Siena Art Institute (SART)

If you are an artist that is disciplined and wants to work towards refining your practice, the resources available will definitely help you reach your potential. You must be ready to know what you want to gain from this program to be able to fully take advantage of the opportunity. Franca Marini has completely changed the way I approach paintings, and I could not be more grateful for all of Lisa Nonken’s support. Another very warm thank you to Valeria, who has been an exceptional and patient teacher for our Italian classes.

-being among art students (mostly American undergraduates) was lively and inspiring. -the "casa" room was modern, bright and clean. -visiting artists are mostly left to structure their own time but invited to evening events in town. Siena is a lively cultural center with tons of art and music events. -springtime (April) residency: bring warm pjs and cozy clothes for your studio (especially if you're a writer and sit still for long stretches of time!).

The administrative staff was so unbelievably friendly and accommodating. I felt immediately integrated into the international community there. It was a perfect balance of public and private engagement. The location can't be beat. My experience there is something I'll treasure forever.

The housing they provided was exceptional. The workspace itself could have used AC during the summer months. Siena is lovely but quiet. This is not for urban folk who want an ever-changing atmosphere. But if your work is related to peace and quiet or the Tuscan countryside, go for it.

The benefits are fantastic location, walkability to all cultural sites, green spaces, private and quiet with an amazing private permaculture garden on site. The art and architecture are beyond spectacular—a medieval time capsule. Staff and faculty are really friendly and helpful, orienting me to the town when first arriving, including me in field trips with current abroad program students, providing a generous handbook as well as in-person suggestions on what to see where and when, support for doing a site-specific project, respecting the artist's privacy but also extending invitations to meals and tea from time to time. My partner came with me which was a bonus. We cooked a lot, produce is good—and Conad (the supermarket) is walkable and affordable. The studio space was located right next to the studio apartment in the institute's main building which was provided by the residency so I could work at any time day or night—very functional and comfortable. Challenges were around knowing I would need to bring minimal supplies with me, and respond locally to resources as needed which I was able to figure out. I was amazed at how much work I generated, discrete works, public work, gave a lecture which was well publicized and recorded, participated in a project critique with current students, amongst other things. My studio visit with artist/curator/faculty Bernardo Giorgi was meaningful conceptually and in terms of implementing a project while there and the feeling that more ideas could be explored in the future. Conversations with the Director Mariam Grotanelli about art and education were really substantive and I appreciated her vision and support. Faculty/Staff Lisa Nonken was so thoughtful and helpful throughout and Jackie Tune, faculty really extended herself to us socially including hosting us for a meal and hike around her home. We were able to travel on weekends to the International Art Fair Bologna, Certaldo to La Meridiana, Assisi, etc. We also spent time in Florence on either end of our time in Italy. We were able to use frequent flyer miles to travel from the US to Europe. Once there, flights to Florence and then train to Siena are financially reasonable. So much to say. One month went fast. Mind blown, so inspiring, unforgettable. I would go back!