What’s Included on Our Art Journal Workshop in Italy with Mary Beth Shaw

• Assistance of your host / guide throughout the art journal workshop in Italy
• Mary Beth Shaw’s Art Classes
• All hotel taxes and service fees
• Daily full buffet breakfast

Padua

• 3 Nights at 4-star hotel in the heart of Padua’s centro historico
• Orientation walk in Padua
• Welcome dinner
• Aperitivo 
• Train Padua to Venice RT
• Tour of Venice with local guide

Parma

• Private group transfer from Padua to Parma
• 3 nights at our centrally located 4-star hotel
• Private culinary tour into the countryside to meet artisan producers of Parmigiano-Reggiano and Aceto Balsamico di Modena
• Ceramic painting at artist’s studio
• Lunch  
• Hands-on cooking class and dinner

Highlights of the Art Journal Workshop in Italy

1. Small group classes

With a maximum class size of 16, you can expect quality time with Mary Beth as well as your friendly, like-minded classmates.

2. Authentic Italy

Our small group size and unique itinerary allow us to visit places and people tourists never hear of. You will meet artisans practicing centuries-old tradtion and craft.

3. Movable studio

Learn to pack light and create as you travel. Each day will offer a designated workshop space. Additionally, Mary Beth will introduce techniques to create a mixed media travel journal while on the go.

Day 1

To begin, we will gather at our charming hotel in Padua’s historic center. There we’ll have a meet-and-greet and program overview. Afterward a short orientation walk help you get to know the neighborhood. A lively Italian city and not overrun by tourists, Parma has much to offer. For example, you will discover Padua’s many famous piazze, artisan shops, and local restaurants. Also, Padua has many open markets and high end shopping.

Day 2

After a morning walk through the local farmer’s market, Mary Beth will begin the day by outlining the program. Subsequently, there will be time to begin work on your travel journal. Later there will be optional visits to some of Padua’s most well known sites. For example, the expansive Palazzo della Ragione and Giotto’s Cappella degli Scrovegni should not be missed.

In the evening we will convene for a festive welcome dinner.

Day 4

After breakfast, our private transfer will bring us to the city of Parma, the culinary capital of Italy. Here, a master ceramist has invited us into her private studio. In a converted farm building on land that has been in her family for centuries, she will explain about maiolica. A traditional ceramic painting technique developed in nearby Faenza, Italy. Afterward try your hand at painting your own tile. Finally, we will enjoy aperitivo on her beautiful terrace surrounded by an abundant garden. 

Day 5

In Parma, Mary Beth’s art journal workshop in Italy will take a culinary focus. (Although we will be eating well everywhere we go!) We will venture into the countryside to visit artisan producers and learn about their rich culinary traditions. First we will visit a family-owned and run Parmigiano-Reggiano cheesemaker. Then we will meet one of the few makers of true Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena. Of course you will have to taste a little of everything along the way.

Day 7

 The next day, we transfer north to tranquil Lake Como near the border of Switzerland. Surrounded by Alpine foothills, your travel journal workshop with Mary Beth Shaw becomes a peaceful art retreat on the water. With Mary Beth’s guidance and encouragement, outdoor cafes and pretty piazzas draped with wisteria become the perfect settings to watch the world go by as you fill your art journal.

Day 8

The day’s excursion takes us across the lake to nearby Lenno where a wooded walk brings us to the iconic Villa Balbianello. Some may opt to tour the property. Others may want to join the optional cooking class led by a master chef in his commercial kitchen.

Gather again in the afternoon as Mary Beth teaches another travel journal workshop class on the hotel rooftop terrace overlooking the lake.

Day 10

Following the ancient roman path from Lenno to Colonno the Lake Como Greenway winds through quaint villages, romantic villas and gardens, and stunning Lake Como landscapes. The nearby funivia of Argengo offers breathtaking views of Lake Como.

At the end of the day gather for a convivial aperitivo and time to share your travel journals. The evening will come to a close with a farewell dinner.

Day 11

After a delicous breakfast shared together, our transfer will take the group to Milan. For those not continuing on for the extension we will say our goodbyes until next time.

Day 11 (Extension)

From Milan our transfer brings us to Rapallo on the Italian Riviera. First we will check in to our beachfront hotel and enjoy a class with Mary Beth. Next an orientation walk of the historic center ends at the funivia to Montallegro. Guests may join us for a ride high above the coast with views of the Peninsula, or remain in Rapallo to explore it’s charming waterfront. 

Day 13 (Extension)

On this day we walk the spectacular coastline between colorful Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino. Once in Portofino there is free time to enjoy lunch by the sea and visit Brown Castle. You can grab a gelato before returning to Rapallo by a scenic ferry ride.

In the evening we will gather on last time for our farewell dinner. There, students will have the opportunity to share travel journals and stories.

Day 14 (Extension)

After breakfast we will board the fast train for a return to Milan. There, we will say our goodbyes until the next arting adventure.