Experimental drawing program in Italy to be offered next year
By Paola Palaez
An experimental drawing program will take place in Italy from May 31 to June 27, providing the opportunity for students to study art, work in a studio and go sightseeing.
The total cost of the program is $6,540 including tuition, museum fees, travel and accommodation costs, a meal plan and studio space in Florence.
Some expenses not included are groceries, public transportation outside of class, internet access and shopping.
“The reality is that not everyone can afford to pay for this trip. I feel that that’s the downside to this,” said Tara Fracalossi, fine arts professor who spoke at the informational meeting on the program. “There’s not really a downside to this program besides the economical factor.”
After arriving in Italy, students will spend four days in Rome where they will visit museums and explore the city.
The rest of the month will be spent in Florence where students will be living in the historic center of the city.
“I guess [it’s necessary to remember] that this trip is not a vacation time but is indeed a time to work,” said Fracalossi. “It’s the fact that we realize that we have a purpose in being there. But then again, how many people get the chance to say they studied abroad, let alone in Italy?”
Students are not expected to know Italian, but Drawing I is a prerequisite for those who would like to take the course.
For four weeks the group will explore the Renaissance time period by visiting various museums and famous sites, such as the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
From there, students will begin to take in a certain amount of inspiration, ideas and techniques, which later on will be applied to their own work.
The time spent in the studio will be the equivalent of a three credit course and fulfills a required elective for Hudson Valley’s fine arts Program.
The studio where students will be working will be provided by the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS).
Besides working in the studio, students will have the opportunity to draw in various locations such as at Michelangelo’s statue of David.
“The students that go in one month are transformed. Don’t get me wrong, they all start off amazing, but I don’t know, something happens when they live there for these 4 weeks. They gain perspective that lasts longer than a lifetime,” said Fracalossi.