This spectacular two week program offers the opportunity to live and create in Florence, Italy, a cultural capital of Europe. As the home of the Italian Renaissance and birthplace of the modern world, Florentines championed democracy, science, literature as well as painting, sculpture, and architecture. The Tuscan countryside offers rolling landscapes, pastoral farms, vineyards, and medieval towns clinging to the hills.

Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA) will be our home base.  It is a premier facility for image-making, featuring four intaglio presses, an exposure unit, a dedicated printmaking darkroom, lockers, flat files, and an Apple computer with 13-inch printer.  Participants will have access to all of this and more during this immersive hands-on experience.  Located in the heart of Florence, SRISA is just steps from the Duomo, Uffizi, Accademia, Mercato Centrale, Santa Croce, and countless restaurants.

Ron Pokrasso and Devin Kovach, long-time collaborators, will again partner to deliver a dynamic blend of innovative techniques along with the assistance of Tamara Ronci, the SRISA studio manager.

Devin Kovach is an artist and printmaker based in Rome, Italy. He currently heads the printmaking program at Temple University Rome and is also faculty at the Rome University of Fine Art, where he teaches courses in experimental print practice.  Kovach has collaborated with Pokrasso for over 16 years, and has contributed to the Florence workshop numerous times as assistant and co-instructor.  He’s excited to share his 11 years of teaching and art-making experience in contemporary and experimental Italian printmaking with the 2027 group. Together Devin and Ron will cover the basics while also continue to introduce new visions of printmaking in an ever-expanding field. You can check out Devin’s work at his website www.devinkovach.it

COURSE OFFERING

Monotype and chine colle’ form the core of the workshop. Using Akua non-toxic water-based inks and modifiers, participants of all levels will learn monotype through various methods of mixing, modifying, layering inks, using and abusing mark-making tools, and exploring the limits of paper. You will be shown how to register your paper and plates to be able to return to the press(es) multiple times, with works in progress. A range of uses for, and the differences between, chine collé and collage will be demonstrated. You will learn how to think in layers, using multiple plates and alternative approaches to mark making. Silkscreen becomes a method to apply images to monotype plates and you’ll see numerous uses for drawing. If you have some experience with Solarplate or ImagOn we encourage you to bring some existing plates to incorporate into your process.* Over the course of two weeks you will see how mixed media printmaking will open doors to limitless opportunities.

* Small Solarplates can be exposed at SRISA. Silkscreen images and process will all occur at SRISA. For ImagOn you will be able to order several transparencies and plates from Ron or Devin at a reduced rate to be sent to you before the workshop.

The emphasis is on the “Artist as an Inventor,” and each participant is encouraged to stretch their methods of expression, breaking barriers into new and uncharted territory. The information presented is cumulative, and participants will have the opportunity to revisit works developed over the course of two weeks. The workshop will culminate with an informal appreciation and discussion to serve as closure and celebration on the final day of class. If you have any questions regarding this course please send them to us through Ron at pokrasso@gmail.com. You should also have a look at the website, www.ronpokrasso.com. 

THE PROGRAM

The program includes 10 days of instruction beginning May 4 and ending May 17 with a minimum of 60 contact hours, the use of the studios from 9AM to 10PM throughout the program, most printmaking tools and equipment, (including presses and exposure units) and Akua inks and modifiers. Participants traveling from the U.S. should plan on supplying their own Solarplates (Additional Solarplates will be available for purchase on-site). Students will also be encouraged to bring some of their own paper. However, decent papers can be purchased locally as well during the workshop. Participants will have access to wifi. 

The schedule is as follows: 4 days of instruction, 2 days off, 3 days of instruction, 2 days off, 3 days of instruction. Participants can work in the open studio on the off days or take the time to explore the City and Region. The program includes a festive welcome dinner, a half-day guided walking tour of Florence, a full day excursion to Lucca, an historical/cultural lecture delivered by SRISA”s faculty, and a farewell dinner and celebration.

LUCCA TRIP

Lucca is a charming city close to Pisa, famed for its well-preserved Renaissance walls that surround the city’s historic center. It has cobbled streets, beautiful piazzas and broad tree-lined streets which are ideal for a stroll or a cycle ride. This is also where you will find the Casa di Puccini, the house and museum of the great opera composer, who was born there in 1858.

Further workshop information, optional supply list, tour and lecture dates and times will be provided to the participants closer to the start date of the program.

TUITION AND REGISTRATION

Tuition for the 2027 program is $2550. Included are 60 hours of instruction, an opening dinner, farewell dinner, a walking tour of Florence and the day long excursion to Lucca. A $500 deposit, fully refundable until December 31 (less paypal fees), is requested to confirm your participation and secure a space in the 2027 program. Tuition balances are due February 1. Here are 3 ways to pay your deposit:

Check: Contact Ron first, and then make it payable to Ron Pokrasso and send to 1417 Galisteo St. Santa Fe, NM 87505. Zelle: Use the email address, pokrasso@gmail.com. Credit Card: Click the Add to Cart button below and proceed.

Forms: Once we receive your confirmation you will be sent a Sign-Up form as well as some requested information from SRISA. Please be prompt with these to be officially registered in the 2027 program.

HOUSING 

Most particpants choose to arrange their own housing. There are scores of vacation rentals all over Florence. For purposes of searching, our SRISA studio is located at Via San Gallo 53R (red). 

SRISA also offers housing for students and you can work directly with them to arrange this. These rooms are available to us from May 3 – 18. For more information go to https://srisa.org/admissions/housing-information/#students-securing.  Below is a list of the prices for various room options in SRISA apartments (often shared) during our program: 

• $1900 For a full private apartment (student-grade), with use of 1 bedroom,  max. 2 people        
• $2050 For a full private apartment (student-grade), with use of 2 bedrooms,  max. 4 people    
• $2200 For a full private apartment (student-grade), with use of 3 bedrooms,  max. 6 people  
• Requests need to be made to housing@srisa.org by March 1, 2027.

SRISA also has some private apartments for participants wanting more space or for those with specific needs; you can expect costs to increase significantly. For a private apartment use this link: https://wkf.ms/3TeJ2Cm.

TRAVEL

Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from Florence. It is a good idea to make plans to arrive a few days before the beginning of the program to help acclimate to the culture and time difference. Note: SRISA housing options are only available for check-in May 3 and check-out May 18. 

We look forward to working with you.

Ron Pokrasso 1417 Galisteo Street Santa Fe, NM 87505 505 577 6296 pokrasso@gmail.com www.ronpokrasso.com

Devin Kovach Via Pirro Ligorio,23 00139 Roma , Italia +39 349 305 5531 devach87@gmail.com www.devinkovach.it