Jenny Kroik's Art Colony

May 17-24, 2026

Join me for a creative week in Southern Italy at Borgo La Pietraia, a place that feels like my second home. Since my first visit in 2022, I’ve come to love the Scariati family—Danielle’s Italian family—who run this special boutique resort. Every time I return, it feels like I’m with old friends. In fact, there’s a spot on the kitchen wall where all the paintings I’ve created of the family now hang.

This is the fourth time I’ll be leading this workshop, and each year brings together a group of open-minded, encouraging people ready to be inspired. We’ll make art every day, whether you’re an experienced artist or just curious. The only “requirement” is that you stay creative and supportive, both to yourself and the group.

Borgo La Pietraia sits above the Cilento coast, with some of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen. There are ten suites: seven are junior suites—they’re spacious, feature queen beds, large terraces, and full sea views (perfect for watching those sunsets). The deluxe suites are a bit cozier, with queen beds, small terraces, and a partial view of the sea. Suites can accommodate either single or double occupancy, and non-art-making partners or family members are also welcome—they can join in on every meal and day trip.

Throughout the week, we’ll explore local highlights, including a visit to the ancient temples at Paestum, a day trip to Amalfi to learn the art of papermaking, wandering through mountain and seaside villages, and bread making with Nonna Angela. Most meals are included and prepared by our wonderful chef, Mario Stellato, except for two lunches when you can embark on your own mini adventure.

We’ll take care of getting you to and from the Naples train station. And if you’d like to extend your time in Italy, help is available with trip planning for an additional fee.

I can’t wait to share this magical place, the food, and a table—and to add even more paintings to that kitchen wall with new friends. If you’re looking for a week to be creative, to explore, and to soak up one of Italy’s best-kept secrets, I hope you’ll join us.

Jenny Kroik

I'm Jenny Kroik, an illustrator and painter based in New York City. I’ve created three covers for The New Yorker, worked on countless editorial projects, and taught at several universities, as well as the New York Botanical Garden. My work is inspired by the everyday scenes and people I encounter daily, and I love sharing the joy of art, whether through my illustrations or in the classroom with students from diverse backgrounds. The 2026 Art Colony will be the fourth installment I host at the Borgo. Past guests have included both professional working artists and complete beginners, all seeking space and time to make art and be inspired.

Details

Borgo La Pietraia is home to our art colony, where we will immerse ourselves in creativity, history, and culture. Nestled at the door of the Cilento National Park, the property also overlooks its more famous neighbor, the Amalfi Coast. Cilento is the birthplace of the Mediterranean Diet, and so this experience blends art making and inspiration with a focus on simple, healthy, and delicious food.

Chef Mario Stellato ensures all meals highlight the flavors and local ingredients of the area, and is happy to accommodate food allergies or special diets with advance notice.

The group pickup is scheduled for 2 pm in Naples, with drop-off at noon. Guests often choose to arrive the night before and spend the night in Naples or take the fast train from Rome to Naples, which is just an hour away. Trip planning assistance is available for those who would like to extend their stay in Italy and visit other locations.

Room pricing is based on 7 nights and includes daily maid service
All art instruction from Jenny
Daily meals with wine at dinner (except for two lunches)
Entrance and private tour of the 2,800-year-old Paestum temples
Papermaking experience in Amalfi
Catamaran ride through the Cilento National Park
Cooking class
All transportation throughout the retreat
Pickup at 2 pm and drop-off at noon at the Naples train station
Family and non-art-making partners are welcome at the same rates and can take part in all excursions and activities
Chef Mario customizes meals for food allergies or special diets when notified in advance
Meals emphasize Cilento’s healthful cuisine, the official birthplace of the Mediterranean Diet

Option 1:

Art Colony plus Junior Suite (Double Occupancy): €3,902.50 per person

Art Colony plus Junior Suite (Single Occupancy): €4,352.50 per person

The Junior Suites are the largest rooms. They have en-suite bathrooms with rainhead showers, full sea-view, a terrace with a table, chairs, and loungers, and a queen bed. There is enough space to add a single bed for an additional €30. Click to see photos.

Option 2:

Art Colony plus Deluxe Suite (Double Occupancy): €3,651 per person

Art Colony plus Deluxe Suite (Single Occupancy) €4,101 per person

The Deluxe Suites have en-suite bathrooms with rainhead showers, partial sea-view, a terrace with a small table, chairs, one lounger, and a queen bed. Click to see photos.

The price is quoted in euros to ensure the fairest exchange rate. The exchange rate will be automatically calculated when you make payments via credit card.

The Jenny Kroik tour was an art and food dream come true! Danielle was an excellent host, making each day culturally rewarding. I truly felt like we saw the "real" Italy since Danielle has a family history in the area and focused on places that are less touristy. Jenny was also a delight! Her painting lessons were generous and detailed, I learned so much! She's also just so nice and it was a joy to spend time with her. The Borgo was gorgeous and the food Mario cooked for us was some of the best I've ever had! He had no issues incorporating the many dietary restrictions of the group, and still made phenomenal meals every night

Chelsea Larsen, CA

Want to join us?