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THE TRIBE SPEAKS. 

I have taken numerous trips with Bellissima Art Escapes, hosted and organized by Kathie Vezzani, and I just returned from the Emotional Portraits trip in Amsterdam, taught by the extraordinary Gillian Lee Smith. Each and every trip has been a model of great organization, wonderful teachers, fun activities and divine locales. If you are thinking of taking an art-filled trip to someplace wonderful, look no further. I am sure Kathie has the perfect trip for you.
— Michelle Unger
Landscapes in Bandon, OR with Gillian Lee Smith

Landscapes in Bandon, OR with Gillian Lee Smith

As another “frequent flyer” I must give a warning...once you have done one trip you will want to do them ALL! She starts with the most amazing teachers and then adds magical settings, awesome meals, field trips, the most wonderful people and her flawless planning and execution. Kathie Vezzani’s Bellissima trips are the very best!
— Stephanie Ross Suskin
Journal with a Circle of Friends, Spain with Judy Wise and Katie Kendrick

Journal with a Circle of Friends, Spain with Judy Wise and Katie Kendrick

I recently took the Bellissima Art Escape to Chiapas with Kathie and teacher Carla Sonheim. It could not have been a more wonderful experience for me. Artistically, every one of my goals were met and more. As a travel experience, it was delightful. I really appreciated that Kathie made sure that every single little thing was taken care of so that we participants could just relax and enjoy our time together. I’ve never felt more supported and cared for. I can’t wait to travel with Kathie again.
— Sally Knight
Fiesta Flores with Lynn Whipple and Carla Sonheim

Fiesta Flores with Lynn Whipple and Carla Sonheim

I had a great experience with Bellisima Art Escapes in San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. Not only was the art instruction transformative, but Kathie organizes every detail so that I was able to fully enjoy the cultural aspects of the trip. Also, she attracts a really wonderful group of people - friendly, warm and supportive. I cannot wait to go again!
— Anne Mercolla Flynn
Painting Big in Spain with Katie Kendrick and Judy Wise

Painting Big in Spain with Katie Kendrick and Judy Wise

Transformation with Graceann Warn, San Miguel de Allende

Transformation with Graceann Warn, San Miguel de Allende

The best art work shop I’ve ever attended in every capacity. Graceann Warn is the best instructor. Kathie keeps us working hard and playing hard. I highly recommend this class and organization!
— Ruth Crowe
Amsterdam
I am truly honoured to have Kathie as my wonderful friend and workshop companion. It is no small feat to spend so many weeks on the trot with me but Kathie made it so much fun. We laughed, cried, hardly drew breath in between talking and I watched Kathie navigate all the organisation of our various workshop experiences with ease and grace. I truly think Bellissima Art Escapes offers the best travel and art experiences out there and I have had the pleasure of experiencing them both as student and tutor.
— Gillian Lee Smith
Dyeing to Rust, Bender, OR with Pam Nichols

Dyeing to Rust, Bender, OR with Pam Nichols

The experience of Bellissima Art Escapes are one of a kind! Kathie creates a space to be creative, food to feed your soul, a view into the culture, and a circle of like minded people. I love being a participant as well as a teacher.
— Pam Nichols
I highly recommend Bellissima Art Escapes - Kathie J. Vezzani and Ana Elena Martinez are excellent planners and orchestrate fun and exciting workshops, activities, and exquisite dining. Everything we did in San Miguel de Allende appealed to all the senses and provided a wonderful community to create! Thanks so much, Kathie J. Vezzani and Ana Elena Martinez for providing our workshop group with the best of the best! It was an honor and privilege to teach “Powerful Design and Personal Color in Cold Wax/Oils” with Bellissima Art Escapes!!
— Pamela Caughey
Spark Oaxaca with Carla Sonheim and Lynn Whipple

Spark Oaxaca with Carla Sonheim and Lynn Whipple

I can attest to the fact that Kathie is an amazing tour leader. She opens doors to experiences that one would never have on their own. She makes everyone feel included, cared for, seen and heard.
— Judy Wise
As someone who has worked in the travel industry planning incentive trips for 21 years, I am very familiar with all the behind-the-scenes logistics required to host a tour with international participants. I was impressed with Kathie’s trip from the minute I registered (1 year prior to travel) all the way through until I was on the plane flying home. Pre-trip information was timely and plentiful. During the trip, the local personnel and drivers were professional, helpful and always willing to help. From the hotel selected to the activity days touring the city, it was beautifully planned and executed. Kathie’s knowledge of Mexico City, her respect and admiration of Jane Davenport, along with a very thoughtfully prepared agenda contributed to a magical experience
— Kim Owen
I do love how Kathie puts a trip together! Having taught workshops in tons of locations, I found that Kathie has a special talent for not only sharing a beautiful place, taking care of every detail but also making each day and meal feel delightful, exciting and seamless. The images on her site, gathered from her trips are stunning… absolutely gorgeous!! Another great testament to her gift for organizing and leading these artful trips is that she gets many returning guests. I think when folks enjoy art, food, fun and learning together in an exotic location a grand bonding experience occurs that makes you want to join in again and again!
— Lynn Whipple
Lynn Whipple leads the parade in San Miguel

Lynn Whipple leads the parade in San Miguel

Kathie J. Vezzani organizes the best workshops EVER! Every detail is lovingly looked after. And she’s calm. That’s what amazes me. The workshops are to die for.
— Marti Grace Ashby