Collage Your Travels
A Mixed Media Sketchbook Adventure with Catherine Rains
23rd - 30th July 2027
Join us for an unforgettable collage art retreat where you’ll immerse yourself in the rich history, exquisite cuisine, and captivating landscapes of Le Marche, Italy — all while collaging your travel story in a keepsake sketchbook.
Under the gentle guidance of mixed media collage artist Catherine Rains, you’ll chronicle your travel experience with a blend of collage making and smartphone photography. Each step of the way, you’ll be supported to follow your inspiration as you create many types of one-of-a-kind collage papers infused with your exploration of Le Marche. From quaint cobblestone streets to sweeping vistas of the Adriatic Coast, every moment becomes a source of inspiration as you collect memories to create dynamic collage compositions that tell the story and joy of your weeklong adventure.
Whether you’re a novice eager to explore the world of collage or a seasoned mixed media artist seeking new inspiration, this retreat offers something for everyone.
But the journey doesn’t end there. Armed with newfound skills and expanded creative confidence, you’ll return home equipped to collage your future adventures, whether in your own neighborhood or across the globe. And perhaps most importantly, you’ll forge lifelong connections with fellow artists and kindred spirits who share your passion for creativity and exploration.
Join us as we embark on a transformative voyage of self-expression, discovery, and camaraderie. Whether you’re capturing the beauty of Le Marche or charting your own artistic course, Collage Your Travels promises to be an experience you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
About Catherine
I’m so happy that your path has led you here. As a mixed media artist with 30+ years of experience, my intention is to help you (re)connect, (re)awaken and create collages that channel YOUR inner voice.
My own art journey began at age 33 when it felt like I was drowning from an overwhelming day job. Seeking stress relief, I impulsively created my first collage with absolutely no art experience.
Something magical happened that day. I realized that for the first time in ages, I was genuinely having FUN.
That one joy-filled collage became the turning point, setting my life on a course I previously could have never imagined. From navigating career changes, an art business, a cancer diagnosis, an unexpected divorce, and even hauling 50-pound suitcases of art supplies and creating late at night after working my day job on the road – my commitment to creating art from the depths of my soul never wavered.
Fast forward to today and I’m living my dream as a full-time artist and educator, empowering fellow creatives (yes, that means you!)to make collages that awaken, inspire and speak truth into the world.
The methods I share in COLLAGE YOUR TRAVELS aren’t just about art – they’re about transformation. They’ve reshaped my life and the lives of countless students, and I’m honored to invite you to join me on this incredible journey. Together, we’ll explore the picturesque landscape of Le Marche, Italy as we create collages that capture the essence of your travel story, and your life.
Included in the price:
• All tuition fees
• 7 nights accommodation in luxury air-conditioned, en-suite rooms with: see our rooms here
– Luxury bedding
– High quality, 100% natural, Italian toiletries: shampoo, shower gel, body lotion and hand gel
– Daily servicing of the rooms
– Mid-week linen and towel change
– 100% cotton waffle robes and slippers
• All meals including breakfast, buffet lunch and a choice of up to 4 courses from our daily changing gourmet evening menu
• A ‘pizza-giro’ evening at a local trattoria within a few minutes walk of the hotel
• Delicious local wine with lunch and evening meal
• Private group transfers to and from either Ancona airport or Pedaso (station or bus stop)
• 4 days’ painting tuition including demonstrations and one-to-one advice and guidance
• Guided orientation walking tour of the medieval hill-top town of Montelparo on day of arrival
• Experience the community and culture on a “Taste of Le Marche” full day experience visiting three local, family run, artisanal food & wine producers with a tour and tasting at each
• Full day excursion to the beautiful Renaissance town of Ascoli Piceno full of history as well as fabulous boutique shops, charming cafes and one of Italy’s most beautiful piazzas (lunch not included)
• Delight in a hands-on pasta making masterclass with three generations of the same family – Nonna, her son and her grandaughter – who will all teach you how to make tagliatelle and ravioli from scratch
• Enjoy a paper-making masterclass where you’ll learn the secrets of hand-made paper making
• Private transfers for excursion
• Unlimited use of air-conditioned studio
• Full-time staff on site including concierge service
Prices start from €4099 per person based on two people sharing a room
Deposit
To secure you spot on the retreat please click on the Retreat Booking button above, complete the form, select your preferred room type and pay a non-refundable deposit of €350.
Travel / Transfers
The group pick up is at 2pm from Ancona airport and 3pm at Pedaso train station or bus stop.
On the day of departure we will leave for Ancona airport after breakfast at 9.30am. Hotel Leone is about one hour and a quarter from the airport so you should arrive just before / around 11.00am your ideal return flight should be later than 12 noon.
If you’d like to arrive a day or two early and stay in Ancona or Pedaso, below are the hotels we normally recommend:
For more information, including pricing per room type, please fill in your details below
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The hotel will be booked exclusively for you and your art group. Please note that the hotel is situated in a medieval hill-top town and that from the main building to the studio building there is a very brief walk on a slightly sloping but smooth cobbled street. All rooms have stairs-only access and if you choose a room the upper floor in the main building this will entail two sets of stairs. Therefore, this venue may not be suited for participants with limited mobility. Please also be mindful that the days on location may involve walking on uneven, cobbled streets. The exact locations will vary based on instructor planning, group dynamics and/or weather conditions.
