Dear 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! 

You'll spend eight glorious days in Tuscany learning to create beautiful, light filled painterly glass mosaics of water in a five day mosaic workshop with renowned mosaic master Mia Tavonatti, eating fresh seasonal meals prepared by our own private chef, exploring some of Tuscany's gems, wine tasting in local, family owned vineyards, building 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 artform of mosaic.

Come join us!

Benvenuto!  My name is Mia Tavonatti, and although I am a fairly 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, 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 :)

Water is a living, shifting canvas—transparent yet deeply colored, constantly in motion, and defined by how it bends and reflects the light. For the mosaic artist, translating this fluid energy into static, rigid materials is the ultimate creative challenge. In this immersive workshop, you will learn to dismantle the boundaries of solid materials to recreate the stunning translucence, depth, and kinetic movement of water. Working primarily in the direct method, we will explore how variations in texture, angling, and bed height can make a mosaic surface ripple and dance like a living current.Through hands-on guidance and technical demonstration, this course will deeply explore:

• The Architecture of Flow (Andamento): Learn to design dynamic, fluid lines of tesserae that dictate direction, rhythm, and speed—from the gentle meander of a stream to the chaotic churn of a wave.

• The Alchemy of Transparency: Master the strategic interplay between opaque smalti, vibrant stained glass, and pure, transparent glass to build a sense of deep, liquid space and glowing surfaces.

• Capturing Light Effects: Discover how to map highlights, reflections, and underwater refraction onto your canvas, utilizing the natural refraction of glass to catch real-world light.

• Dimensional Direct Method: Harness the freedom of working directly into the adhesive, utilizing varying material heights, stacking and subtle facet tilts to create a sculptural surface that shifts dynamically as the viewer moves past.

By the end of this course, you will no longer just be laying tile; you will be painting with light, shadow, and glass to bring the breathtaking characteristics of water to life.

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 and recently renovated by Mia. 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 😀

To let you get acquainted with your retreat mates and rest after your long journey to La Volpaia, your first full fun day in Tuscany will be spent exploring one of Tuscany's gems, which is yet to be determined. Wherever Mia decides to take you, you can be sure you you'll be tasting some wonderful Tuscan wines during your lunch at a small boutique winery in this stunning countryside before returning for a relaxing dinner at sunset prepared by our wonderful chefs.

Today is your first full day of your five day mosaic workshop where you will learn to create painterly stained glass mosaics, using the "Mia Method".

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

Afterwards, you will learn dine at one of Mia's favorite restaurants

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.

On this day you will continue your exploration of one of Tuscany's true gems, which is yet to be determined since Mia wants to make sure aLL HER "REPEAT OFFENDERS" have something new and there is no repetition. One thing is for sure is that you will have a leisurely lunch and wine tasting at a local, family owned vineyard in the countryside, before returning to the welcoming arms of La Volpaia for a sunset dinner al fresco.

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.