MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR IN SPRINGTIME!

Lingering mists of early morning float over the silvery green sheen of new olive leaves. Carpets of wild red poppies appear to be suspended against fields of rich, deep greens, while rich umber earth tones blanket freshly plowed fields, punctuated by terra cotta rooftops of nearby hill towns. Chocolate and eggplant- hued shutters grace ochre stucco walls of shops bursting with vivid displays of bright blue and yellow hues of hand-crafted ceramics. Bakeries proudly display golden crusts of freshly baked breads and lovingly crafted pastries, while kaleidoscopes of vibrant fruits, vegetables, spices, olive oils, and cheeses fill the local outdoor markets.

These are but a few of the many incredible colors you will see and be able to capture in your personal color journal...... as you travel throughout the unique Tuscia region of Central Italy on....

"TUSCIA, THE ESSENCE OF ITALY".

(Photo by Betty Merken) Tuscia, a relatively undiscovered region of Italy, including portions of , and , was once the heartland of Etruscan culture. Full of spectacular natural beauty and untouched by mass tourism, Tuscia is a unique gem, unknown to the majority of visitors to Italy. Being there is like stepping back in time and experiencing the true essence of Italy.

Experience this wonderful region of Italy firsthand with architect Betty Torrell and artist Betty Merken as your guides. Betty Merken will share her expertise as a colorist while directing participants in the creation of a personal color journal. Using colored pencils and a small sketchbook, participants will learn to capture the beautiful colors you see before you as we travel throughout Tuscia.

Betty Torrell will share her knowledge of the Italian decorative arts. Our tour will include visits to artisans' workshops, where we will witness the myriad colors of terra cotta pots and ceramics being made, fine linens being woven, and decorative ironwork being forged. We will visit local museums, focusing on the decorative arts, and tour historic homes to see decorative arts in context. We will enjoy walks in the countryside and historic gardens, and visit sites focusing on the beautiful colors of Etruscan and Renaissance frescoes and architecture.

(Photo by Betty Torrell) Our tour will be based in the Northwest Institute for Architecture and Urban Studies in Italy's center in the magical hilltown of Civita di Bagnoregio. Throughout the tour Betty Torrell and Betty Merken will enlighten us with lively discussions and lectures on the history and culture of the Tuscia region, focusing on local architecture and arts and crafts. Participants will also be enjoying other aspects of regional culture, including visits to local restaurants, cooking lessons using regional family recipes, wine tasting and shopping in the outdoor markets and local craft stores.

Our workshop leaders are: Architect and Interior Designer Betty Torrell (NIAUSI Fellow 2009), and Artist, Architectural Colorist, and Educator Betty Merken. We are in the process of submitting the workshop for AIA and ASID Continuing Education Credits.

Look for more complete information in the NIAUSI Winter Newsletter. This NIAUSI sponsored workshop, "Tuscia, The Essence of Italy" is limited to 12 participants and will fill early. Please notify us soon if you would like more (Photo by Anna Bitners) information at [email protected]