4th edition – July 5 to 19, 2025
Santa Maria al Bagno (Lecce)
Theme: EARTH PATH. Between plant symbolism and shamanism, this is a multidisciplinary journey dedicated to archetypes, divine and aromatic essences, and the analogies between flowers and the starry sky. Artists are invited to reflect on biodiversity and create magical relationships with Salento folklore.
International artists in residency: Kohlene Hendrickson (Switzerland) | Laurence Vittes (United States) | Lark Pilinsky (United States) | Beverly DiCarlo (United States) | Victoria Williamson (United States) | Tatiana Yartseva (Russia) | Asya Fadeyeva (Russia) | Julie Moss (United Kingdom) | Karen Partridge (United Kingdom).
Apulian artists in dialogue: Gianni Chiriatti | Francesca Ferrara Romana | Claudio Rizzo | Maria Maddalena Armenise | Luigi Caiffa | Alberto Nick Bolettieri.
Shamanism with Maria Maddalena Armenise
- The Breath of the Forest (Ritual of reconnection with the Ancient Spirit of the Forest), Porto Selvaggio Park.
- Mediterranean Roots (Ritual of release in Neanderthal Bay), Porto Selvaggio Park.
- Heart of the Cave (Ritual at the Capelvenere cave), Porto Selvaggio Park.
Activities
- Meeting with artists and curator.
- Claudio Rizzo –The Tree’s Prejudice, poetry reading in Santa Maria al Bagno.
- Maria Maddalena Armenise – presentation of the book “The Map of Salvation: Grail, Medicine for the New Humanity Beyond Duality.”
- Alberto Nick Bolettieri – Sound performance at sunset on the sea.
Workshops
- Kohlene Hendrickson –The magic of encaustic: Biophilia, Santa Maria al Bagno.
- Francesca Ferrara Romana – Cooking Class Experience, FA Azienda Agricola, Galatone.
- Gianni Chiriatti – Oleolites and bitters, Borgagne.
Symbols and places of a magical itinerary
- Porto Selvaggio Park: Capelvenere grotto, tower, park, and Uluzzo Bay.
- Galatina: Basilica of Saint Catherine and Museum of Tarantism).
- Poggiardo: La Cutura Botanical Garden.
- Giurdignano: Megalithic Garden.
- Otranto: old city, Cathedral and Bauxite cave.
- Gallipoli: Coppola Wine Cellar, old city with Hypogea, castle and churches.
Final event July 18
- Contemporary art exhibition of works by resident artists and artists in dialogue.
- Shamanic ceremony to Mother Earth—The Fire of Symbols with Maria Maddalena Armenise.
- Sound performance—Solo by Alberto “Nick” Bolettieri.
- Welcome drinks by Azienda Agricola Contino Wines.
- Ceremony of Recognition
4th edition – July 5 to 19, 2025
Santa Maria al Bagno (Lecce)
Theme: EARTH PATH. Between plant symbolism and shamanism, this is a multidisciplinary journey dedicated to archetypes, divine and aromatic essences, and the analogies between flowers and the starry sky. Artists are invited to reflect on biodiversity and create magical relationships with Salento folklore.
International artists in residency: Kohlene Hendrickson (Switzerland) | Laurence Vittes (United States) | Lark Pilinsky (United States) | Beverly DiCarlo (United States) | Victoria Williamson (United States) | Tatiana Yartseva (Russia) | Asya Fadeyeva (Russia) | Julie Moss (United Kingdom) | Karen Partridge (United Kingdom).
Apulian artists in dialogue: Gianni Chiriatti | Francesca Ferrara Romana | Claudio Rizzo | Maria Maddalena Armenise | Luigi Caiffa | Alberto Nick Bolettieri.
Shamanism with Maria Maddalena Armenise
- The Breath of the Forest (Ritual of reconnection with the Ancient Spirit of the Forest), Porto Selvaggio Park.
- Mediterranean Roots (Ritual of release in Neanderthal Bay), Porto Selvaggio Park.
- Heart of the Cave (Ritual at the Capelvenere cave), Porto Selvaggio Park.
Activities
- Meeting with artists and curator.
- Claudio Rizzo –The Tree’s Prejudice, poetry reading in Santa Maria al Bagno.
- Maria Maddalena Armenise – presentation of the book “The Map of Salvation: Grail, Medicine for the New Humanity Beyond Duality.”
- Alberto Nick Bolettieri – Sound performance at sunset on the sea.
Workshops
- Kohlene Hendrickson –The magic of encaustic: Biophilia, Santa Maria al Bagno.
- Francesca Ferrara Romana – Cooking Class Experience, FA Azienda Agricola, Galatone.
- Gianni Chiriatti – Oleolites and bitters, Borgagne.
Symbols and places of a magical itinerary
- Porto Selvaggio Park: Capelvenere grotto, tower, park, and Uluzzo Bay.
- Galatina: Basilica of Saint Catherine and Museum of Tarantism).
- Poggiardo: La Cutura Botanical Garden.
- Giurdignano: Megalithic Garden.
- Otranto: old city, Cathedral and Bauxite cave.
- Gallipoli: Coppola Wine Cellar, old city with Hypogea, castle and churches.
Final event July 18
- Contemporary art exhibition of works by resident artists and artists in dialogue.
- Shamanic ceremony to Mother Earth—The Fire of Symbols with Maria Maddalena Armenise.
- Sound performance—Solo by Alberto “Nick” Bolettieri.
- Welcome drinks by Azienda Agricola Contino Wines.
- Ceremony of Recognition
