Writers' Studio in Italy
with Mary Hall Surface
in partnership with the
Amalfi Coast Music & Arts Festival
May 2026
Full program and dates soon to be announced
Imagine spending a week creatively writing inspired by art and literature on Italy's exquisite Amalfi coast. My new program, now in its third year in collaboration with the Amalfi Coast Music & Arts Festival, will take our close looking, wondering, imagining, and writing to a whole new level. You can also add trips to Pompeii and Capri.
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"Writers’ Studio is unique opportunity to combine writing and exploration of the beautiful Amalfi coast, in the company of kindred spirits and under the gentle guidance and support of Mary Hall Surface!"
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2022 & 2023 Writers' Studio Participant
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"What a delight to be in the company of other writers, immersed in and inspired by the Amalfi setting, for a full week of reflective and creative pursuits. Mary Hall has crafted a one-of-a-kind program that engages the mind and satisfies the soul."
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2023 Writers' Studio Participant
Program Description:
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We'll seek inspiration in the landscape and character of a region known for attracting generations of writers and artists. We'll reflect on writings by authors such as John Steinbeck and Virginia Woolf and works of art by artists like John Singer Sargent and M.C. Escher that capture their response to the singular beauty and culture of Amalfi, Ravello, and more. I will craft vivid prompts inspired by these writings and artworks to generate your own creative and reflective writing. We'll tour places that inspired writers and artists of the past. We'll write in gardens, lemon groves, villas, and cafés as you respond to the landscape, architecture and art that surrounds you. We'll do an informal reading of our work, if you desire, to conclude our time together.
More Program Details:
The rhythm of our days will include 1 – 2 daily writing workshops of 2 – 3 hours, either in the festival host-town of Maiori or in a neighboring location. Our locations may include:
In Maiori, all within easy walking distance:
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A lemon grove and garden next to Hotel Reginna, the festival headquarters.
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A rose garden with historic fountains of Palazzo Mezzacapo where Caruso, the famous opera singer performed.
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A terraced lawn on seaside bluff overlooking the water, with a bird’s eye view of the coast and an opportunity to visit a noted succulent garden.
Neighboring locations, with travel by van included:
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Ravello, the famous artists’ retreat in magical hillside town with breathtaking views of the coastline
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Outdoor café under the medieval porticoes of Cava de’ Tirreni.
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The cloister of the beautiful Amalfi Cathedral.
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Writers' Studio workshops will be scheduled to accommodate an add-on excursion to Pompeii. You may also add on an extra night to visit the famed island of Capri.
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You can choose to have a very full schedule on some days or to have more free time for personal writing and wanderings on other days. We anticipate
2 writing sessions in neighboring locations.
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All photos from Writers' Studio Amalfi 2023.
Participants will have the option to gather for informal reflection and sharing of work with Mary Hall and one another throughout the week. Please note that the program is not designed to offer formal critique or one-on-one workshopping of participants’ writing.
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Dates:
Future Dates TBA
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Costs:
2023 costs listed. Future costs TBD.
$3100 (6 nights of hotel + breakfast, six days of instruction with class-based excursions and more). Cost does not include airfare.
Add-ons:
Optional Dinner Plan
Optional Excursions with Guide to Pompeii
Studio Art Class
Mediterranean Cooking Class
Extra Day/Night to visit Capri
