WORKSHOPS ITALY

[arco...@dada.it]

ART WORKSHOPS ITALY
We have organised a variety of beautiful places to run programs in
Tuscany. One of the villas we are currently organising to run programs
from is a beautiful 16th century Villa close to Siena.
The villa is ideally placed with participant accommodation a short walk
through a quiet cypress lined path. The villa is surrounded by beautiful
vistas of the Senese skyline, olive groves and vineyards. Vineyards have
been maintained by the family owners for hundreds of years and a fine
Chianti classico is the result. The gardens boast a wonderful outdoor
theatre, traditional landscaping and beautiful shaded tree-lined walks.
The villa is noted for its exquisitely conserved 18th century rooms
adorned with original wall papers, frescoes and finely painted matching
furniture. This villa is unique in that it has remained virtually
unchanged for centuries. The sophisticated regard for conservation
evidenced throughout the villa’s rooms are due to Count Ranuccio (father
of the current owner Countess Alessandra Bianchi Bandinelli) who was one
of Europe’s leading archaeologists. Count Ranuccio applied his skills as
an archaeologist to maintain the original decorative finishes in many of
the villa’s rooms. The villa has traditionally been a meeting place of
artists and intellectuals over the years, with Count Vittorio Alfieri
writing and performing plays in the villa’s outdoor theatre. This is one
of the most beautiful and atmospheric villas in Tuscany, and it is a rare
privilege to study, relax and enjoy in its unique surroundings.

Programs can take place in the villa and or in its spacious and beautiful
gardens. Traditional Italian cooking is also provided at the Villa, with
lunches and dinners being served to participants whilst undertaking
programs conducted in the Villa.
We invite you to contact us in order to collaborate on a program that
suits your needs, or you may wish to simply book one of our prearranged
workshops and tours. Please contact us for information regarding these.

Summer Program 1997

Experimental Theatre Workshop
Florence, May 15th to 21st 1997
This one week experimental workshop with Stefano Vercelli delves into
ourselves to discover how unique we can make an acting experience. It
involves working in Teatro 13 and on the streets of Florence to create a
strong and essential theatre experience.
Stefano Vercelli is one of Italy’s most remarkable practising theatre
culture research professionals. His extensive international encounters
make him one of the most exciting, interesting and experienced teachers
in Europe today. An indication of Stefano’s ability and excellence is
that he was chosen by Jerzy Grotowski personally to collaborate in a
variety of projects over many years all over the world.

Italy’s Art and Culture, Past and Present
Villa Bianchi Bandinelli, June 7th to 14th
This workshop balances relaxation, tours, good food and learning within
the context of enjoying Florence’s renowned international music
festival. Historians will lead tours from the superb historical setting
of Villa Bianchi Bandinelli. These sophisticated classes and tours will
focus on the development of art and history of Italy within a social
context. We will visit Siena, and other interesting hilltop towns to
better understand the development of Italy’s vibrant medieval and
renaissance social landscapes. The workshop commences with a Scarlatti
concert performed in the villa’s beautiful 18th century out door theatre,
and ends with viewing Puccini’s Turandot in Florence. Lectures will
include appreciation of Italy’s greatest operas, with special emphasis on
Turandot. Classic Italian meals will be enjoyed in the beautiful gardens
of Villa Bianchi Bandinelli.
Dr James Betteridge along with a selection of other experts will conduct
lectures and tours. Jim is a widely published historian and lecturer of
some distinction. His current research interests include the late
medieval and early renaissance where he explores the art and architecture
of the period in the context of cultural change. Jim has led many
successful tours in Italy, some of these for Australian Universities.
Whether you have a degree in history or not, we are sure you will
thoroughly enjoy Jim’s tours.

Art Viva Junior Art Program
Monte Senario Sanctuary, June 23 to 30th
This one week program incorporates tours, drawing, walks and art history
seminars as well as critiques to introduce students to a more analytical
and enjoyable way of examining and placing in context art history and art
as it exists today. Lectures will focus on juxtaposing historic art works
with contemporary art ideas. Developing good elf esteem is the goal of
this workshop and students will be encouraged to develop their art as a
way of conceptualising their life today.
Amanda Townsend has exhibited in New York, the United Kingdom and
Australia. Her work is represented in major collections in USA, Asia and
Australia. Amanda has many years teaching experience. She practices
printmaking, pastels, painting and drawing techniques. Working with
Amanda is always a pleasure because of her positive attitude to life.

Sculpture and Painting in a Hilltop Town in Tuscany
Casole D’Elsa, May 30th to June 12th
This beautiful hilltop town is the ideal setting for art classes. Meals
will often be taken on the terrace with stunning views of the country
side below. This is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy creating.
Classes here are extremely popular.
The director of the arts centre is Nigel Konstam. Nigel has lectured at
most of the important colleges of art in the UK, he is widely published,
and his historical art research is well known. He has mounted many solo
shows and has done portraits of King Juan-Carlos and Queen Sofia. His
teaching aims to provide a sound basis for personal vision. The courses
are designed to develop the powers of observation, stimulate the
imagination and enrich the students appreciation of art . Classes are
suitable for professionals and as a general education.

Post Box 1544, 50121 Firenze Italy, Tel/fax: ++39 55 580430, Email:
arco...@dada.it

Art workshops 1997
Verrocchio Arts Centre

Imagine painting, and or creating sculpture for two weeks in a medieval
hill top town in Tuscany:
The Verrocchio arts centre has a very good reputation and has conducted a
successful season of classes for many years. The centre takes every
advantage of its unique location to create an unforgettable experience in
a small hill top town.
A variety of guest lecturers teach with the director Nigel Konstam in the
unique surroundings of this marvellous school with views of the Senese
country side.
Imagine relaxing on a terrace each evening with students from all around
the world whilst savouring Tuscan sunsets. The views are spectacular.
The facilities have art workshops, a sculpture studio, conference rooms
and swimming pool. Cooking is included in the price. The atmosphere is
relaxed and informal. The village is very close so evening passigiata is
possible.
We are sure you will thoroughly enjoy experiencing and creating during
work shops at the Verrocchio arts centre.

Nigel Konstam the director:
Is a well known artist and teacher whose work is firmly based in the
European tradition. He has lectured at most of the important colleges of
art in the UK including the Royal College of Art, The Slade, The Royal
Academy, etc. He has had many solo shows and has been commissioned to do
portraits of King Juan-Carlos and Queen Sofia. His historical research
particularly in the artists use of mirrors is well known. These studies
have led to a new of understanding the visual imagination and new methods
of extending its range and power.
The two week courses listed below aim to provide a sound basis for
personal vision, and to develop the powers of observation, stimulate the
imagination and enrich students’ appreciation of art. They are suitable
as a part of a general education as well as for those whose aims are
professional.

1. May 16th to May 29th Painting an Experience of Landscape
2. May 16th to May 29th Sculpture and Drawing
3. May 30th -June 12th Painting spring flowers in Tuscany
4. May 30th -June 12th Drawing and sculpture
5. June 13th to June 26th Painting mainly landscapes
6. June 13th to June 26th Sculpture and drawing
7. June 27th to July 10th Painting-New experiences
8. June 27th to July 10th Sculpture and Drawing
9. July 11th to July 24th Exploring the Tuscan Landscape
10. July 11th to July 24th Sculpture and Drawing
11. July 25th to August 7th Painting and you
12. July 25th to August 7th Sculpture and Drawing
13. August 8th to August 21st Light and Colour in the Tuscan
Landscape
14. August 8th to August 21st Sculpture and Drawing
15. August 22nd to September 4th Painting developing a personal
vision
16. August 22nd to September 4th Sculpture and Drawing
17. September 5th to September 18th Painting a personal space
through tone and colour
18. September 19th to October 2nd Painting understanding colour
19. September 19th to October 2nd Sculpture and Drawing

Please email, phone or fax for more information on the classes.