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Genine Carvalheira loves seeing the moment when something clicks for a student and are excited, confident, and ready to create a sketchbook full of memories. We sat down with Genine talk about her teaching style and her 2026 workshop in Venice.
Starting in 2026, all U.S. citizens planning to visit Italy must obtain a special travel authorization to enter any of the 27 Schengen countries.
Laura (left) and Kathleen (right) Kathleen Maltese and Laura Swartzbaugh are hosting their first workshop with Il Chiostro in 2026. Trust Your Creative Soul: A Watercolor & Life-Changing Retreat in Tuscany will take place May 23 -30, 2026 in San Giovanni d’Asso. We sat down with to talk with Kathleen and Laura about their background and teaching styles, and what they are looking forward to most during their time in Italy. How did you start coaching/teaching? Laura: After a 27 year career as a professor and high school teacher, I was ready for a change. That change came in an … Read more
Renowned flutists Eva Amsler & Michelle Stanley look forward to teaching in Tuscany.
Amy Wynne loves helping new and experienced painters tap into the beginner’s mindset to foster curiosity and freshness.
Emily Passman helps her students gain confidence in plein air painting with a looser approach.
Before you board your plane for Italy, here are a few things to know to help ensure a smooth trip.
Linda shares one of her family’s favorite Easter desserts – a traditional Torta di Riso.
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.
Artist Pat Fiorello believes that, with practice, anyone can paint.
Artist Sharon Pitts finds visual inspiration at every turn.
Linda always finds a way to cook a beautiful meal when in Venice. This time her Aunt Lina’s Tuna saved the day.
The festive holiday season touches every corner of Italy.
Sara Keith gets goosebumps when she helps students learn something new and take photos they really love.
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.
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.
Adria Goetz shares her insights into her work as a literary agent and teaching philosophy.
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