“Baroque Blue…the name alone is romantic and foretells of a magical experience. This was my 2nd artist residency with Baroque Blue, both as participant and instructor. In September- Water Path, I taught 5 Encaustic Painting sessions which challenged me to adapt to painting outdoors and using alternative heat sources. The participants were enthusiastic and curious; it was a great pleasure to work with them and reveal the recipe and basic techniques of this ancient medium. Dores Sacquegna is a master curator and carefully planned our great adventure which took us to archaeological sacred sites, historical Salento villages and sea caves. Each one a piece of mystical culture inspiring us to better understand the symbols of the sacred Trail of the Great Mother.

The seaside of the Adriatic was majestic and the sea water nothing like I’d ever experienced before. But central to the residency was the sharing, exchange and creativity we experienced amongst the group of international artists. I had time to create one artwork, and, in both residencies, I challenged myself to work differently than I ever had. In the midst of my painting, something took over and it became something entirely else. The thrill of letting go and letting the inspiration flow freely thru oneself. Thank you, Dores, and to all of the team of Baroque Blue. I’ll be back next year and hopefully bring artists I know that would like to have this exceptional life experience. Kohlene Hendrickson (Swizerland)”.

“Participating in Baroque Blue was a deeply meaningful experience for me, both artistically and personally. Baroque Blue is not just a residency, but a total immersion in the life and work of an artistic community, requiring presence, adaptation, and active participation. Sharing spaces, time, and processes with other artists and the curator means putting yourself out there every day, opening yourself up to dialogue, and allowing yourself to be transformed by the exchange. From the very first meeting with the group, I sensed a shared energy, a common desire to explore the link between art, nature, and the identity of the Salento region. The rituals led by Maddalena were one of the most intense moments: an opportunity to slow down, listen to my body, and access a deeper dimension of artistic research, discovering my photographic work intense with emotions. Her guidance is discreet but powerful, capable of creating an atmosphere of trust and openness. From an organizational point of view, Baroque Blue is not just a creative retreat: it is a shared experience, in which every daily gesture becomes part of the process. For those arriving for the first time, it is important to know that Baroque Blue is an immersive, authentic, and transformative experience that continues to resonate even after the end of the journey.”

“Baroque Blue, curated by Dores Sacquegna and Primo Piano Living Gallery, hosts artists who want to immerse themselves in a multisensory experience that connects people with a land that is both primitive and contemporary. In this non-place, where the scent of culture, the taste of freedom, and the sound of spontaneous nature reign supreme, inspired touch collects and creates. I would like to thank Dores and her team because I believe that this experience has led me to get to know myself better and improve my relationship with art and time, which can be fully enjoyed within Baroque Blue. “

“Participating in the Baroque Blue – Water Path project was a dream come true for me. I had been hoping and expecting to be part of this artistic journey, and when it finally happened, it felt like a very natural and meaningful step in my path as an artist. The experience went much deeper than just creating new works — the landscape, the light, the sea, and the spirit of Salento opened something inside me and brought new layers of symbolism, emotion, and memory into my paintings. The project was beautifully curated by the amazing and deeply knowledgeable Dores Sacquegna, whose guidance, vision, and sensitivity created a supportive and inspiring environment for all of us. Her ability to connect place, history, and contemporary art helped me see my own work in a new way. I left Baroque Blue not only with new artworks, but with a stronger sense of direction, gratitude, and inner growth. It is an experience that will continue to influence my art for a long time.”

“Memories of Baroque Blue. Meeting our group of artists. Creating lasting friendships. Our morning rituals at our villa. The Adriatic Ocean and the phenomenal Sister Rock, just a short walk from our villa. Ritual ceremonies with Maddalena our shaman, in caves, in forest, in the ocean. The vast deep connection to ancient history instilled by our journeys that Dores planned. The night I shared my poetry with our community. The evening, I was encouraged to share my art with our group by creating a video. These moments were transformative in my life and to my work as an artist. The depth and creativity each artist brought to the art exhibit was inspiring. The work I created at the Residency that shifted my understanding and joy of creating. Now back home, I find myself ever curious and open to challenges that arise in my art including but not limited to experimenting with materials. Inventing, shifting, enjoying, expanding my horizons”.

“At Baroque Blue Artist Residency, I experienced the beautifuls waters and grottos of the Adriatic Sea and connected with ancient stones enlivened by the Sacred Feminine. Ultimately, creativity and magic in communion with incredible women were the blessings”. 

“Participating in the Baroque Blue residency in Torre dell’Orso— curated by Dores Sacquegna and Primo Piano — was an extraordinary opportunity for me. Exploring ancient prehistoric sites and immersing myself in symbolic rituals and shamanic traditions awakened a deep reverence for the “Great Mother,” a source of inspiration and spiritual connection. For two weeks I lived by the Adriatic Sea, surrounded by incredible artists from around the world. The beauty of the coastline, the sunsets over the sea, and the shared creative energy made this experience truly unforgettable. I carry this inspiration with me into all my future artwork”. 

“My experience at the Baroque Blue international artist residency curated by Dores Sacquegna was unique. The residency was in a villa overlooking the sea and shared by other fellow artists from around the world. The happy and friendly environment made this a beautiful and special place to stay. Our days spent going on organised trips visiting local and historical places was so inspirational and gave me lots of enthusiasm for my creativity. Included in the retreat was the most wonderful relaxing sessions with the residential Shaman, getting back to nature and rejuvenating mind, body and soul. The whole experience left me feeling peaceful and calm, finding an inner depth creativity to carry me forward on my artistic journey. Thank you, Dores, for such a life changing experience”.

“I gratitude the universe for opportunity to be on the amazing retreat and first, Dores. Your hospitality, activity, kindness, sense of humour turned out to be very suitable for me. I admit that this was the main thing I was afraid of – how would I understand what you want from me. On the fifth day it turned out that it was easy. I like that you laugh all the time. Thank you for making it easy and interesting for me with you. And of course, there were you who opened the real Italy to me, which before that I’ve only known tourist places. About my art here? I know that it will still be revealed”.

“Thank you all for all the connections I made with each of your lovely souls. Also, to Dores for her endless enthusiasm and support and Maria Maddalena for re-connecting me to the natural world. As a landscape painter I was beginning to feel slightly overwhelmed by the commercial side of my art practice and wondered if I should carry on. However, I now feel ‘switched on ‘ again, I tried something new which I wanted to achieve (my film and prints) So, Grazie for a truly unique experience”.

“Have tears in my eyes – yes while we live and after together, I recognized this sister soul’s connection from the first moment you found me. Dear Dores, please convey to Maria Maddalena our love and gratitude for opening our hearts and connecting us on a deeper level to our soul and visible and invisible worlds”.

“We have been privileged to have this life expanding and connecting experience – deep bow to you Dores and to everyone that that said YES to this journey and showed up in their moments of both resistance and shining brilliance. I have returned home with all the magic, emotions, impressions and fatigue, yesterday morning I felt radiant pure joy. Now that you are vessels and beacons of BAROQUE BLUE it’s a good moment to share your light and reach out to others that may want to walk / swim this path in September”.

“To Dores: Sending you a message full of love and gratitude for all that you have made for us. It’s 2:00 am here in the city of Los Angels, while my body has arrived, my spirit is swimming in the cool clear gentle waters of Santa Maria Al Bagno. Each of you are my teachers”.

“During my recent stay in Salento, Italy, at the Baroque Blue Artist Residency, I underwent a transformation that I hadn’t anticipated. As we arrived to Santa Maria al Bagno, the warm embrace of friendly faces and the soothing breeze from the Ionic Sea greeted me, setting the stage for an incredible journey. Our villa was perfectly positioned with views of the sea that inspired me every morning. Dores, our curator, skilfully crafted a schedule that was both enriching and enlightening. From the first day, an array of activities began to unfold. One memorable morning, we walked with Madalena, a local shaman, through a nearby park searching for nature’s hidden doors. Her insights opened my eyes, allowing me to see creativity in the natural world around me. Later, as we sat in a Neanderthal cave for a shamanic session, I gained newfound respect for the ancient connections between humanity and art. Our days were filled with trips to the charming towns of Salento, each offering a treasure trove of inspiration. Evenings were no less exciting, with shared international meals and a hands-on ancient grain pasta class by Francesca that bridged the gap between culinary art and tradition. Participating in these activities began to subtly influence my artistic vision. I realized that my initial painting, created in the early days of the residency, no longer resonated with my evolving perspective. In a moment of clarity, I decided to tear it apart—a bold gesture representative of my willingness to embrace change. In its place, an abstract piece emerged, capturing the essence of my journey and surprising both me and my fellow artists. This transformative experience at Baroque Blue opened new dimensions in my creativity, freeing me to explore and express with newfound confidence. The residency didn’t just change my art; it changed how I see the world and my place in it. Standing by the Ionic Sea, I left with a revitalized passion and a sense of artistic freedom that continues to inspire me“.

“Thank you, everything is fine. The whole trip seemed like one long and happy and very interesting day! A huge thank you to Dores for her care and attention to me, she spent so much time on me because of my leg. And all together, I thank all the participants of this trip for their attention and understanding of my personality”.