Dear Painting and Mosaic Lovers,

We are excited to announce a new mosaic retreat at La Volpaia (the fox’s den), in the heart of Tuscany in May 2027!  This is Mia's signature course...crafted to combine her two loves: painting and glass mosaic.

You'll spend eight glorious days in Tuscany learning to create beautiful, light filled still life paintings and mosaics in a five day mosaic workshop with renowned mosaic master Mia Tavonatti, known for having the first mosaic archived on the moon! You will eat delicious seasonal meals prepared by our own private chef, explore Cortona and San Galgano , wine and dine in local, family owned vineyards, build new friendships, and so much more!

All you have to do is get to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance, where you will be picked-up and transported to Chianti in Tuscany, and Mia's private 500+ year old villa and studio, where you will learn to see with new eyes and translate your vision into reality with the ancient artforms of painting and mosaic.

Benvenuto!  My name is Mia Tavonatti, and although I am a recent transplant to Italy, I have had a deep love and appreciation for all things Italian, especially its art and cultural history, since I was a child making pasta with my nonna.  I have made La Volpaia my home and hope to share my love of the land, La Volpaia's rich 500-year-old history and traditional Tuscan comforts with you.  I am a lifelong professional artist, so La Volpaia enjoys a uniquely creative spirit and welcomes all who want to dig deeper into their own creative pursuits, or just relax by the pool and take in the sunsets with a good glass of wine!  I am no chef, but I can certainly provide the vino :)

Some of what you will learn / experience in this intensive

The artistic core of this 8-day retreat is a beautifully structured 5-day workshop, seamlessly divided into two distinct creative phases:

• Days 1 & 2 | The Painting Phase:

You will spend the first two days focused entirely on classical painting. Working from carefully curated setups in the studio and on-site, you will learn how to design, compose, light, and photograph dynamic still lifes. By the end of day two, you will have completed your own small-scale still life paintings to use as your reference for your mosaic.

• Days 3 to 5 | The Mosaic Phase:

Over the final three days, you will translate one or more of your painted masterpieces into radiant glass art. Under Mia's guidance, you will bridge traditional mosaic methods with specialized painting and stained glass techniques. Using the direct method and a rich combination of premium stained glass and traditional smalti, you will learn how to manipulate your materials to build incredible depth, fluid movement, and capture the brilliant Italian light reflecting off your subjects.🎨

Your Take-Home Collection

After 5 immersive days in the studio, you will have successfully advanced your technical skills across multiple mediums. You will leave the workshop ready to pack and proudly take home a beautiful, small collection of both your original paintings and finished glass mosaic still lifes.

Please note: Due to the nature of this class and the way we work with the glass, you will NOT be given a finite amount of glass but, rather, will be working from Mia's personal collection.  You will be able to take your small scraps home but not larger pieces needed if you do not finish the work in class. The focus of this class is to teach you how to “see” the glass and does not focus as much on technical aspects, although all stages of Mia's process will be covered from start to the finished piece, and also addressed on an individual basis depending on your experience.

Designs: You will be arranging and photographing your own still life subjects here at La Volpaia and on site during our Tuscan adventures!

Nestled in the heart of Chianti, La Volpaia is a captivating 20-acre property with a rich history. Built in 1521 by an aristocratic family still residing in the area, this enchanting villa has been meticulously restored by an architect/artist. Surrounded by 240 olive trees producing organic extra virgin olive oil, it offers a taste of Tuscan authenticity.

Featuring six bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom, a well-appointed kitchen, two living rooms, and a dedicated office/reading room, La Volpaia seamlessly blends comfort and rustic elegance. The 20 acre property boasts a lavender field, an infinity pool with spectacular sunset views over vineyards and the Apennine mountains, an outdoor bbq kitchen and bocce court, and numerous outdoor spaces for relaxation, exploring, communing with nature or quiet contemplation.

Situated on a tranquil hilltop amidst vineyards and olive trees, La Volpaia provides a private, intimate escape, while its central location between Florence, Siena and San Gimignano ensures convenient access to Tuscany's cultural gems. This haven invites you to unwind, surround yourself with art, savor organic delights, and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Chianti and the Tuscan countryside. La Volpaia, hosted by an award-winning painter and mosaic artist, is a living masterpiece. The 500-year-old walls bear witness to original artworks by esteemed artists, while the former barn serves as both an operational art studio and gallery. Internationally acclaimed artists teach painting and mosaics to students who journey here from across the globe. Sculptures punctuate the scenic landscape, making every moment at this ancient farmhouse a source of inspiration, fueled by the vibrant essence of creativity.

Airport transfers from Florence Airport or train station 

Welcome Dinner 7:30 o'clock

All airport arrivals must arrive prior to your 4:30 pm pickup.

If you arrive before our 1st day, there will also be a pickup at Santa Maria Novella train Station at 1 pm. (Exact location will be sent to you well in advance of your travel plans).

Any transport required outside of these times will be paid by the guest, so please book your arrival and departure times carefully 😀

We’ll kick off the day with a relaxed guided tour through Cortona, soaking in the medieval geometry, textures, and architecture of this beautiful hilltop town. Next, we’ll head just outside the walls to the ancient Franciscan Hermitage—a quiet, stone sanctuary where natural light, rugged rock, and history piece together beautifully. We'll wrap up our creative day at a local vineyard for la late unch, where we can talk shop over great food and a few glasses of regional wine.

Today is your first full day of your five day combo painting and mosaic mosaic workshop where you will learn classic painting processes before translating your designs into glass mosaics, using the direct method.

A full day in the studio pushing the bounds of your creativity.

Afterwards, we will go out for a lovely dinner in an ancient hill town nearby.

A full days work in the studio. Mia will teach you "how to see" through the eyes of an artist, using her unique method and vast experience as master painter and mosaic artist.

We’re heading deep into the Tuscan countryside to experience one of the most visually stunning architectural skeletons in the world: the roofless Abbey of San Galgano. Walking through this gothic masterpiece is like stepping into an open-air sculpture; with the sky as its ceiling, the play of light, shadow, and negative space is pure inspiration for any visual artist. Just a short walk up the hill brings us to the Eremo di Montesiepi, a circular brick chapel housing the legendary, ancient Sword in the Stone —a striking focal point steeped in myth. We’ll crown the day's journey at a family-owned winery nearby, gathering around a rustic table for an intimate, homemade lunch paired with estate wines.

Today you will spend you fourth full day in the studio learning more about color theory, composition, the color in the shadows and SO much more as you progress on your mosaic surrounded by other mosaic lovers.

Sadly, all good things must come to an end...BUT not before you put in your last full studio day under the constant expansion of your vision through Mia's teaching. Your success will be celebrated with our "L'Ultima Cena", featuring a tradional Tuscan BBQ featuring a 3 course dinner and finally, a Certificate Ceremony.

This morning you will bid your farewells to La Volpaia...until next time 😘

Departure from LV for the airport will be at 6:30 - 7 am.

For those extending their trip in Italy or elsewhere, there will also be a transport to the train station in Florence at 9 am.

Any transport required outside of these times will be paid by the guest, so please book your arrival and departure times carefully 😀

Cancellation Policy for Retreats

* In case of cancellation by La Volpaia 1521, all fees paid, minus any credit card or transfer fees paid, will be refunded in full.

*All deposits are fully refundable (minus any credit card, instructor or transfer fees) until the date the SECOND deposit is due. After that, all fees paid, including the deposit, any extras or installment payments are only refundable if your reservation can be filled. 

Your spot may be gifted to someone else for this retreat only.

*In case of a medical emergency, you will be credited for a future retreat as long as a doctor's note is provided. This credit may be used for any of La Volpaia's retreats within the next TWO years from this retreat, and does NOT guarantee a workshop with the same instructor. You may also gift your spot to someone else within those two years.

We recommend you purchase travelers insurance to cover any unforseen circumstances.