Eva Amsler & Michelle Stanley: Using Music to Build Community and Change the World
Renowned flutists Eva Amsler & Michelle Stanley look forward to teaching in Tuscany.
Workshop Instructors
Karen Hewitt Hagan – Capturing the Light in Lake Garda
Karen Hewitt Hagan believes that learning to paint is driven by desire and that if you really want to learn to become a painter, you can.
Painting as a Lifelong Passion with Pat Fiorello
Artist Pat Fiorello believes that, with practice, anyone can paint.
Learning About Watercolor and Life with Sharon Pitts
Artist Sharon Pitts finds visual inspiration at every turn.
Marie Fratoni: Bringing La Dolce Vita to Life and Work
For the past 16 years, Marie Fratoni has been leading workshops with Il Chiostro to teach busy professionals how to bring La Dolce Vita – the sweet life – to their life and work.
Unwrapping the Gift of Creativity – Lynn Travis Stender
As a teacher, Lynn Travis Stender helps students learn to see first, then paint, and helps unwrap the gift of creativity that exists in all of us.
Her Students are Kindred Spirits: A Conversation with Literary Agent Adria Goetz
Adria Goetz shares her insights into her work as a literary agent and teaching philosophy.
Artist Jan Guarino Wants Students to Fearlessly Embrace the Unexpected
We recently sat down for a lively conversation with the incredibly talented watercolor artist Jan Guarino. During our discussion, Jan shared insights into her artistic endeavors, teaching philosophy, and the upcoming fall painting workshop set against the picturesque backdrop of Verona and Lake Garda. How did you start teaching? I started a greeting card company and needed artwork, so I returned to my painting. I began taking classes and found they didn’t give me what I needed as a student. I was first asked to do art demos, and the Art League of Long Island asked me to teach a … Read more
Jennifer McChristian – Teaching Students to Grow as Artists
We recently chatted with artist Jennifer McChristian about her work, teaching philosophy, and 2024 workshop in Venice with Il Chiostro. Jennifer is a good friend and wonderful artist who has shared the Il Chiostro experience with her students many times over the years. We can’t wait to welcome her back to Italy next fall. How did you start teaching, Jennifer? I started teaching after a friend of mine who worked as muralist talked me into hosting a still life class for a small group of friends who had been coming to our uninstructed figure drawing workshops. I wasn’t super eager … Read more
Meet Painter & Workshop Instructor Brian Murphy
Artist Brian Murphy has a passion for travel and painting.
Intention is the Most Important Part of Making Art – A Conversation with Calvin Lai
For artist Calvin Lai, intention is the most important part of making art.
Everyone Has a Story to Share – Memoir Writing with Jennifer Browdy
Jennifer Browdy, Ph.D doesn’t believe you need to think of yourself as a writer with a capital “W” to write a memoir. She believes we all have something to share about our lives that will benefit others. As a college literature and writing professor for more than 30 years, Jennifer has always tried to break down the boundary between the academic and the real-world to help writers with varied backgrounds and experiences share their stories. Jennifer is hosting a workshop in Tuscany this May. Her students will learn the keys to memoir writing, enjoy excursions into the Italian countryside, and … Read more
Pat Moore
I am Program Manager for Online Workshops. I like the camaraderie with hosting the workshops. It becomes a small village and I enjoy exchanges with the students. I get to brush up on my Italian, as I do speak Italian as I lived in Italy for 10 years as a performing artist and love the language.