BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Novanta - ECPv6.15.14//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Novanta
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://novanta90.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Novanta
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:Europe/Rome
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:CEST
DTSTART:20240331T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:CET
DTSTART:20241027T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:CEST
DTSTART:20250330T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:CET
DTSTART:20251026T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:CEST
DTSTART:20260329T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:CET
DTSTART:20261025T010000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Rome:20250921T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Rome:20250926T110000
DTSTAMP:20260418T095046
CREATED:20250128T112051Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250214T104452Z
UID:4390-1758470400-1758884400@novanta90.com
SUMMARY:From Sketchbook to Studio | Art Retreat
DESCRIPTION:Immerse yourself creatively in breathtaking surroundings and join us on an inspiring Art Retreat with Laura McKendry from Sunday 21st to Friday 26th of September 2025. \nSet in the stunning surroundings of the Casentino Hills\, with breathtaking views of the once-abandoned Gello Valley\, this creative retreat with Artist-Illustrator Laura McKendry offers an exciting opportunity to explore the art of traveling with a sketchbook and bringing drawings to life. \nNovanta is nestled on the edge of the beautiful Casentino National Park\, surrounded by 300 hectares of rolling fields and lush forests. This peaceful\, inspiring environment provides the perfect backdrop for a four-day drawing workshop\, where nature itself will be your muse. \nLaura McKendry is a seasoned artist and teacher with over 20 years of experience. Known for her playful and intuitive approach\, she uses a range of materials to create expressive\, dynamic images that radiate energy and emotion. This retreat is designed to offer something new for both first-time participants and those who have joined Laura’s previous workshops. \nThis event has sold out. Please email to be added to the waiting list. Occasionally spaces become available. \n\n\n BOOK THE RETREAT HERE \n  \n \n\n\n\nAn overview of the program:\n\nDay 1: The retreat kicks off with a playful evening of exploring color and pattern\, encouraging intuitive and abstract image-making—techniques that often influence Laura’s own creative projects.\nDay 2-5: From there\, she’ll guide you in using your sketchbook to capture the beauty of the landscape with a pared-down selection of drawing tools. These simple sketches will form the foundation for the creation of energetic\, visually rich illustrations\, deeply inspired by the Tuscan countryside and the authentic agriturismo lifestyle\nDay 6: By the end of the retreat\, you’ll have gained numerous ways to explore any location through your sketchbook—from holiday travels to daily walks—and how to turn these sketches into vibrant\, completed artworks that reflect the essence of your experiences.\n\nThroughout the workshop\, you’ll experiment with a variety of materials\, including watercolors\, acrylic and emulsion paints\, ink\, pastels\, and colored pencils. Special focus will be placed on developing color palettes\, creating characterful\, imperfect illustrations\, and refining your final images to evoke a strong sense of place. \nThis retreat offers a perfect balance of structured guidance and personal exploration\, helping you push your creative boundaries in a tranquil\, inspiring setting. Whether you’re a beginner eager to dive into sketching or an experienced artist seeking fresh inspiration\, it will provide the space and tools to grow your creative practice. \n  \nWhat’s included:\n\nAll meals and refreshments\n5 nights of accommodation\nFull access to teaching and all art materials\nUse of the pool and surrounding grounds\nNote: Drinks from the honesty bar are additional and paid individually at the end of your stay. Additional activities outside of the workshop can be booked and paid for separately.\n\nCheck-In & Check-Out:\n\nCheck-in from 16:00 on Sunday\nThe workshop begins Sunday evening at 17:30\, followed by dinner at 19:30\nFour full workshop days from Monday to Thursday\nCheck-out by 11:00 on Friday\nIf traveling from afar\, consider adding an extra night or two in Florence or Pisa before or after your stay at Novanta.\n\nAccommodation:\n\nIf you choose a shared room\, we will connect you with your room partner (with permission from both parties) before the retreat.\nWe’re also happy to put participants in touch if you’re arriving at the same airport and wish to share transfers.\n\nWorkshop Size & Environment:\n\nThe workshop will be capped at 15 participants\, ensuring an intimate and focused experience.\nAlthough the workshop is in a private space\, Novanta is a large area\, so other guests (unrelated to the workshop) may be on-site. This adds to the social atmosphere and creates more opportunities for interactions outside of the scheduled sessions.\n\n  \n\n\nPricing: \n\n€1995\,- for a shared double room with ensuite bathroom and twin beds\n€2295\,- per person for a semi-private* bedroom in a shared suite (max 2 people) with ensuite bathroom.\n€2595\,- per person for a single studio with ensuite bathroom.\n\n  \n \n\nIMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE\nBorgo di Gello’s Unique Nature:\nBorgo di Gello is beautiful and unique but also rough and unrefined. It’s a place for those with an adventurous spirit and open mind—get ready for an unconventional yet memorable stay! \nPhotography:\nOur in-house photographer will be on-site to capture the essence of Borgo di Gello during the retreat. Photos will be used for Novanta’s marketing purposes\, but we respect your privacy and will ensure you’re comfortable with the process. \nPayment:\n\n50% deposit is required to secure your space\, with the remaining 50% due by June.\nIf an alternative payment plan is needed\, please contact art@lauramckendry.com.\nNon-refundable bookings: Unless your space can be filled by another participant\, in which case we will refund minus transaction fees. We recommend travel insurance for any unforeseen cancellations.\n\n\nSee you in our creative valley!\n\nThis event has sold out. Please email to be added to the waiting list. Occasionally spaces become available.\n.\n BOOK THE RETREAT HERE \n.\n.
URL:https://novanta90.com/novanta-event/from-sketchbook-to-studio-art-retreat/
LOCATION:Novanta 90 – Borgo di Gello\, Borgo di Gello\, Bibbiena\, Arezzo\, 52011\, Italy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://novanta90.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LAURAMCKENDRY23-6819-sold-out.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR