Tuscany 2025
paint | live | relax
April 4-14 2025
Venue
Fattoria di Fubbiano
Total $5000
experience, create, and unwind at a historic olive oil and wine farm, established in 1694.
10 Day Art Retreat in Tuscany
Join us for an enriching 10-day excursion at a working olive oil and wine farm nestled in the hills of Tuscany. During this retreat, students will collaborate on a beautiful olive grove mural in the historic wine cellar, guided by Lori LeMare. This group project invites everyone to contribute their unique touch, creating a stunning piece of art that captures the essence of the region.
In addition to the mural, each participant will have the opportunity to create their own individual artwork, inspired by the breathtaking landscapes and culture around them. Whether you're a beginner or more experienced, you'll receive support as you explore your creativity in this inspiring setting.
Your stay includes:
Fully stocked kitchen for you and fellow attendees to prepare meals together.
Two restaurant meals
Two excursions to Villa Mansi and the charming city of Lucca
A hands-on cooking class to immerse you in local culinary traditions
Accommodations will be in one of three inviting farmhouse apartments at Fattoria di Fubbiano, where you can relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings. Join us for a memorable experience where you can paint, connect with fellow artists, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Tuscan countryside!
ARRIVE April 4 | DEPART April 14 2025
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATIONS
Fattoria di Fubbiano is situated in the Tuscan hills near the town of Lucca. The estate is large with a villa, two houses and apartments that are rented out to tourists and a pool. Horses graze in the surrounding olive groves and vineyards. You can purchase wine directly from the estate and enjoy wine tasting. This is a working farm and you will encounter many cats and a dog or two.
It is about midway between Pisa and Florence. We recommend flying to Pisa which is a smaller airport and easier to manage driving in and out of compared with Florence. Lucca is a beautiful walled city with many high end shops/restaurants, art stores, museums and churches. It has a lovely promenade built on the top of the surrounding wall by Elise Bonaparte. You can rent a bike and ride around and through the city or walk it. It is 30 minutes from the estate.
Accommodation: Stay in one of the 2- 3 bedroom apartments on the Fubbiano Estate, dating back to 18th century. All bedrooms are private and will have a double or twin bed. Bathrooms will be shared between two people. These renovated apartments are quaint and cosy and were the original dwellings for the farm workers. Each apartment has a stocked kitchen for breakfast, lunch and dinners. 2 restaurant meals are included in price. The main large grocery store is about 30 minutes drive but there is a small local grocer that is about 5-10 minutes drive away. San Gennaro is a lovely small village that is a hike away. If you like a good hike up the hill, you will be rewarded with a small café and a 12th c church.
Transportation: Transportation to and from the airport (Pisa only) will be provided. If you rent a car please let us know and we will send you directions on how to get to the estate. The estate is not within walking distance of any shops. We can recommend a driver for hire who can take you on any excursions you wish to go on outside of the ones included.
Excursions: 1 excursion into the town of Lucca and 1 tour of Villa Mansi
COST
$5000* CDN
Price includes course, all class materials, 10 day accommodations (April 4-14 2025), meals,
transportation to and from airport (Pisa only), 1 excursion into the town of Lucca and 1 tour of Villa Mansi.
*7 spots available
*If you would like to share a twin room with a friend or spouse please inquire about cost.
Deadline to book: January 15, 2025
TERMS:
$2000 deposit required at booking, balance due by February 15, 2024. Full terms and conditions available on registration form.
*does not include CDN taxes if applicable
Meet the Instructor
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Host & Owner of Lori LeMare StudioLori Le Mare has been a leading international figure in the crafts of decorative painting and historic restoration for more than 30 years.
In 1988 Lori studied decorative painting in the south of England from Master Painter Don Gray. She worked and taught extensively in her business, Ritins Studio with then partner Andrejs Ritins for 12 years. In 2000 she opened her own studio and school in Toronto and worked closely with Modern Masters Inc. in California helping to develop and test their decorative paint products. In 2010 her studio moved in the direction of decorative paint restoration with several contracts for restoration and replication in historic museums.
In 1998 Lori took up aerial dance as a sideline to her decorative painting and in 2010 started the aerial performance troupe Hamilton Aerial Group. She paints and restores by day and climbs and performs trapeze and aerial silks by night. She is also a professional stiltwalker and artistic director of HAG.
