The Art of Emotive Mark Making

Taught by Massimo Polello

“In this workshop we'll study together, starting with your own daily handwriting, the rhythmic aspects related to the fluidity of cursive writing. We'll then work on its expressive value, perhaps tied to the content. We'll vary the rhythms and writing tools, colors, techniques, and papers to make them more visually interesting, also focusing on contrast and text size. This work will unfold before our eyes, and we'll finally complete it by binding a small book that will bring together all our research.”

Massimo Polello

Who is this workshop for?

This is a workshop for any artist interested in exploring how to create expressive marks. It is appropriate for beginners as well as seasoned artists desirous of learning how to make and incorporate emotive, gestural marks into their art. With Massimo you will explore how to incorporate the discipline of your own natural drawing and writing into free forms of expression, allowing your art to expand beyond your established limits. You will learn how to free your hand and your mind to create new and exciting artistic expressions. 

And when you are not in the workshop, you'll have time to explore the beautiful city of Turin.

About Massimo Polello

Massimo is a renowned Italian calligrapher. He began his career in traditional calligraphy before moving to bolder and more contemporary experimentation with letters, textures and materials.

With brushes, resins, metals and paper Massimo’s calligraphy moves beyond the page to murals, textiles, installations. His work is strikingly modern yet rooted in ancient scripts and abstract art.

Massimo has taught extensively in Europe, the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. He is a frequent guest instructor at international conferences and has led workshops at institutions such as the School of Visual Arts in New York and Concordia University in Montreal.

Massimo is continuing to change the role of calligraphy in art and expression.

Visit his website to learn more  lacalligrafia.com

About Carla Mackey

Carla Mackey is the founder of Zaino Verde, and the author of Via Francigena: A Tuscan Pilgrimage. She is a Bainbridge Island writer, artist, and avid traveler currently serving as the Drawing and Painting Studio Lead at the Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN), where she helps foster creativity and collaboration among local artists. 

Should you need anything, Carla will be available to help you during your stay in Turin and she will be Massimo’s assistant during the workshop.  Even though the workshop will be taught in English, because Carla speaks Italian, she will be available to assist as needed.

Itinerary

April 19 - arrive, check into hotel, Welcome dinner with Massimo

April 20, 21, 22:

8:00 - Breakfast in the hotel

9:00 - 12:30 Workshop in Massimo's studio

12:30 - 3:00 - Afternoon break; lunch, explore the city, nap or enjoy the spa

3:00 - around 6:30 or 7:00 - Workshop in Massimo's studio

After the workshop, participants can enjoy dinner with the group or on your own

April 23 -9:00 Breakfast in the hotel

10:00 - Private tour of the Mole Antonelliana 

around 12:30 - Lunch with the group or on your own

Afternoon free to explore Turin 

7:30 - Farewell dinner with Massimo

About Turin

Turin, nestled at the foot of the Italian Alps, is a city of elegance, history, and innovation. After Italy's unification in 1861, Turin was the its first capital.  Famous for its chocolate, Fiats, and the iconic Mole Antonelliana, Turin also has world-class museums, a lively cafe scene, views of the Po River and the snow capped mountains of the Alps. It's a sophisticated and welcoming city of baroque architecture with a vibrant contemporary culture...and great food!

Turin is easily accessible by air or train. 

What’s included

3 day workshop in Massimo’s private studio

• All tools, inks and paper will be provided. 

• Group and individual instruction from Massimo. 

• Limit of eight students.

• Massimo’s workshop is a convenient walk from the hotel.

Five nights lodging at the elegant Hotel Victoria and Spa

• Private room with private bath.

• Indoor pool.

• Spa facilities available.

• Sumptuous breakfast.

• Hotel Victoria and Spa 

Two dinners at exceptional local restaurants

• Welcome dinner with Massimo on the first night.

• Farewell dinner after the last night of the workshop.

• Wine included at both dinners.

A tour of the Mole Antonelliana. 

• Tour of the iconic Mole Antonelliana: Built in 1889, this iconic 19th-century landmark with a towering spire, was originally a synagogue, but is now home to the National Cinema Museum. 

• Tour of the Museo Nazionale del Cinema housed inside the Mole Antonelliana.

All gratuities 

What’s not included

Airfare and any other transportation to Turin

Travel Insurance

Personal Incidentals 

Price: $3,250

Deposit of $300 is due to reserve your space.

Final payment is due January 15th, 2026. 

Cancellation Policy: Deposits are non-refundable. After payment in full, 75% is refundable if we can fill your spot from the waitlist; otherwise, 50% will be refunded.

For booking or any additional questions,

 please contact 

Carla Mackey at zainoverde100@gmail.com

ZainoVerde.com