A new use for the old theatre in Ponte a Serraglio

Posted on June 1, 2023 by Debra Kolkka

There is a lovely old theatre in Ponte a Serraglio which has been largely unused for decades. I do remember dance classes there many years ago.

It is a excellent space and it is great to see that it will soon come alive as a place for art exhibitions and much more..

Auser is responsible for the new venture. They are creating wonderful area for Ponte a Serraglio. After much work it will open on Saturday 3rd June at 3.30pm. Two local artists , Sharane Darlington and Meg Reilly, will be the first to show their work.

The theatre is in the main street leading from Ponte a Serraglio to La Villa on the same side of the road as Bar Italia.

Once open it will be a community space to be used by everyone, with books, music, games, computers and art. Well done (again) the team at Auser.

Beautiful things in Bagni di Lucca

Posted on June 15, 2022 by Debra Kolkka

There is a new shop in Bagni di Lucca, Villa. It is called Flora Gioh Donatella. We are lucky to have artist Scarlaty Arribabene and her beautiful designs in our town.

She studied modern art at Moma in New York and now shows and sells her work in her shop in Bagni di Lucca. All pieces from Flora Gioh Donatella are made with love by Scarlaty. She makes jewellery with a botanical theme. Each piece of the collection represents leaves, flowers and delicate fragments of nature.

She also makes deliciously fragrant candles.

Donatella is a line of paintings that combine shapes and textures, harmony and contradiction.

The shop is bright, spacious and inviting.

I met the delightful artist recently and I wish her the best in her new venture.

Flora Gioh Donatella is in Via Umberto I, at the post office end of the street.

http://www.floragiohdonatella.com

Art and Music

Posted on July 31, 2021 by Debra Kolkka

The art exhibition by Morena Guarnaschelli and Deenagh Miller at Albergo La Corona in Ponte a Serraglio was declared open last night. It continues until 13th August.

The art works are scattered through the entrance to the hotel and the restaurant. Be sure to go downstairs to the lovely terraces by the river for more.

There are also a couple of pieces by Giuseppe Zago whose exhibition is currently on in Montefegatesi.

After I attended the opening of the exhibition I enjoyed the concert in the garden of the Comune building in La Villa. There was a delightful quartet playing for us on a cool evening. I’m sorry the photo is not better, but the lighting from my position was not the best.

It is wonderful to see things happening in Bagni di Lucca!

Art exhibition at Albergo La Corona

Posted on July 26, 2021 by Debra Kolkka

Two local artists are holding an exhibition at the Albergo La Corona in Ponte a Seraglio. Morena Guarnaschelli and Deenagh Miller will be showing their work from 30th July until 13th August.

They will have an opening celebration on 30th July from 6.00pm.

I managed to chop off the phone number for the hotel, which is a good thing because it is incorrect. Here is the correct number. 0583 923762.

Vita della Ruggine exhibition

Posted on July 19, 2021 by Debra Kolkka

Yesterday I attended the opening of Giuseppe Zago’s Vita della Ruggine exhibition in Montefegatesi. That roughly translates to Life of Rust.

Giuseppe takes rusty bits of farm equipment and old tools and creates whimsical art pieces. Old shovels become faces, long metal rods become birds legs, metal plates become fish, picks become cats, chains become necks for giraffes…new, fun life from thrown away objects.

Here is the artist.

Giuseppe loves making these wonderful pieces and is unsure about selling them. I think we need to convince him. I have my eye on several items for my garden.

Email him at….vitadellaruggine@gmail.com

Exhibition in Montefegatesi

Posted on July 14, 2021 by Debra Kolkka

I love these objects created from metal scraps! The exhibition will begun in Montefegatesi on Sunday 18th July at 4.00pm.

I can see several pieces sitting in my garden. I spotted his work a little while ago in a window near La Villa. I look forward to seeing more.

Exhibition open

Posted on March 9, 2019 by Debra Kolkka

The artists’ exhibition is open at the casino in Ponte a Serraglio.

Here is a list of artists showing their work.

…a selection at the entrance and the main room of the casino.

Find 9 faces in this painting.

In the second room is a selection of photographs.

I was happy to see my friend Tina.

…and Annalisa from Bar Italia. Where would Ponte be without her and her team?

The small room.

I hope you will all visit over the next week.

A day for artists

Posted on June 25, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

The annual art competition organised by Borgo degli Artisti will take place in Villa Fiori park on 8th July.

Artists need to be at Villa Fiori at 8.00am ready to start painting. Work must be finished by 4.00pm and the judging will be at 5.30pm.

Lunch will be held in the park at 12.30pm at a cost of €15. You will need to book for this.

There will be art lessons for children.

This is a fun day for everyone and there are generous prizes for winning artists.

For more information call Morena…320 1107330

Flowers and art in Lucca

Posted on April 24, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

The annual flower display in conjunction with the celebration for Saint Zita is on in Lucca right now.

As well as the display in front of the San Frediano church, the anfiteatro is full of gorgeous plants available for sale. It is a lovely time to be in the piazza.

The flowers will be in the anfiteatro until Friday this week.

Sculptures by artist Jimenez Deredia are being installed in various locations around Lucca. We found some beside the San Michele church and Piazza San Martino.