The Porto Fine Art Textile Residency
September 6-12, 2026
Refine How You See. Strengthen How You Create.
Join me in Porto for seven days of studio immersion, where I will guide you through my photo-to-textile process — refining observation, composition, and depth in a way that strengthens your entire practice.
Intentionally limited to six artists. Castelo accommodations included.
When You’re Ready for More
You love beauty. You travel. You photograph. You create.
But at some point, most of us realize that what we really want is not more inspiration — but more depth.
More focus.
More refinement.
More time with our work.
This residency is designed for women who want protected creative time in a setting that supports serious progress.
Not rushed.
Not scattered.
Not squeezed between errands.
Just steady, concentrated work — shaped by the light and texture of Porto.
Imagine standing on the Ponte Luís I bridge at golden hour — not just admiring the view, but studying it.
The way shadow cuts across terracotta rooftops.
The repetition of line.
The contrast between stone and sky.
The way color shifts as the light lowers.
This is how we will move through Porto.
Not as tourists.
As artists.
This is not about speed or pressure. It is about depth.
This is not a sightseeing holiday with studio time sprinkled in. Porto becomes our extended classroom — its light, tile, markets, and layered history informing the work we create.
An Immersive Residency Experience
You will reside on the grounds of a 19th-century castle in the heart of Porto. Our studio and breakfast room are in the heart of the castle — offering space, beauty, and quiet focus.
Stay at an Actual 19th-Century Castle
For over two decades, I’ve built textile work grounded in careful observation, juried into major exhibitions and featured on Quilting Arts TV. In this residency, I open my complete photo-to-textile process — from choosing the image to constructing depth in fabric.
Learn from an Expert
Small numbers allow for depth
Focused studio time.
Individual guidance.
Real artistic conversation.
Intimate Group of 6
You will see the city not as a tourist, but through my trained eye — studying contrast, texture, shadow, and composition as living inspiration.
Porto Through an Artist’s Lens
Completion isn’t the goal. You’ll leave with a deeply developed study, a stronger, more refined process to carry forward, and clear direction for what comes next.
Build a Process You Can Continue
From port cellars to the Douro River, the city’s character becomes part of our shared experience. Practical details are taken care of, allowing you to stay fully present in your work.
Leave the Planning to Me
Women who have worked with me often speak about the confidence and clarity they gained in their process.
“Lauretta explained the technique in a clear and understandable way. Thank you.”
- Fran Conroy – California
“I don’t normally enjoy group art settings because I feel pressure and self-conscious, but I would gladly work with Lauretta again. She is knowledgeable, passionate, and gives generous individual attention.”
-Beverly Thomas – Arizona
Meet Lauretta Crites
Fine Art Textile Artist
Quilting Arts Magazine
Art Quilting Studio Magazine
IQA Festival Journal
Quilters Newsletter Magazine
Regular guest on Quilting Arts TV
Featured on The Quilt Show
I hold a bachelor’s degree from California Institute of the Arts. I create detailed textile wall pieces developed from my own photographs, and my work has been juried into major exhibitions and featured in national publications and broadcast platforms.
Over the past fifteen years, I have exhibited and lectured nationally at major festivals and events, developing a reputation for clear, thoughtful instruction.
My work has received recognition within the contemporary textile field.
In 2024, I relocated from California to Porto, Portugal. Living here has given me the quiet space to deepen and refine the photo-to-textile process I was invited to share on Quilting Arts TV and in Art Quilting Studio magazine.
In this residency, I open that process fully to six women ready for focused studio immersion in Porto.
“I believe creating is a pathway to joy — and that joy deepens when we give our work real time and attention.”
Seven Days of Focused Artistic Immersion
A Week Designed for Focus
• Six nights on the grounds of a late-1800s castle in the heart of Porto
• Breakfast daily, plus selected regional lunches and dinners
• Opening evening gathering and closing dinner
• Airport transfers arranged for you
Your Studio Practice in Porto
• Work through my complete photo-to-textile process, from image selection to fabric construction
• Develop a personal textile study rooted in your own Porto photograph
• All core materials provided for your studio work
• Leave with a stronger artistic foundation and clear direction for continuing your practice
Inside the Artist’s Practice
• Viewing of my solo exhibition, Transplanted
• Exhibition walk-through and discussion of process and construction
• Studio visit and conversation about how the work is developed and organized
Exclusive Access
Porto as Inspiration
• Walk the Ponte Luís I bridge, studying light and skyline
• Spend time inside São Bento Station, absorbing the rhythm of azulejo tile
• Visit the Palácio da Bolsa and experience its architectural detail
• Explore the textures and color of Bolhão Market
• Consider how Portuguese tile traditions echo textile history
Guided Cultural Experiences
• Private city exploration with Lauretta
• Traditional port cellar visit and tasting
• Regional tastings at Bolhão market
• Douro River cruise
“Lauretta is very personable and showed she cared that everyone understood the process. She set us up for success.”
- Laurie Zarick - Nevada
“Lauretta was very helpful in guiding each project — teaching us how to truly see an image and break it down. She explains value clearly and practically.”
- Joalyn Mushin - California
Why This Residency Is Limited to Six
This residency is intentionally small so that each artist receives thoughtful, individual guidance throughout the week.
With only six participants, studio conversations go deeper, critique is personal, and the work receives sustained attention.
The scale also allows us to move through Porto with ease and intention — without the pace or limitations of larger groups.
Current availability: 5 spots remaining
Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome
Arrive in Porto and settle into the historic Castelo that will be home for the week. After time to unpack and wander the gardens or nearby streets, we gather for a relaxed welcome dinner — meeting the women who will share this focused, beautiful week of work and conversation.
There’s something special about that first evening: new faces, shared intention, the quiet sense that you’ve stepped away from your everyday life.
Day 2 – Observation & Selection
After breakfast, we explore Porto with intention — crossing the Ponte Luís I, studying the blue-and-white azulejos at São Bento, taking in the riverfront from above.
You’ll photograph not casually, but thoughtfully — looking for structure, contrast, and the image that holds your attention.
That afternoon, back in the castle studio, we review your images together and begin shaping your study.
A visit to a traditional port cellar and tasting adds another layer of place and history — because understanding where you are deepens what you make.
Day 3 - Studio & City
The rhythm begins: focused studio time in the morning, translating your photograph into fabric.
In the afternoon, we step out — visiting the Palácio da Bolsa and wandering Bolhão Market, where color, repetition, and texture become compositional study.
By now, conversations deepen. The work deepens too.
A pastel de nata from my favorite shop is not required — but strongly encouraged.
Day 4 – Immersion
A full studio morning devoted to value, layering, and building dimension in your textile study.
After lunch across the river in Gaia, you’ll visit my home studio and view my solo exhibition, Transplanted, up close — seeing the scale, construction, and narrative behind the work.
We return to the castle for continued refinement.
Day 5 – Perspective
More concentrated studio time as your study strengthens and clarifies.
In the evening, we board a boat on the Douro River — seeing Porto’s bridges and skyline from the water. The shift in perspective often reveals new understanding of light and structure.
Dinner that night reflects the region — simple, fresh, and local.
Day 6 – Reflection & Closing
The morning is yours — to rest, revisit a favorite street, or simply sit with a notebook and coffee.
In the afternoon, we gather one final time in the studio to reflect on the week and clarify how your work will continue at home.
That evening, we celebrate together — not just what you’ve made, but the space you gave yourself to make it.
Day 7 – Departure
Breakfast and transfer to the airport. You return home with your study — and a clearer sense of direction for what comes next.
“Lauretta is supportive, encouraging, and makes the work feel completely doable. I would not hesitate to recommend working with her.”
- Paula Stow - California
“Lauretta provides thoughtful individual feedback and meets you exactly where you are. A very worthwhile experience.”
- Dale Stuart- California
Frequently Asked Questions
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This residency is designed for women who already have experience working with fabric and are ready to deepen their practice. You do not need to be an exhibiting artist, but you should feel comfortable working independently and engaging seriously with your work.
If you’re unsure whether this is the right stage for you, I’m happy to have a conversation before you register.
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Yes. Many women join on their own. From airport transfer to daily activities, the week is thoughtfully arranged so you feel supported without being managed.
With only six participants, connections form naturally through shared studio time and meals.
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Porto is a historic city with hills, cobblestone streets, and occasional stairs. You should feel comfortable walking moderate distances and navigating short flights of stairs.
While our pace is steady and studio time is seated, this residency may not be suitable for someone with significant mobility limitations. After registration, you’ll receive a brief survey so I can understand any specific needs and plan accordingly.
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Portuguese culture is deeply connected to its food, and several meals throughout the week are selected to reflect the character of the region. You’ll enjoy fresh seafood, traditional meats, seasonal produce, and local specialties — often shared around a table where conversation lingers.
Breakfast is served daily at the castle and includes both hot options and continental selections. A few evenings are intentionally left open so you may explore Porto’s restaurants independently.
Most dietary preferences can be accommodated with advance notice.
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Your registration includes six nights accommodation, daily focused studio instruction, curated cultural experiences, select meals, and airport transfers. All core materials for your textile study are provided.
A detailed inclusions list is outlined above for your review.
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If You Feel Steady — And Slightly Excited
If you crave uninterrupted creative time in a setting that rewards attention…
If you want a week that feels both wonderful and significant…
I would love to welcome you to Porto.
Six artists. One focused week
5 spaces remaining
September 6-12, 2026
September 6-12, 2026
Price: 5375 Euro
Early Enrollment: 4975 Euro
Preferred pricing available through March 31
Payment plans available
This is a self-funded residency designed for women ready to invest directly in their artistic growth.
$750 deposit secures your spot
What your week includes
• Six nights accommodation on the grounds of a late-1800s castle in the heart of Porto
• Five days of structured studio immersion
• Individual critique and sustained guidance throughout the week
• In-depth instruction in my complete photo-to-textile process
• Development of a personal textile study rooted in your own Porto photograph
• Viewing of my solo exhibition and studio visit
• Curated cultural experiences intentionally woven into the creative process
• Traditional port cellar tour with guided tasting
• Private Douro River cruise
• Breakfast daily, plus 4 lunches and 3 dinners
• Airport transfers
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Payment plans
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