“…personal attention from Maureen several times a session was inexplicably helpful. I love the fact that at the end of three fast weeks, I am able to physically view my progress. Wonderful tour leaders….Three weeks of constant LEARNING, but learning that I feel will truly resonate with the students for many years to come…”

— Trudy Andrzejewski, Kenyon College, TCA 2009

“Victor inspired me to see “colors.” Professors Deupi, Michael, Sally were more than exceptional. Tours couldn’t have been complete without any one of them! Learning architecture through art… It is the best program which prepares students interested in architecture to develop “eyes” for seeing and observing architecture and the order of mother nature….Food: The best ever! I really had the best experience in my life. ”

— Ji Yeon Choe, UND graduate architectural student, TCA 2009

“…Capitignano location, top instructors, locations to draw and paint, lending library, casual atmosphere….all the parts complimented the course focus.”

— Katherine Demes, IBM applications controls auditor TCA 2009

“…my time spent at beautiful sites and attractions of the Mugello Valley could not have been more inspirational to capture on paper…learning to develop my eye to the different tones and train my hand to capture the charm of each site….I came to Capitignano without a background in classical architecture but I am leaving not only with the knowledge of its ways, but also with a more profound understanding of its culture and the people who shaped it into what it is today…An amazing immersion in the education, culture, and beauty that Italy has offered for so many years. ”

— Gail Gambarini, Engineer & NY Institute of Technology TCA 2009

“This is my second time at TCA and I would do it again in a heartbeat! I have yet to master painting, and this program offers the motivation, inspiration, and instruction I need.”

— Ernesto Gloria, UND graduate architectural student TCA 2009

“The demonstrations were great. It really helped me to understand watercolors better…The art/architecture/history of Florence was great to learn about…. the perfect mix of vacation getaway and learning experience all in one. Great food!”

— Kimberly McGee, NY Institute of Technology TCA 2009

“Maureen was fabulous….Victor was inspiring….It’s such a unique opportunity to be in such an inspiring setting while being guided and taught by such talented people. I learned so much – it’s amazing to see the progression over the three weeks….Capitignano is like a painter’s paradise. The incredible landscape and the wonderful instructors created the perfect environment for artistic inspiration.”

— Mallory Mecham, UND architectural student TCA 2009

“The teachers are experts in their fields and excellent at sharing and presenting the material and their knowledge. A good experience in a beautiful part of Italy, where you can combine pleasures with education.”

— Casper Norden, Senior TCA 2009

“Locations were amazing. Extremely informative, beautiful, and most helpful for those who truly want to improve.”

— Sarah Smith, Senior TCA 2009

“An amazing opportunity to learn a lot in a beautiful environment; opportunity of a lifetime!”

— Sarah Phelps Smith, Art Historian TCA 2009

“Maureen was an excellent instructor….Victor explains drawing concepts and proportion in great detail. Tours were great….Michael, Victor, and Sally’s excitement and academic vigor shine wonderfully through their onsite lectures….location, faculty, and hospitality are superb. Imagine learning how to watercolor and oil paint in paradise… ”

— Benjie Sirota, Architect TCA 2009

“"It’s not at all like a summer program – it’s really serious."
"Program: Excellent! Food: Excellent."”

— Merve Turkoglu and Rena Cukurova, Seniors TCA 2009

“The tours were amazing….a comprehensive learning experience that helped me understand Florence "in the round"….why it came to be a center of the arts…The instructors were fantastic….I definitely felt like I had grown in my drawing, watercoloring, and painting by the time I left…. I wish I could have participated in a program like this every summer during undergraduate school….the quality of my school work, creativity, drawing and painting skill sets would have improved exponentially from year to year.”

— Marina Trejo, Architect & Urban Designer TCA 2009

“This program was a lot of fun. I learned a lot about watercoloring. The tours were awesome. I learned a lot about Florence. The accommodation was excellent. Food: Outstanding!!”

— Luke Velazquez, NY Institute of Technology TCA 2009

“(We) achieved a lot in a limited time, got the basics, the philosophy and principles – very valuable. Good, hands-on and practical (architectural course). Very inspiring, incredible views….For three weeks you can fully focus on “the arts” without having anything else to worry about, and it happens in the heartland of classical architecture. The quality of living is superb, from the housing to the food to the vistas and the wealth of history.”

— Rick van der Linden, IT, Finance, & Built Environment TCA 2009

“All the instruction I received was entirely helpful. An excellent opportunity for an intense immersion into the arts.”

— Katie Smith, U. Dallas TCA 2009

“Fast-paced, rigorous, diversified experience. Thank you so much for this amazing summer experience. I have learned so much and have truly grown as an artist. Thank you for sharing your beautiful Tuscan property and for being so accommodating.

— Olivia Rugee, HS Senior, California, TCA 2008

“In a perfect setting, intense immersion in traditional arts, cultural exploration and inspiring pedagogy: a real academy…. I knew the school work would be edifying, but I could not have imagined how spiritually refreshing and exponentially stimulating this Academy would be. Your hospitality is extraordinary and your dedication to a living civilization unparalleled in my experience. … Thank you for the intellectual, artistic, and spiritual formation of these past three weeks.”

— Pauline Marie Smith, Graduate Student UND School of Architecture, TCA 2008

“Enormously fruitful and inspiring. Exposes everyone to culture, tradition, and beauty. Introduces basic to complex ideas to beginners and challenges those more experienced. Intellectual refreshment and illuminative, no matter how experienced. This has been such an illuminating experience on so many levels. … I appreciate your efforts in putting such a program together for students to come and see, meditate, and practice beauty in a world that otherwise has too many distractions. My time here has been full of great memories and I believe I have improved on several of my skills. Thank you for your hospitality and generosity. I will miss Capitignano!”

— Grant Saller, Graduate Student UND School of Architecture, TCA 2008

“An incredible, life-changing Tuscan experience focused on Classical Architecture. Intellectual refreshment and illuminative, no matter how experienced. Thank you for your encouragement and motivation … I am so glad I had this wonderful opportunity.”

— Kevin Svensen, Graduate Student Judson School of Architecture, TCA 2008

“TCA is an art and architecture program that allows you to build on your skills or learn some in a beautiful setting with experts in their fields, while allowing you to experience Italy as more than just a tourist. The structure is open and flexible, while still giving enough time to work and be productive.

It has been wonderful spending these three weeks at Capitignano! Your hospitality and patience were very welcoming and I would have loved to spend many more weeks here… this program is excellent. ”

— Emily Pinney, Undergraduate Washington State University College of Engineering & Architecture, TCA 2008

“TCA encompasses many experiences and emotions in a single day. It is serene, demanding, rewarding, beautiful, relaxing, intense, and absolutely wonderful in the most literal sense. It was my pleasure and privilege being there, and thank you for making it happen. ”

— Benjamin Burnham, Graduate Student UND School of Architecture, attending Florence Academy of Art 2008-9, TCA 2008

“An opportunity for an intense three weeks of learning, seeing relevant sites in Tuscany, and the completion of meaningful projects in a beautiful environment…. The Tuscan Classical Academy is one of the best experiences in my (long) life. I learned so much about architecture, painting, water-coloring, drawing, gardens, Florentine history – and not only from the wonderful teachers but also from the other students. I am more grateful than I can say for this wonderful experience, and I hope that it will flourish for many, many years. ”

— Sally Smith, Art Historian, Painter, and Mother of eight; Cleveland, Ohio, TCA 2008

“TCA 2008, a summer to remember! Classical inspiration, artistic exploration, Tuscan beauty, family time, exploring Italy, red wine, fabulous meals, new found friendships, and of course architecture to inspire the soul. We will forever cherish the memory of Capitignano and your hospitality!”

— The Rugee family, California, TCA 2008

“Quality of instruction: David and Maureen both have a passion for what they do and clearly enjoy combining teaching with their professional artist life. A whirl-wind tour of Tuscany! Shows you a bit of everything, with more emphasis on design. Great for people who are interested in Classical Renaissance history.

I can’t thank you enough for an unforgettable experience! I have so much to take back to the classroom – drawing techniques, new ways to teach about composition, painting, art history… Your knowledge and love of Tuscany will be disseminated throughout Connecticut! You are doing the world a service by spreading your love of classical beauty and ideals.”

— Jackie LaBelle, Art Teacher Hopkins School, Connecticut, TCA 2008

“I had an incredible time in Tuscany. Capitignano is beautiful with good helpful teachers and plenty of trips. It was probably the most I’ve ever worked during the summer, but at the same time it was the most fun summer I’ve had.”

— Julie Benjamin, HS Senior, Virginia, TCA 2008

“This has been an amazing trip, one that I will never forget. … an amazing experience in a beautiful villa in the mountains of Tuscany with spectacular scenery and amazing conversation. This is an amazing program and I am sure you will continue to bless the lives of everyone who is fortunate enough to attend..”

— Warren Stred, Graduate Eckerd College Business Administration, TCA 2008

“TCA is an intensive painting and architecture course designed to produce strong results in an immersive environment…Instructor ability was great and necessary for the success of the program. The overall encouragement and strong sense of community allowed students to work hard and effectively. To the Aeschlimans: You inspire all of those around you… I have learned much here, not just about painting and architecture, but new ways of thinking as well as gaining valuable understanding about the context of the Renaissance. I commend you for your pursuit of noble causes and wish you the utmost happiness.”

— Danny Katebini-Stengel, University of Colorado School of Architecture, TCA 2008

— Nicholas Simpson, Senior, Winchester School, England, TCA 2008

— Misteene Murphree, Architectural Assistant, California, TCA 2008

“The painting program had a nice easy pace. It was a good way to learn new skills and hone old ones while having a gifted instructor nearby. Thank you so much for sharing your corner of Tuscany with me. … Thank you also for providing an opportunity… to dust off some long forgotten knowledge and again find inspiration. I had a wonderful, wonderful time.”

— Jennifer Trople, Teacher International School of Bavaria, TCA 2008

“TCA instilled in me a deep love and respect for Tuscan architecture and art. The experience of living in the breathtaking Mugello valley and visiting some of the world's most beautiful towns and cities has left a lasting impression on my heart and mind. I will never look at architecture in the same way again. I really wish I could do it all over again.”

— Stephanie Bujnak, Graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas College pursuing studies in architecture, TCA 2007

“A very intense two weeks of learning in a very beautiful environment with excellent teachers and a supportive atmosphere to progress one's skills and understanding, regardless of level. The complex is beautiful, offering more vistas than I could begin to capture; the opportunity for socializing was just right and great food. The program was all that I hoped it would be.”

— Jackie Capp, Professional Portraitist, Boston, TCA 2007

“A great workshop. Three weeks is enough to see improvement in one's work. With the small size of the group, everyone was able to receive as much attention as they required.”

— Caitlin Carabine, Gettysburg College, TCA 2007

“TCA is a good workshop which is suited for all levels and offers a good first taste of Italy.”

— Andrew De Morais, Penn State University Architecture Student, TCA 2007

“TCA is a wonderful program to get the basics in landscape painting and architectural drawing in the classic style. The surroundings are beautiful, well suited for that purpose; excellent instruction within historical perspective.”

— Sabina Garrison, Retired elementary school teacher, MA, TCA 2007

“Intense yet very fun program that helps expand one's artistic and creative skills. TCA keeps students busy and on task.”

— Andrew Gim, University of Notre Dame Architecture Student, TCA 2007

“At TCA learn about urbanism, landscape painting, and architecture sketching with the help of beautiful and talented people in the beautiful setting of Tuscany. ”

— Ernesto Gloria, University of Notre Dame Architecture Student, TCA 2007

“TCA has a very clear focus on beauty and classical architecture. Especially for architecture students, it is the perfect way to develop an artistic sensibility away from the rigor of architectural drawings and renderings. Landscape painting has excellent instruction on basics of composition, value, shapes, techniques. Excellent tour leaders! Absolutely beautiful!”

— Alejandra Gutzeit, University of Notre Dame Architecture Student, TCA 2007

“A great combination of art or architecture workshops to learn new things and master old things. Also, a great focus on art & history and its effect on present works. Day trips & tours are very organized with very competent guides and teachers, and free days to explore your own interests.”

— Holly Hendrix, University of Memphis Architecture Student, TCA 2007

“TCA is informative, creative, and mind opening.”

— Willa Kroll, High School senior, CA, TCA 2007

“Located in the beautiful hills of Tuscany, TCA is a wonderful program to learn new skills or touch up old ones in art and architecture. Great teachers and beautiful campus and grounds.”

— Duncan Smith, High School student planning on studying architecture, IN, TCA 2007

“A month in Tuscany! What else do you want? Everything was great! Food—Yum! Beautiful places.”

— Chris Snyder, University of Notre Dame Architecture Student, TCA 2007

“Location, location, location! TCA was well orgainzed with the perfect mixture of scheduled tours and paint days. Intense instruction with a wealth of information.”

— Beth Taylor, Painter & Art teacher, Alaska, TCA 2007

“Unforgettable! I felt as though I was part of a family of artists, architects, and intellectuals that had all come together to share their experiences, talents, and knowledge in order to achieve and produce greater works. The most memorable moments for me were our meals together — the sharing of ideas, dreams, and plans for the future.”

— Ariadne Milligan, Classical Architect, CA, TCA 2006

“Met wonderful people, visited beautiful places, learned a lot about the Italian Renaissance. Wonderful.”

— Mary and Bill Dennis, Landscape Architect and Urban Planner, Providence, RI, TCA 2006