We have dedicated studio time each day for you to transform yourself into a contemporary Modigliani.
The spacious studio is 11 x 5 meters (36 x 16 feet) equipped with sturdy work tables, chairs, a utility sink, and various easels. There is a large window that opens east to an inspiring Tuscan view, and a huge skylight that brings in north light. If you have any studio equipment needs outside of what we already have, we'll work to arrange something for you.
Remember when you used to walk downtown after it had rained and the road seemed to glimmer and you’d chance upon that old, historical cinema with the bulb lights and the small ticket windows and you’d think, “One day my name will grace that marquee.”? You don’t? Oh, that was just me? Well, the Catalyst Art Exhibition is your chance to have your name lit up for the world to see, a chance for you to put both you and your art on display.
We will take care of mounting and installing your pieces leaving the mingling and enjoyment of the exhibition for you. This is a unique opportunity to add an international exhibition to your curriculum, or have a cherished memory to recount to friends and family, or to relive on cold, gray nights when you’re feeling particularly nostalgic.
Shannon is a certified printmaker from Il Bisonte per lo Studio dell'Arte Grafica in Florence and now practices visual art in the states and internationally.
Skilled in collage and digital art as well as printmaking, Shannon is available daily as a mentor in any of these focus areas, and to lend a hand as needed. She will also act as your own art concierge, reaching out before the retreat to ask about studio setup and if you'd like us to find any supplies or materials for you in Italy.
Priscilla Carpenter Witte is a Los Angeles based illustrator, painter, and muralist.
She has made murals at some of the top restaurants and tech companies in Los Angeles, created custom kicks for vogue editors, and painted a mural and pieces for each room at a boutique hotel in Croatia. She’s had the opportunity to work with some wonderful companies such as Google, life is good, GT’s Kombucha, Budlight, Redbull, Schwarzhopf, keds, Ipsy, Nordstrom, Credit Karma, Marriot… to name a few. Her style is simplistic, to the point, quirky, and relatable. Just like her!
Haven is Vice Dean of Design, Roski School of Art and Design, University of Southern California.
Shibori means to tie, fold, and bind cloth before dyeing using indigo dyes. Lin-Kirk will demonstrate how to create an indigo vat using pre-reduced indigo crystals and share several fold, tie, and resist techniques. Participants will create their own dyed cloths.
Arrival at the villa (if you need to be picked up earlier please let us know so we can make arrangements)
Welcome Dinner – Whet your whistle after all that travelling with a traditional Italian feast while getting to meet your other partners in crime on this adventure.
Breakfast Buffet
Studio Time
Lunch
Studio Time
An exclusive wine tasting featuring local favorites
Dinner
The first of our art salons where we will discuss anything from Renaissance Art to How to Swear Like a Tuscan
Breakfast Buffet
Studio Time
Lunch
Studio Time
Dinner
Anyone up for art salon in the drawing room? Prefer to shoot some pool in the billiard room? The choice is yours.
Breakfast Buffet
Day trip to Lucca with lunch at our favorite restaurant
Studio time
Italian Aperitivo
Catalyst's infamous pizza party
Breakfast Buffet
Studio Time
Lunch
Studio Time
Dinner
Feel free to just relax or sneak in some studio time to prepare for the big show tomorrow
Breakfast Buffet
Exhibition Prep
Lunch
Hop on the bus to Lucca, enjoy some free time there, and gather at the exhibition space
Opening Reception for the Catalyst Art Exhibition
Group dinner at a local restaurant
Back at the villa to either collapse from exhaustion or keep the party going
Breakfast Buffet
Shuttle to Lucca or Pisa Airport (or another time if previously arranged)
Note: There may be schedule adjustments due to artist/host availability or weather