May 18–30, 2026
“You may have the world if I may have Italy.”
~Giuseppe Verdi
Artwork by: Janet Scagnelli
Location: Historic Lucca, Tuscany, Italy
Focus: Plein air sketching, studio work, mixed media (drawing & water-based painting)
Culture: Includes three Italian language classes per week (no prior knowledge necessary)
Culmination: A final student gallery showing on the last day.
Key Info
Dates: May 18–30, 2026
Tuition: $1850 (airfare, lodging, and materials not included)
In addition to art, students will take Italian language classes at the Lucca Italian School three days per week. The classes are held in the historic Villa Niemack and will focus on everyday conversational Italian. No prior experience necessary! Additional private lessons are possible by arrangement.
Michael Pierce
Michael A. Pierce is an experienced college-level studio arts instructor specializing in drawing, painting, and mixed media, holding a Master of Interdisciplinary Studies in Studio Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University. As an accomplished artist, Michael has also served as a gallerist and curator, and he has exhibited extensively throughout the Southeast, bringing a broad professional perspective to the classroom. His teaching philosophy is informed by his diverse experiences, including building arts communities between youth and older artists as well as between inexperienced and experienced artists, his leadership and organizational development activities for non-profit arts organizations, as well as his time as an artist-in-residence at La cité internationale des arts in Paris, where he developed a deep appreciation for art and creative practice in an international, supportive setting.
Student Testimonial
Michael has completely changed the way I see art. He doesn’t just teach technique — he helped me discover my own voice, and paint from my heart. Classroom conversations range from beauty to controversies in the art world. Our class became a community where we were supported and challenged and where we learned from each other. And we had fun!
- Janet Scagnelli, 2025
Artwork by Janet Scagnelli
Artwork by Roni Kingsley
We recommend looking for housing early on Airbnb, VRBO, or Booking. We will also send a housing and travel guidance sheet after registration.
Lucca is close to airports in Pisa and Florence with easy train connections available. It is also possible to fly into other cities like Bologna, Rome, or Milan and take trains that connect in Florence to Lucca.
No, it is best not to have a car because most of Lucca is closed to non-resident traffic. Most people get around by walking or riding a bike. If you choose to stay outside of town and rent a car, then you can park in one of the public parking lots.
