Art Course Structure
The Verrocchio Arts Centre, in the beautiful hill top village of Casole d'Elsa, Toscana, offers art courses, studios and accommodation. The two week courses run from May till October and are open to students of all ages, levels of experience and ability. The owner and founder of the Centro, Nigel Konstam runs sculpture courses in his own studio, and offers regular lectures on the fascinating wealth of art and art history of the region of Tuscany. Painting courses (including watercolour, oil painting, drawing and landscape painting) are run by visiting tutors whose energy, enthusiasm and skill create a good learning environment in which students can gain confidence and make real progress. The premises are available to tutor led groups. Italian language lessons can sometimes be arranged.

For more detailed information on any of the courses above together with a resume of the tutor, please send us an enquiry using the form below.

The following is an outline of a typical day at the Verrocchio Arts Centre:

• Breakfast at 8.30am
• Teaching from 9.30 – 12.30
• Break for lunch and siesta until about 3pm
• Teaching period again from about 3 – 5pm
• Dinner at 8pm. After dinner there may be a talk with slides, or some entertainment in the village
• There is one free day in the middle of the course generally Friday when we usually organise a trip (optional) to Siena
• This is also the cook and staff's day off. There is the choice of the Pizzeria or the Trattoria in the village for the evening meal. Tuition is available for 5 hours a day for 11 days out of the 12 days of your stay, though you are welcome to use the studios at any time. Normally there will be two life drawing sessions.

Anyone with a willingness to learn is welcome whatever their standard.

Courses
Our holiday art courses last for 2 weeks
Course start dates are always a Friday with tuition actually starting on the Saturday. The return date is Thursday two weeks later. Arrival after 5pm on Friday. Departure before 10am on Thursday. For specific pricing please enquire using the form below or telephone us using the number at the bottom.

Accommodation
We are able to offer both single and double rooms here at the Arts Centre. Meals are taken at the centre where we have a reputation for excellent Italian cuisine with meals generally being taken outisde on the terrace which offers sunny as well as shady areas. Onsite you will also find a well stocked art library which is available to you.

In summer there is an outdoor swimming pool in the village and we also have our own indoor swimming pool (ppictured above).

Art Tutors
Nigel Konstam, the resident director is a sculptor whose work is firmly based in the European tradition. He studied sculpture,drawing and painting at Camberwell School of Art (1956-8) and has worked as a sculptor and teacher ever since. His book "Sculpture, The Art and the Practice" (Collins '84) was praised by the critics for its 'lively, knowledgeable and stimulating discussion on the nature of art and the way an artist's mind works ...marvellous chapters which deal in depth with imagination and creativity, structure and composition.' 'A most remarkable handbook.'

Location
Casole d'Elsa is a charming medieval hilltop town situated in wonderful countryside around Siena. Originally it was a domain of the Bishop of Volterra but in the middle of the 13th century it passed under the control of Siena. The Sienese strengthened the fortifications because of its strategical positionIn 1554 Casole surrended, after strenuous resistance, to the imperial and Florentine armies during the war against Siena. The dualism between Siena and Volterra still survives in the daily life of Casole for political purposes it is in the Province of Siena, whereas it falls under the Diocese of Volterra for religious matters.

As a place to live and work Casole is very close to the ideal. Near enough to the bright lights of Siena and Florence but basking in a rural peacefulness and contentment, it seems to belong to another age. Casole can be lively enough on Festa days, particularly on the second Sunday in July when we hold our own Palio (like Siena, but jollier). Tea dances and discos alternate for the rest of the month in the castle grounds, and the village joins to celebrate on various occasions throughout the year with processions, bands, open air suppers or singing and dancing in the streets.

Getting There
For those arriving by air Florence Airport "Amerigo Vespucci" (FLR) offers connections with all major Italian and European cities. Additionally Pisa's international Airport "Galileo Galilei" (PSA) is only 80km West and offers another route to this region including low cost flights from London Stansted. Florence is found on the Milan to Rome train line with many trains each day.

Once at Florence, Casole d'Elsa is approximately 60km south west. We'll be happy to advise on travel options nearer the time.