Venice Biennale Trip
September 8th, 9th & 10th, 2026

The total cost is $2,500, of which approximately $1,500 is tax-deductible. 
Space is limited to 12 participants. 

The Clay Studio is excited to propose a special trip to the 2026 Venice Biennale in celebration and support of one of The Clay Studio alumnus who is participating in this prestigious international exhibition. This experience offers a unique opportunity to engage with one of the world’s most influential contemporary art events while championing the work and career of an artist nurtured within our community.

The trip will include 3 full days of artistic immersion and inspiration, September 8–10, featuring exhibitions, conversations, and shared experiences designed to deepen connection to the global art world and to one another. Guests are encouraged to plan travel accordingly and arrive prepared for a full day of activities beginning on September 8. 

This journey reflects The Clay Studio’s commitment to cultivating artists, relationships, and meaningful engagement with the field—and we look forward to experiencing this extraordinary moment together.

Why come with us?  

Traveling with The Clay Studio also opens doors. We will arrange special access to exhibitions, conversations, and behind-the-scenes experiences with curators, artists, and experts—opportunities that are difficult to access independently and designed to deepen your engagement with contemporary art.

Equally important, this trip is about shared experience. We will travel, learn, and experience extraordinary art together, strengthening relationships and building lasting connections along the way. It promises to be a memorable and meaningful journey—one that supports The Clay Studio’s mission and reinforces the bonds within our community for years to come.

• 1 day at the Homo Faber Biennale
• 1 day at the Giardini della Biennale
• 1 day at the Arsenale della Biennale
• & other collateral events as possible

The Giardini is the home base for the Biennale, located on the eastern tip of Venice in the Castello Sestiere. The Giardini is a historic (1895) landscaped public park featuring 29 permanent national pavilions, each designed by a renowned architect. The Giardini hosts over 100 artists, and this year the United States pavilion features Alma Allen. 

The Arsenale is a historic, massive complex of former shipyards and armories in Venice, founded in 1104. At its inception, ships sailed in through the impressive gates for repairs, and galleys were produced in an almost assembly-line process unique for its time. We will pass through these same gates to marvel at over 300 artists installed in buildings with 50-foot ceilings that follow the ancient waterway. This is a very long, continuous exhibition. When fully exploring the Codierie, Artiglierie, Sale d’Armi, and exterior areas, visitors often walk 4-5 miles. 

Homo Faber is curated by the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship. Here we will embark upon a multi-sensory journey through a series of immersive installations staged in the historic buildings and grounds of Fondazione Giorgio Cini on the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore in the Venetian Lagoon. Homo Faber will include over 800 exquisitely crafted objects by 400 artisans from around the world.

Collateral Events are independently organized exhibitions approved by the Venice Biennale curator and presented throughout the city. We will provide a map of these events, which you may visit before, after, or during scheduled activities, or during an extended stay in Venice.

Pre-Trip Event | Late August
Lecture & Cocktail Reception

Join us for a special pre-trip gathering designed to set the stage for our Venice Biennale experience. Enjoy a lecture introducing the themes, artists, and exhibitions we’ll encounter, followed by a cocktail reception to connect with fellow travelers. Guests will also receive their Venice Biennale catalogue, offering a shared point of reference as we prepare for this extraordinary journey together.

Included in this 3-day Tour (September 8, 9, & 10)

• Tickets for all events (3-day Biennale pass, Homo Faber ticket)
• Curated talks/tours each day
• Travel during the day (3-day vaporetto pass)
• Group meals (At least one per day, TBD)
• Exhibition catalogues/maps
• Pre-trip program
• Your support of The Clay Studio

Not included

• Travel expenses to/from Venice
• Hotel accommodations (we will share suggestions)
• Non-group meals

Important Deadlines (the total cost is $2,500, of which $1,500 is tax-deductible)

• March 1st: $500 deposit due (100% refundable) - fill out this form
• June 1st: $1,000 second payment due (75% refundable)
• August 1st: Final $1,000 payment due (50% refundable)
• August 15th: No refunds after this date
• Link: Click here to be added to the waiting list