An extraordinary opportunity

Who wants to go live in a castle and write about art?

A few years ago, I spent six weeks living and working in a castle in Umbria. I had been awarded a fellowship from the Civitella Ranieri Foundation, and this was truly one of the most life-changing experiences I have had. The room I lived in overlooked the castle courtyard, and every morning I would open up the heavy shutters and let the brilliant Italian summer sun stream in and warm the flagstones of the floor. I was not far from the library where the late poet Mark Strand’s books had arrived for their new life after his death. I began my fourth book in that room, and I will always be grateful for the gift of that time and place.

One of the great joys of my time there was being taken on excursions by the foundation’s director, Dana Prescott. Dana has lived and worked in Italy for many years, and as an artist, writer and art historian, she has become intimately acquainted with the work of the extraordinary painter of the Early Renaissance, Piero della Francesca. With Dana as our guide, we traveled the “Piero Trail,” visiting the sites in Tuscany and Umbria where his work can be found.

I ended up writing two poems about Piero’s work, both of which are in my most recent book of poems. Since I was there, I have have longed to go back and see those marvelous paintings again, to be in their presence and to experience the landscape, the towns, the buildings in which these magnificent works reside.

A few weeks ago Dana asked me if I would like to accompany her on a trip on the Piero Trail and to co-teach a workshop with her on ekphrastic poetry. I immediately said yes. I am so happy to make this preliminary announcement of the workshop which will take place in Italy from March 5-13, 2024. Here’s a description:

On the Piero Trail

Tourists, art lovers, and poets have all been intrigued by the work of Piero della Francesca, the early Renaissance mathematician and painter.  In this tour of Umbria, Tuscany, and the Marche, participants will be escorted by Dana Prescott and award-winning poet Mark Wunderlich as we travel the upper Tiber Valley to see Piero’s work in situ.  A few of the amazing poems inspired by his work will be shared with all.  Daily workshops will help attendees appreciate what is known as ekphrastic poetry, as well as, for those interested, to try their own hand at writing. 

No previous writing or scholarly experience is necessary.  This is a pilgrimage where one is instructed by an art form (painting)  through the lens of another art form (poetry).  Lodging and meals are provided by Civitella Ranieri Foundation on the estate of the Ranieri Castle.  A handbook will provide essential ekphrastic poems, selected poems and information specific to Piero, and information on the towns we will visit.  Lectures will supplement our travels, and all participants will have access to the vast library holdings of Civitella Ranieri.  

There will be time for walking, for reading, and for slow looking at some of the most miraculous paintings of the 15th century.  A hike through the countryside outside Sansepolcro—with attention to the crops and trees that form the backgrounds of Piero paintings—will help participants embody the surroundings, and an egg tempera workshop will help us experience the painstaking element of craft that informs so many of Piero’s works.  

In addition, an Umbrian cooking class is planned, additional excursions based on group interests and weather, seasonal specialties, etc.

Three meals per day are provided, many in restaurants, as well as all museum entrance fees and ground transportation, a welcome cocktail, and final celebratory dinner, where participants may choose to read from their work.

The fee of $4,500 USD per person is all-inclusive except for air travel, covering lodging at Civitella Ranieri for eight nights, pick- up and drop-off from Perugia, all group ground transportation, excursions, entrance fees, lunch and dinner daily, wines, workshops, and lectures. Air travel to Rome (and any connecting flights you may require) along with transportation to Perugia are not included. There are double-occupancy rooms available for a reduced price of $4,250 USD per person.

A $1,000 deposit is due upon registration. The remaining balance ($3,500) is due no later than January 5th, 2024. Folks can pay by check made out to Civitella Ranieri Foundation and mailed to the New York address below or they may pay via credit card/paypal on our website.

This workshop has been created to fund the Civitella Ranieri Foundation’s scholarships.

For more information, please contact Diego Mencaroni at diego@civitella.org.

I am beyond excited to return to the castle and to this remarkable place. This is truly a great opportunity to stay in one of the most beautiful places I know, see some of these incredible works of art that must be seen in the places they were made, and to be the beneficiary of Dana’s incredible knowledge of this place and the work we will see. I hope you’ll consider joining. Also, ask me any questions and I’ll answer as best I can.