Material Availability: Downtown Siena has four main art supply stores with a wide range of materials. Siena also has numerous stores for hardware, electronics, building supplies, etc. Here are some links to some local art supply stores in Siena and nearby Florence:
The Siena Art Institute staff is here to help you find the materials you need, and we will work with you to identify local vendors, etc for the supplies you are seeking. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of our artists to procure their own supplies. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding the availability of specific materials in Siena.
Material Restrictions: The Siena Art Institute's studios are spacious and have large windows providing ample ventilation. However, some restrictions must be placed on the type of materials used in our studios, since the Siena Art Institute is housed in a historic 19th century building.
In general, when working with any type of material, we ask for our artists to prioritize their own safety and the safety and comfort of others in the building.
Projects that are overly dusty, noisy, or vaporous should take place in our courtyards. This would include working with spray fixative, varnishes, or carving-sanding wood or stone. We discourage artists from using spray paint or other highly noxious materials, since the vapors rise to surrounding windows.
Projects that involve heat or open flames require prior approval of the program director and studio supervisor. This includes work with encaustic and wax sculptures.
We do not have equipment or facilities for metalworking at our location in downtown Siena. However, we can put you in touch with local metalworkers if this is an area of art that you wish to explore. You would be responsible for coordinating your own transportation to and from the metalworking studio.
Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding material restrictions at the Siena Art Institute.
