Exeter arts draw on link to Italian city

New local company AventHolidays, the brainchild of Woodbury-based Jeremy Jackson, announces the first of its new all-inclusive six day Italian painting breaks in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Ferrara, Italy, an outstanding success. Ferrara - with a population of 350,000 - boasts the oldest university in Italy together with a castle and is linked to Exeter University. The inaugural painting holiday was led by Rebecca de Mendonça a renowned artist who has developed considerable skill in the use of pastels.  She spent 10 years working alongside Channel 4 Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud as his assistant and now lives in Exeter where she runs art courses.

A press conference was held in the city’s castle with members of the Italian press meeting Jeremy Jackson and Exeter artist Rebecca de Mendonça together with BBC Radio Devon presenter Judi Spiers.  The President of Chamber of Trade Carlo Alberto Roncarati and the Head of Tourism for the Emilia Romagna Region Davide Bellotti welcomed the Devon contingency to their City.  Afterwards Bellotti  gifted a bespoke commemorative plate designed by local Art college students to each of the AventHoliday guests to signify the forged links between the two cities.

AventHolidays works alongside AventArt.com, launched by Jackson in spring this year to promote unknown but talented Devon and Cornwall artists through a web-based outlet. A keen charity supporter, artist, writer and retired public relations executive he was inspired to start the new ventures by local anaesthetist Charlie Collins who is raising money to pay for a hospital for the EarAid charity in Nepal.   Although this will operate as a commercial venture, helping to promote art and artists, a percentage of the money will be donated to this worthy cause.

Jeremy Jackson – Founder of AventHolidays says: “I decided to start a business which will be a 100% commercial enterprise, with a percentage of the revenue going to charity.  I am absolutely delighted with the success of the first Italian painting break which not only attracted guests from Devon but also Sweden and two American ladies. It is wonderful to think that we have strong Exeter Links with this stunning city and the very warm welcome we received.  Going forward we are looking to organise further themed Italian holidays, not just painting breaks but also cycling and cooking”.

Rebecca, one of the AventArt artists, designed the Italian course so the travellers could soak up the atmosphere of the medieval city of Ferrara and draw from the architecture, the people and the authentic Italian life away from the busy crowded tourist hubs. Rebecca’s course in pastels focused on the use and techniques of this medium and included a day tour to the romantic city of Venice.

Judi Spiers – BBC Radio Devon Presenter says: “I haven’t picked up a paint brush since my Art A-levels. This wonderful painting break in a stunning location and under the stewardship of Rebecca awakened the inner artist in me and has inspired me to continue to paint. It was a delightful and unmissable experience.”

The next planned holiday is 14-20 September 2013 in Ferrara with an Italian artist – for more information contact: Liz Oram  - enquiries@aventholidays.com.  www.aventholidays.com