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 queen room.
Solo room: $2,750 (+$350 single supplement)
Flights and travel insurance not included.
$500 deposit holds your place.
Balance due January 15, 2027.
Travel insurance required.
Accommodation & room options
We'll stay together in a private 5-bedroom apartment in Bologna's charming Saragozza neighborhood, a short bus or taxi ride from the historic center. All rooms have air conditioning.
| Room | Beds | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom 1 | Queen bed | $2,400 per person if shared · $2,750 solo |
| Bedroom 3 | Queen bed | $2,400 per person if shared · $2,750 solo |
| Bedroom 4 | Queen bed | $2,400 per person if shared · $2,750 solo |
| Bedroom 5 | 2 single beds | $2,400 per person |
Bedroom 2 (single bed) is reserved for Maria. Friends who register together are welcome to request a shared queen room. Solo travelers who are comfortable sharing will be paired where possible. If no roommate match is available, the room becomes single occupancy at $2,750. Bedroom 5 with two single beds is a comfortable option for solo travelers who prefer their own bed. Minimum enrollment: 5 participants.
Travel insurance — required
Travel insurance is required for all participants. I want everyone to feel completely protected — and honestly, for a trip like this it's just smart. A good policy covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and evacuation, so that if anything unexpected happens before or during the trip, you're taken care of.
The good news: it's easy to get and very affordable. For this trip, budget approximately $150–200 for a solid policy — roughly 4–8% of your total trip cost. You can get a quote and purchase online in about five minutes.
Important: Purchase your policy within 14 days of paying your deposit. Buying early unlocks the best coverage options including pre-existing conditions and cancel-for-any-reason protection.
Recommended providers:
Proof of travel insurance is required no later than 30 days before departure. Questions? Just ask — I'm happy to help you figure out what you need.
This retreat is for you if…