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 seven glorious days in Tuscany learning to create beautiful, light filled painterly stained glass mosaics in a five day mosaic workshop with renowned mosaic master Mia Tavonatti, eating fresh seasonal meals prepared by our own private chef, exploring Siena and wine tasting in local, family owned vineyards, building new friendships, learning to cook fresh pasta 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 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

-How to create painterly light and motion with stained glass.

-Various painting and stained glass methods and numerous detailed aspects of color theory and how they are used to    create the illusion of depth and transparency will be covered.

-Creation of and correct use of photo reference.

-Introduction to and refinement of your technical skills (all levels are accepted)

-Conversations on professionalism and expectations in the field of art and mosaics.  Mia will discus her own challenges and successes and answer questions about her experience and professional practices and choices along the way.

-Various uses and strengths of "andimento" and "edging" to further create depth.

-Discussions about design elements, texture and composition.

-How to "see" the glass and use its inherent beauty and transitions to create more natural depth in your work.

-How to "get out of your own way"…this is different for everyone, but the challenging nature of Mia's classes will help you transcend your creative blocks and experience your work and vision at a new level. 

-Demos for every step in Mia's personal process, which you will be learning in this workshop.  You are encouraged but not expected to complete the entire process, but most you will have a chance to experience every step before you leave, with plenty of open studio time available after class.

-Bonding through shared experience in a place that inspires and transforms!

Please note: Due to the nature of my 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 my 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 my process will be covered from start to the finished piece, and also addressed on an individual basis depending on your experience.

Designs: Will be provided by Mia Tavonatti and will be flowers, but not your usual boring flowers! We will be using white flowers as the best tool to teach color theory.  If a student has already taken this level course, a new level of difficulty will be introduced and the student may use their own flower reference with Mia’s approval. Mia is flexible and happy to work with each students needs.

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 😀

To let you get aquainted with your retreat mates and rest after your long journey to La Volpaia, your first full fun day in Tuscany will be spent exploring the famous City of Towers, San Gimignano. This part of western Chianti is home of Vernace white wine, which you'll be tasting 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 to make homemade pasta at SiChef Cooking School in nearby Tavarnelle. You will feast on your culinary creations before returning to La Volpaia.

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.

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 😀

On this day you will continue your exploration of one of Tuscany's true gems, Siena. You will have a guided tour of the city, it's Piazza del Campo, home of the famous Palio horse race, and the spectacular Duomo. You will have a private ceramic demo by one of Siena's most renowned ceramacists, Elizabetta, before having 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.