Retreat Timeline
Day 1: Arrival in Gubbio
Your Italian adventure begins with your arrival in the enchanting town of Gubbio, where history and charm greet you at every turn. Check into your stunning accommodations at the Hotel Relais Ducale, a jewel of the Duke of Montefeltro’s former palace. This exceptional 4-star hotel blends centuries-old tradition with modern comforts, offering breathtaking views of Piazza Grande, one of Italy’s most picturesque squares.
Nestled in the heart of Gubbio’s historic center, the hotel is surrounded by iconic landmarks like the Palazzo dei Consoli, the Duomo, and several ancient churches.
Step into a world where timeless elegance meets the warmth of Italian hospitality.
At 3:00 PM, join us on the serene garden terrace to savor local wines and hors d’oeuvres, the perfect start to this unforgettable retreat. Complimentary transportation from the Fossato di Vico train station to the hotel is available with advance reservation, ensuring a seamless transition into your creative journey.
Day 2: Creativity and Culinary Delight
Your day begins with a lavish buffet breakfast, complete with true Italian cappuccino— a delightful start to fuel your creativity. At 9:00 AM, gather in our dedicated classroom to set up your personal art space, yours to use at any time throughout the retreat.
Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, the classroom is open 24/7 for your convenience.
Let the rich textures and rustic beauty of Italy inspire your creative journey with Clarissa Callesen. Known for her innovative mixed-media approach, Clarissa has years of experience as both an artist and instructor. She will guide you in capturing the essence of Italy’s weathered beauty—from peeling paint to centuries-old patinas—using versatile tools and techniques. Whether you’re creating handmade books,small paintings, or layered mixed-media projects, Clarissa’s teaching will help you transform your surroundings into art. Experiment with Gelli plates in fresh, unexpected ways, or layer textures that reflect Italy’s timeless aesthetic. This week is perfect for expanding your artistic horizons, and Clarissa’s passion and approachable teaching style will make it an inspiring and transformative experience for artists of all levels.
Class concludes at 4:30 PM, leaving you time to unwind before an exquisite dinner at Taverna del Lupo, a culinary gem located in Gubbio’s historic center. Nestled within a medieval building dating back to the 12th century, this iconic restaurant embodies the essence of Gubbio, the "City of Stone." Since 1968, Taverna del Lupo has been celebrated for its elegant atmosphere, meticulous attention to detail, and exceptional cuisine—a perfect blend of tradition and sophistication.
Located in Via Ansidei 6, one of the most characteristic streets in the historic centre of Gubbio, the Taverna del Lupo is just a few steps from the Arconi of Piazza Grande, the largest hanging square in Europe and geometric centre of the city.
The restaurant has been carefully designed down to the smallest detail and the elegance and refinement of the furnishings in each room, set among ancient vaults and stone arches, make the Taverna a unique place of its kind.
Day 3: Discovering the Art of Papermaking in Fabriano
Begin your day with another delightful breakfast before boarding a private bus to the charming city of Fabriano, nestled in the less-traveled La Marche region of Italy.
Renowned for its centuries-old papermaking traditions dating back to the 13th century, Fabriano offers a unique glimpse into a craft that has shaped history.
Our day will be spent with master papermaker Sandro Tiberi, whose expertise brings this ancient art to life. Sandro will guide you through every step of the process: from preparing the pulp and selecting raw materials to refining and incorporating glues and colors. You’ll learn the intricacies of sheet formation, pressing, and drying, as well as the techniques and tools needed to create your own handmade paper. By the end of this immersive experience, you’ll leave with a stunning collection of handcrafted papers to cherish and use in your art.
Midday, we’ll pause to enjoy a meal at a family-owned local restaurant, savoring authentic Italian cuisine in an intimate, welcoming setting—a perfect way to complement the day’s creative endeavors.
Day 4: Exploring the Art Clarissa's Creativity
Begin your day with a warm breakfast before returning to our classroom to dive into the luminous world of mixed media techniques.
Under the expert guidance of internationally acclaimed artist Clarissa Callesen you’ll dive into her innovative approach to mixed media, drawing from years of experience as an artist and instructor. With her guidance, you'll learn to capture the essence of centuries-old patinas, peeling paint, and rustic charm using versatile tools and techniques. From creating handmade books to small paintings and layered mixed-media projects, Clarissa will teach you to transform your surroundings into art. Whether experimenting with Gelli plates in fresh, unexpected ways or layering textures that reflect Italy's timeless aesthetic, you'll develop skills that expand your artistic horizons. Her passion for art and her approachable teaching style makes this week a transformative experience for all levels.
Midday, enjoy a group lunch at the hotel, indulging in delicious Italian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. The evening is yours to explore the enchanting town of Gubbio.
Stroll through its winding streets, discover hidden gems, or simply soak in the medieval charm at your own pace.
Day 5: Excursion to Casa Castaldo
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before we journey to the charming villa of Casa Castaldo. Here, you’ll be warmly welcomed by Leonardo and Sara Fumanti, who will introduce you to their picturesque home and artistic heritage.
Leonardo, a master ceramic potter whose exquisite plates have graced Neiman Marcus stores, will guide you through a tour of his studio. Afterward, you’ll have the opportunity to select one of Leonardo’s handcrafted pottery bowls to glaze. Once decorated, the bowls will be fired using the captivating Japanese Raku technique, creating stunning, one-of-a-kind finishes.
While the bowls are in the kiln, Sara and her family will treat us to a delightful local lunch buffet. Savor regional flavors and enjoy a tasting of Leonardo’s handcrafted wines, celebrated as another of his extraordinary talents.
For those interested, a short tour of Casa Castaldo will provide deeper insight into the villa’s charm and history. Upon returning to the hotel, optional class time will be available for those who wish to continue their creative journey.
Day 6: Exploring Assisi
After a delicious breakfast, board the bus for a scenic journey to Assisi, a historic hill town in Umbria, Italy, renowned for its spiritual heritage. Assisi is the birthplace of St. Francis, one of Italy's beloved patron saints.
Our visit begins with a private tour of the iconic Basilica of St. Francis, a monumental church consecrated in 1253. As you explore its two levels, marvel at the breathtaking 13th-century frescoes, attributed to masters like Giotto and Cimabue, which depict the life of St. Francis. In the crypt, you’ll find the saint’s stone sarcophagus, a place of
reverence and reflection.
After the tour, you’ll have free time to shop in the charming streets of Assisi, where local artisans offer handmade goods, textiles, and treasures.
The evening is yours to enjoy—return to Gubbio and either relax or immerse yourself in the classroom to continue your creative process. You may also want to explore the quaint streets of Gubbio or unwind in the peaceful surroundings of your beautiful hotel.
Day 7: Final Class and Farewell Dinner
On your final full day in Gubbio, it’s time to put the finishing touches on your art projects. Whether you’re refining a painting or experimenting further with encaustic techniques, today is your chance to perfect your creations and reflect on the journey.
In the evening, we will gather for a memorable dinner at La Cia Restaurant. Run by chef Paolo Pascolini and his sister Michela, La Cia has been a staple of Gubbio’s culinary scene since 2003. Known for its exceptional Eugubino cuisine, the restaurant offers delicious local dishes, each enhanced by Paolo’s culinary creativity. The evening promises to be a delightful celebration of Italian flavors, providing the perfect ending to your inspiring week in Gubbio.
Day 8: Depart
Enjoy a final Italian breakfast to start your morning. Then, it's time to say goodbye to new friends and begin your journey home. As you leave, carry with you the lasting inspiration, cherished memories, and the creativity you’ve nurtured during your time in Gubbio. Until next time, arrivederci!
SINGLE: $4399
DOUBLE: $4199