International Center for the Arts

International Center for the Arts Residencies, retreats, excursions and workshops hosted in the scenic Italian village of Monte Castello di Vibio.

13/02/2026

We are so excited for this hand building pottery workshop with Jeremy Randall, August 30-September 13. There are still spots remaining but space is limited so register now.

Our workshops are all-inclusive, and open to all levels of ceramics experience.

Here’s what Randall has to say:

During this workshop we will explore new ways to construct functional pottery forms from slabs and paper templates, and transforming those flat shapes into functional pots. Focusing on the intimate objects that we use regularly; primarily cups, mugs, bowls, and vases, we will use these objects as canvases to explore surfaces and develop new ways to convey and layer our ideas. Working within our beautiful Italian surroundings, we will use our time equally between making and looking. We will step out of our comfort zones, finding beauty in the mundane, and finding surfaces that are captivating in both our environment as well as our pottery.

We will utilize various regional clays to make terra sigilatta, historically used in this region of Italy since the Etruscan times, that will become our canvas to build upon in our explorations.

Go to our website for registering:
Www.icaitaly.com

2026 also brings us a team-taught workshop in classical realism portraiture! Led by KAREN WARSHAL  and CONSTANCE RAMSEY ...
03/01/2026

2026 also brings us a team-taught workshop in classical realism portraiture! Led by KAREN WARSHAL and CONSTANCE RAMSEY BOWDEN This is an incredible opportunity to work from a live model and absorb the expertise of two accomplished artists.

“Portrait Mastery in Umbria”
May 31-June 14, 2026

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Enroll NOW until 11:39 PM January 3 and use the discount code 8KCZ5X24 to receive 10% OFF on this all-inclusive immersion program!
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Fueled by a new interest in the individual, the birth of the Renaissance in Florence in the 15th century brought a rebirth of the long dormant art of Portraiture. What better place to study the art of Portraiture than in Monte Castello di Vibio, just a stone’s throw from that extraordinary city?

This comprehensive two-week workshop offers a unique opportunity to study classical realist Portraiture in both two and three dimensions under the expert guidance of renowned sculptor Constance Ramsey Bowden and acclaimed painter Karen Warshal.

Working from live models in an intimate studio setting, students will explore the fundamental principles of portrait creation across three classical mediums: drawing, painting, and sculpture. This intensive program emphasizes the essential building blocks of representational art, making it ideal for both beginners seeking solid foundations and more seasoned artists looking to refine their skills. The small class size ensures ample individual instruction for each student.

Students will draw or paint the model in the morning. After lunch, students will sculpt the same model in water based clay. Models will maintain the same pose for the duration of the workshop.

umbria

In 2026 we welcome back  KIRSTEN STINGLE for another great workshop, “Staging The Narrative: Ceramic Hand building with ...
02/01/2026

In 2026 we welcome back KIRSTEN STINGLE for another great workshop, “Staging The Narrative: Ceramic Hand building with Ceramic and Cold Finishes.”

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Enroll by 11:39 pm January 3 and use the code 8KCZ5X24 to receive 10% off on this all-inclusive experience!
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Inspired by Monte Castello di Vibio’s Teatro della Concordia (the smallest Italian style theater in the world) and grand theatrical vision of La Scarzuola, let’s explore the drama of the human narrative! During this retreat Kirsten will guide the class to build a 3/4 life size head that can hang on the wall or sit on a table. Kirsten has a step-by-step approach to figurative ceramics that is easily accessible, even for the beginner. Her class demonstrations and hand-outs are followed-up with individual tutorials, enabling her to help each student achieve their narrative vision.

After the build, Kirsten will explore the potential of adding layers of texture before firing. Post-firing, Kirsten will guide the class in using cold finishes to mimic, complement, or enhance ceramic finishes. She will share her techniques as well as encourage experimentation and play with different mediums. Participants will walk away with a stronger knowledge of human anatomy and the narrative value of expression, as well as an approach for finishing their works that is layered and complex. ​ Finished sculptures will be able to be packed in a carry-on suitcase for travel and transportation convenience.

In addition, participants will enjoy several excursions to nearby Umbrian towns such as Perugia, Spoleto or Todi to explore the history and art that shines in the green center of Italy. Participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio where you can wonder its quiet streets and enjoy the vistas of the valley and other hill towns. Explore the history of this medieval village and experience the jewel-box of a theater that is one of the smallest theaters in the world.

Buon Anno! Happy New Year! We have a tremendous line up of ceramics and sculpture workshops this year, won’t you join us...
01/01/2026

Buon Anno! Happy New Year! We have a tremendous line up of ceramics and sculpture workshops this year, won’t you join us?

If you enroll by 11:39 pm SATURDAY JANUARY 3 and use the code 8KCZ5X24 at checkout, you’ll get 10% off on these *all-inclusive* intensives with world-renowned artist-instructors in the beautiful setting of Monte Castello di Vibio in Umbria.

Let 2026 be the year you invest in your creative practice; in your happiness!

JUNE 21-28: “How the Bring An Animal Sculpture to Life”

JULY 5-19: “Sculpting The Human Figure”

AUGUST 30-SEPTEMBER 13: “From Flat To Form: handbuilt pottery for the hand and home”

SEPTEMBER 20-OCTOBER 4: “Staging The Narrative”

**SOLD OUT** OCTOBER 4-11: “Improvisation in Figurative Sculpture” (waitlist only)

OCTOBER 11-25: “The Ceramic Surface: finding your voice through technique, improvisation, and design”

Our third and final NEW ADDITION to the 2026 workshop calendar is EVA CHAMPAGNE  who will take artists on a grand advent...
29/12/2025

Our third and final NEW ADDITION to the 2026 workshop calendar is EVA CHAMPAGNE who will take artists on a grand adventure through the expressive potential of ceramic surface materials and techniques.

“The Ceramic Surface: Finding Your Voice Through Technique, Improvisation, and Design.”
October 11-25, 2026

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As with all our 2026 ceramics workshops, enroll before 11:39 PM (yes, 11:39) January 3 and use the discount code 8KCZ5X24 to receive 10% off on this all-inclusive experience!
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“Just how much can I communicate on the ceramic surface, and how deep is it really?” Over this two-week intensive, Eva offers step by step technical demonstrations, probing writing and imagery prompts, one on one mentoring, and open-forum discussion, as we create several series of investigative tiles and wall boxes. Our emphasis will be on creative experimentation and exploring strategic layering and combinations of techniques in order to develop tableaux of complexity and depth, be your aim dramatic and lively, or subtle and resonant.

All techniques will be low-tech but high-impact, meaning they can be used in any studio setting, using any clays and any firing temperature, with no need for special materials or equipment. The magic is in how we apply them in service to our vision, and there will be as many approaches as there are makers. Employing Eva’s “freestyle” way of handbuilding, we compose personal narrative and meaning through the interplay of form, mark making, texture, and color.

This is an opportunity to hone in completely on the painterly potential of ceramic materials and processes. An intensive session of discovery, reflection, and production will impact our existing studio practices greatly, broadening the spectrum of means for bringing creative vision to light: this exploration is applicable to pottery, sculpture, or even painting with non-ceramic media. This workshop is open to all levels of experience.

Another approach to the human figure will be the focus of the amazing ZOE DUFOUR  workshop this summer. A sculptor who i...
29/12/2025

Another approach to the human figure will be the focus of the amazing ZOE DUFOUR workshop this summer. A sculptor who imbues her figures with the apparency of living breath, she will pass on to students knowledge and technique and insight…

“Sculpting the Human Figure”
July 5-19, 2026

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Enroll by 11:39 PM (yes that’s 11:39) January 3 and use the code 8KCZ5X24 and receive 10% OFF tuition fee!
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In this course, we will sculpt a 24” tall portrait bust, with the upper torso, using contemporary hand building techniques informed by Renaissance and 19th century sculpting practices. We will sculpt from a live model, focusing on the large masses of the body, and how they move in concert together to form a clear gesture. Our approach is based around close observation, and an emphasis on anatomical structure and form relationships. Students will learn how to think three-dimensionally, judging likeness with volume and mass.

The class will cover basic anatomy, and how to use proportional cannons or measuring systems to sculpt a well-proportioned figure at any scale. We will cover basic “block-in” technique, learning how to accurately establish the large relationships of the figure, before moving on to modeling and finishing techniques for clay.

We will be slab building pieces that can be fired at the end of class, so students can go home with a finished sculptural vessel. The class will include sculpting demonstration, constructive critiques, and lecture. No experience is necessary, teaching will be tailored to individuals and students will return home with a finished sculptural vessel.

Next fall, we welcome California sculptor MICHELLE GREGOR  to our studios for the first time!You do not want to miss thi...
28/12/2025

Next fall, we welcome California sculptor MICHELLE GREGOR to our studios for the first time!
You do not want to miss this opportunity to study with an incredibly generous and insightful artist-instructor.
“Improvisation in Figurative Sculpture”
October 4-11, 2026
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Enroll by 11:39 PM (yes that’s 11:39) January 3 and use the code 8KCZ5X24 and receive 10% OFF tuition fee!
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Michelle’s workshop on sculpting the human figure in clay emphasizes an experimental, improvisational approach to discovering movement, gesture and vitality. Through live demonstrations, hands-on exercises and slide presentations, participants will learn to manipulate the clay figure and push past common stumbling blocks of proportion, movement and balance.

Students will build small-scale maquettes in anticipation of larger work, learn solid sculpting methods, and discover how to hollow and prepare pieces for firing. We’ll break the figure down into basic components to explore their potential for various poses, with special sessions focusing on challenging areas such as heads and hands.

Surface techniques will be explored using texture, underglazes, stains, pencils and mark-making to strengthen the form and develop rich visual effects. Michelle will work individually with each participant on their artwork. All skill levels welcome!

We are honored to be hosting sculptor Nick Mackman  for her workshop, “How to Bring An Animal Sculpture to Life” in 2026...
28/12/2025

We are honored to be hosting sculptor Nick Mackman for her workshop, “How to Bring An Animal Sculpture to Life” in 2026!

This one week master class is June 21-28.

This in-depth animal sculpture workshop will allow you to immerse yourself in your art. Nick will demonstrate the importance of observation, show you how to make an emotional connection with your subject and realize your own creative vision. Our extended workshop format allows plenty of time for instruction and practical work.

Under Nick’s expert guidance, you will make your own animal sculpture. Combining a mix of one-to-one and group demonstration and tuition, Nick will teach you building techniques and help you hone your modeling skills. No prior experience is needed and all the tools and materials you’ll need are provided.

Enroll now on the website, and use coupon code 8KCZ5X24 and receive 10% OFF tuition from now until 11:30pm January 3!

Spend summer solstice with us in Umbria, creating beautiful, heartfelt sculptures with a true legend.

We are very excited to share a NEW ADDITION to the 2026 workshop calendar: JEREMY RANDALL  ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨“From Flat ...
27/12/2025

We are very excited to share a NEW ADDITION to the 2026 workshop calendar: JEREMY RANDALL
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“From Flat To Form: Hand Built Pottery For The Hand And Home” August 30 - September 13, 2026.
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During this workshop we will explore new ways to construct functional pottery forms from slabs and paper templates, and transforming those flat shapes into functional pots.

Focusing on the intimate objects that we use regularly; primarily cups, mugs, bowls, and vases, we will use these objects as canvases to explore surfaces and develop new ways to convey and layer our ideas.

Working within our beautiful Italian surroundings, we will use our time equally between making and looking. We will step out of our comfort zones, finding beauty in the mundane, and finding surfaces that are captivating in both our environment as well as our pottery.

We will utilize various regional clays to make terra sigilatta, historically used in this region of Italy since the Etruscan times, that will become our canvas to build upon in our explorations.

REGISTER NOW at our website:
www.icaitaly.com/event/jeremy-randall-italy/

Include the code: 8KCZ5X24 at checkout to receive a limited time 10% discount on tuition. This discount expires at 11:39 pm (yes that is 11:39) on January 3.

Indirizzo

International Center For The Arts Via Unitā D' Italia, 2
Monte Castello Di Vibio
06057

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