Join us in Umbria, Italy! May 11th - 18th, 2026
Italian Maiolica-Style Painting Workshop
Italy is famous for its ceramics and their designs are recognized the world over.
This unique workshop focuses on using acrylics on paper to recreate the bright, whimsical Italian & Sicilian ceramic designs Italy is famous for, including those from Deruta.
You'll discover a secret technique that makes this art form easy & fun. Participants will create several paintings using acrylics on paper.
Your stay - Casa della Zia in Umbria, Italy
Take a step back in time on our all-inclusive journey!
The stone-walled fortress village of Vallo di Nera, surrounded by the lush Italian countryside, has secreted away artisans, restaurants and artwork that your personal Italian-American guide, Jessica Vecchione, will lead you to during your retreat.
Guests stay in Jessica's private home or the cozy village hotel (3 min. walk) and discover authentic Italian living in the tranquility of Casa della Zia, a traditional stone home with exquisite old-world craftmanship. It's the perfect blend of elegance and comfort for you to create unforgettable memories and immerse yourself in the daily life and culture of this ancient village. Your adventure includes:
- Airport transfers,
- Accommodations in Jessica's home,
- Meals and beverages (including alcohol),
- Open coffee tab at Bordone in Vallo
- Excursions and admission fees,
- Bonus! You don't need to know Italian - Jessica is our translator.
Not included: airfare, personal purchases out & about and dinner on our last evening out on the town.
Tours, Excursions & Activities
Tour towns like Deruta, Assisi & Spoleto. We'll visit a maiolica ceramics workshop where you’ll experience how ceramics go from raw clay to hand-painted to finished product - the perfect inspiration for our acrylic paintings! We'll then visit ceramics studios and other shops brimming with locally-made quality goods and foods.
Experience ancient and historical sites and feast on local cuisine, fresh handmade meals and regional drinks. Every corner turned reveals vibrant, wholesome, unforgettable and out-of-this-world deliciousness for the body, mind and soul.
Plus, there's plenty of personal time for:
- Shopping,
- Hiking,
- Exploring the village and nearby towns,
- An empowering psychic reading,
- Relaxing in the Umbrian sun!
All within the stunning region of Umbria, the green heart of Italy.
2026 Itinerary coming soon. Click the button to view last year's.
Your Instructor
Your Instructor
Your Instructor
Workshop is led by Sicilian-American Jeanette "Jet" Platania-Harper, an accomplished artist in Italian maiolica-style painting & Sicilian henna art. Her works are influenced by her Sicilian heritage, history & the esoteric. Jeanette owns Aunt Jet's, an enchanted emporium, in Delhi NY.
Your Hostess
Your Instructor
Your Instructor
Jessica Vecchione, is an
Italian-American who's family is from, and still resides in, Umbria, Italy. Jessica's spent many summers throughout her life in Umbria so she knows all the cool places to visit. Jessica's your hostess, guide, driver, translator and the owner of Casa della Zia in Vallo di Nera.