This will be Gwen’s first time teaching with Adventures in Italy. Keep reading to find out more about her style and her hopes for the class.
What are you most excited about in visiting Orvieto?
This is a part of Italy that I haven’t been to before and I’m so excited by the ambiance, the beautiful old architecture, and possibly seeing the Etruscan caves while we’re there! It’s also really fun to think about staying and having our main classroom in a convent / former palace instead of just staying in a hotel or regular B&B… so much cooler!
What do you hope your students will take away from your class?
Mostly I hope that it’s fun and that they come away with a keepsake that helps them to remember an amazing trip. We’ll create a fun and relatively easy book structure, but aside from that, each one will be a unique treasure full of individual memories and perspectives on the experience.
What is it about teaching in Orvieto that’s so special?
Teaching in the middle of such an old, historic environment. There’s such a different feeling to places like that and I think it will have a very cool impact on the work we do while we’re there.
How do you incorporate Orvieto/Italy in your teaching this week?
Part of the project is going to be capturing memories, thoughts, ephemera, and other artwork inspired by the visit. Some may choose to add sketches as well, so the project itself is part art journal, part travel journal and will be unique to each person’s experience in Orvieto.
What cultural experience are you most looking forward to?
I love all of it, so it’s hard to narrow it to a single experience. I want to see the cathedral, experience the markets, and see the Etruscan ruins. The food is also a big part of the appeal!
What are you most excited to share with your students?
Probably as much my love and enthusiasm for travel and being in such a special place as the art itself. I love to explore and just experience the location and try and find ways to bring that back into my work and I’m hoping that translates in the class.
Do you have a favorite spot to people watch?
Restaurants, markets, train stations… anywhere that you can sit a bit out of the way and there are lots of other people coming and going is a great opportunity.
What’s your favorite flavor of gelato?
My go-to is usually pistachio, but I tend to look at whatever is there and pick what looks good and what I’m in the mood for. Anything from lemon to stracciatella, although generally speaking I tend to avoid chocolate based gelato.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I think this is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get together and have an authentic travel experience that’s supplemented by art, all in the company of people with whom you already know you share common interests (art and travel!) It’s going to be a fantastic time!
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