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Il Chiostro
241 W. 97th St., 13N
NY, NY 10025
800-990-3506
fax: 858-712-3329

Tuscan Mosaics with Courtney Seghetti
June 14-21, 2008
Price: $2,695
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San Fedele nestled in the Chianti hills

Your home in Tuscany is San Fedele, a medieval monastery artfully renovated into deluxe accommodations, preserving the spirit and architectural detail of the historic structure.

Program Description:

Learn the history of ancient mosaics and how to create these splendid pieces of art. During the class you will create a square or rectangular mosaic piece on a flat board which can be framed and hung, or adhered to a particular surface in the future. You will learn about the application process, grout types, mosaic styles, how to cut tiles, methods of laying tile and more. Learn this easy mosaic technique, which can be carried over and utilized even after the classes end.

Come join us and learn about mosaics, "It's a new take on an old art."

Vineyards in the mist, photo by Michael Ferris

About the Instructor:

Courtney Seghetti - Mosaic artist instructor Coutney Seghetti has work represented in private and corporate collections and has exhibited both nationally and internationally. She has completed projects ranging from large architectural pavings to small interior wall pieces. Courtney has been featured on HGTV.

After visiting family in Italy, Courtney realized what a profound impact the region's art had on her, and how struck she was by ancient mosaics. The curiosity and amazement it captured was enough to foster a career change from biologist to mosaic artist. Currently focusing on large, framed wall art mosaics, public art, and custom built, in-home pieces, Courtney enjoys creating pieces which have a sense of permanence and timelessness.

Click here to visit Courtney's web site...

Activities:

Our exploration of Tuscany for the week will include some of these highlights:

• Daily mosaic instruction and classes with Courtney
• Authentic Tuscan breakfast and dinners prepared at home, using only local and traditional products-wine included (independent lunch)
• Visits to local hilltowns like Radda, Monteriggioni, San Gimignano, etc.
• Excursion to the Medieval city of Siena
• Wine tour and tasting at a local vineyard
• Optional morning hikes through the Chianti hills and fields surrounding the complex
• Selected evening activities such as art history lecture, concerts, olive oil tasting, etc .

Accommodations:

San Fedele is an historic monastery dating back to the 13th century, painstakingly renovated in 2005-07. Every room is deluxe with modern amenities: heating/air conditioning, modern bathrooms,mini-fridge, internet access, TV, etc. This beautiful facility also has several efficient common spaces for classrooms and social gathering. For full details about San Fedele and photos of the restored rooms, please click on the Settings and Accommodations link.

Exploring the Area:

In addition to your workshop, optional activities offered with this program will focus on the cultural, gastronomic, historical and artistic heritage of Tuscany. This area has been an inspiration to countless people for centuries. What Tuscany offers its visitors is truly astounding:

• Art - San Fedele is located conveniently between the cities of Medieval Siena and Renaissance Florence packed with some of the most famous masterpieces in the world.
• Wine -You are in the heart of the Chianti region, synonomous with the most famous wine that Italy produces. But the innovative Tuscan vintners are also producing Super Tuscans, red varietals that are quickly ascending the ranks of world-class wine.
• History - this area was settled by the Etruscans centuries before the Romans were a civilized society. Their necropoli dot the fields throughout the area. Nearby towns like Radda, Vagliagli and Castellina date from the early Middle Ages. Florence was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. San Fedele witnessed most of this from its panoramic perch atop the hillside.
• Food - cucina povera is the typical Tuscan cuisine that has become popular around the world. The recipes are simple, emphasizing local and seasonal products: porcini mushrooms, salumi, legumes, vegetables, pasta, bread and game meats. Visiting the outdoor food markets, you will understand the wisdom of this very healthy cuisine.
• Crafts - perhaps the harmony of the landscape has been the inspiration for many local craftsmen. Exquisite hand-painted ceramics are the prime example, closely followed by mosaics, leather, woodworking, and textiles.

About Your Il Chiostro Hosts: Linda and Michael, who will be hosting your San Fedele program, have been organizing workshops in Italy since 1995. Please read more about them by following the About Il Chiostro link. The owners of San Fedele, Nicolo and Renata, live on site. They will be available throughout the program to talk about the history of the monastery, the renovation and this area of Tuscany they call home.

Getting There: Florence will be our meeting point on the first day of the workshop. For suggestions about getting to Florence, accommodations or other logistics, please consult our Travel to Italy link. Renting a car from all the major rental agencies is possible if you prefer to be more independent during the week.

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Price and Registration: $2,695 p/p
Jr. Suite Supplement - $150 p/p
Suite Supplement - $300 p/p
Single Supplement - $500 (limited availability)

Includes:

• 7 nights in the restored monastery San Fedele
• Daily mosaic classes with critiques
• Authentic Tuscan breakfast and dinners prepared at the house, including wine (independent lunch)
• Excursions to Siena and selected hilltowns
• All local transportation
• Pick up in Florence on first day of workshop
• Optional activities and excursions
  

Does Not Include:

• Airfare
• Lunch
• Workshop supplies
• Independent meals and sight-seeing

To Register:

• Download Registration Form by clicking button at left
• Print, fill out and sign Registration Form
• Mail or fax it to Il Chiostro with a non-refundable deposit of $500 (address and fax number are on the Registration Form)
• You will receive a registration confirmation and subsequently, relevant information about your workshop, travel to Italy, arrivals, suggested supplies, etc.
• Or call us at 800-990-3506 to register by phone

Tuscan Fountain, photo by JPalmer

Wine Shop, photo by Denise Riesen

Tuscan View, photo by Linda Mironti

The hilltown of Monteriggioni, photo by Michael Ferris

Siena, photo by Denise Riesen

Fountain in Radda