Art at High Altitude / Guido Montauti Prize

Contemporary art in the heart of the Gran Sasso

In Fano Adriano, a small town in the province of Teramo nestled on the slopes of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park in Abruzzo, one of the most original artistic events in the Abruzzo mountains returns every summer. The Guido Montauti Prize and the Art at High Altitude project transform this village in the Upper Vomano Valley into an open-air laboratory, where art engages with the landscape, spirituality, and the identity of the territory.

Two souls, one unique project

The event is divided into two complementary sections. The first is the Gran Sasso d'Italia Guido Montauti Extemporaneous Competition, a historic painting and sculpture contest now in its 33rd year: artists from Italy and abroad create their works live, drawing inspiration from the peaks, villages, and surrounding nature, with the sculpture section reserved for a select number of participants. The second is Art at High Altitude - A pact between young artists and nature in the mountain villages of Abruzzo, which invites ten young artists to design installations intended to form a widespread "trail" along the paths of the Upper Vomano Valley, a route designed to grow year by year by involving neighboring municipalities.

The Prize and the memory of Guido Montauti

The award named after Guido Montauti is presented annually to individuals who distinguish themselves for their commitment to the protection of the landscape, art, and peace. In the 2025 edition, the prize was awarded to Elisabetta Dami, author of the famous character Geronimo Stilton. The artistic direction is entrusted to prominent professionals from the Abruzzo museum scene, including Professor Paola Di Felice for the section dedicated to young artists, and Amalia Di Sante and Gianni Tarli for the Extemporaneous Competition.

A local event

The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Fano Adriano together with the local associations "I Grignetti" and "Fanese Amici del Presepio," with the patronage of the Municipalities of Fano Adriano and Pietracamela and the BIM Teramo Consortium. The works are exhibited in the Sala Luigi Riccioni, inside the Officine del Gran Sasso, the exhibition heart of the initiative.

Why participate

• Experience contemporary art in an exceptional natural setting, at the foot of the Corno Grande.
• Witness the live creation of paintings and sculptures during the Extemporaneous Competition.
• Discover an authentic village in the Abruzzo Apennines and its trails.
• Participate for free in a cultural event that promotes small mountain towns.