Art & Soul: A Women’s Journey Through Creativity and Culture in Rome

Overview and purpose

Art & Soul is more than a workshop, it’s a curated journey designed for women who are ready to explore their creativity, immerse themselves in timeless beauty, and reconnect with their personal voice through art.

Set in the inspiring heart of Rome, this 10-day experiential program combines artistic exploration with cultural immersion. You don’t need prior artistic experience, only curiosity and a willingness to see the world differently.

Each morning, you’ll build practical skills through hands-on sessions in drawing, watercolor, and mixed media. In the afternoons, you’ll discover Rome’s artistic heritage from a new perspective, visiting museums, ateliers, and iconic neighborhoods that mirror the themes of the day.

Throughout the program, you’ll gradually develop your own personal artwork, a creative piece that reflects your journey, influences, and inner voice. The experience culminates in a group showcase, where each participant presents her final piece in a celebratory, supportive setting.

Delivered in English with full Arabic-speaking support, this workshop has been carefully designed for Gulf women who seek meaningful travel, cultural sophistication, and a space to grow.

Learning Outcome

By completing this 10-day journey, participants will:

  • Develop a foundational understanding of drawing, color, and mixed media techniques
  • Learn to observe like an artist and express emotion through visual language
  • Gain cultural knowledge through guided visits to Rome’s classical and contemporary art spaces
  • Reflect on identity, beauty, and memory through personal artistic exploration
  • Create and present a final original artwork inspired by the journey
  • Connect with like-minded women in an intimate and elegant setting
Admission information
  • Language: English (with Arabic-speaking support throughout the program)
  • Target Group: GCC women (citizens or residents), ages 20+, interested in art, culture, and self-development
  • Requirements: No prior art experience is needed. All materials will be provided.
  • Maximum number of participants: 20
location

Rome, Italy… Activities take place across art studios, museums, cultural landmarks, and creative spaces in the historic center.

Duration and Daily Schedule

10 days, Including morning workshops, themed cultural experiences in the afternoon, and moments for leisure and reflection. The program builds gradually toward a final personal artwork and group celebration.

Daily Schedule

Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome to Rome

  • Morning: Individual arrivals and hotel check-in
  • Afternoon: Orientation meeting with Alfa Edu staff and cultural buddy. Walkthrough of the program schedule, logistics, and cultural tips.

Day 2 – Observing Like an Artist: Line, Form & Detail

  • Morning: Introductory drawing session focused on observation. Learn simple exercises to train your eye to see shape, proportion, and texture. Use pencil and charcoal to sketch from real objects.
  • Afternoon: Guided visit to Villa Borghese and Galleria Borghese. Observe how artists captured the human form and nature. Bring sketchbooks for guided drawing in the gardens.

Day 3 – Classical Beauty & the Human Figure

  • Morning: Drawing from classical sculptures (with reference materials provided). Focus on contour lines and proportions. Instructor-led demo and individual practice with feedback.
  • Afternoon: Tour of the Vatican Museums, focusing on depictions of women, figures, and symbolism. Group reflection on inspiration from classical art.

Day 4 – Color, Mood & Water-Based Techniques

  • Morning: Introduction to watercolors and ink. Learn basic brush control, layering, and how to express mood using color. Create small color studies inspired by Italian landscapes and architecture.
  • Afternoon: Cultural walk in Trastevere, visiting local artisan shops and observing color and composition in daily life. Optional sketching.

Day 5 – Free Day (Personal Exploration)

  • Morning suggestions: visit a Roman spa, shop in Campo Marzio, or attend an open-air market with your cultural buddy.
  • No scheduled activities to allow for relaxation, journaling, or personal excursions.

Day 6 – Materials & Mixed Media

  • Morning: Hands-on exploration of mixed media techniques including collage, layering, and texture using paper, fabric, and acrylic. Work on a small expressive piece using your preferred materials.
  • Afternoon: Visit to the MAXXI – Museum of Contemporary Art. Group discussion on how materials and techniques are used in contemporary women’s art.

Day 7 – Developing a Personal Project

  • Morning: Begin work on your final piece with guidance from the instructor. Choose your medium and reflect on themes you’ve explored (identity, memory, beauty, place).
  • Afternoon: Leisure time or optional guided visit to a small female-run studio in Rome for inspiration and informal dialogue.

Day 8 – Finalization & Presentation

  • Morning: Complete your final piece. Prepare a short reflection about your process and experience (verbal or written).
  • Afternoon: Group sharing of final artworks in a relaxed studio setting. Peer feedback and photo documentation of the works.

Day 9 – Celebration & Farewell

  • Morning: Light debrief and personal journaling session. Distribution of participation certificates.
  • Afternoon: Group photo walk and farewell dinner in a scenic location.

Day 10 – Departure

  • Morning: Optional group airport transfer or individual departure assistance provided by Alfa Edu staff.
Why Choose This Course
  • Created for Gulf women: culturally sensitive, elegant, and empowering
  • A creative journey: each day builds toward a final piece that tells your story
  • More than a class: this is a personal exploration set in one of the world’s cultural capitals
  • Support and comfort: Arabic-speaking guide, prayer accommodations, and a welcoming group atmosphere
  • Balance of learning and leisure: meaningful structure with time for wellness, shopping, and personal reflection
What Sets Us Apart
  • A transformational arc: from observation to creation, your confidence and artistic voice grow day by day
  • Curated experiences: visits and activities chosen to resonate with the workshop’s creative goals
  • Intimate group setting: small group size allows for personal mentorship and deep connection
  • Luxurious but authentic: experience Rome with depth, not just from the surface
  • Professional showcase: participants leave with a personal creation, documentation, and certificate