Our guiding principles
Who We Are: We specialize in sharing artworks in Italy while providing a boutique touring experience for Americans of all backgrounds and professions. The purpose is for travelers to explore Italy through an immersive cultural experiences while being inspired.
What we Value: We use art and retreats as a service leadership initiative to connect two global communities—the United States and Italy. This social venture was created in the spirit of love—true amore. We formed the art and retreat components to promote education, self-care, creativity, community, and conscious global traveling. We value our artists' work while making an effort to enhance the cultural, social, and economic well-being of the Italian community in which we present artworks coming from America.
Founder: Petulia Blake, Ph.D.
Collaborators: Brightwork Gallery, Bologna Properties, LLC (NY), Associazione Culturale Calliope (Abruzzo, Italy)
Amici Americani Artist's Retreat for "Borgo di Gusto" in Italy
Borgo di Gusto "Food Fest" is an annual event that celebrates the culinary traditions of Civitaluparella in Italy. Approximately 3,000 people visit the town for the event. This medieval village sits at 2,952 feet above sea level. Borgo di Gusto comes with an art exhibition at Casa d'Arte Gallery to create a meaningful cross-cultural and international exchange between an Italian community and our American creatives.
During this time, American artists get the opportunity to experience Ancient Rome before embarking on a railway journey to the Adriatic Sea, then to the medieval villages of Abruzzo—all within one week. This fun-filled week provides artists with sufficient time and space to become inspired while also allowing them to breathe, relax, and take in the experience as they glide from one region to another, from one community to another, and from one person to the next..
In 2027, Amici Americani will celebrate its third year with this community, honoring a people, a place, and a time that lives both in the past and the present.
Price includes: Ground transportation, tours, breakfast, accommodation (double occupancy). Single-room accommodation will be available for an additional cost.
Dates:
August 8 - 15, 2027
August 6- 13, 2028
Roaming Rome
Explore the Ancient Roman world with a modern twist by the Tiber River. You will visit many sites as we navigate the city smoothly. Connect with Italian creators and entrepreneurs. (2 nights)
Wandering the Adriatic
Experience a city by the coast, and a museum that delves in the 700 year-old history of its regional people. Along the way, we will visit a massive medieval castle that overlooks the sea (1 night)
Moving in Medieval Villages
Expand your horizon by staying in a medieval village. You will attend Borgo di Gusto "food festival" in another. Be prepared to sight-see with ease and create something new before returning home.
(4 nights)