This workshop is intended as an exploration of collage, creativity, and the art of cut and paste. Using magazines, printed images, found papers, and everyday materials, participants will experiment with cutting, layering, arranging, and combining unexpected elements to create their own original artwork.
This workshop is less about following instructions and more about embracing curiosity, trusting the process, and discovering new possibilities in ordinary materials. No previous art experience is necessary — just an open mind and a willingness to play.
Note: This is a Wednesday-Wednesday workshop period.
Jaime Pfieffer-Maisuria
Picture Yourself...
among the sights and sounds of beautiful and romantic Tuscany: olive groves, vineyards, centuries-old buildings, winding streets, texture and vibrant sunlight.
Feel Yourself...
in the warm ambiance of Cortona, overlooking Lake Trasimeno and the Val di Chiana, originally fortified by the Umbrians, claimed by the Etruscans, touched by the Renaissance, almost unchanged for centuries, one of Tuscany's jewels.
Experience...
the joy of creating mosaic art in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere with the camaraderie of a small group of enthusiastic Artists.
Enjoy...
great Italian food, delightful wines, new friends, breath-taking vistas, history and the hospitality of the people of Cortona.
All-inclusive* workshop includes: Escorted group travel Florence to Cortona September 29, 2027**** Instruction in the studio Seven nights accommodations in Cortona**
(Private or shared room & bath) Local Etruscan Museum & Museo Diocesano All meals*** (Italian breakfast, lunch and dinner) Daily wine tasting opportunities
Day trip to Siena A farewell wine tasting dinner Escorted group travel Cortona to Florence October 6, 2027****
**Included with private and shared room plans only. See details. ***Included as the "Group Meal Plan" only. Italian breakfsat simply includes coffees, brioche, toast, milk, juices, cheese. ****Specific departure time from Florence airport September 29, 2027 only at 12:00noon ****Specific departure time from Cortona to Florence airport October 6, 2027 only at 8:00am *All-inclusive plans are "Hotel San Luca" plans only. *Air travel to/from Italy is not included and is the responsibility of each participant.
*Art supplies and materials are not included. Additional supplies may be purchased at a local Art supply shop.
Introduction to collage and cut-and-paste techniques. Explore color, texture, patterns, imagery, and how ordinary printed materials can become art.
Activity: Create a collection of interesting paper elements and experiment with arranging them.
Session 2: Cut, Rearrange, Create
Explore composition, layering, contrast, scale, and unexpected combinations. Demonstrate how changing the placement of just one element can completely change an artwork.
Activity: Create an abstract or intuitive collage using cut and layered papers.
Session 3: Inspiration in the Ordinary
Use everyday imagery, vintage materials, and found papers to create artwork inspired by surroundings, memories, or personal interests.
Activity: Create a themed collage using a personal story or visual inspiration.
Session 4: Making It Your Own
Introduce doodling, mark-making, mixed media, and adding personal details to finished compositions.
Activity: Develop and complete an original mixed-media collage.
Session 5: The Art of Possibility
Finish artwork, share creative discoveries, and discuss how different people can interpret the same materials in completely different ways.
Jaime Pfieffer-Maisuria is a mixed-media artist and illustrator from the Chicago, IL. Her work explores collage and the art of cut and paste, using paper, magazines, recycled materials, and everyday objects to create something unexpected.
Jaime is inspired by the ordinary and loves transforming overlooked materials into something new. Her process is rooted in curiosity, experimentation, and storytelling. For me, art is about seeing things differently, embracing creativity, and enjoying the freedom of making something uniquely your own.
Jaime is also the founder of PaperLine, established in 2012.
Jaime Pfieffer-Maisuria
About Cortona...
Cortona is one of the true jewels of the Tuscan “hill towns.” Cortona, which is often called the “City of Art,” has its origin as an Etruscan city that pre-dates Roman times with sections of its walls dating back some 2500 years. As is typical of Tuscan hill-towns, Cortona is a walled city that, for purposes of defense, was built atop a prominent geographical point. The stone buildings and streets not only have the romance, style, and charm that are particular to Tuscany, but also speak of the lives and times Cortona has witnessed. An encounter with Cortona is an encounter with music & art, with history and with spirituality. Getting to know this timeless city is a real rediscovery of our past. Cortona offers testimony to its history as well as an enchanting view of the landscape enclosed by Lake Trasimeno and the Apennine mountains
Itinerary
Wednesday September 29 – Arrival in Cortona
-12:00 noon – Escorted group travel Florence airport to Cortona
-Arrival and Check-in in Cortona
-Free afternoon to shop, rest, explore! Museums are open and tickets provided. -6:00p Welcome to Cortona wine and chocolate tasting at La Saletta.
-7:00p Evening dinner in Cortona
Thursday September30 - Cortona
-9:00a-12:30p Morning Session
-12:30-2:00p Lite Lunch TBA
-2:00-5:00p Afternoon Session
-6:00p Wine/aperitifs
-7:00p Evening dinner in Cortona
Friday October 1 - Cortona
-9:00a-12:30p Morning Session
-12:30-2:00p Lite Lunch TBA
-2:00-5:00p Afternoon Session
-6:00p Wine/aperitifs
-7:00p Evening dinner in Cortona
Saturday October 2 - Cortona
-9:00a-12:30p Morning Session & market day in Cortona
-12:30-2:00p Lite Lunch TBA
-2:00-5:00p Afternoon Session
-6:00p Wine/aperitifs
-7:00p Evening dinner in Cortona
Sunday October 3 - Cortona
-9:00a-12:30p Morning Session
-12:30-2:00p Lite Lunch TBA
-2:00-5:00p Afternoon Session
-6:00p Wine/aperitifs
-7:00p Evening dinner in Cortona
Monday October 4 - Siena
-8:00a Depart Cortona for day trip to Siena
-12:30 Lite Lunch -4:30p Depart to Cortona
-6:00p Wine/aperitifs -7:00p Dinner in Cortona
Tuesday October 5 - Cortona
-9:00a-12:30p Morning Session
-1:00p Lite Lunch -FREE AFTERNOON to explore, shop, relax, or pack! -7:00p Farewell Wine Tasting Dinner in Cortona
Wednesday October 6 - Cortona
-Morning Check-out
-8:00a departure from Cortona with escorted return to Florence airport.
Note: This program period is arrival Wednesday September 29, 2027 to departure Wednesday October 6, 2027
Note: Toscana Americana reserves the right to alter this itinerary. All times are approximate. Note: Transfers are provided only for programmed meals and activities away from the hotel. Note: All guests are responsible for handling their own luggage/baggage....we suggest to pack light. Note: No refunds are given for any unused aspects of the itinerary or for any activities outside the above itinerary.
Note: Airfares not included
Note: Guests are responsible for all personal hotel service charges
Materials List...
Magazines and vintage printed materials
Decorative and colored papers
Recycled paper and ephemera
Scissors
Glue sticks and adhesive
Heavyweight cardstock or mixed-media paper
Fine-tip black markers and pens
Colored pencils and assorted drawing materials
Jamie would also encourage participants to collect interesting paper items during their time in Italy. Local packaging, maps, postcards, menus, and other printed materials could become part of their artwork. A local thrift store is also open various hours for paper treasures!
Patrick Mahoney has called Cortona, Italy home since 2001! Patrick shares his very personal and intimate knowledge of Cortona's people, history, art, culture and food & wine to Toscana Americana Workshops experience. With his love of travel and after studying and working for many years in the Art & Entertainment industry Patrick's sensativity creates and shapes, along with a stable of wonderfully talented instructors, meaaningful, creative and memorale experiences in the Arts. A testament to the quality of the Toscana Americana Workshops experience is the large number of participants who return to enrich their lives while participating in creative programs...not only in Cortona, but also the Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre, Venice, Portofino, as well as Santorini, Greece and Austria, and the American Southwest!!
Covid-19 Protocols and Safety Measures (No restrictions as of July 19, 2023) To respect our local host communities/countries and to ensure the safety and health of our guests and participants we follow the safety measures and protocols in place by our host communities/countries at the time of any given workshop or program or tour. These measures and protocols may vary and or change from time to time as well as during the course of any given workshop or program or tour and we will adapt to and abide by official safety measures and protocols. All of our guests and participants, without exception, are expected to adapt to and abide by official safety measures and protocols during any given workshop or program or tour in which they are participating. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as face masks are the responsibility of each guest or participant. Health documents such as proof of vaccination or inoculation or other required by a host country, such as Italy for example, are the sole responsibility of each guest or participant. We strongly suggest all such documents are carried on-person at all times during any given workshop or program or tour in which they are participating.
