Karen Olson
Karen Olson is a lens-based artist exploring the intersection of human emotion and the natural world. Through concept-based projects, she investigates how the human-nature connection nurtures mental health and interpersonal communication.
Her passion lies in uncovering both the scientific and soulful aspects of her subjects. Drawing inspiration from countless hours spent on trails near her home, Karen transforms multi-sensory experiences into two- and three-dimensional works—creating intimate, immersive landscapes that offer viewers a space for respite and recovery.
Her work has been featured by the Griffin Museum of Photography, Art New England magazine, Maine Museum of Photographic Art, Maine Magazine, and One Twelve Publishing. Karen received the Rfotofolio Portfolio Award for 2024 and was included in Maine Magazine’s 18 Up-And-Coming Maine Artists to Watch.
Karen’s work has been included in many international shows. Waterfall Arts hosted her immersive solo show and installation, The Embrace, in 2022. Focus and Flow, Karen’s online masterclass with Fibre Arts Take Two, will launch in April 2025.
Karen serves on the board of The International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists and is currently training as a Forest Therapy Guide with ANFT.
Workshop description
Paper Sculpture
When we work sculpturally, we gain a profound understanding of how perspective can transform and shift in response to the interplay of light and the angle from which we observe our creations. This fundamental aspect of sculptural art resonates deeply as a powerful metaphor, illustrating the complex, dynamic, and perpetually shifting nature of life's journey. By skillfully manipulating diverse artistic elements and incorporating them into a multi-dimensional layered sculpture, we are able to effectively convey the intricate and multifaceted layers that constitute our unique life experiences.
This immersive retreat-style workshop is designed to guide participants through a transformative creative journey, facilitating an opening of the heart-sense and intuitive awareness. Through discussions and demonstrations, participants will discover innovative ways to allow the inherent qualities, textures, and characteristics of various materials to naturally guide the creative process and take the lead in developing unique compositions.
During the workshop, Karen will share her expertise on the nuanced approach of working conceptually and in a series, exploring how individual pieces can build upon and inform each other to create a cohesive body of work. She will also provide detailed guidance on the essential steps and methodologies necessary to successfully conceptualize, develop, and complete a meaningful artistic project.
Course Description
This workshop focuses on paper sculpture, teaching you how to transform dry papers into captivating forms and textures. You'll explore both ancient and contemporary techniques from across the globe and learn innovative ways to create armatures that elevate your work from wall to tabletop displays.
You’ll work with a diverse selection of materials—including Karen's handmade papers harvested from the Maine landscape, alongside Japanese and Korean papers. Drawing inspiration from the Le Marche countryside, we will experiment with Italian pigments and Japanese dyes to design and color our papers. Photographers will have the opportunity to print their work on handmade paper to use in their sculptures.
We'll conclude by exploring display techniques as we prepare for our class exhibition in the studio.
This workshop embraces an open-ended, process-oriented approach that places strong emphasis on individual exploration and creative discovery. While materials are included in your tuition package, we warmly welcome participants to bring their own artwork, papers, fibers, or other materials that resonate with their creative vision—these personal additions often lead to unexpected and exciting artistic developments.
We’ve designed this workshop to be accessible and enriching for artists at all skill levels. Our supportive environment allows everyone to progress at their own pace while discovering new possibilities within the medium.
$4,599 per person ($800 fully refundable deposit*)
21-27 June 2026
Dates and pricing
BONUS COMPANION PACKAGE:
Non-artist discount of $200. Piero will be your guide as you explore opportunities to see surrounding historical villages, horseback ride, golf, visit a Roman archaeological site, visit nearby festivals, visit the Church of the Dead, take a bell tower tour, discover sunflower fields or just eat and drink with the locals!
EARLY SIGN IN discount of $200
Book Now to save your spot!
Terms and Conditions, including our refund policy, are located on the Book Your Tour page.
Private transportation to and from Bologna BLQ airport to Urbania (please check our time stipulation on day 7)
6 night accommodation with breakfast at the charming B&B www.ilparcoducale.it all bedrooms ensuite (NO supplement for single)
5 Lunches and 6 Dinners with full beverage service, including wine
Welcome Aperitivo
Stunning studio
Private trip to Urbino
Entrance to Raphael’s childhood home
Private trip to Fabriano and paper workshop with master Sandro Tiberi
Private bookbinding workshop with master Carla Luminati
Private transportation on all excursions
Exclusive week-long class with Karen Olson, 18 hours workshop guaranteed
Activities for non-painters as listed in the itinerary
Week-long private guide and international sommelier Piero
what’s included
itinerary
Day 1
-Arrival (*Bologna BLQ is the recommended airport). In our commitment to making your traveling experience to Le Marche as easy and convenient as possible, your host, Piero Pagliardini, will meet you at the airport (*see time stipulations) and escort you to the B&B. https://www.ilparcoducale.it/
-Take time to settle in, unpack and explore before we all meet up. Your accommodation is within walking distance of shops, markets, restaurants, and village life unspoiled by time.
-Karen, and our host and native Marchigiano, Piero Pagliardini, will welcome you over drinks and give an overview of the week to come. Then pizza time! Enjoy the best pizza in town in an authentic Italian pizzeria. End the night with a stroll, a nightcap, and a good night’s sleep.
Day 2
- Full studio day with break for lunch
Morning
- Introduction to Working Conceptually. Begin the day with an engaging discussion on the conceptual approach to paper sculpture, delving into how ideas evolve and are expressed through the medium.
- Types of Papers: explore the unique fiber content, origins, and inherent qualities of various papers. Gain an understanding of how these attributes influence the creative process.
- Overview of Papermaking. A brief introduction to the art of papermaking, laying the foundation for our upcoming trip to Fabriano—a world-renowned hub for handmade paper.
- Demonstration: Coloring Papers. Learn how to use Japanese dyes and Italian pigments to color papers, creating organic, abstract landscapes by blending these mediums seamlessly.
Non painters will venture out for a morning truffle hunt with Piero. We will meet Andrea, local truffle hunter, and his best friend Pialla, his dog. The hunt will take us through fantastic landscapes while hunting for black truffles and learning local traditions.
Afternoon
- Discussion: Benefits of Working in a Series.
- Understand the advantages of developing cohesive works as part of a series, and how each piece can inform and build upon the next.
- Discussion & Demonstration: Oriental and Handmade Papers. Application of Clearcoat. Hands-On Practice. Opportunity to print your artwork on handmade paper.
Continue adding color to your papers, designing abstract landscapes, and coordinating prints for a cohesive look.
End the day inspired, with colorful, uniquely crafted papers ready for the next phase of your artistic journey.
-All group visit -Dive into village life in Urbania, Learn about Urbania’s traditions, spanning centuries, including its rich ceramic art culture.
-Dinner at the square! Meet the locals, live like locals
Day 3
-Full studio day with break for lunch.
Morning
-Discussion: planning ahead - form and shape concepts Connecting form to concept Sculptural form Vessels Book forms
-Demonstration Armatures Methods for sculpting: konnyaku, wheat paste, beeswax.
-Begin Sculpting Papers
Non painters explore village life and nearby towns visit to Domus of Myth. Archeological site with amazing mosaics. With Piero you will never get bored.
Afternoon
-Discussion: Thinking in Three Dimensions
-Hands-On Practice: Continue shaping and sculpting papers.
-Begin Assembling: Start putting elements together.
-Later Afternoon cooking class with one of the best local chefs in Urbania to make “pasta fatta a mano” and other traditional courses. Our class will be held in the spectacular Mulino della Ricavata, a 12th century mill that will leave you breath taken. Private wine tasting and dinner to follow.
Day 4
-Breakfast at the hotel then we will go to a Creative paper workshop in Fabriano. We will leave for the city where the art of paper making has been alive for centuries!
Fabriano is the most important paper production centre of Europe. We will learn directly from the master Sandro Tiberi!
-Light lunch in Fabriano and return to finish our paper workshop. Then, late afternoon, travel back to Urbania, relax and free time.
-Dinner time at the Doddo’s restaurant!
Day 5
- Morning excursion to Urbino, Raphael’s childhood home, where we kick off the next adventure! In a loose yet structured manner, we'll wander the main squares and winding medieval pathways. You will be immersed in local color, texture, and flavors (while eating everything in sight) as well as examining architectural motifs, contemporary art, and design, all the while collecting ideas that will inspire your writing.
Ready for a bookbinding workshop at http://www.stamperiadartecavirginio.it/en/
Carla, an artist and printer, will lead us in this unforgettable experience where you will bind the paper made in Fabriano into your own handmade book. Participate in this ancient tradition in an inspirational location for your story in Italy.
- Lunch at our favorite restaurant “Trattoria Il Leone” which the chef and owner is also a great painter! Time to relax.
- Afternoon in Urbino
- Back at the “Braveria” restaurant. By this point, you will know why!
Day 6
Morning
-Discussion: Trusting the Leadings of Your Heart
-Discussion: Creating a Cohesive Piece
-Focus on interlocking pieces, working intuitively, and letting the materials guide the process.
Non painters grab your passport! Visit to San Marino, one of the world’s smallest countries. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set atop Mount Titan, 2480ft above sea level is said to be the world’s oldest surviving republic.
Afternoon
-Discussion: Successfully Completing an Artistic Project
-Final Steps: Work toward completion with individual mentoring.
-Class Exhibition: Hang the show and celebrate your creative journey!
-Free time to pack at the hotel.
-Meet that evening for a farewell happy hour and dinner. Share your art with the group and then raise a glass (or two, or three!) to our week in Le Marche. Cin-cin! Cheers! And a warm salute until next year!
Day 7
-We recommend booking a night or two in Bologna at the end/beginning of your trip to explore this beautiful city and to make your departure/arrival flights more convenient. Please contact us for recommendations.
- Departures (*Please arrange departures for after 2:00 p.m.).
Time Stipulations
-Pick-ups at BLQ Bologna airport and Bologna Centrale Train Station will be offered between 12:00-3:00 p.m.
-Departures at BLQ Bologna airport and Bologna Centrale Train Station will be offered from 12:00 noon onward. In order to arrive for your flight with ample time, we recommend scheduling departing flights after 4:00 p.m.
- Pick-up and Departures from other locations, or at times outside these parameters can be arranged at an additional fee.