Coastal Connections
Vasto, Italy – Sunday, 5th October ~ Saturday, 12 October, 2025
A One-Week Art Workshop with Artists Lorna Mulligan & Christopher Webb
Villa Monteferrante is excited to offer you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of visual arts with two internationally renowned multidisciplinary artists:
Lorna Mulligan
Canadian Artist, Calligrapher, Teacher
Christopher Webb
Canadian Multidisciplinary Artist ~ Educator
Set in the seaside town of Vasto, located along Italy’s Adriatic Coast, this workshop provides the perfect setting to explore and unleash your creativity, surrounded by beauty and cultural heritage.
Throughout this immersive week-long workshop, participants will be encouraged to respond to the breathtaking scenery of the Vasto region in Italy. Led by two experienced arts instructors, the participants will explore innovative approaches to their art practice, experiment with new techniques, and produce work that unlocks fresh creative possibilities.
Both Lorna Mulligan and Christopher Webb create artwork inspired by their immediate environment — the ocean. They go beyond seascape painting to delve into the essence of water and to create informed artwork that resonates with the viewer. Although they bring different artistic styles to this workshop, they bring a shared passion of artistic intent.
Along with guided activities, the workshop includes a mix of plein-air painting and in-studio production, that will enable participants to connect deeply with their immediate surroundings, sparking ideas to further their artistic journey. Participants will also gain valuable insight into the logistics of putting on an exhibition, as the culmination of the week’s work will be a curated group art event, open to the local public of the Vasto region.
This engaging workshop includes opportunities to share experiences, receive mindful critiques from two professional artists, and engage in discussions about what it truly means to be an artist. Interactions with local artists and members of the arts community through studio and gallery visits will further enrich the experience, providing participants with invaluable connections and inspiration.
By the end of the week, participants will not only have advanced their artistic skills but will have had the unique opportunity of presenting their artwork in a thoughtfully curated group exhibition in Italy — a memorable conclusion to an unforgettable artistic journey.
All visual mediums are welcome, including drawing, mixed media, collage, and painting. When the course comes to its conclusion, you will depart with: a collection of your artworks created during the workshop; an “International Exhibition in Vasto, Italy” to add to your CV; new techniques, skills, and inspiration to continue your artistic journey; unforgettable memories of an enriching experience in a beautiful coastal town; and new friends, connections, and creative insights.
WHERE WE ARE
Nestled along the Adriatic coast, Vasto is a historic town founded in the 7th century BCE. Its medieval center is home to charming churches and hidden artistic treasures. The town is known for its connection to the Palizzi brothers, prominent painters of the Neapolitan school, as well as Gabriele Rossetti, father of Christina and Dante Gabriel, and Pietro di Donato, author of Christ in Concrete.
Meet our FACULTY
LORNA MULLIGAN
Lorna Mulligan is an artist, teacher and calligrapher.
She studied at the University of British Columbia, and at the Banff Centre. She taught art classes in Montreal for over twenty years at the Visual Arts Centre. Other institutions include École Rubika and Dawson College (Continuing Education Department). Recently, she has led intensive workshops at three international creative arts conferences. Lorna has exhibited her mixed media artworks across Canada, in the USA, and in Europe. Her artwork features in numerous collections.
Situated at the intersection of materiality and memory, Lorna’s paintings are visual responses to the act of walking along fragile coastal landscapes. Her work is about unpredictable edges, combining lyrical abstraction with energetic brushwork and flowing washes, often accompanied by her own calligraphic written text. Lorna’s artwork has a contemplative feel, albeit full of gestural energy and power. The imagery fluctuates with a poetic balance between glimpses of actual geographical locations and the constant reminder of the painted surface.
Christopher Webb
Christopher Webb is a self-taught, visual artist who lives in works in Nova Scotia, Canada.
He was awarded the CREA – Cantieri del Contemporaneo Venezia Prize for Painting and will have his first international solo exhibition in 2025 at the Marina Bastianello Gallery in Venice, Italy. He has participated in numerous Canadian solo and international group exhibitions and has been an artist-in-residence in both Canada and Europe. Webb frequently guest lectures at universities and art colleges and is also the co-founder and director of PAVIA Gallery where he curates exhibitions, directs an artist-in-residence program, and teaches private art classes.
Webb’s practice explores the interplay between humanity and the expanding realm of global trade and its profound impact on our planet. His motifs are often imaginary which he paints in a photorealistic, technically masterful way, resulting in images that are deeply familiar yet intriguingly unknowable. Pieces of paper filled with Webb’s prose or notes often provide a sub-layer for his works and these experiments with texture and scale help to produce works rich in layered meanings. More recently, Webb has produced a series of intimately scaled paintings of shipping containers and the massive cargo vessels which he views daily from his studio.
Meet Your HOST
LUIGI MONTEFERRANTE
Originally from Montreal, Canada, Luigi Monteferrante now calls Vasto, Italy, home, where he dedicates his time to teaching, writing, and painting.
His workshop is, in part, a celebration of the centenary of Villa Monteferrante, a historic Liberty-style villa that has stood proudly overlooking the Adriatic Sea since 1925. With its elegant architecture and breathtaking views, the Villa provides an inspiring retreat for artists and writers seeking space for reflection and creative exploration.
The Villa is home to two well-equipped studios, available for short- or long-term rentals, offering a rare opportunity for independent artists and writers to immerse themselves in their work while surrounded by history, beauty, and tranquility.
WORKSHOP DETAILS
A One-Week Visual Art Workshop with Artists from Canada Lorna Mulligan & Christopher Webb from October 5-12.
Dates
Arrival: 5 October 2025
Departure: 12 October 2025
Workshop Sessions
- Monday to Friday
- Morning: 9 AM – 12 PM
- Afternoon: 1 PM – 4 PM
- Saturday
- AM – Exhibition Preparation
- PM – Exhibition
Location
Vasto – historic landmarks, scenic promenades, outdoor venues, beaches
Limited Availability
Only 15 spots available for an intimate, hands-on experience.
What about Materials?
Participants may bring their own materials, favourite brushes, for example, but there are local art supply shops with a fair selection of goods. With that, there are a number of well stocked Art Stores in Vasto where you can find commonly used supplies, various types of paints, and boards, papers, canvases, etc. For specific requests, please email Luigi for more information.
BONUS: Participants can receive a special 25% discount on Gallo Colors.
Handmade in Italy, Gallo watercolours use the finest pigments, honey, and rosemary oil.
FEE STRUCTURE
Early Registration before June 1, 2025:
1295 EUR ( $1940 CDN)
Regular Fee:
1525 EUR ($2250 CDN)
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- All art workshops with Christopher & Lorna
- 2 x Wine & Cheese Events
- All Lunches From Monday
- 2 x Studio Visits
- A traditional welcome BBQ at Villa Monteferrante
- A Guided Tour of Vasto to explore the local culture & history
NOT INCLUDED
- Accomodation
- Airfare
- Insurance
- Travel costs
- Other personal expenses.
WHY JOIN US?
Expert Guidance
Lorna and Christopher, both accomplished artists and experienced teachers, will guide you through new approaches to creativity, helping you discover and enhance your artistic voice.
Group Exhibition
Showcase your work in a group exhibition open to the public.
Wine & Cheese Events
Enjoy wine and cheese during several studio visits, perfect for connecting with fellow participants and local artists.
Personalized Experience
With just 15 participants, you’ll receive tailored guidance to elevate your artistic practice.
Diverse Venues and Mindscapes
The workshop will take place in various inspiring locations, including the main venue, Scuderia Aragona, and other scenic spots. You’ll also have the chance to meet local artists who will join us during sessions.
How to Apply
Fill out the application form to reserve your spot. Since spaces are limited, we recommend applying as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience.
REGISTER NOW
Spaces are limited to just 15 participants, so don’t miss your chance for an unforgettable artistic adventure in Vasto, Italy.
Travel Information
Participants are responsible for booking their own flights and arranging ground transportation.
The Workshop is in Vasto, Italy is located in this charming seaside town on the Adriatic coast, just 3.5 hours east of Rome.
The nearest major airport is in Rome, from where you can take a direct bus to Vasto.
Alternatively, Pescara Airport offers budget-friendly flights from various European cities.
GETTING HERE
For travelers from North America, we recommend flying into Rome.
From Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, there are several bus services that provide direct transport to Vasto. The most convenient option is the bus to Vasto Terminal Bus—be sure to confirm your stop with the driver. The journey costs approximately €25, though prices may vary based on time and conditions. The bus transfer typically takes around 4.5 hours.
You can find bus timetables and book tickets at the following links:
GROUP TRAVEL
If you are traveling as part of a group, please inform us in advance. We will make every effort to accommodate group-specific needs and offer any additional arrangements when possible.
Join Us!
We would love to speak with you.
Feel free to reach out using the below details.