Sample Schedule

 A sample eight-day Creative Labyrinth retreat.

Sunday, Day Zero

1.    Morning arrival and unpack, free time
2.    Late afternoon/early evening getting to know each other session

Monday, Day One

1.    Walking the labyrinth  – inner and outer journey
2.    Sketching class on the grounds of Villa Schella focusing on weaving the thread.
3.    Lunch
4.    An outing visiting local hill towns and castle hopping
5.    A visit to the “Collina del Tiglio” winery for a sampling and a tour with a sommelier
6.    Do as the locals do; enjoy an evening stroll through the town of Ovada and relax sipping a drink in the local square

Tuesday, Day Two

1.    We will start a day at Portofino and its famous harbor followed by a drawing session at Castello Brown including a clinic on movement and texture.
2.    A boat ride to Camogli with a stop at a monastery of San Fruttuoso nestled in a picturesque cove accessible only by boat or mountain hike.
3.    An afternoon creative session at Port Camogli.
4.    Wrap up the day’s process enjoying the sunset at San Rocca.

Wednesday, Day Three

1.    An early morning visit to the Ovada Market to sketch and take photographs of the local characters.
2.    Delighting in a casual stroll through Genova’s vicoli – a maze of narrow passageways making up the largest historic center in Europe.
3.    A field trip to Porta Siberia - home of Museo Luzzatti, showcasing the works of Genova’s innovative artist, stage designer and book illustrator.
4.    An afternoon in Nervi, a pleasant resort town on the Genovese Eastern Coast, strolling through its magnificent gardens and sketching the gorgeous seaside views along Anita Garibaldi Promenade or exploring the ancient fishing harbor below.

Thursday, Day Four

A full day of creative process and assimilation at the Villa Schella art studio including free time for personal exploration, rest and relaxation.

Friday, Day Five

1.    A morning trip to Noli, the picturesque seaside town on the Italian Riviera, one of the medieval Italian maritime republics  along with Venice, Genoa, Pisa and Amalfi. Noli is a town of considerable antiquity with the ancient church of S. Paragorio, a Romanesque basilica dating from the 11th century with many interesting works of art.
2.    Painting on the beach at Noli –colorful fishing boats, open air fish market.
3.    A swim at the piaggia di Sarazeni – a turquoise jewel of the Mediterranian.
4.    Afternoon – a visit to Finale Liguri  and its well preserved medieval section of Finalborgo including a drawing session at the former convent of Santa Caterina.

Saturday, Day Six

1.    Morning visit to the vegetable market in Ovada with our guest chef, Cinzia Gilbert to buy the freshest offerings from the local farmers for our creative feast later in the day. 
2.    Late morning in the studio concentrating on a Mandala vegetable still-life.
3.    Early afternoon – collaborative art project “Dancing with the earth’s bounty”.
4.    Late afternoon – enjoying a cooking class and preparing a feast with Cinzia Gilbert.
5.    Late night celebration followed by campfire at the villa.

Sunday, Day Seven

1.    Morning and afternoon spent in the studio completing art projects.
2.    Sharing, feedback and assimilation discussion 
3.    Packing
4.    Closing session at the labyrinth and a farewell stroll through the town

Monday,  Day Eight  - early morning departure