Department of Art
University of Oregon

Details regarding the Oira program will be announced shortly.

Oira is a small town of about 200 people located one hour northwest of Milan by train. Canova is a village within Oira that we will stay in. The village is situated at the top of the narrow Ossola valley as it winds its way toward Switzerland and the Simplone Pass. The Ossola and its many tributary valleys are surrounded by the steep granite slopes of the Italian Alps. Until recently, this area was fairly isolated and not well documented. However, a surge of interest has focused attention on the area's wealth of stone structures, frescos, and natural beauty. The valley has a long history of granite quarrying and milling, and has many intact stone villages, a number of which stand as they did in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Oira is a ten minute drive from Domodossola, which is a main stop on the train line connecting Milan to Switzerland and other destinations north. Milano Centrale is an hour away from Domodossola via high-speed train. Once in Domodossola, students may take a bus or taxi to Oira.

Trenitalia, the Italian train authority
miscellaneous travel information including currency, health, and rail information.

The estimated program fee, including tuition for 8 credits, housing, food, and field trips, is $2900. The University of Oregon reserves the right to adjust tuition and fees in the event of price increases and changes in the estimated enrollment.

Other estimated expenses:

Airfare $ 1200
Art/Photographic supplies $300
Weekend travel + expenses $ 350
Personal expenses (local travel, social events, laundry, postage, telephone, etc.) $300

Estimated Total $5050
Budgeting and money matters are discussed during the spring orientation.

Fee schedule
Application fee $ 100
Deposit $ 200 due upon acceptance
Final payment $2600 due May 1, 06
Total $ 2900

The program will center on a group of approximately twenty houses known as Canova. Much of this part of Oira has been renovated, and, as a result, has become an international center for painting schools, musicians, dancers, and architects. Students will be housed in ancient stone dwellings which have been modernized with full kitchens and plumbing. These buildings also include classrooms and meeting spaces, common dining areas, gallery spaces, dance and performance spaces, and laundry facilities.

Download the Application