A sketchbook workshop for women artists · Maria Carluccio
Drawing Italy
A women's sketchbook journey through Bologna
About this retreat
This is a small, intimate week in Bologna for women who love to draw — or who have always wanted to. We'll sketch the city's porticoes, piazzas, markets, and daily life together, and spend two days immersed in the Bologna Children's Book Fair, one of the world's great gatherings of illustrators and picture book artists.
The group is intentionally small — six women — so that every participant gets real attention, real conversation, and real time to find her own way into the work. No competitive energy. No pressure to perform. Just women making art together in one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.
Each morning includes guided instruction and demonstration from Maria. Afternoons are for drawing freely, with Maria moving through the group offering individual feedback and encouragement.
The week at a glance
We arrive April 3 and spend our first full day sketching the city before the fair opens. We attend the Bologna Children's Book Fair together for two days — Maria will share how she navigates it and be there to explore it alongside you. The remaining days are for drawing, a group day excursion, individual feedback sessions, and a final sketchbook share before we part ways.
What's included
Investment
Per person, shared room.
Single room supplement: +$350
(your own double room to yourself)
Flights and travel insurance not included.
$500 deposit holds your place.
Balance due February 1, 2027.
Travel insurance required.
This retreat is for you if…