The Cultural Association MALEN

MALEN (ˈmaːlən) means “to paint” in German and is the name of a non-profit cultural association based in Riposto (Catania). The Association intends to spread the so-called Pittura Accompagnata in Italy, that is, painting focused on the image and the process that generates it.

The MALEN Cultural Association, already present in Frascati (Rome) since 2019, has moved to Riposto (Catania) since June 2024, where it offers its services.

The founder of the Association and host of the laboratory called “Pitturatelier” (literal translation of “Malatelier” = painting laboratory) is qualified in the method she proposes and can demonstrate many years of professional experience. She is accredited by the Italian Professional Association of Art Therapists (Apiart) and appears in the list of regional professionals.

Pitturatelier’s offer is aimed at people of all ages.

Who I am

Born in 1966 in Switzerland, my professional activity has developed in the world of education and instruction, first as a teacher at public elementary schools in Zurich and from 2017 to today as a teacher at the Swiss School in Italy, respectively in Rome and of Catania. In this context, I have always worked for greater creativity in school and managed a painting workshop for children as part of school support and after-school activities.

I studied the Italian language at the Interpreter School of Zurich (DOZ) and, finally in 2016, after a five-year journey, I followed up on my passion, acquiring a diploma as an art therapist at the Institute of Humanistic Art Therapy (IHK) in Zurich.

With this diploma, a circle that began at the age of 4, when I was introduced to my first painting workshop, was closed: there I felt like myself, unique, natural. Pitturatelier reminds me of that environment. Now the time has come to return the same emotions! I’m waiting for you - together with my beloved colors!