Pieve International School

by Richard B. Helzer

The Montana Alliance Semester in Italy Program just concluded its first year of study with an outstanding group of 22 students. The Montana Alliance is composed of three universities; Rocky Mountain College, the University of Great Falls and the University of Montana-Dillon. This year students began their studies touring for two weeks in Rome and Florence before arriving at the Villa Pieve where courses in Drawing, Printmaking and Italian Language were offered. Students had the opportunity to live and work together at the Pieve International School and enjoy the beautiful Umbrian fall.  Professors; Mark Moak, Julia Becker, Eva Mastandrea, and Jim Baken were the faculty for this first year. The program concluded with an exhibition of student work and a Thanksgiving Gala on November 23.

By Elizabeth Lewis

Members of this year’s Personal Renewal and Meditation in the Land of St. Francis Tour met at Villa Pieve as strangers and went home as friends, feeling that they were now part of the Vasta family. Guided by the spirit of St. Francis, topics of pain and loss and the healing power of love and forgiveness were explored through visual journaling, writing, meditation, HeartMath and guided relaxation exercises, bringing participants to new levels of understanding of self and life as seen through the eyes of the soul. ”I was able to come to an understanding of  things on a deeper level than I ever thought possible,” and “I’ve never laughed so much in my life!” were comments repeated by tour members over and over throughout the week. Tour members were grateful to the Vasta family and Villa Pieve’s staff for all the pampering they received - good food. Good wine. Dinner outside under the stars – an unforgettable experience!

June 29 – July 4

By Prof. Sashi Kunnath

June 29 – July 4

Professors: Sashi Kunnath, Giorgio Monti

After 2 weeks of intense study in Rome, students from UC Davis, UC Los Angeles and UC San Diego, welcomed the expedition to notable historic locations in the Umbria region since it not only provided a change of scenery but also a time to reflect and relax. The visit to the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi exceeded our expectations – particularly the opportunity to see the restoration of the frescos on the dome, up close and personal, as well as the glimpse of the medieval manuscripts in the monastic library.

In Orvieto, we were amazed at the ingenuity of the Etruscan builders as we descended and ascended the well of San Patrizio. The ensuing trip to Pienza was a reminder of the quaintness of so many Italian towns that each has their unique charm and character.

Almost everything about Perugia, the final town in our 4-day tour, was awe-inspiring. The Etruscan underground uncovered the feats of those who preceded the Romans – providing the foundations on which further innovation advanced. The mini-metro project that was conceived with the idea of preserving the ancient town and minimizing the impact of growth and traffic congestion also highlighted the notion of sustainability – a theme that is increasingly relevant in modern times.

Above all, the journey to La Scarzuola was altogether memorable: from the thunder and rain that greeted us upon our arrival to the sunshine and mystery that followed.  Some of us were amazed, others bewildered, and yet others uncertain, as we surveyed the insightful architecture of this theatrical “ideal” city.

Ultimately, all of us were affected – in one way or the other as we concluded our tours around Umbria. The stay at the Pieve International School in Corciano provided a perfect backdrop for the sight seeing.

We take this opportunity to thank – Rossella Vasta, whose boundless energy and enthusiasm elevated our spirits; Roberto Ciampi, our tour guide and companion who had the entire program planned and executed flawlessly; and last but not least, Michele Vasta, for sharing his time, wisdom and the secrets of turning fruit into wine!

By Prof. Peter Kommers

Villa Pieve, the Vasta family and staff, and the international school once again afforded our students an inspirational experience in this unforgettable setting.  Highlights this year included a stimulating introduction to the idea of meaningfulness in landscape through the alchemical garden.  Rossella Vasta once again made the medieval mind and spirit come to life for our architecture students by illuminating the transforming power of place.  This assimilation was also absorbed through drawing experiences such as those abundant in the hill town of nearby Corciano.  Given the warmth and beauty of Villa Pieve, the joys and lessons of our stays have been uncountable.

Students from Montana State University are focusing their attention in the studio in the Pieve International School for the second half of their semester abroad studying ceramics and drawing, developing ideas sparked during the first half of their trip studying the ancient cultures of the Etruscans, Romans, and Greeks. The first project in ceramics is concerned with the idea of how form suggests/implies/dictates a specific use and social context, and includes a study of drinking vessels and serving dishes made in stoneware. The works will be fired in Tuscany in a woodfired kiln. Their second project will embrace the Italian tradition of maiolica and 3-dimensional painting with an earthenware project completed at the historic Grazia Factory in Deruta. Students also are experimenting with gathering local terracotta clays from the area around the villa, learning how to process and work with the indigenous material. Field trips have included visits to the Grazia Factory and the studio of renowned Italian ceramic sculptor Nino Caruso.  Drawing projects involve extensive sketchbook/journal work and specific drawing assignments investigating their ceramic projects and drawing from the landscape.

Josh DeWeese is a ceramic artist and educator. He is an Assistant Professor of Art teaching ceramics at Montana State University in Bozeman, where he and his wife Rosalie Wynkoop have recently built a home and studio. DeWeese served as Resident Director of the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts in Helena, Montana from 1992-2006.  He holds an MFA from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred, and a BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute.  DeWeese has exhibited and taught workshops internationally and his work is included in numerous public and private collections.

Check out the amazing work MSU students have put out during the program