Wild Botanicals - Botanical Monoprinting & Plant Lore Retreat

About this event

Wild Botanicals is a five-night botanical printmaking retreat set in the beautiful Umbrian countryside, combining contemporary printmaking with botanical exploration. Guided by printmaker Megan Hunter and medical herbalist Julia Behrens, participants spend their mornings walking through the landscape identifying wild plants and learning about their medicinal, ecological and cultural significance before returning to the studio to transform gathered flowers, grasses, leaves and seed heads into unique botanical monoprints. Designed for complete beginners as well as artists wishing to explore a new creative process, the retreat offers individual guidance in a relaxed small-group setting, with all materials provided.

Back in the studio, participants learn the intuitive process of botanical monoprinting using layered colour, pressed botanicals and natural textures to create richly detailed one-off prints. Selected plants are also used with Julia to prepare simple herbal remedies and tea infusions, creating a thoughtful connection between the landscape, the studio and traditional plant knowledge. The retreat is balanced with delicious shared meals prepared by on-site chefs using local organic produce, wine with dinner, private wine and olive oil tastings, and excursions to nearby medieval hill towns and the shores of Lake Trasimeno.

Part artwork, part visual field journal, the resulting prints become a personal record of the plants, landscapes and observations gathered throughout the week. Participants leave with a collection of original botanical prints, a deeper appreciation of the Umbrian landscape and its plant traditions, and lasting memories of Italy shaped by creativity, food, culture and community.

What previous participants have shared on Google Reviews:

I had a wonderful time and enjoyed learning and spending time in a lovely place with such great people.
Megan is a wonderful instructor and a lovely person.
I would highly recommend the retreat.
Jane Milkie, Michigan, United States

A fantastic creative retreat in a beautiful part of Umbria. Megan is an excellent teacher—encouraging, knowledgeable, and generous with her time and expertise.
I loved the botanical monoprinting workshop, which combined printmaking with inspiration from the surrounding landscape. The studio sessions were balanced with wonderful local experiences, including village visits and olive oil tasting.
The accommodation, food, and atmosphere were all excellent, and the small group size meant plenty of individual support. I left with new skills, beautiful prints, and lots of inspiration. Highly recommended.
Inés de Baggis, Perugia, Italy

This was the opportunity of a lifetime! Megan was friendly, knowledgeable and delightful to be around. Our accommodations at Le Mura were spectacular and thanks to the wonderful people who made our stay grand. Thank you Emma, Fabio, Maddie and Nigel and Pris for delightful accommodations,fabulous food and true friendship. I will never forget any of you! Come to the United States and experience the other end of New York from New York City! A million thanks
Liz Pollock, New York State, United States