It has begun. 15 participants from all over the world - New Zealand, Canada and the US have descended on Venice to start the third annual Masters Workshop. The orientation began with talks by Lita Talarico and Louise Fili on the Grand Canal at the Abbazia di San Gregorio.

The participants - professional designers and recent grad students - will be photographing and foraging throughout the next week. Stay posted on their adventures.

Also this year for the first time we are inviting participants to blog as well. Stay tuned.

Below are photos from the Orientation and Cocktail reception. Plus a view from our classroom window on the Grand Canal. Brava!