Hands-On at Florence’s International Crafts Fair

Through May 1: INTERNATIONAL ARTISAN TRADE FAIR. Fortezza da Basso. Open daily from 10 am to 10:30 pm (last day closes 8 pm) Admission: weekends €7, weekdays €4, weekday special 2 persons for €7. Free entry after 7 pm. Children under 12 free. Adjacent parking.

It’s springtime in Florence and the International Artisan Fair inaugurates its 82nd edition featuring 800 exhibitors from more than 50 countries. The entrance into a 16th century citadel through a huge stone archway, across the piazza and into the 20th century modernistic Spadolini Pavilion takes the visitor through a time travel experience spanning six centuries. Inside the huge exhibit halls, one experiences a city of art where tradition and innovation merge reflecting handicrafts and techniques developed in the Renaissance and beyond into the digital age.

Guests enter the ground floor filled with artisans from Italy displaying their handicrafts, some made with centuries’ old techniques, some created with 21st century lasers and digital graphics. Here one can find a pair of delicate Murano glass earrings, handmade baby clothing, a custom fit leather belt, perhaps a one-of-a-kind ceramic vase or hand-carved puppet. Watch a wood carver at work crafting an art frame using the same tools his great-grandfather employed. If hunger or thirst strikes, cafés with coffee, cold drinks, snacks and sandwiches can be found only steps away.

The pavilion’s lower level is devoted to handicrafts of artisans from countries as diverse as Tibet and Tunisia. Walking down the wide staircase, the scent of burning incense is unmistakable. Here color reigns and Moroccan hand-woven rugs in deep reds, rich blues and yellow hang for the shopper to admire. Silk scarves from India and Thailand in every color combination imaginable are for sale. Later the visitor is invited to try out a hand made drum from Mali, perhaps with a demonstration from the drummer-salesperson.

As one walks toward the back of the room, where handicrafts from the Middle East are displayed, the aroma of exotic spices begins to fill the air. This is the place to purchase some precious Iranian saffron or a piquant blend of spices to try a Spanish paella or Afghani curry at home. A colorful fabric-draped pavilion beckons visitors to stop for a glass of tea accompanied by baklava pastry.

Stands give out samples of tasty regional specialties such as a bite of creamy French cheese or honey from Romania. Try arancini, rice balls stuffed with meat sauce and mozzarella and deep fried, or a cream filled pastry cannoli from Sicily.

Each year the fair features an honored guest country and in 2018 Vietnam is in the spotlight. Visitors can take a journey to experience the charms of this Southeast Asian country through their artistic craftmanship, dance and cuisine.

Leaving the main exhibition halls, surrounding buildings offer special craft itineraries.

Casa In and Out features ideas for contemporary home and garden living with resources for modernization and remodeling.

Bellezza and Benessere (Wellness and Beauty) is an area devoted to beauty products with representatives from spas, hair salons, herbalists and natural pharmacies focusing on environmentally friendly products. Here one can see live demonstrations on face and body treatments, hairstyling, massage, make-up and pampering options.

Vintage Rendezvous: New this year, visit the Ex Liceo Pavilion for trendy vintage clothing and accessories, unique design items and other trends from the past. This is the place to find that hip 1940s leather handbag or a silk scarf like one worn by Katherine Hepburn.

T-Riciclo: Recycling Green Market: This popular section is back highlighting design objects, clothing and accessories created from recycled materials. Imagine buying an edgy pair of earrings created from zippers or a cool lounge chair made from recycled tires.

Florence Street Art: Art Can Change the World: This project aims to give space and visibility to the street artists in the city of Florence. In the Rastriglia Pavilion visitors can admire the works of various Italian and international artists including painter, storyteller and urban artist Exit Enter, active on the Florentine scene and best known for his figures that play and chase a red balloon on the walls of the city.

Come and enjoy this cornucopia of art, culture and cuisine from every corner of the earth. Free Wi-Fi and accommodations for handicapped throughout the fair.

For complete information, visit the website www.mostraartigianato.it.  (rita kungel)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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