view their remarkable collection. Afterwards, we will stop in Assisi in order to visit the Church of San Francesco, one of the great monuments of Italy, that features works by Giotto and Cimabue as well as an "all-star cast" of early Renaissance artists! As a special treat, we will make a brief afternoon visit to see the incredible marble sculpture inside and outside of the Duomo of Orvieto, one of which the most remarkable examples of Italian Gothic architecture with some of the most renowned late medieval marble sculptures. The opportunity to observe and discuss these great works of Italian art will enhance your understanding of workshop topics, while also enriching your knowledge of the history of art.
Study after Donatello; Polychromed Wood; Dionisio Cimarelli
Participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO) aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided. Materials for the course will be available in the ICA Art Supply store in Monte Castello.
Situated in one of the most beautiful regions of Italy, the idyllic medieval hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio, provides both amazingly picturesque vistas as well as unique challenges for the painter. Majestic mountains stairstep their way into the distance, as their deep green forested hillsides fade to blue gray. The famed, Tiber River, winds like a giant serpent through the valley on its path to Rome, and farm fields and meadows become ribbons on hillsides.
In describing this environment, one cannot help but wax poetic about the opportunities that it provides for the landscape painter. Itis a place both steeped in history, yet constantly changing. Gates open to panoramas that locals refer to as Porta Montanna (“Door to the Mountains”) and the south-facing, Porta Maggio (“Door of May”). To the southwest, where mountain ridges collide above the village of Doglio, the Bocca della Stregna (the Witches Mouth) sometimes reveals the source of its name as the moaning wind circles through its crevices. Castles in the distance appear and disappear in the morning fog as swallows dart in and out of a vista called simply, il Mare (the sea). Far off in the distance to the east lie the mysterious Sibillini Mountains, home of the famed Sybill and the mountain towns of Norcia and the breathtaking valley of Castelluccio, where wildflowers carpet the ground and wolves still howl at night. It is a timeless landscape where past and present meet in the eyes of those lucky enough to experience it. This workshop and your immersion in the surroundings will provide unforgettable experiences. This non-touristed location will allow you to enjoy this small town and its authentic ambiance.
Participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
The immersive workshop may be taken for one or for two weeks in duration. In either case, participants will cover the essential aspects of outdoor landscape painting: choosing a motif, working quickly and directly, controlling value and color to create compelling harmonies, and thinking intentionally about form.
We will meet together four days a week, with weekends allowing time for independent painting time and Friday’s reserved for excursions. The first week will include ample instruction and support from the instructor. The second week students will be guided as they approach the landscape with more confidence and clarity. Painting sessions will be scheduled generally: 9am-1pm and 4pm-7pm Monday-Thursday.
Included in the workshop are two excursions: to Florence in Week 1 and to Assisi to see the unforgettable Giotto frescos in the Church of San francesco, in Week 2.
San Gimignano, Kevin Wixted
This workshop is directed towards artists, educators, and students interested in exploring the dynamics of classical Italian art and it’s relationship to Contemporary painting. Our broad objective is to share experiences first hand of great works of Italian Art, and consider these experiences in relation to our own studio practice.
Using the remarkable landscape, art and architecture of Umbria and Tuscany as inspiration, this workshop investigates the ways in which perceptual study and abstraction can combine to form contemporary painting language. In the beautiful setting of Monte Castello di Vibio, we begin with drawing and painting in the village and surrounding landscape. Daily work sessions in private studios are augmented with excursions, slide talks, and group critiques. We will travel the “Piero Trail” to see the major frescos of Piero Della Francesca in Arezzo, Sansepolcro and Monterchi. We will also visit Assisi, Perugia and spend two days in Florence to study works by Giotto, Perugino, Fra Angelico and many more great works of Renaissance art.
Annunciation, Piero della Francesca
Midway through our journey, we will further these objectives through viewing paintings by Piero della Francesca in Monterchi, Sansepolcro, and Arezzo, before moving on to Florence. We arrive in Florence, to see the city in the golden light and enjoy a fantastic dinner! The next morning, we will visit the Monastery of San Marco, after which, participants will have the remainder of the day to explore according to their objectives. The following day, proceeding by train to Assisi, we will see the great S.Francis cycle of Giotto in the Basilica of Saint Francis, before we re-join our bus on our return to Monte Castello! The following week, participants will focus on their objectives in our serene village.
Our workshop is centered in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio.Here, your stay is all-inclusive, from the time our welcome service greets you at the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO) - aboard our comfortable private bus - until our bur returns you to FCO and our staff bids you a farewell at the airport, our staff facilitates comprehensive services. In Monte Castello, we allow complete focus by providing: single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. (Additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee.) Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided. All these factors, allow for an environment of focus and clarity, in which participants are free to integrate all of the experiences of this wonderful country and its extraordinary artistic traditions.
Monte Castello di Vibio, view to the Sibillini Mountains
Italy is synonymous with stunning landscapes, rich cultures, - and great food and wine! Central to this matrix is its rich and healthful olive oils. From olive groves that grace hillsides to the magnificent ancient specimens that pre-date the Roman Empire, these trees form a part of the fabric that unites landscape and culture.
In our Flavors of Italy workshop, we will serve a "tasting menu" of the landscapes of our remarkable region. Immersed in its stunning scenery, our focus in this "a la carte" overview, will be to feast on central Italy's cultures, food and wine, - and of course its extraordinary olive oil!
As soon as we pick you up at the Rome/Fiumicino Airport, we will begin our with "sampler" by going all the way back to the volcanic origins of Italy with a visit to beautiful crater-lake - Bolsena where we will spend the night on its tranquil shores in the classic, Hotel Columbus. Afterward, we will travel to Tombolo, a 5-star seaside luxury resort, (https://www.chgroup.eu/tombolo/) where we will spend two lovely evenings while enjoying the sea, the spa, and the wonderful facilities. On Day 4, we will view the splendid cathedral of Siena - the Duomo- with a guided tour followed by a sampling of the famed traditional pastry's of the city. From here, we will travel on to our Umbrian village of Monte Castello di Vibio. In this beautiful and tranquil medieval hill town the vistas seem endless, the nights are cool, and air if filled with culture and history.
Umbria is the region called the Green Heart of Italy. It is a land of olive trees, grape vines, wheat fields, and rich in ancient traditions. In the farms surrounding our village, we are very fortunate to produce some of the finest oils in Italy. Those who have never experienced it, will be amazed by the complex flavor: smelling of the green of freshly cut grass, then rich and buttery, and finally - a spicy finish! Our "Green -Gold" as it is sometimes called, is among the most complex oils in the world! We are fortunate to be, just uphill from Passo del Palomba, a farm estate owned by Alessandro Gilotti and his wife, Claudia. Sandro is an internationally renowned expert on olive oil, and owner of one of the most highly-regarded producers in the region. The couples passion for this land as well as for the oil and wine they produce, is infectious and participants will soon be won over by their enthusiasm for the health benefits of his oil and his vast knowledge of cultivation and production. We will spend three mornings with Sandro and Claudia sampling oils and wines they produce, while learning about the history and the health benefits of this incredible food!
We will spend 4-nights in Monte Castello before moving on to Castello del Postignano. The castle spilling down the mountainside looking out over the mysterious Sibillini Mountains was restored by American architect, Norman Carver and is now a unique luxury resort and will be a fascinating place to spend an evening enjoying great food and wine. On day 9, we will depart Postignano for the Adriatic Coast of Italy where we will visit the extraordinary Conero Rivera. Turquoise water, and huge white cliffs make this an area of stunning beauty and a destination for seafood lovers. After visiting a local, mountain winery, we will stay the fascinating, Fortino Napolianico, in Portonova. This former fort of the Napoleonic age, has been converted into a stunning hotel. Sitting directly on the sea, the location provides exceptional beach access, pool with grassy yard, and gourmet seafood meals. On Day 11, we will head back for a final night in Monte Castello stopping en route at Assisi for a brief tour of the church of San Francesco, one of the most important churches in Italy. The following day, we will head to Fiumicino for an overnight at the beautiful Isola Sacra Hotel. The next morning, participants will be transported to the FCO airport for their morning flights. 
