Course Structure
In the city of Carrara, with its romantic primitivism, you will experience the poetry of time standing still. This is a territory linked historically to mining and marble workmanship, the eternal material that has enriched human civilization and even today retains its undiminished fascination. Carrara: where major artists throughout history have trained and worked, attracted by the availability of marble and skilled artisans, and where during the centuries the capacity to use other materials related to sculpture, such as stone, clay, plaster and wood, have been developed.

Carrara has a strong history of sculptors opering their doors to help train others who wish to pursue this art. In 1991 the sculptor Boutros Romhein following this tradition opened the doors of his studio to welcome anyone who desired to sculpt. Today, Boutros has years of experience in teaching both the ancient and modern techniques of working in marble, stone, clay and wood.

At our workshops, under the expert tutorage of one of our experts, you will develop your skills to technically manage the material we are working with in order to bring to life thoughts and ideas as part of the process of becoming a sculptor of your own creations.

We offer three difference courses depending on your ability and aspirations:

A: Basic training for beginners
This course will invite students to acquire basic skills, and become aware of and gain confidence with the selected material, whether it be marble, clay, wood, or other substance.
B: Courses for specialization or to widen one's knowledge, (for students who already possess basic training)
In this course, a work plan will be elaborated that satisfies the student's requests, while taking into consideration the expressive technical capacity and the artistic sensitivity of the student. From the outset the teacher will evaluate the student’s knowledge and proceed to teach on that basis.
C: Courses for special stone and marble techniques (professionals in the artistic sector)
This course focuses on teaching particular techniques, such as pointing and enlargement with compasses, and will be held only by request. A minimum of two students will be required for enlargement with compasses technique. Practicing is usually carried out by utilizing a model of a head or bust. Resulting work will remain in the ownership of the studio.

A teacher is present Monday to Friday from 9:00am until 12:00 noon, and from 2:00pm until 5:00pm. On Saturdays, from 9:00am until 12:00 noon. Students may also work outside the above-mentioned hours without the teacher's presence. A visit to the marble quarries is included, and art exhibitions can be organized upon request.

Pricing
One week course - A (manual workmanship)		€1,050
One week course - B & C (workmanship with mecanical tools)		€1,130
	Single room supplement - with or without ensuite	€224 or €300
	Cost for accompanying person (not participating in the course)	€270
	E xtra charge for winter courses	€150
Inclusive of: materials, use of work tools, shared accommodation, tutors, recreational area and kitchen. Exclusive of: travel, food, packing and forwarding of completed work (if necessary).

Accommodation
Our guest quarters are adjacent to the work area, and offer:

• Guest house accommodation: rooms with one, two or three beds. Single accommodation is available by request at additional cost. Shared facilities: bathrooms with showers; kitchen. Beds are prepared in advance, with sheets and blankets. (Towels are not provided).
• En suite accommodation: single or double rooms are available on request, each equipped with a personal bathroom (shower or bath). Shared facilities: kitchen.
• Mini-apartment, with double room, bathroom, and kitchen.

Arrival is scheduled for the Sunday preceding the beginning of the course.
Accommodation should be vacated before 10:00 a.m. on the Sunday following the end of the course.

Tutor
Sculpture courses are run by either our founder Boutros Romhein or Lutfi Romhein. Educational requirements, in particular for the teaching of specialized sculptural techniques, may also result in other professional sculptors and freelance professionals being present.

Location
The sculpture studio of sculptor Boutros Romhein, ARCO ARTE, is nestled between lush green hills, near the historic center of Carrara, only 1.8 km away. It is situated in the area called “Canalie” so-called since ancient times, and is on the road which, over the years, has transported marble blocks from the quarries to the sea. Canalie nestles at the foot of the Apuan Alps, with their squared white marble tops.

Upon reaching Carrara, one sees the alternation of green and white mountainous lines enclosing the town. Breaking free from the Apuans embrace, they stretch all the way out to the sea: Marina di Carrara with its bathing establishments.

Carrara’s geographic position offers visitors easy access by road and train to the main cities of art, such as Florence, Siena, Pisa, Cinqueterre or others . The beach in Marina di Carrara is only 10 km away; for those who prefer to take a hike in the mountain air, the Apuan Alps rise up to 2000 meters.

Getting There
The airports at both Genoa and Florence are around one hour 20 minutes from Carrara, whilst Pisa is just 45 minutes away. If driving then you will leave the motorway (A12) at Carrara and turn left heading towards the mountains. We'll provide you with more detailed direction should you choose to drive to us.