Italy Summer Art Restoration Workshops

Location: Altamura - Gravina in Puglia, BA, IT

Season: June 19, 2023 to August 10, 2023

Session Dates: 2023 Course 1: June 19 -29, 2023 Course 2: July 6 – 20, 2023 Course 3: July 27 – August 10, 2023

Application Deadline: June 15, 2023

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: http://www.messors.com

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Project Director:
Tonio Creanza

Project Description:

The Messors organization is offering a restoration course regarding Frescoes and Fine Art located in the rich cultural and historical setting of Southern Italy. The Frescoes are part of the rupestrian settlements (underground habitations) located in the Alta Murgia area in the Puglia region of Italy. Paintings on Canvas are part of private collections. A fresco making session will concentrate on the principles and chemistry of the technique and learning how to create decorative patterns and paintings using natural materials such us lime-based mortars and pigments. The workshop provides a practical focus, allowing students ample opportunity for participation in restoration technique. The courses are complemented by seminars in Art History, Geomorphological Studies and Religious Iconography and Rituals. The course also includes several site visits, including visits to Sassi of Matera (Unesco World Heritage site), a visit to the rupestrian churches and museums; two days trip visit to Pompeii and Naples.

The courses are led by Tonio Creanza director of Messors; guest lectures and hands-on works session will be given by restorer Filip Petcu (Faculty of Arts, Conservation and Restoration Department, University of Timisoara – Romania) and conservator Joana Diniz.

Course 1 (June 19-29, 2023), focuses on Paper, Painting and introduction to Fresco conservation. Does not include the field trip to Napoli and Pompeii. Guest lectures and hands-on works session will be given by chemist/conservator Bia Fonseca, conservator Joana Diniz.

https://vimeo.com/173711361

https://redmammothmedia.com/shepherdsinthecave/

Period(s) of Occupation: 14th - 18th century

Notes:
The programs are a "hands-on" opportunity to learn about art restoration and history.

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: full session

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: Enthusiasm for learning and sharing a sustainable approach to art, culture, and life. No prerequisites required. This is a hands-on and in-situ workshop to complement studies in the fields of conservation, arts, history & anthropology, archaeology etc. It is open to students, as well as to those keen on understanding the processes of restoration & preservation of art and cultural heritage. We remind applicants that works-of-art and historical sites that are worked on are part of the National Italian Cultural Patrimony and are to be treated with care and attention. Any practical intervention and actions while learning are under supervision and guidance. The nature of the activities in this workshop involves handling tools like scalpels, chisels, fine motor skills and operating in a low lighting environment in the cave sites.

Room and Board Arrangements:
Shared room occupancy accommodation 3 meals per day (exception of 4 dinners and 3 lunches). Transportation from an to Bari airport (BRI) and field trips. Cost: approx $1500 USD per week (see brochure for details).