blending newsletter december 2015

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ISSUE 8 - YEAR 5 | PALAZZI/FUA | DECEMBER 2015 FUA 7 TH ANNUAL WINTER CONFERENCE EXPLORES MEDITERRANEAN IDENTITY by Erica Kavanagh and Sarah Waller Florence University of the Arts hosted its 7 th annual conference, De Re Mediterranea December 4 th and 5 th . e event kicked-off at Palazzo Strozzi to welcome the various international institutions and speakers from the United States, Canada, Australia, Montenegro, Greece, Italy, and more. e conference explored aspects ranging from history to food, religion, and literature of the Mediterranean Identity. e speakers reflected on many different topics. Nick Ceramella of Stony Brook University spoke about the mythicizing of the Medi- terranean in travel writing and stories in e Mythical Mediterranean Sea: Inexhaustible source of inspiration for British literature Photo by Spencer Sisselman e successful conference united international institutions and universities and discussed the significant aspects of the Mediterranean Identity. NEWSLETTER The Conference opening at Gabinetto Vieusseux (Sala Ferri), Palazzo Strozzi.

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NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013

ISSUE 8 - YEAR 5 | PALAZZI / FUA | DECEMBER 2015

FUA 7TH ANNUAL WINTER CONFERENCE EXPLORES MEDITERRANEAN IDENTITY by Erica Kavanagh

and Sarah Waller

Florence University of the Arts hosted its 7th annual conference, De Re Mediterranea December 4th and 5th. The event kicked-off at Palazzo Strozzi to welcome the various international institutions and speakers from the United States, Canada, Australia, Montenegro, Greece, Italy, and more. The conference explored aspects ranging from history to food, religion, and literature of the Mediterranean Identity. The speakers reflected on many different topics. Nick Ceramella of Stony Brook University spoke about the mythicizing of the Medi-terranean in travel writing and stories in “The Mythical Mediterranean Sea: Inexhaustible source of inspiration for British literature

Photo by Spencer Sisselman

The successful conference united international institutions and universities and discussed the significant aspects of the Mediterranean Identity.

NEWSLETTER

The Conference opening at Gabinetto Vieusseux (Sala Ferri), Palazzo Strozzi.

2

and culture.” A representative from the University of Montenegro, Boris Vukićević discussed the mix of Balkan and Eastern Mediterranean culture through the view-point of social, political, and economic components of Montenegro’s identity. To further explore the Mediterranean iden-tity, religion cannot be ignored. Mohamed Hashash, of LUISS Università Guido Carli, discussed the concept of European Islam and Arab Islam influencing the Mediterra-nean together for the benefit of all.

During the conference, two entire pan-els were devoted to the students. Student speakers showcased and highlighted the research of 6 FUA classes including The Mediterranean Diet, Symbols and Sym-bolism, and the Global Economy to name a few. To conclude the first day of panels, FUA’s Street Photography Class exhibited their Migrant Project in the Corridoio Fior-entino gallery located in DIVA.The exchange of knowledge and interna-tional interaction created a lasting impact

for FUA, the Florence community, and the global participants. Each year, the conference elevates FUA’s standards and introduces new perspectives to its participating members. The institutions and universities visiting were exposed to FUA’s unique experiential education model. Most importantly, attendants and participants experienced the beauty of similarities and differences in the Med-iterranean identity and discovered the history that started it all.

The Adriano Olivetti award, organized by the Associazione Italiana Formatori (Italian Educator’s Association), with the support of the Adriano Olivetti Foundation, recognizes innovative learning approaches that place a greater value on the individuals and organizations involved in the application of education. The award’s aim is to increase awareness of growing wellbeing and competitiveness in the Italian pano-rama. The award is subdivided into 10 thematic areas ranging from research and innovation, markets and competitiveness, and ethics and social responsibility. The four criteria factors used to evaluate candidates include: innovation, change, transferability, and efficiency. FUA participated with a project based on the experiential learning methodology of its hospitality division, Apicius. The model is based on educational quality, training through learning by doing, and the sustainable food practices offered by the Ganzo restaurant and Fedora pastry shop.The Apicius method was previously recognized by the World Association of Chefs’ Societies in 2014 for quality culinary education.

FUA’S APICIUS MODEL WINS PREMIO ADRIANO OLIVETTIFUA’s research and innovation of the Apicius educational model recently won the first place award of the Premio Adriano Olivetti.

ART

Florence, known for being the historic home of fine arts and the birthplace of the Renaissance, still makes many contri-butions to the modern art world. This year the city is hosting its annual Contemporary Visions Art Festival. Sponsored by Day One, the art festival focuses on discovering new national and international talents and aims to promote contemporary visual arts. The 2015 edition already presented two “ArtCloud”

exhibitions. The final “ArtCloud” exhibit will take place on December 12-20 at Multiverso gallery (Via del Campo d’Arrigo 42/r 50131). Explore Contemporary Visions and learn how historic Florence has the opportunity to display new styles and media.

For more information, please visitwww.dayone-art.com/general-info/

ARTCLOUD DECEMBER EXHIBITIONby Erica Kavanagh

Photo by David A. Weiss

by Erica Kavanaghand Sarah Waller

NEWSLETTER

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DECEMBER 2015

There are so many things in life I wish for everyday. I wish to dream. I long to actually feel the touch of a leaf landing from the unknown. I yearn to know what it is like to smell the Mediterranean air. I do not want to seem ungrateful though. I like to think that most people want to have my gift: to be able to stay still in time. Some people get the luxury to travel the world everyday. In turn, I get to learn and hear about these experiences daily. It is not that I do not feel the minutes ticking across my stone cold fingertips. The catch is that those minutes do not affect me. Imagine the power to live life without time being a pressing issue. The tour starts at nine but we still have to make it to lunch by one if we can catch our flight at four. After living in my marble shoes for a day, you will understand my dismay for the little things. For example, how honey-mooners are too busy staring at each other than the medieval architecture looming before them. Or the tourists staring at the historic cobblestones at their feet through the lens of a tablet screen. You may think I need to do something with my life, but the beauty in it is that I have lived and I have seen. Now it is your turn to forget those minutes ticking by and focus on the memories being made everyday. Come on by, sit, and chat for a few hours. I come off shy at first but that is just because I am not wearing any clothes. You will see that life through my serious gaze is an interesting one as long as you take detail to the little things.

HERCULES DREAMS by Christina Jocelyn

People pass and people stop. They wander, they take photos, and they leave. People are fleeting, much like moments: constantly changing, busy and always on the move.Oh, how I wish to be like them — to experience those fleeting moments that comprise their lives. But here I stand, high above them all, just a spectacle to admire. They can see me, but they cannot truly see who I am, or who I was. These people, these visitors, they see my large hands and feet, my lean arms and legs, and my distant gaze, but that is all I am. To these constant movers, I am a source of solidarity, of consistency. I stand here, at the end of the hall, unchanged for years. They marvel. They take photos. They continue through the door. I wonder what it would be like to be one of them. Would I walk through these same halls? What would I see? Would there be another one, some other famous piece that would stand where I do now? I wonder what it would be like.My stance is powerful, but it is a trick. I am supposed to be an example of an ideal, a perfect creation, but I do not feel this way. I serve no purpose. I used to be something, something great, but now I am a mere spectacle to stop, see, and check-off. Why am I relegated to these hallowed halls? Why must I only be allowed to exit through photos and postcards and fly across the world as a flat form? I yearn to see new things and to visit new places. I want to feel those fleeting moments, that feeling of constant change and hope, yet here I stand. I stand tall, but I am not above them at all.

DAVID SEES by Kathryn Kelly

Travel Writing students Kathryn Kelly and Christina Jocelyn experiment with the modern-day thoughts of iconic figures, Hercules and David, and the people their gazes encounter in today's Florence.

Photos by Alessia Pesaresi

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FASHION

FASHION & THE FEMALE VOICE AT PALAZZO PITTI

The modern fashion show, with a raised runway, was actually born in Palazzo Pitti in the 1950s. From then on, a lot of other influential designers have made their home in Palazzo Pitti. The exhibition itself changes every two to three years. The current designers and fashion icons housed in the museum include,

Photos by the author

“Etna is like our mother,” says tour guide Marco to a crowd of curious students.He continues, “She gives us what we need to survive: water, soil, vegetation. And she punishes us.”The punishment Marco is referring to is the eruptions. He explains that without Mount Etna they wouldn’t be able to survive, and every once in a while she punishes, like how a mother would.Mount Etna is the largest active volcano in Italy. It is located on the east coast of Sicily and stands 10,900 feet (3,329 meters) tall with a base circumference of about 93 miles (150 kilometers). Mount Etna also holds the record for the longest continuous eruption. A theory to why it’s so active has to do with plate tectonics. It is believed that Etna sits on a fault where the African tectonic plate and Ionian plate are being pushed under the Eurasian plate. Some believe that the smaller Ionian plate broke and displaced, causing magma from the Earth’s mantle layer to be sucked into that empty space of the fault and erupt from Etna.Locals call Etna “Mongibello,” which means “the beautiful mountain.” They use the fallen ash as soil for grapes, olives, and fruit. Tourists even ski down the volcanic mountains to marvel at the display of the eruptions.Etna may be highly active and somewhat dangerous, but locals know how to tell if there will be an eruption. It starts with an earthquake, and within days an eruption will begin. This gives the locals time to evacuate to a safe area. They have adapted to the environment of living with an active volcano and love how she provides their everyday lives with beauty and necessities to survive. For more details, visit www.livescience.com/27421-mount-etna.html.

MOUNT ETNA: THE MOTHER OF SICILYby Marisa Bellanca Photo by the author

TRAVEL

by Taylor Transtrum

As an avid fashion lover, my favorite exhibit that I’ve visited in Florence has to be the costume gallery exhibit at Palazzo Pitti.

NEWSLETTER

5

DECEMBER 2015

but are not limited to: Rosa Genoni, Eleonora Duse, Donna Franca Florio, Anna Piaggi, Maria Cumani Quasimodo, Antonella Cannavo Florio, Susan Nevelson, Angela Caputi, Atelier Rwanda, and Flora Wiechmann Savioli.Although their designs are very different, a common theme found among the designers is female empowerment, presented through unique perspectives and forward-thinking designs.I would like to note in particular the exhibit featuring the late Susan Nevelson’s designs for Ken Scott. Her exhibit had so much life to it through the set-up of the mannequins, displays, and the brilliant use of color, reflective of their 1960s time period. Her designs were a great contrast to the more classic style of clothing presented throughout the rest of the museum. I love

anything unique and different, which I felt her designs really portrayed. I love the message behind her designs featured as well. Her exhibit is all about putting unique women of the 20th century in the spotlight and thanking them for their creativity, an idea that I embrace with welcome arms.Another collection that caught my eye was the one that belonged to the eccentric and alluring fashion editor Anna Piaggi. Her way of dressing sends the message to women to take fashion risks and be confident. Piaggi had a very interesting way of putting together contrasting aesthetics and used a wide range of styles in her ward-robe. I found it appealing how, although her pieces featured in the museum have different aesthetics, they have a cohesive, red-based color scheme.Another room that captured my attention was the one devoted to pianist Antonella Cannavo Florio. The pieces featured belonged to her during the 1950s and

1960s and were designed by Emilio Schuberth. However, they looked as though they belonged in another time. The garments featured are very reminiscent of Roman high society, complete with corseting and ruffles.The costume exhibit houses many other beautiful garments worth viewing, which put women and their creativity at the forefront of fashion. Tickets to the entire Palazzo Pitti museum can be purchased for 10 euro, and the costume exhibit is a must-see.

Above: Susan Nevelson's Clothing, Below: Dress Detail.

Susan Nevelson's Clothing and accessories - Socks.

Anna Piaggi's Clothing.

Above and opening picture:Antonella Cannavo Florio's Dresses.

6

STUDENT VOICE

“Where are we?” We asked ourselves standing in the middle of the street with our luggage at our feet. We held the keys to our new apartment for the next three months in our hands, unsure of what street they told us to walk down next.“My mom always says to ask a lady with kids questions when you’re lost,” Taylor said. “They will always help you.”She was right and within the next few minutes, we were opening the front door to our little apartment on Via dei Bardi. It was dark inside and quiet, with the only sound coming from the wheels on our lug-gage as we entered our assigned rooms. We were the first to arrive.“Well this is home for the next three months,” I said, looking around at our apartment with visions of what my life was about to be like in this city. “I wonder if we have other roommates or if these rooms are just empty.”What we didn’t know was that we were

about to receive the greatest gift that we ever could abroad. Hours later, after the two of us returned from wandering the streets of Florence, we discovered three girls around our age sitting at our little kitchen table chattering excitedly about where they all wanted to travel to for the next three months.“I really want to see the Swiss Alps while I’m here,” one of them said. “I’m really hoping to go to Istanbul,” said another. I chimed in with, “I’ve been dreaming of Budapest lately.”We discussed where we were from, our lives up to the present, and why we were here. We sat around that table, just the five of us, telling stories and learning about one another. The term “strangers” was dropped automatically and replaced with “friends.” The word “friends” has since turned into “family.” We aren’t going to lie to you; it hasn’t been easy living together. We’ve

had our disagreements, our disputes, our unclean kitchen, and our arguments over who’s taking out the trash. But we’ve also had late nights filled with deep conversa-tions, trips to Switzerland to finally hike those Alps, moments of laughter, times of singing through the streets of Florence, cooking in our apartment, and days where we experience the pure joy of being in each other’s company. It is these times together that we will look back on wishing that we could have more moments with more time spent together.Now with one month left, we look back on the times that were tough and all of the homesickness that we fought. They’ve become my sisters, my family abroad, and the girls that I most look forward to coming home too. People say that seeing the world is truly special, and it is. But I believe that it is the people that you meet abroad who are the ones that make your experience truly something to remember.

FROM STRANGERS TO FAMILY, JUST US 5 by Lauren BerryPhotos by the author

NEWSLETTER

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DECEMBER 2015

Photos by the author

Most of my evenings in Florence were not spent at aperitivo or in a piazza but in a church surrounded by opera singers.FUA placed me in an internship with St. Mark’s English Church, where I helped with the church’s opera company. There, I learned about the inner mechanisms of a perfor-mance company and helped create an enjoyable experience for the audience.St. Mark’s is a small church on Via Maggio, near Santo Spirito. However, it fills up in the evenings when St. Mark’s Opera Company opens its doors for a performance. Franz and Ilse Moser, my coordinators at St. Mark’s, founded the company and have brought it into its thirteenth season. Each new season brings a handful of operas to life in an intimate setting — from tragedies like Madame Butterfly to comedies like The Marriage of Figaro. St. Mark’s also hosts concerts on non-opera nights, featuring two singers who perform arias.The experience is catered for the out-of-town tourist who wants to see an opera and, in my opinion, feel welcomed to Florence. When patrons arrive, Ilse is there to greet them and take their tickets. If the patrons reserved spots, they are escorted to reserved seats with their names on them. St. Mark ’s also positions the seats so that patrons sit close, sometimes just an arm’s length away, to the action. In between scenes, when the set has to be changed, Franz even takes those potentially stagnant moments to interact with the audience as he prepares for the next act. All of these qualities combined create a personal experience for each visitor.Each night, I helped contribute to St. Mark’s personal touch. I showed patrons to their seats when they arrived, sold refreshments during intermission, and at the end of the night, I saw out the guests and helped clean up the church. Interaction with the patrons was my favorite part

of the job. Each night brought a new crowd and new stories of where people came from, and I loved swapping experi-ences with the guests. It was as if I made new friends each night as we connected over similar experiences of travel, specifically Florence and of seeing St. Mark’s operas.Franz once compared St. Mark’s Opera Company to baking a cake. He told me that this company creates performances that are homemade, not store bought. It might not come from a big brand name, but people tend to agree that the homemade cakes taste much better, and each time it’s made, it tastes a little different. To me, Franz’s explana-tion captured the essence of St. Mark’s. That’s what makes it special and exemplary, the fact that it came from the heart. And that’s why I was so thankful to be a part of that creation.

Information about St. Mark’s operas and concerts, including tickets and performance dates, can be found on St. Mark’s website: stmarksitaly.com

St Mark's, Via Maggio 16, 50125 Firenze, Italy

NIGHTS AT THE OPERA by Jess Mitchell

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When younger, Time was under careful lock and key,

now, it’s open, tipped and pouring

out all over me

No trust in skyscrapers back in 1998,

a country’s worst fear branded in the skin

patient enough to wait

“Give Time some time,” is what they told us,

we gave Time all the time it could need,

like it was Time we could trust

And now my sleeves and wrists have begun to fight,

because there’s something uncomfortable

about my clothes tonight

Because we gave Time fourteen years,

and thought we might have healed but no,

Time has just started its gears

Today, a country’s fear now belongs to the world,

and hope is brought to the darker tides,

where dreams of peace are hurled

In our sky, the stratus zone is clearer, see,

at a funny wealth for us, ignorance still screams,

“Ah! C’est la vie”

But between the chaos there is wonder,

there is Time standing still,

there is something rising under

In a matter of minutes, a city sits in the dark,

yet in hours, the world ignites its colors,

calling Time to hark

Hand-in-hand the beacons stand as one,

forgetting what their borders mean,

telling Time they will not run.

TIME WILL NOT RUN by Cailin Boegel

How did you get to be a part of writ-ing this book, and what was the pro-cess for that?“I work for an advertising agency here in Florence, which is called Aria Adver-tising, which was in charge of the cam-paign for the new Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. And in the context of this very interesting job, we also decided to write a book with a very special perspec-tive. You know, usually we write books on the institution, the museum, the cathedral, or the monuments. This time we decided to dedicate the book to the men and the women who have worked during past centuries to preserve this heritage. And so the book is conceived as a collection of photography portraits and interviews dedicated to this little, a discreet number [of] about 100 men and women.”

BEATRICE SANTINIFUA’S OWN CELEBRITY

FACULTY FOCUS

by Taylor Means

Photo courtesy of Beatrice Santini

Born in Bologna but a Florence resident for the past 30 years, Beatrice Santini not only works full time at an advertisement agency, but she also teaches “Writing for Digital Media” on Thursday evenings. About seven months ago, she was offered an amazing opportunity where “no” was just not an option. She was to conduct interviews and write a book that would be given to Pope Francis upon his arrival in Florence earlier this November. After her Thursday class, I had the chance to hear about Santini’s experience while standing outside the Nuovo Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.

NEWSLETTER

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DECEMBER 2015

Photo byAmyann Kahler

Did you feel any kind of emotions when you were writing and doing the interviews?“Yes, absolutely. It is always interesting when you have the possibility to meet new people. But in this case, it is inter-esting to verify how much each of these men and women are passionate about their job. They are aware [that they have] a very special job in a very special place, and they are grateful because they have this opportunity.”

So what is your favorite exhibit in the museum? “It is difficult to choose. I think that the Pietà by Michelangelo is very special, not just because the author is Michelangelo, but because it is a moving piece of art and because it has a very curious history, including the attempt by Michelangelo to destroy it.”

Your book was given to the Pope. When they told you, did you feel emotional?“I was not there at the moment, but I saw the photographs, and I knew that the Pope [was] very appreciative [of] this book and the perspective we decided to give it. So I have the photographs. I have the proof that this wonderful fact really happened.”

How long did it take you to do the interviews and write the book?“I think 6 or 7 months. It involved 100 people and we interviewed each of them during normal [working] hours, so it was difficult to find all of the time to arrange an agenda.”

During the seven months, did you gain personal lesson out of these interviews, or do you have a new perspective on life now?

“Yes, one of the most interesting parts of this job was that questions were not important, answers mattered. Very often people told me a curious story of his or her personal life. And the result was that someone putting together all of their personal stories obtained the big story of the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo because history is made by people, by the very personal story of each person.”

Beatrice Santini’s name can be found engraved on a wall inside the Nuovo Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. She is very proud of her work and contribution to the museum. Opera viva, published and edited by Mandragora, is available at: www.mandragora.it/it/detail/480/opera-viva/

FACES & PLACES

POPE FRANCISVISITS FLORENCEAs many of you already know, Florence had a very special visitor in the month of November. Pope Francis made his first ever visit to Florence, which coincided with the Fifth National Convention of the Italian Catholic Church, also being held in Florence.

While in Florence, Pope Francis had a busy schedule. He arrived by helicopter on the morning of November 10th, landing at the Luigi Ridolfi Stadium. From there, he made his way to Piazza Santa Maria del Fiore where he visited the baptistery and held a meeting with the other representatives of the National Convention of the Italian Catholic Church inside the Duomo.He then made his way to the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata where he briefly met with those who were ill and disabled. Following this brief gathering, Pope Francis had lunch at St. Francis’ Soup Kitchen where he ate with 60 of the city’s poorest citizens. Many of these citizens have lost their jobs or even their homes, but thanks to the help from the Catholic Church’s charity, they are able to have home-cooked meals. After lunch, he traveled by the Papamobile through the streets of Florence, passing in front of our very own DIVA campus on Via Magliabechi. Some students and faculty were able to make their way onto the street to see him as he passed, an incredible experience they will not soon forget. Next, Pope Francis arrived at the Artemio Franchi Municipal Stadium for the Holy Mass. Over 50,000 people were in attendance. This was the final stop for

by Nick Mitchell

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I pass this building everyday on my commute to class, yet I never tire of its beauty. There is something alluring about the contrast between the gray concrete and stark red brick, juxtaposed by the graffiti and fake money strategically placed around the building’s exterior. I wonder what purpose this now abandoned building once served and how it came to be as it is today. I researched the building but did not come across any English translations of its story. For now, it remains a mystery.

SANT'ORSOLA

Pope Francis, and after the Holy Mass, he said his goodbyes. It has been more than 30 years since the Pope has visited Florence, marking 2015 a special year for the city. Catholics and non-Catholics alike can learn from what Pope Fran-cis has to offer on various social topics, which he addresses with kindness and integrity while taking on difficult issues and challenges. Now that the city has had time to return to

its regular rhythm since his visit, we can look back and see what a huge role he plays

in the international community.About Pope Francis: Jose Mario Bergoglio

was named the 266th pope of the Roman Catho-lic Church in early 2013. He is the first non-Euro-

pean priest to become pope. Pope Francis is from Argentina, making him the first individual from the Americas to be named pope.

by Taylor Transtrum

Photo by Emily Shearman

Photo in the circle by Lauren Fromin

Photo by Amyann Kahler

Photos by the author Photos by Berna Aydın

NEWSLETTER

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DECEMBER 2015

Florence loca l Leonardo Rodri-gues sat down with us Sunday night to talk to us about his family and his love for this city. Rodrigues was full of laughter as we interviewed him at his workplace, Ricami Veronica. Occasionally he

would stop to attend to a customer, but for the most part, the evening was quiet and the interview went smoothly.Born in Brazil, Rodrigues has spent most of his 20 years of life in Florence. “I moved here with my family when I was four, because my grand-mother was here,” Rodrigues said. “I don’t plan on staying here forever, but as for now I don’t have plans to move from Florence.” As anyone can see, there is much to love about Florence. From the city’s history to its Tuscan dishes, Florence is a must-see place. “It’s a small city, it’s really peaceful. You don’t need a car or something to live here,” Rodrigues said. “Galleria degli Uffizi - if you’re not from here, or even if you are from here, that’s the most important thing to see because there’s a lot of history in there.”As Florence is a popular city that attracts many tourists, locals are bound to have their own secret hideaways.“Isolotto is fifteen minutes from here, a really local area,” Rod-rigues said. “It's not like the center. Shopping is less expensive and it’s a good place to live.”For nightlife, from a local’s perspective, Rodrigues enjoys the Santo Spirito area for a good bite to eat and a lively place to hangout. “I love Santo Spirito,” Rodrigues said. “You can just go there and sit, whether at a café or on the steps of the church. Most of the people there are very Italian. It’s a great area.”After living here for sixteen years, Rodrigues feels much love for this city. He took a moment to recall his best childhood memory: “It was 2005 or 2006, when it snowed here. It’s unusual for snow to fall in the center. Santa Croce was hosting a little market and I remember my mom, my uncle, and I all going there. We spent a really good day there. I’m not sure if it was just because of the snow but it was a great day.”We left our interview having made a new friend. It is then that we realize something important: through Rodrigues' stories we see Florence with a new set of eyes. It’s a fresh look. It is not long before we are recalling our own favorite memories of this place.

LEONARDO RODRIGUES:LOCAL LIVING IN FLORENCE

Tourism is a huge industry within the city of Florence. Peo-ple from all over the world come to visit to witness the sites that Florence has to offer, and to experience Italian culture. Alessio Runco, an Italian university student in Florence, works as a desk attendant at the Santa Croce Hotel, located in a key area of tourism in Florence. He assists with check-ins, organizes the breakfast routine, helps with the bar in the evening, and deals with customer service issues. “I like working at the hotel because it is quaint and nice,” said Runco. “The owner is a great boss, and the people who visit the hotel are always kind.”Ru nco i s f rom V ibo Valentia, Calabria, He moved to Florence three years ago to study physi-cal education. When asked about his opinions of Flor-ence, he responded, “I love living in Florence, it's a cozy city and there are always new people to meet. Also, my English has improved since being here.”He stressed the importance of knowing the language when living in a foreign city, especially Florence. He cred-its his seven months working at the Santa Croce Hotel to his improved English language proficiency. “My favorite thing I have heard so far in English is when a little boy was walking to his room with his parents and turned to me and said ‘night night, sleep tight,’ it was a very cute moment,” said Runco. When asked how he felt about leaving Calabria he said, “it’s a long story.” He continued by saying, “I miss the warmth of the people in Calabria, and of course I miss my family.” Runco has encountered a variety of people while working in Florence, and also while living in the city and meeting people. “I love meeting Brazilians because they are social and always smiling, as well as Americans because their culture is popular with my friends. I even have an American flag in my room!” said Runco as an example of interactions with other cultures. Runco concluded with this statement: “Working in tourism has made me a smarter person and I see people differently. I am thankful to live here [in Florence] and be able to under-stand others. I was more close-minded living back home and now I am not.”

ALESSIO RUNCO: TOURISMAND INTERNATIONAL FLORENCEby Faith Miletello and Neeka Matthews

INTERVIEWS WITH LOCALS

by Taylor Means, Cailin Boegel, Lauren Berry

Leonardo Rodrigues makes a signfor our professor Beatrice Santini.

Alessio Runco in Piazza Santa Croce.

Photos by the authors

www.palazziflorence.comwww.fua.it

BLENDING NEWSLETTER

Supplemento di /

Supplement to Blending Magazine

Reg. Trib. di Firenze n° 5844 del 29 luglio 2011

Anno 5 - Numero 8 - Dicembre 2015

Year 5 - Issue 8 - December 2015

Editore / Publisher

Florence Campus per INGORDA Editore

Via Alfonso Lamarmora, 39

50121 Firenze

Sede editoriale /

Editorial Headquarters

Corso Tintori, 21

50121 Firenze

Tel. 055-0332745

Stampato in proprio /

Printed in house

REDAZIONE / MASTHEAD

Direttore Responsabile /

Editor in chief

Matteo Brogi

Caporedattore /

Editorial Director

Grace Joh

Blending is a newsletter created

with and for students of Florence

University of the Arts, the academic

member of Palazzi FAIE.

The newsletter collaborates with

the Student Life Department and

Development Office.

For information contact:

[email protected]

Coordinamento Editoriale /

Managing Editor

Federico Cagnucci

Redazione testi / Copy Editor

Taylor Means, Jessica Mitchell,

Erica Kavanagh, Ainsley Stephens,

Katherine Meis

Consulente Accademico /

Faculty Advisor

Nicoletta Salomon

Progetto grafico / Graphic Design

Federico Cagnucci

Impaginazione / Page Layout

Nathaniel Morrison, Tara Phillips

Redazione fotografica / Photo Editor

Federico Cagnucci

Con la partecipazione degli studenti

del corso / Participating students from

Writing for Digital Media:

Sara Allison, Lauren Berry,

Cailin Boegel, Cheree Fraser,

Neeka Matthews, Taylor Means,

Katherine Meis, Rebecca Menezes