Our Residency Program
Immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of La Collina Artist Residency. Our program offers artists the opportunity to escape the distractions of everyday life and focus on their creative pursuits. With uninterrupted time and a supportive environment, you can energize your artistic practice and bring your visions to life. Studio space is provided. A photography studio with professional lighting is available.
Street view showing 2 of the 4 studio glass doors
View of the lower level studios from the town square. Shop at the open-air market on Tuesdays, have coffee at the cafe and restaurants and enjoy plenty of people-watching of the locals chatting on the benches.
Detail of accordion watercolor book inspired by the landscape of Peccioli.
By 2024 resident artist, Phyllis Ewen
Who is encouraged to apply?
The residency is geared to those who can benefit from the working environment provided. Self-directed visual artists and writers in early, mid-career to mature career stages, who find this quiet space inspiring, will be encouraged to apply. Applicants are not judged on perceived artistic ability. We may be able to accommodate your significant other for a reduced rate.
Where is La Collina located in Italy?
Peccioli is about 35 minutes south of Pisa. We recommend flying into Pisa and transportation to the residency can be arranged.
What should I bring?
Residents must bring their own art materials. Studio requirements will be discussed with each individual artist.
How many artists are present at a time?
Depending on studio requirements, there could be between 4-6 artists present.
How long are the residencies?
Residencies have a minimum of 1 week, 2 weeks is the recommended stay. The possibility of longer stays may be available.
When are the residencies offered?
The exact dates for the 2025 residencies have not yet been solidified. March and April dates are being examined. One or two-week residencies are being offered.
How much does it cost?
The cost per week in2024 was $1600. Two weeks was $3000. We are doing our best to keep the cost as low as possible for 2025. If you share your airport transportation or rent your own car, there is an additional price reduction. This may be subject to change.
What is included?
A room and bath in an apartment shared with another artist(s). Apartments have a kitchen and living room and are situated in town where you can walk to the studio, shops, exhibits, cafes, and restaurants.
Dinners! Authentic Tuscan dinners prepared by local chefs and in charming restaurants are included. Dinner is an important time to gather as a community. Breakfast and lunch are not included. Have your cappuccino and pastry at the local cafe for breakfast like the Italians do! The apartments are fully equipped for any meal prep you care to do.
Excursions to nearby towns for some sightseeing!
Transportation to and from Pisa airport is included. From the Florence airport, you will need to take the train to Pontederra for pick-up.
Testimonials
Thank you, Kathryn! Kathryn was part of a large group (32!) that I had the pleasure of organizing near Peccioli.
La Collina Residency was just what I needed to encourage new directions in my art. It was fabulous in all ways: the studio, the apartment, the beautiful town of Peccioli, and scrumptious dinners. I started each day in a cafe across the street where I sat on the terrace with my croissant and Cafe Americano, then walked to my studio where I drew and painted for several hours before dinner. Phyllis Ewen, 2024 Resident Artist
Our 2024 Residents
Scott Bantle, painter from the Pacific Palasades, CA
Artists in all stages of artistic development are invited. Email us below. Let's talk!
Phyllis Ewen, multimedia artist, from Somerville, MA
Lois Arthur, painter, from West Roxbury, MA
Jessie Pollock, Painter, Hancock, NH
Jessie's paintings completed at the residency
are currently being exhibited at the
Mitchell Giddings Gallery in Brattleboro, VT.
Meet us!
Laurie McGowan, LaCollina Director, has been leading art groups to places all over the world for the past 20 years. Italy is her favorite! Could it be the art, the culture, the people, or THE FOOD!!! Teaching art, exhibiting her photography in galleries all over New England keeps her busy when not at the residency. She will be sure to make your artist residency an experience you'll never forget and may take your art to the next level.
Laurie just organized a her family reunion to Ireland for 42 people! they met up with lot of Irish family and everyone had a blast!
Member: Women's Caucus of Art, and Monadnock Art, Director of The Conant Gallery, Lawrence Academy, Groton, MA
Paul Schlotman is a revered engineering teacher, trip leader, gardener, and story-teller who will support the residency behind the scenes making sure everyone is happy and well fed!
John Rooney is a photographer and the owner of Spy Pond Gallery in Newcastle, Ireland where he lives with his wife and 3 children. Laurie and John have led numerous photography workshops together in the US and all over Ireland. He is also a musician and will surely grace us with his songs.
Massimo Pasqueletti is co-owner of Arianna and Friends, THE Tuscan tour agency, and a Renaissance man to the core! Born and raised in Peccioli, he is our go-to guy for anything and everything!