Genoa Italy Artist Residency 2025

“Sitting around a table and sharing moments is what draws me to paint. Everything happens when you're with your people: mentoring, jokes, drama, friendship, and togetherness, all unfolding around that specific piece of furniture while sharing a meal or a drink. On this trip, I found that new friendships were formed—not only with my fellow artists from Columbus, but also with artists and art institution representatives from Genoa, Italy. These new connections, I believe, can carry us further toward my ideal of art as a force that strengthens the bonds within our societies.”

Antonio González García

“When wandering the medieval streets of Genoa, I was drawn to the contrast of sunlit buildings against shadows of alleyways, intricate frescos, ancient statues, and vibrant colors everywhere. My paintings will be influenced by my emotional response to these historical images as I create a narrative of my Genoese experience.” Marty Husted

“Wandering the streets of Genoa, I was captivated by intricacy & beauty behind their historic architecture. That sense of grandeur and timeless beauty is what I hope to capture in my piece, using a stunning liquid organza I found at a local fabric shop.” Efua Amissah-Aggrey

“On my trip to Genoa, Italy, I was fascinated by the centuries of civilization that have been built and reconstructed on top of each other. Each society reshapes the environment, building on top of older ruins. I took hundreds of images. My intention is to explore and highlight the layers of history found in Italy, juxtaposing contemporary scenes with historic sites. Here are a couple of photographs that are inspiring me.” Helen Hoffelt

“Travel has become an essential part of my practice. Moving through unfamiliar landscapes and cultures allows me to see with fresh eyes and respond to the world in ways that routine cannot provide. Each country reveals a distinct visual language—through its architecture, colors, traditions, and rhythms—that expands my own creative vocabulary.

These experiences remind me that art is inseparable from the communities and histories that shape it. By engaging with different environments and people, I not only learn new techniques but also cultivate empathy, openness, and resilience—qualities that flow back into my work.

Traveling continually challenges and renews me. It sharpens my awareness of home while deepening my connection to the wider human story. My art becomes a record of these crossings: moments where cultures meet, perspectives shift, and new meanings emerge.” Char Norman