Irsina Arte

www.irsinaarte.weebly.com

The  Arenacea Cooperative in collaboration with painter irsinese Nicola Di Noia, is organizing a course-summer residence of painting, Irsina Arte, come now to the fifth edition.

Old traditions still flourish in Irsina, an historic hilltop town in Basilicata in southern Italy. The town, untouched by mass tourism, has an important artistic heritage that includes the only known sculpture of the Renaissance artist, Andrea Mantegna.

In the heart of the old town a fourteenth century Franciscan monastery overlooking the beautiful undulating landscape provides a unique location for Irsina Arte. This annual event offers artists artistic guidance in the company of a small group of like-minded people. 

Here you can learn and perfect the techniques of drawing, painting and mosaics under the guidance of professionals and at the same time become acquainted with the rich culture of the region, dining on typical local produce and discovering hidden fragments of its archaeology, art and history. 

The Course: 

The course is in English, Italian, Dutch and French. This wear will be two courses held: the first from June 30 – 7 July and the second from July 9 – 16 .

It is designed for anybody who likes art irrespective of his or her experience. You will be stimulated by contact with other artists and benefit from the extensive experience of professional artists who guide the course.  

The Belgian landscape artist, Kris Delbroek, will work with you using the ever-changing rolling hills surrounding Irsina as the theme and working with different techniques including watercolour, acrylic, oil. 

Another Belgian artist, Lieve Ulburghs, returns to Irsina this year and in the atmospheric surroundings of the Franciscan monastery will concentrate on portrait painting, helping you overcome any difficulties, using watercolours and also acrylic and oil. Some local people will be available as models. 

The Irsinese artist Nicola Dinoia gives workshops on the ancient techniques of fresco including the preparation of surfaces and manufacturing your own pigments. 

If you like drawing, Nicola and Kris also organise time for creative drawing. 

Of course you are not obliged to follow the programme and you are always free to work on a theme of your own. 

You will need to provide your own materials including paint, brushes, paper etc. Materials for tempera and fresco will be provided.  

Large format items such as canvas can be ordered beforehand by e-mail. Please send your e-mail at least 14 days before the start of the course to Nicola Dinoia at: nicoladinoia@hotmail.com  

There will be a final exhibition of the work completed during the course.  

Meals and Accommodation 

Accommodation is in comfortable self-catering houses in the historic centre of Irsina with single and double-bed rooms and kitchens where you can prepare meals using the fresh vegetables, pasta, meat, oil and wine bought locally. Houses accommodate from one to four people – let us know your preference when booking. 

Breakfast is included in the price and is provided each morning in the monastery while a local cook prepares a traditional hot lunch.

In the evenings you are free to try out the typical fare in the small selection of local modestly priced restaurants or organise dinner in the monastery kitchen.  

Excursions

Two optional excursions are organised to sites of outstanding natural beauty and to outlying villages and towns in Basilicata and nearby Puglia. The cost is 20 euro per person. 

Costs

The cost of the course, including 9 nights accommodation, breakfast and lunch is 680 euro. 
For those who participate in both courses the cost is € 1100.00!

All other costs including evening meals, restaurant visits and expenses made during trips are not included. 

Transport from Bari airport can be arranged by Irsina Arte.

Friends or partners not participating in the course are welcome to share accommodation and meals at a special rate. Please check beforehand to ensure there is sufficient space.

For those who wish to attend the course only and not avail of accommodation or breakfast the cost is 250 euros.

To register – fill out the registration form and e-mail to: nicoladinoia@hotmail.com before March 15 to reserve your place, and send a deposit of 200.

CVs 

Lieve Ulburghs

Born in Lummen, lives in Antwerp, Belgium.

In 1983 she graduated in painting from the Higher Institute of Fine Arts in Antwerp.

She has taught in the Accademia di Belle Arti di Algeri, the Academy of Fine Arts in Geel and currently teaches painting at the Fine Arts Wilrijk.

Since 1973 she has participated in more than 40 national and international exhibitions.

Nicola Dinoia

Born in Matera and currently lives in Antwerp.

In 1996 he graduated from the Accademia di Belle Arti di Bologna and in 2001 he obtained a Masters in Fine Arts at the University of Southampton in England.

Since 1994 he has participated in numerous national and international exhibitions – most recently in the Atab gallery in Antwerp.

He has designed stage backdrops for various theatres in Antwerp and Brussels and has been involved in designing and implementing various artistic and social projects for children funded and supported by the city of Antwerp.

Kris Delbroek

Was born in Mol and lives in Kieldrecht, Antwerp.

He studied graphic art at the Sint-Lucaspaviljoen Institute in Antwerp and painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Mol and the Academy of Saint Niklaas.

He currently teaches at the Fine Arts Academy of Saint Niklaas.

Since 1975 he has participated in various national and international exhibitions of paintings, graphics and watercolours. His work is in various collections in The Netherlands, France, Spain and Belgium.

Ends 

For more information and reservations: tel.+39 0835 518330, or mail: arenacea@tiscali.it.