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Creativity and manual skills in the classroom Scuola Internazionale di Grafica Erasmus plus

Erasmus+ for teachers - KA1
professional developement course

Creativity and Manual Skills in the Classroom

May 20-24, 2024
October 14-18, 2024

This Course is recommended for educators of Primary and Secondary Schools

To support and improve the integration of artistic disciplines in school curricula, the Scuola Internazionale di Grafica in Venice presents a specialized course tailored for primary and middle school educators.

Comprising five hands-on workshops, the course emphasizes the theme of manual printing (without the use of presses) and artist’s books, delving into the creative possibilities inherent in these expressive languages.

The workshops utilize easily accessible, environmentally friendly materials, ensuring their safety for students of all ages.

Creativity and Manual Skills in the Classroom

Course Contents

This comprehensive program consists of five hands-on workshops, a lecture and a museum visit, ensuring a thorough exploration of artistic techniques and fostering a dynamic learning environment for both you and your students.

  • Printing from Tetrapak®.
  • The Printed Artists’ Book.
  • The Pop-Up Book.
  • Watercolored Artists’ Book at Palazzo Dandolo on the Grand Canal.
  • Obtain Unique Prints Without Using a Press
Creativity and manual skills in the classroom

Creativity and Manual Skills in the Classroom

Learning Outcomes

The goal of the ‘Creativity and manual skills in the classroom’ course is to cultivate excellence and innovation in art education by empowering and inspiring teachers to employ innovative methods, share best practices, and exchange experiences with peers and trainers.

Through this course, participants will:

  1. Develop new manual and creative skills to impart to their students.
  2. Gain knowledge about sustainable materials for use in artistic practice.
  3. Acquire simple yet effective techniques for crafting handmade books and prints.
  4. Learn novel methods to engage students through creative processes.

Creativity and Manual Skills in the Classroom

Our Teaching Methods

In our lessons, there is always a harmonious balance between theory and practice. Since the techniques we teach are the result of centuries of research and experimentation, manual activity is preceded by an introduction that allows understanding within its historical, economic, and social context.

The lessons are further supported by visits to museums, libraries, and print collections. Examples provided by our collection of prints and artists’ books also contribute to the learning experience.

Our goal is to obtain tangible results. Our participants complete their educational journey by creating works printed with a manual press and small hand-bound books.

More Information

Scuola Internazionale di Grafica OID
E10011003

Educators, trainers, school administrators, and other personnel from educational institutions are qualified to receive an Erasmus+ grant, which caters to all costs related to participation in our training courses. This inclusive grant encompasses travel, accommodations, meals, cultural activities, and all associated fees.

Our training courses for teaching and non-teaching staff fall under Key Action 1 (KA121-SCH and KA121-SCH in the field of school education, KA121-ADU and KA122-ADU in the field of adult education, KA121-VET and KA122-VET in the field of technical and vocational education and training)

May 20-24, 2024 Course
Inscription deadline May 5 2024
October 14-18  2025 Course
Inscription deadline September 30 2024

Program Fees amount to €650,00, to be paid as follows:

  • Registration Fee: €100,00
    Upon Course confirmation by the Scuola
  • Balance Fee: €550,00
    30 days prior to the commencement of the Course

Payment Method

  • Bank Transfer:
    Beneficiary: Scuola Internazionale di Grafica
    Banca della Marca Credito Cooperativo – San Marco 4403, 30124 Venice, Italy
    IBAN – IT89A0708402005000000700651
    SWIFT: ICRAITRRU40
  • Online credit card:
    https://shop.scuolagrafica.it/payments/

Fees include

  • Attendance to the course, including the entrance fee to the museum we will visit.
  • All materials needed for the hands-on workshops.
  • A welcome toast.
  • A Scuola’s personalized bag.
  • A set of personalized posters and postcards on the theme “No cruise liners”.

Fees  do not include

  • Accommodation in Venice
  • Meals
  • Travel costs
  • Local transportation costs
  • Museum tickets (if not part of the course)

NB.: The Course schedule exclusively describes the training activities programmed at the Scuola. As this course takes place in Venice, we encourage all participants to take maximum advantage from the limitless resources the city offers by visiting as many art sites as possible in their free time.


Day 1

09:00 – 11:00 | Welcome to the Scuola | Presentation of the Course | Demonstration of Printing techniques | Samples from  the Scuola’s collection of Prints and Artists’ Book

The participants are welcomed to the Scuola and guided by our staff for a tour of the premises.

After the tour, our team will make a demonstration of the main printing techniques and  showcase significant samples from the Scuola’s collection of prints and artists’ books.

14:00 – 18:00 | Printing from Tetrapak®

4-HOUR HANDS-ON WORKSHOP

In this workshop, we will explore the drypoint engraving technique. Participants will be guided in the incision of a Tetrapak® cardboard matrix, which will then be inked and printed manually, without the need for a press.

  • Introduction to fine art printing and the drypoint technique. Drypoint involves direct engraving on the matrix (traditionally metal plates, but also plexiglass, cardboard) using specific engraving tools.
  • Presentation of traditional materials for engraving and in-depth exploration of alternative materials for fine art printing in an unequipped space, ensuring safe use for students of all ages.
  • Engraving of cardboard matrices using pencils, pens, toothpicks, and similar tools.
  • Inking of cardboard matrices with sustainable Akua inks, washable with water and soap, and possible alternatives using acrylic colors and tempera.
  • Printing of matrices with manual pressure, introduction to alternatives to the press, such as spoon printing.
  • Preparation of the prints obtained for the next day’s workshop.

 

Day 2

ERASMUS+ for teachers KA1 Scuola Internazionale di Grafica

09:30 – 13:30 | The Printed Artists’ Book

4-HOUR HANDS-ON WORKSHOP

We will create books from the single sheet of paper printed in the previous day’s workshop. Following the provided models from the Scuola, we will design the booklet, organize pages, and define content.

  • Introduction to the artist’s book with an exhibition of more works and examples from the Scuola’s artist book collection.
  • Presentation of some single-sheet book models.
  • Book design and creation of prints on a single sheet of paper, which will be transformed into a printed booklet through folds and cuts.
  • Final critique.

 

Day 3

09:30 – 12:30 | The Pop-up Book

3-HOUR HANDS-ON WORKSHOP

The lesson focuses on the three-dimensional book, created through folds and pop-ups. A selection of artist books from the School’s collection will be chosen to provide examples and inspiration that highlight three-dimensionality.

  • Exploration of pop-up possibilities: practical exercise on accordions using scissors, cutters, rulers, glue, as well as tears and folds.
  • Use of various types and colors of paper, creation of pop-up book covers.
  • Conclusive critique of the achieved results and the explored possibilities.

14:30 | Visit to Palazzo Fortuny

 

Day 4

 

Palazzo Dandolo Parisi

15:00 – 18:00 | Watercolored Artists’ Book at Palazzo Dandolo on the Grand Canal

3-HOUR HANDS-ON WORKSHOP

The fourth day of the course will be highlighted by a workshop in the hall of the Piano Nobile of Palazzo Dandolo, a magnificent 17th-century building located on the Grand Canal.

Guided by Matilde Dolcetti, participants will create watercolor paintings on a free theme and through a few cuts and folds, they will produce an accordion book.

Planning the work, layout, and techniques of cutting and folding the paper will also be essential to construct books in various forms.


 

Day 5

14:00 – 18:00 | Obtain Unique Prints Without Using a Press

4-HOUR HANDS-ON WORKSHOP

In this workshop, we will explore a process that allows us to create a unique and precious print by hand, without the use of a press.

  • Introduction to the techniques of monotype and trace monotype.
  • Organization of the creative work, including the presentation of traditional materials and alternative solutions.
  • Creation of the registration for printing.
  • Inking of the matrices using tools such as brushes, spatulas, or rollers, as well as simple tools that will be created on the spot with recycled materials.
  • Use of printing inks and their possible substitutes, followed by the creation and printing of images.
  • Conclusive critique.

Roberta Feoli De Lucia


Engraver, printer, teacher, Feoli specialized in Printmaking at the Academy of Fine Arts in Urbino. She experimented with managing a print shop during her Erasmus at the Faculty of Fine Arts Alonso Cano in Granada. 

She continued her studies at the Scuola Internazionale di Grafica in Venice, where she later became the print shop manager for about ten years.

In 2018, she was a Guest Artist in the USA for Mixit Print Studio and Boston Printmakers, who invited her to give lectures to American universities and print shops. She also became the first Italian printmaker to obtain a specialization in less toxic printmaking techniques at Zea Mays Printmaking studio, in Florence (Northampton), Massachusetts. She currently collaborates and serves as an external consultant for the Shepherd & Maudsleigh Studio in West Newton, Massachusetts.

In 2023, she partnered with Silvana Gaspari on the project “Charta picta – Opificio d’arte 2023,” an artist residency, traveling exhibition, and workshops related to the Vas Paper Mill. A member of the “People of Print” community, she is an active supporter of respectful and sustainable printing, organizing courses and conferences on the subject for years.


Franco Vecchiet


Born in Trieste, Vecchiet studied in Urbino, at the Academy of Ljubljana, and with H. Goetz in Venice. Until the 1980s, he primarily dedicated himself to printmaking, later adding painting to his repertoire and experimenting with artist books and installations.

He directed the School of Etching “Carlo Sbisà” in Trieste, and in 1999, he was invited to teach at the Higher Academy of Art in Paris. Subsequently, in 2009, he taught at Indiana University in the United States.

He has curated over seventy solo exhibitions in various cities in Italy and abroad, participating in international exhibitions and biennials.

In 1989, he was awarded the national Preseren Fund Prize in Ljubljana, and in 2004, he won the international competition for the mosaic on Transalpina Square in Gorizia.

In 2006, he received the special jury prize at the Ex Tempore in Piran (Slovenia). In 2008, he was honored with the “Homage to Spacal” award for painting organized by the Kons association, and in 2012, he received the SKGZ recognition in Trieste for his artistic activity.

In 2009, he was awarded the Grand Prix at the International Print Biennial in Sarcelles, Paris. In 2014, he was the protagonist of a personal retrospective exhibition at the Revoltella Museum of Modern Art in Trieste.


Matilde Dolcetti


A Venetian artist, the soul, and curator of art programs at the Scuola Internazionale di Grafica. Since 1980, Dolcetti has worked alongside international artists at the school’s print shop and has taught for international institutions and universities.

She has conducted seminars at the Pontifical Catholic University (P.U.C.) in Rio de Janeiro, the State University of Campinas (Unicamp) in São Paulo, and later in Bremen for the Gerhard Marcks Haus Museum.

Additionally, she has held seminars in Belgrade for the National Museum, in Boston at Boston University, and at Connecticut College in New London, CT, United States.

She was part of the international jury for the IV Biennial of Art Graphics in Belgrade and was an Artist in Residence at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA, United States.

She has had the opportunity to collaborate with masters such as Stanley William Hayter, Riccardo Licata, Jean M. Granier, Bruno Munari, Maria Lai, and Michael Mazur.

She has also participated in prestigious group exhibitions at the École Supérieure des Beaux Arts in Paris, the IX International Print Biennial in New London, CT (United States), and in 2022, she has been part of “Acqua è il mio colore / Water is my colour,” an exhibition celebrating the works of six artists who have been central to the world of watercolor at the Scuola Internazionale di Grafica in Venice.


Alessia De Bortoli


Engraver, printer, and book artist, De Bortoli graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Printmaking. She continued her studies at the Scuola Internazionale di Grafica, following the teachings of the Scuola’s Masters: Matilde Dolcetti, Roberta Feoli, Franco Vecchiet, Loretta Cappanera, and international artists periodically present at the institution.

Since 2019, she has been working in the print shop of the Scuola, initially as an assistant, then as the print shop manager and teacher of courses.

From 2018, she has participated in group exhibitions in Italy and abroad. Since 2019, she has particiipated in artist residencies in Germany at the Kloster Bentlage center in collaboration with the Münsterland Festival.

Subsequently, in 2022, she completed a residency in the USA at the Zea Mays Printmaking studio, where she earned the “Green Printmaking certificate” for sustainable intaglio engraving methods.

She has taken part in various group exhibitions, including the VI Biennial of Engraving and Contemporary Graphics at the Civic Museums of Bassano del Grappa, the exhibition “Water – Works on Paper” at the Artery Cooperative in Northcote, Australia, and “Changing Landscapes – Paesaggi che cambiano,” organized by DARS for GrabGroup space in Pordenone.


Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of attendance. Upon request, they may also receive the Europass Mobility Certificate. These certificates adhere to Erasmus Quality Standards and provide a brief description of the course, its learning outcomes, dates, venues, the course provider’s name, and the course teachers.
Terms of Participation in the Erasmus+ Professional Developement Courses at Scuola Internazionale di Grafica
  1. The maximum number of admitted participants is 14 per Course. Enrollments are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
  2. To enroll in the Professional Developement Courses offered by the Scuola, participants are required to fill out the registration form available on the Scuola’s website.
  3. Participants are requested to ensure that the provided information is correct. Any changes to the registration information must be promptly emailed to the Scuola at info@scuolagrafica.it.
  4. Invoice:
    Upon acceptance into the Course, the Scuola will issue an electronic invoice to the institution funding the participant or directly to the participant if not funded by any institution.
  5. Registration:
    To confirm participation in the course and secure an available spot, participants are requested to pay a €100,00 registration fee upon acceptance by the Scuola. This fee is non-refundable. Balance fees are due no later than 15 calendar days from the start of the course.
  6. Payments:
    Fees can be paid through bank transfer or securely via credit card payment on the Scuola’s online shop→
  7. Cancellation & Refund Policies:
    The Scuola reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen circumstances. In such instances, participants will receive a full refund.
    The Scuola bears no responsibility for any inability or delay in fulfilling obligations arising from circumstances beyond its control, which may include, but are not limited to, acts of nature, war, terrorism, or government regulations.
  8. Cancellation by the Participant:
    Cancellations before 60 days from the beginning of the Course are granted a full refund of the balance fees.
    Cancellations before 30 days from the beginning of the Course are granted a 50% refund of the balance fees.
    Cancellation within 30 days from the beginning of the Course will not be refunded.
    If the participant does not show up on the course’s starting day, no refund will be provided.
    In the event that, without having communicated their delay in writing, the participants appear on the following days after the course has started, they will not be admitted to participate, and no refund will be issued.
    Refunds, if due, will be issued within 10 days after receiving a formal cancellation email at info@scuolagrafica.it.
    At its discretion, the Scuola may consider exceptions to the cancellation policy in instances of documented emergencies or unforeseen circumstances..
  9. Participants may request to transfer their enrollment to a future course, subject to availability and approval from the Scuo
  10. For organizational reasons, the dates, instructors, and the curriculum of the course may undergo changes. In such a case, participants will be promptly informed and, upon their request, reimbursed the entire amount of the course.
  11. The Scuola Internazionale di Grafica functions as both a school and studio for artists. All participants are expected to adhere to the rules provided at the beginning of each course.
  12. The use of presses and working tools is strictly prohibited without the supervision of our qualified staff. The Scuola is not liable for any injuries resulting from non-compliance with our rules.
  13. Insurance:
    We recommend that participants purchase travel insurance for medical expenses, lost property, or any kind of accident occurring while travelling and during the course.
  14. Meals are not included in the course cost.
  15. Materials and Tools:
    The Scuola Internazionale di Grafica provides all necessary materials and tools for the course.
  16. Privacy:
    Participants acknowledge and accept that images of their work created at the Scuola, as well as their personal images, may be published on the Scuola’s website or social media profiles for promotional purposes.
  17. Accreditation Erasmus+:
    Participants must fulfill all course requirements to receive a certificate of accreditation Erasmus+.
  18. Competent Jurisdiction:
    For any dispute related to these Terms of Participation, the competent jurisdiction is that of Venice.
  19. The Scuola reserves the right to update or modify these Terms of Participation. Changes will be communicated to enrolled participants via email.

Once the course is confirmed, we will dispatch the official Learning Agreement document model, inclusive of all pertinent details regarding our courses and organization, to applicants and school coordinators. You are required to sign and stamp the document before returning it to us via email.

After completion of the Course, please be aware that you are required to reach out to your Europass National Centre at https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/about/national-europass-centres to acquire the Europass Mobility Model.


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