UPCOMING WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

MAY 19th | 24th 2025

INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL WORKSHOP

CERTOSA1515 TURIN | ITALY

Discover the art of calligraphy in an exclusive five-day workshop led by Massimo Polello. This residential workshop will be at the historic Certosa 1515, a 16th century convent nestled next to the lakes of Avigliana, a 40 minutes drive from Turin city center.

This unique event offers a deep dive into the silence and peace of a place steeped in history and art, ideal for inspiring your creativity.

Students will stay at the convent. Certosa 1515, surrounded by lush greenery, with its ancient monastic cells overlooking the valley and the cloister of the church, provides an unparalleled residential experience. You will sleep where monks once sought refuge and contemplation, surrounded by artworks that narrate centuries of devotion and culture.

During your stay, you will enjoy fresh, authentic foods prepared with local products that will delight your palate and enrich the sensory experience of the workshop.

Additionally, a guided tour is planned to the nearby 10th century Abbey of the Sacra di San Michele, a historic symbol of Piedmont. This excursion will allow you to briefly explore the history of one of the most fascinating spiritual sites in Italy. https://sacradisanmichele.com/en/la-sacra/

Lastly, the proximity to the city of Turin, the first capital of Italy with an international airport, makes arrival and departure convenient. You may also consider extending your trip to discover the cultural and architectural wonders of this historic metropolis, or the beautiful Piedmont Region before or after the workshop.

Join us for a journey through the beauty of calligraphy, in a setting that celebrates history, art, and tranquility.

See more about Certosa 1515 here

https://www.certosa1515.org/en-gb

Our Workshop

WORDS: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

The focus of this five-day course will be making a book exploring the transformation of words, meanings and ideas over time. Beginning with the Humanist script, we will experiment with unique coloring techniques (such as using rusty inks and shellac) as the workshop moves from your words of the past, to the present to the future. The result of our work will be bound in a book representing the unity of the three periods.

Please bring to the workshop words and images that have special meaning to you across time: past, present and future.

PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR REGISTRATION AND DETAILS polello@lacalligrafia.com

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GREECE – LAFKOS- PELION REGION – LAGOU RAXI HOTEL

“BYZANTINE LETTERS BETWEEN TRADITION AND CONTEMPORANEITY”

SAVE THE DATE!

JUNE 2025 (more details coming)

INFO/REGISTRATION AT mail@lagouraxi.com

JULY 25|27 2024

EINSIEDELN ABBEY- SWITZERLAND https://www.kloster-einsiedeln.ch/

“PLAYING WITH ROMANS”

p.jean-sebastien@kloster-einsiedeln.ch

AUGUST 24|25 2024 BELGIUM

” MORRIS CAFE’ ” (topic not decided yet)

https://www.facebook.com/morriscoffeeandcrafts

contact and registration:

info@morriscoffeeandcrafts.be

j.vercaemst@me.com

OCTOBER 1ST | 15TH

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE “LA MAISON DES CALLIGRAPHIES DU MONDE”

LA BASTIDONNE (VAUCLUSE) FRANCE

Artist in residence with a poet working together in a commun project . More details coming

ONLINE CLASSES

PLEASE VISIT MY SHOP ONLINE FOR BUY MY

RECORDED AND SCHEDULED

WORKSHOPS

DETAILS HERE

https://massimocalligraphystore.bigcartel.com/category/classes-workshop

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A WONDERFUL CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP RETREAT

IN GREECE !

JUNE 2025

MEDITERRANEAN CENTRE for Art, Gardens, Plants and Design

BYZANTINE LETTERS BETWEEN TRADITION AND CONTEMPORANEITY

WITH Massimo Polello

From the Manuscripts to Contemporary Calligraphy

Workshop to be held in Pelion, Greece

JUNE 10th TO 17th 2025

The aim of this course
In this workshop we will explore the expressive possibilities of contemporary
calligraphy starting from the study of Greek minuscule historical writing that is handed
down in some important manuscript examples. Each manuscript is unique of its kind and in
its form as it is linked to a series of fortuitous, unrepeatable factors: its historical
context, the precise moment in time, the calligrapher’s hand and his emotions.

In the first part of the course, through the indications of the teacher, we will deal with
the fascinating study of Greek italic letters ; it will not be necessary to know the
alphabet but rather observe the rhythm, the shapes, the ligatures, the type of ink, the
colors and the tools used, elements that will lead us into the beautiful atmosphere of
the Greeks Letters. Later we will use the forms and rhythms to develop more creative
and experimental aspects, in a combination of Greek and Latin calligraphy that will lead
us to the experimentation of a “new” writing, rhythmic and dynamic, probably illegible,
which has its roots in the rhythms of Greek writing. Each student will be provided with a
specific method and guidance through practical exercises, using alternative and unusual
writing tools, forms, sounds, music and images. At the end of the course the works
produced will be assembled in a very simple book structure, in which will be found the
forms studied on the example of the original manuscript. This workshop is open to all,
no specific knowledge or past experience are required. The only requirement is passion
for the written sign and calligraphy. The experience of Greek writing, as well as
deepening a new theme, will allow us to explore a tradition that constitutes the humus of Western writing practice.

SOME FEEDBACK FROM THE 2023 WORKSHOP:
➢ not only did I learn about the beginnings of some alphabets but also how to take that
alphabet and develop it into beautiful creative art MARILYN
➢ a beautiful location in a homely hotel with delicious food and a magnificent view JUTTA
➢ this was an extraordinary creative experience in all respects. Thanks to Massimo for
sharing his vast knowledge and bringing out the best in all of us MARCIA

All sessions take place at Lagou Raxi Country Hotel, and include six hours tuition per
day unless stated otherwise. This is an intensive course with daily sessions. If possible
participants are encouraged to add some extra days on either side of the course to make
the most of this quiet and stunning location either relaxing by the hotel pool, exploring
the nearby villages or sampling some of the outstanding local tavernas.

MATERIALS
Massimo will bring pens-nibs, other tools on loan use or for sale. Lagou Raxi will supply
paper and all materials will be supplied as part of the fee. However more experienced
participants are welcome to bring their own.
ACCOMPANYING PERSONS
Non-participants are welcome and will join the meals and the excursion. They will be able
to use the pool, the library and walk the kalderimia (stone footpaths) around the village.

Courses in Pelion, Greece – Practical Information

The Pelion peninsula is situated opposite Evia and the island of Skiathos. It is a lush
terrain with ample water from the mountain to sustain a large variety of trees, shrubs
and wildflowers – indigenous and from elsewhere. There are many wild beaches
surrounding the hills and valleys into which nestle the villages with their distinctive
and preserved architecture.

▪ The studio is spacious and airy, and tables will be well spaced. According
to prevailing covid circumstances we may ask you to test or mask as
needed – the hotel follows all safety protocols
▪ Lessons are with a fully experienced teacher, passionate about his/her
subject and students
▪ All courses are suitable for beginners, intermediate & EXPERIENCED
participants
▪ We can arrange delivery of the work home if required but most students
take them safely in their luggage

WHAT IS INCLUDED

▪ Five days of tuition including two half-day excursions (transport
included), Studio access in the evenings if required but closed on
excursion day
▪ Accommodation, breakfast, four light lunches, one taverna lunch on one
of the excursion days and five three course dinners including Welcome
and Farewell at the hotel. Coffee and Tea breaks included
▪ Time for rest and relaxation on the beach, by the pool or in the village
square
▪ Our library which includes the complete set of Mediterranean Garden
Society journals, European bird books and other references to the
natural world
▪ Flights are NOT included, however the nearest airports are VOLos and
Skiathos. Access from Thessaloniki and Athens is an alternative option.
Lagou Raxi Concierge Service can advise on the easiest/most economical
transfers from your chosen airport and will help participants to share
transport if convenient.

PRICES PER PERSON INCLUDING TUITION + ACCOMMODATION – MEALS AS STATEDABOVE, EXCURSION AND MATERIALS:

Single room 1574€

Twin double occupancy 1476€

Triple double occupancy 1561€

The Village of Lafkos – South Pelion

>> If you would like to bring family member(s) or friend(s), NOT participating in the
courses the additional amounts for one person are: 1226€ (double room) or 1311€ (triple for double occupancy). Suites on demand.

Lafkos

is one of the 24 officially ‘listed’ villages in the region of Pelion, about 45 km
from the city of Volos. Medieval paths (Kalderimia) stretch around this car-free village
and further afield to neighbouring villages and the sea. In under 10 minutes you can walk
from the hotel through the village lanes to the square with its imposing church and
plane trees. The smell of freshly baked bread in a wood-fired oven draws you to the
bakery shop. The village has three small ‘mini-markets’, a craftsman jeweller, a gift shop,
three museums and five tavernas. Visit www.lagouraxi.com for more info about the area.

Lagou Raxi Country Hotel (330m) celebrates 10 years in 2024. It was built according
to the local traditional architecture. It has a breath-taking view of the Pagasitic Gulf
and it’s also close to the Aegean Sea. There is an easy footpath from the hotel down
to the seaside village of Milina and a short walk into the village. The hotel cuisine is
traditional Greek, and all the dishes are home-made and delicious! The hotel has a
good-sized swimming pool and an all-weather tennis court as well as the Library,
Terrace, summer Pool Bar, Azure restaurant and the purpose-built ‘Atelier’ or
workroom. Bedrooms have air-conditioning and there is heating throughout when
necessary.

www.lagouraxi.com

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Contact Massimo to get any informations and details about the upcoming workshops.

☟

ALSO

YOU CAN PLAN A PRIVATE INTERNATIONAL GROUP WORKSHOP AT MY STUDIO IN TORINO: already had group from Russia, Usa, Korea

YOU CAN PLAN INDIVIDUAL LESSONS WITH MASSIMO OR TAKE PART AT THE GROUP LESSONS EVERY TUESDAY AFTERNOON FROM 2PM TO 6PM AVAILABLE ALL TIME OF THE YEAR

Workshop topics

This is a short list of the latest and more popular topics.

Please contact Massimo to require a different concept and a personalized theme workshop or something specific based on the list below.

A detailled description will be sent on request

The Calligraphy Line: The quality and the expressivity of the calligraphy line will be examined using the fabulous Classic Arabic and Syrian manuscripts
The Blue Workshop: a workshop working only with blue to design the Blue Book.
Modern and Classicism of ” Littera Antiqua”
Beyond Minuscola Romana
Playing with Romans: Roman Caps variations and beyond
The Moving Line : the space and the line in the space
Letters XXL: working with big letters only with flat brush
Order And Chaos_ Roman Capital With Brush To The Dripping Writing
The Dancing Of The Line_the Roman Cursive As Pure Line In The Space
From Calligraphy To Fonts From Fonts To Calligraphy
Rhythm, Sound And Writing
The Beautiful Alphabets: From The Manuscripts To The Contemporary Calligraphy
Emptiness And Fulness: The Calligraphy Composition
The Calligraphy Book
The African Alphabet