Tuscany, Italy
Olive Harvest Season
Non-Instructed Workshop
$1800 / Single Occupany

Open to 8 participants.

There is a limited time that only one room is available for an artist and guest travelling together as I will be letting the reservation for this room go back to the agriturismo upon receipt of request for it.  Please sign up quickly if your are a couple that wants to attend together!

Register now and take 5% off the Artist Fee.  2 artists register together (still single occupancy accommodations) and take 10% off each Artist Fee.  These are the last 2 spots for single artists available!!!

Please note below the new information on transportation of participants and guests from the Rome Fiumicino airport!  This will make arrival much easier.  Departure transportation to the airport can also be arranged.

     

Immerse yourself for a week in the perfect artistic environment during a most special time...the season of the olive harvest!  Join a small group of artists and enjoy artistic commaraderie in a relaxed setting!  Paint, live and relax in the most classically beautiful area of Tuscany!....And if you like, join in the olive harvest!  Choose your favorite medium and experience the painting and cultural experience of a lifetime!

Early November is a wonderfully unique time to travel to Tuscany.  Most assuredly the nights are cool, which makes a fire in the fireplace of your apartment welcome and cosy.  And, the days can be glorious!  Couple this with the fact that you can participate in the olive harvest and have the possibility of taking home new oil; and if you like to paint the figure in the landscape it is a true bonus.  I had opportunity several  years ago to participate in the olive harvest and it is one of the most profoundly peaceful experiences that I have ever had.  One can hear the pheasants in the background and the olives dropping...almost silently...to the ground.

But, back to the subject of painting...We will paint in several different locations of this great area.  Painting sights will include countryside locations, small hilltop villages, and of course the lovely grounds of our accommodation, inclusive of the olive grove!  Should there be a rainy day, we have a sheltered location to continue painting.   

You will spend 6 days and 7 nights living in a 600 year old farmhouse in the heart of the historically recognized Val D'Orcia region of Tuscany.  Participants will enjoy private bedrooms in apartments of varying sizes.  Most bathrooms are private as well.  All apartments include kitchens and are updated and comfortable, while still retaining their original charm.  The grounds of our accommodation includes a vineyard, the olive grove, and fantastic views of the surrounding countryside, providing multiple venues right there for making great paintings.

You will be provided daily with a typical Italian breakfast.  You will enjoy wine and cheese upon arrival and three authentic Tuscan dinners (wine included!).  One very special lunch is also included in the price.  On days that we paint at the farmhouse, a light lunch will be provided.  When we are at a hilltown location, there are places to grab a quick bite or to have a leisurely lunch.   In the evenings, the group will gather to discuss the day and generally just to have a good time!  On nights that dinner is not provided, generally the group gathers to have dinner...pot luck style, or to dine at one of the great restaurants in the area.  But, if you want to call it a day and just relax by your fireplace (all the apartments have fireplaces) that is your option.  The beauty of a retreat is choosing your own pace, but having fellow artists present to share a great experience!  If you'd like to share the experience with a non-painting partner, guests sharing the same room with a painter are welcome for a reduced fee.

Included:   7 nights accommodations-single occupancy
                 Daily Breakfast
                 Wine and pecorino cheese upon arrival
                 3 dinners typical to the region
                        (wine included)
                 Tour of an organic farm with lunch*
                   *Organic farm makes all of their
                     own food.  The farm also has a facility
                     for making their own sheep and goat 
                     cheeses.
                 Pasta making class
                 Tour of a working local farm and
                    tasting of their products
                 Many other optional activities

Not Included:   Airfare
                        Ground transportation**

         Please note that transportation from the Rome Fiumicino airport to the car rental agency in Chiusi (for those wanting a rental car) or to our accommodation can be provided upon arrival for approximately $50.  Exact fee is dependent on number of participants travelling.  Pick up will be at the Rome airport no later than 12:00 noon on November 6, 2010.

**In order to experience this area fully, it is highly recommended that participants have their own car.  There is so much to see and do...and this is the best way to do it.   Affordable car rental can be found at www.kemwel.com .   However, ground transportation of artists to painting sights, group dinners, etc. can be provided for an additional small fee of $150.  As transportation space is limited, guests of artists must have their own means of daily transportation.

Optional transportation from and to the Rome Fiumicino airport can be provided.  Cost will be dependent upon the number of participants booking this transportation.  Our location can also easily and affordably be reached by train and taxi.  Further information on these options will be provided upon request.

Artist Fee                  $1800 / Single Occupancy
Non-Painting Guest    $600 / Sharing room 

Accommodations in apartments will be assigned based on availability on a "first-come/first-served" basis.  Every effort will be made to insure your maximum comfort and privacy.

A deposit of $600 will hold your place.  Deposit is refundable until 6 months prior to retreat commencement.   After this date, money will be refunded only if your place can be filled in the workshop.  Every effort will be made to fill this vacancy.  All refunds will be less a $100 administrative fee.  Trip Insurance is strongly recommended.  This can be affordably purchased at www.insuremytrip.com .

Final payment is due 90 days prior to workshop commencement.  Invoices for payments due will be sent to participants in a timely fashion.

Payments may be made by check payable to:
         Open Air Italy LLC

Mail payments and registration to:
         Open Air Italy
         107 Lansing Island Drive
         Indian Harbour Beach, FL  32937

Payments may also be made by credit card using PayPal.  All PayPal payments must include a 3% surcharge at time of payment in order to cover PayPal fees.

Workshop must have a minimum of 8 participants 4 months prior to commencement in order to proceed as scheduled. 

In the event of cancellation of the workshop by Open Air Italy, full refunds of fees will be given.

For questions, more information, or registration - please contact Susan Truitt at Open Air Italy by phone at 1-321-777-3964
or by email at stop@cfl.rr.com .