Join us for this signature Art of Being program in our magical retreat setting of San Giovanni Sgadari in the heart of Sicily!
NEW YEAR’S FLASH SALE!
€100 (per person) OFF BOOKINGS December 30 – January 1 only!
Use Discount Code: NEWYEAR2026 when booking.
Welcome to A Larger Tapestry
There are times when we need to step out of our lives to see the big picture, to remind ourselves that we are part of something much larger and grander, a Larger Tapestry.
Get ready to zoom out for a panoramic view as we explore this theme together in Sicily! Ancient Buddhist teachings remind us that we and everything in our world arise out of an infinite web of interdependent threads. The circumstances of one moment in time give rise to what comes next. Taking this more expansive view can help us to see more clearly what truly matters and envision a path through life that is aligned with our deepest, most heartfelt aspirations.
Panoramic Mindfulness
Mindfulness meditation will form the foundation of this exploration. We will practice together each morning and evening. You will receive instruction in a variety of practices designed to help focus and settle the mind and body, open to awareness of our experience in each passing moment, and see this experience as part of a larger unfolding. Whether you are new to meditation or an experienced practitioner, you will have an opportunity to grow and deepen your practice.
Mindful Arts Experiences
Mindful arts experiences form an integral part of the retreat. Our experience of formal meditation shifts into a contemplative engagement with forms and materials. What is arising in us often finds expression in unexpected ways. If you are experienced in the arts, you may find a fresh new perspective. If you are new or apprehensive, don’t worry! The Art of Being approach is playful, lighthearted, and is based on these core principles:
1. Everyone is an artist.
2. Art is an expression of our authentic self.
3. Mindfulness creates the space where authentic art-making can arise.
A Map of Curiosity
What has animated your curiosity over the course of your lifetime? What makes you come alive? Like early explorers who mapped new lands they encountered, the art of map-making can be a helpful way of exploring new terrain in ourselves and envisioning what lies ahead.
Weaving Thread upon Thread
Cultures in nearly every corner of the world developed a tradition of weaving – clothing families, building bonds of community, and connecting a people to their past and their ancestors. You’ll have an opportunity to explore various forms of weaving during our retreat. There is a rhythmic, meditative quality to weaving thread upon thread, not unlike the counting of prayer beads or other forms of tactile prayer and meditation.
Contemplative Photography
Meet Sicilian photographer Gianni Cusumano in his studio in the elegant Madonie Mountain town of Castelbuono. Gianni will introduce us to his contemplative process of photographing this region using antique glass-plate methods of the 19th century. You will have the opportunity to create your own cyanotype print as a capstone to our retreat, while also enjoying the sights, sounds, and flavours of this charming town.
Art of Being is a unique retreat program joining mindfulness meditation with contemplative arts experiences designed to help you see yourself and your life from a new perspective.
Each day you will be guided through practices you can take back into your daily life. These are woven together with contemplative art experiences intended to cultivate your innate capacity for artistic expression. No experience in meditation or art required. The process is more important than the work we produce.
8:00 – 8:30
8:30 – 9:00
9:30 – 11:30
11:30 – 12:30
14:00 – 17:00
19:00 – 20:00
20:30 – 21:00
A TYPICAL DAY
MORNING MEDITATION
LIGHT BREAKFAST
MORNING SESSION
LUNCH
AFTERNOON SESSION
DINNER
EVENING MEDITATION
The Program
DAY 1
LANDING – Arrive at 5pm, settle in, and enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow retreat participants. After dinner we will have a brief introduction to the week ahead.
DAY 2
FINDING YOUR LINE – A day of mindfulness instruction, practice, and settling into our surroundings and a deeper sense of being. In the afternoon we will have an introduction to our contemplative arts practice.
DAY 3
A MAP OF CURIOSITY – We will introduce the element of awareness and sensory perception into our meditation practice. In the afternoon we will explore the art of map-making as we map the terrain of what ignites our curiosity – what makes us come alive.
DAY 4
INNER & OUTER LANDSCAPE – We will continue to deepen our practice of mindful-awareness, stepping back to glimpse a wider perspective and seeing our experience as part of the wider landscape. In the afternoon we will begin our exploration of contemplative weaving.
DAY 5
A LARGER TAPESTRY – With the wider perspective we are cultivating in our practice, we will contemplate our own individual lives as part of a much wider and interwoven human tapestry. In the afternoon we will carry this contemplation into our continued exploration of weaving.
DAY 6
BEING IN THE WORLD – In our last full day of meditation practice we will begin to contemplate what insights, practices, and perspectives we might integrate into our way of being in the world. We will dedicate our afternoon to bringing our weaving explorations to a conclusion.
DAY 7
PRESENCE & LIGHT – We will carry our contemplative spirit of retreat with us as we venture out into the world together for a full-day excursion to Castelbuono, where we’ll enjoy a photography workshop with Sicilian photographer Gianni Cusumano. We’ll have time to explore the town and go on a contemplative photo walk before returning to San Giovanni Sgadari for a festive candlelight dinner beneath the stars.
DAY 8
DEPARTURE – After breakfast we will say our goodbyes and depart at 9am, carrying a suitcase full of memories and deep bonds with new friends.
MEET THE TEAM
Michael Anderson (Retreat Leader) is a certified art teacher and meditation trainer. He has been teaching in schools across the world for twenty-five years and founded Art of Being as a way of helping more people connect with their natural creative capacity. He believes that everyone is an artist, that art is an expression of our authentic selves, and that contemplative practice creates a space where authentic art making can arise. A native of Minnesota, he is based in Vienna, Austria and his ancestral homeland of Sicily.
Gianni Cusumano’s (Workshop Instructor) approach to photography, through the ancient technique of wet plate collodion, reflects the slowness of the Madonie Mountains in Sicily, where he lives. He likes getting lost in the silence of nature, photographing its forms: olive trees, with gnarled trunks and flexible branches, tireless observers of the human generations that follow one another.
THE PLACE: SAN GIOVANNI SGADARI
The location of a retreat is important, for it is the fertile ground of transformation. Arriving through the meandering country roads into the hamlet of San Giovanni Sgadari will feel like coming home. The Masseria farm estate has been in the hands of Maria Antonietta Sgadari’s family for over 300 years, and she is passionate about sharing her family traditions and welcoming programs like ours into the heart of this special place. There is no better person than her to introduce you to the magic of San Giovanni Sgadari. Enjoy this brief video introduction.
Located in the Madonie Mountain region in the heart of Sicily, the property sits on a secluded
hillside and features a centuries-old labyrinth garden and oak forest with a small river running through it.
The certified organic farm produces virgin olive oil, wheat, vegetables, fruit, and jam, which are used in the preparation of wholesome vegetarian meals.
The perfect location for a country retreat, the Masseria features a large terrace with panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains, charming stone cottages, a swimming pool, and large communal spaces for meditation, yoga, dining, and relaxation.
Sicilian Hospitality
Enjoy the warmth of your Sicilian hosts, delight in the authentic atmosphere of the period architecture and furnishings that surround you, be nurtured by the simple, healthy meals provided by our local chef. Many of the natural ingredients come from the farm itself and the surrounding region. Meals are vegetarian with vegan and gluten-free options available. Please let us know of any other dietary restrictions you may have. Rest assured, we will accommodate your needs to ensure your comfort, health, and well-being throughout your stay in Sicily!
ACCOMMODATION AND RATES
The Masseria San Giovanni Sgadari offers three room categories in the main farmhouse building and a collection of stone cottages overlooking the valley. Rooms and cottages reflect the style and character of our historic countryside location and are fitted with elegant antique furnishings evoking a timeless connection to the Sicilian heartland. Rooms are fitted with air-conditioning, but ancient stone walls will also keep you naturally cool.
Farmhouse Room
The Farmhouse Room is a classic private room with en-suite bath in the main farmhouse building, available as single or double occupancy. It features views of the labyrinth garden or courtyard. Rooms can be arranged as a one double bed or two twin beds. When you awake you will be just a few short steps from coffee or tea and our morning session in the Meditation Hall!
Private Cottage
Book a Private Cottage and enjoy maximum space and comfort for yourself or you and your co-participant. Features a double or twin bedroom, living room, kitchenette, private bath, and shared patio overlooking the panoramic farming valley below. Available as single or double occupancy. Step outside to marvel at the night sky, or listen to the pastoral sound of sheep grazing on the hillside.
Shared Cottage
Our most economic option! Book a bed in a 2 or 4-Person Shared Cottage. Accommodates 2 or 4 participants: in a single/twin bedroom and a semi-private sleeping area partitioned with floor-to-ceiling curtains. Share a bath, kitchenette, and patio. Sharing may stretch your comfort-zone, but it’s a great way to form deeper bonds with new friends.
- SINGLE – Price for 1 Person
- ONLY 1 LEFT!
- SINGLE – Price for 1 Person
- AVAILABLE
- BED IN 4-PERSON SHARED COTTAGE
- AVAILABLE
- DOUBLE – Price for 2 People
- ONLY 1 LEFT!
- DOUBLE – Price for 2 People
- AVAILABLE
- BED IN 2-PERSON SHARED COTTAGE
- AVAILABLE
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE!
Are finances an issue? Are you a student, retired, or otherwise on a limited budget? In an effort to make this Art of Being retreat available to all who wish to participate, we are offering TWO SCHOLARSHIP SPOTS at a steeply reduced rate of € 990. Deadline for applications is January 15, 2026 for the first spot and March 19, 2026 for the second spot. Click below for full details and application form.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO SAY…
I was able to reconnect with my inner self through nature and art, play like a child again and feel my heart rewarded. Michael holds the group in a safe container of trust and love. I recommend this retreat if you want to reconnect with yourself and value what is important for you. You will have a mindful and silent experience in a magical location. Learning new art techniques with Anne was beyond my expectations.
Maria
Michael is a committed person, dedicated to taking care of all the details of the process and ensuring that each and every one of his participants is accompanied through their experience. The place is truly a gift in itself where the architecture, the landscape and the people who work at the Masseria make the experience unforgettable. Everything converges to achieve that peace and disconnection necessary for an inward journey on retreat.
Patricia
Outstanding! I will carry the learning from this event with me for a long time. The location and the food were an integral part of the joy of the week, and Michael and Anne created a series of experiences that brought the artist in me alive, and I believe we are all artists who can make marks and curiously explore a variety of materials. The people who chose to come to this week in Sicily created a warm and exciting energy where we all shared and grew and learned together. Michael’s invitations to explore and be curious allowed us to engage independently or in partners as well as a group. The learning this week was deep and meaningful. I have started to develop a better way of being in our world at a time when I needed this change of perspective.
Stauna
I had an absolutely wonderful week. The retreat was engaging, informative and very well organized. Both Michael and Irini taught me more than I ever expected. They were experts at making everyone comfortable and bringing the group together. The retreat activities encouraged meaningful reflection and provided a path towards personal growth. The retreat location was stunning and the accommodations were quaint and comfortable. The food was fresh, delicious and served with heart. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who is looking for community in meditation.
Paulina
The retreat was extremely well organized and interesting. Both Michael Anderson and Irini Rockwell were superb leading the retreat. The participants made a lovely team. The location could not have been chosen better – San Giovanni Sgadari is a beautiful and idyllic place in the middle of Sicily surrounded by gorgeous landscape. If the rest of Sicily was extremely hot, this place was nothing else than pleasant. The pool gave the possibility of refreshing daily swim. The food was delicious and varied. Can warmly recommend to everyone who is looking for and exceptional experience!
Irena
I had a great time. Beautiful location. Meeting wonderful people. Program was educational. And it was very well organized with thoughtfulness.
Nem
The retreat was superb in all terms: organisation, content covered, location/venue, food, activities, people. I loved it. Highly recommended.
Carolina
It was a great time. Good program. Beautiful setting. Great food.
Teresa
This retreat gave me exactly what I needed and totally met my expectations and even more. These were unforgettable moments and encounters. Masseria San Giovanni Sgadari was the perfect location for this retreat. The beauty and comfort of its places, as well as its staff, did everything to make our stay incredible! Not to mention all the delicious meals! Thanks Michael! Thank you to all the staff members at Masseria San Giovanni Sgadari!! See you next year!
Anne
INCLUDED IN RATES:
- 7 nights accommodation, towel, sheets, and 1 room cleaning per week
- Coffee, tea, and continental breakfast each morning
- Wholesome vegetarian lunch and dinner each day
- Non-alcoholic beverages (juice, tea, coffee) & snacks each day
- Use of meditation cushions and mats
- Basic art materials, including dry and wet media, paper, and brushes (please bring any specific materials you wish to work with, as well as a journal or sketchbook)
NOT INCLUDED:
- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- Airport transfer
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Flights may be booked into Palermo (PMO) or Catania (CTA) airports. The retreat venue is located in a rural area near the town of Petralia Soprana, approximately 2.5 hours from either airport. We offer a shuttle service to/from both of these airports and city centres, departing at 3pm on arrival day and arriving back at the airports approximately 12pm on departure day. The cost for this service is € 70 each way, and is available as an add-on when booking. If you plan to arrive or depart on these days, please make sure flights do not arrive later than 2:30pm on July 11 or depart earlier than 2pm on July 18. You are advised to purchase travel insurance in case of unexpected personal circumstances that may require you to cancel, and to have all necessary travel documentation. Check passport expiration dates to ensure there is more than six months of validity from the time of departure.
EU Travel Authorisation (ETIAS) begins late 2026: The EU plans to launch a new travel authorisation program for travellers from many non-EU countries. The start date has not yet been announced, but is expected to begin in the last quarter of 2026. No action is expected for travel to the 2026 retreat in July. Please check here for the latest updates on ETIAS requirements.
Terms & Conditions
Please read all Terms & Conditions carefully, as your booking is a binding agreement. Please note that no refunds can be given for participant cancellations under any circumstances, including illness, medical, or family emergencies. You are advised to take out travel insurance to cover any losses that may result from your need to cancel.
WELCOME CALL
You will be invited to a Welcome Call upon booking. This is a short video meet-and-greet to get to know each other a bit and find out how we can best meet your needs and interests on the retreat. If you have any physical/mental health or personal circumstances you’d like to share with us, this is good time to do so.
If you are unsure if the retreat is what you’re looking for, you are welcome to contact us and request a Welcome Call ahead of booking to answer any questions and help with your decision process.
art-of-being.org 