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BLENDING Newsletter Issue 8 Year 2 - Palazzi / FUA - NOV/DEC 2012

Image courtesy of PALAZZI FAIE

BREAKING NEWS

By Blending Staff and Marika Pierguidi We are proud to announce FUA University Alumni Association, which is committed to keeping and strengthening a successful long-term relationship with its alumni. The Association promotes and coordinates alumni support with the aim of strengthening the high-quality academics and public service programs of the institution. The goal of the Association is to involve and inform the FUA Alumni community in order to build powerful networks and create initiatives that connect us to all the students (both alumni and current students), our community, and faculty members.

FUA ALUMNI webpage is currently being constructed and will provide an online space where students can register (it will only take 2 minutes!) and access many services that they can benefit from: database with job vacancies and internship opportunities, an on-line CV/resume book which works as a bridge between the job world and our students, career

support, sharing students’ experiences, FUA event updates, ceremonies, seminars, and many other exciting initiatives.

Alumni Director Marika Pierguidi shares with us her vision: “As Director of the Fua Alumni Association I am very proud to have been given this responsibility, as I truly believe that our students are the representatives of the heritage and achievements of the institution. We are here to celebrate your achievements and we look forward to being on your side and being your supporters, as you will experience the exciting opportunities and challenges that await you.

My wish is that current students and alumni will be able to utilize the Alumni Association as a meaningful resource to gain information and a connection between you and the working world. Be passionate in what you do, dream and always believe that what you want a day will come true!”

Keep reading for an alumni update from Hungary. In the meantime join us on Facebook at the “Fua&Apicius Alumni” page!

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Alumni Update: Hip, Hungarian Hospitality

In addition to the huge wine selection, Innio offers typical Hungarian dishes such as gulash soup, greaves dip, wiener snitzel or palatsinta. Dishes also change daily based on the season and market, but Chef Kuruc Attila is passionate about bringing a contemporary touch into traditional Hungarian recipes.”

Contributed by the FUA & Apicius Alumni Association

When asked about her experiece at Fua/Apicius and how it helped her, she responds: “It is always beautiful to travel and seize up other the habits, tastes and passions of other cultures. Two years in Florence gave me the opportunity not only to understand Italy’s key to success in gastronomy, but also to meet and share experiences with people from all over the world. I always believed that it’s more important to learn the ‘lessons’ in action and not only in the classroom. FUA and Apicius always pushed me to go and try my abilities in real life situations, whether at Ganzo or at other popular restaurants in town. This training gave me the self confidence to start my career with stability and believe that I can truly reach all that I have ever dreamed.”

Rozina Wassala was a 2-year culinary arts career student at Apicius in 2006. After she finished her studies at Apicius she went back to her native country, Hungary.

She started to run her own business, an amazing wine bar in the city center of Budapest, and Innio is one of the hippest places to sip wine in town. A Hungarian selection complemented by a number of international labels make this city center wine bar a great choice for a night out. The wine list is extensive, with up to 250 varieties, accompanied by some appetizing bites.

Rozina’s describes in her own words the passion invested in her activity: “Innio is a new shrine for wine lovers in downtown Budapest. One has to drink...and to live! More than 400 types of wine, tasting glasses make the place even more interesting. The staff is highly trained in helping to choose the right wine for the occasion.

In a couple of months Rozina will start a new adventure – she is opening another business. Rozina, we wish you success and good luck. And we can’t wait to publish an upcoming article in Blending Newsletter on your new adventure!

ART

Would You Marry Me?: Exhibition at F_AIR by Nicolas Henri Muller

By Lucia Giardino Nicolas Henri Muller (Chatenay-Malabry, France 1981) is the current resident artist F_AIR, the Florence Artist in Residence program and art gallery at Florence University of the Arts. He relates to the spaces that surround him, and each site becomes a source of his experiences and works.

The city of Florence, where he currently is located, has provided a significant inspiration. Would you marry me? is Image courtesy of Nicolas Muller

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the confirmation rather than the request for a relationship: the project contains a desire to relate with others and with the present context. It becomes the means of sharing with the public, who, often disoriented by pronounced/evident tricks and games, becomes an active part of the experience. With the exhibition, Muller concludes his residency at F_AIR held from August to December 2012. F_AIR is the art residency program in the historic center of Florence and hosts artists from all over the world. Founded by Florence University of the Arts and located at the institution’s Fine Arts campus, F_AIR creates stimulating opportunities to connect artists and students to contemporary art in Florence and offers a rich program of artist’s talks, laboratory activities, exhibitions, and three residencies a year for artists between 25 and 38 years of age.

Would You Marry Me? By Nicolas Henri Muller - November 27, 2012 - February 16, 2013 Curated by Lucia Giardino - F_AIR- Florence Artist in Residence - via San Gallo 45/r - Firenze 50129 - 055 0332850 fair.palazziflorence.com - info@fair.it

Exhibition Review: A Conscious Sacrifice (bpm) Heart at Ganzo

By Susan Tuberville Life’s greatest triumphs typically come with immense sacrifice. In (bpm) Heart, the most recent exhibition at Ganzo Cultural Association in Florence, Meri Ciuchi uses her own experiences to present a new perspective on this contradiction. Though most people fear the idea of hardship, Ciuchi reveals in her work that some sacrifices should be embraced, rather than resisted.

Upon first glance, Ciuchi’s work may appear somewhat whimsical or even light. However, the viewer quickly realizes the double nature of her pieces after even brief contemplation.

She communicates through intimate photographs, several of which are combined with three-dimensional elements and which obviously convey a message about the phenomenon of love and choice. She juxtaposes the iconic shape of repeated hearts with the foreboding images of hooks and sharp needles. In particular, she presents a series of photographs featuring portraits in which a white

Exhibition image courtesy of artist Meri Ciuchi

band has been painted across a woman’s mouth. Though the purpose of the portraits is to not convey an immediate, urgent message of distress, the viewer cannot help but feel a slight discomfort, or at least an uncertainty, about the images.

The photographs certainly transmit a sense of debilitation of their subject, which thus elicits emotional reaction by the viewer. Ciuchi, therefore, has achieved her goal of communication though these works: she forces viewers to address the uncomfortable concept of love, its consequences, and the responsibility of individual choice.

Ciuchi’s photographs certainly communicate the idea that love, though it can be bliss, cannot be attained without a trade-off. She suggests that people have a choice to embrace human attachment or avoid it, and either decision brings its own consequences. The artist states her personal opinion that though relationships often come with the sacrifice of one’s total personal

freedom, it is a worthwhile trade.

She also claims that in general, the disciplines of sacrifice, patience, and silence in the present will bear fruit in the future. Her current work invites viewers to contemplate this same concept by appealing to their emotional capacities. (bpm) Heart

by Meri Ciuchi curated by Annapaola Presta Ganzo - November 14, - December 4 2012 Susan Tuberville is a student from the University of Memphis, presently studing Fine Arts and Contemporary Italian Arts at Florence University of the Arts.

Curator Annapaola Presta is gallery assistant at F_AIR Florence Artist in Residence.

Meri Ciuchi is a Tuscan artist from Anghiari (Arezzo), who lives and work in Sansepolcro. (bpm)Heart is her first solo exhibition in Florence.

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A World of Art

By Abby Englund Firenze, and Italia overall, is an infinite world of art. To every student studying abroad here, it’s obvious that Italia is a center for art, but it’s more than just classical Renaissance. Since I began studying here my appreciation and love for art has grown exponentially, but I came to realize that Italia was the beginning for many art movements other than the Renaissance, including graffiti.

The word ‘graffiti’ comes from the Italian word ‘graffiato’ or scratched. Inscriptions and drawings can be found from the dark depths of the Roman catacombs to the ancient ruins of Pompeii. This fun fact astounded me. The notion that Italia has and is one of the leading countries in creating new art movements makes me want to stay here forever.

My astonishment grows as modern graffiti artists connect with their past influences, literally and inspirationally, in a manner that exceeds the Western description of graffiti as vandalism. When graffiti artists such as ‘Peeta’ and ‘Blu,’ along with nonItalian artists like ‘Space Invader’ and ‘Banksy,’ share the ground of famous artists of the past like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, it creates a remarkable link between past and present art that is irreplaceable. This link is also valuable for its ability to aid today’s generation in connecting with history more easily than ever before. A world without art, ancient or modern, is a world without hope.

FOOD & WINE

FUA President Releases Food Memoir

By Blending Staff 2012 not only commemorates the 15th anniversary of Apicius, this Fall also welcomes the publication of La Bambina Che Contava Le Formiche: Meditazioni in Cucina,

by Palazzi founder and President, Gabriella Ganugi. This inspirational memoir, enhanced with recipes that she has collected over the years, is a reflection on the pits and triumphs of her life, and most prominently, the shift in her career with the birth of Apicus. Proceeds from the book will go towards a scholarship at Apicius. This scholarship will be specifically awarded to female students to assist them achieve their dreams. Gabriella was interviewed this year by the Italian dessert magazine Dolci Tentazioni and presented her book at a series of presentations including Feltrinelli Bookstore, Palazzo Vecchio, Ganzo, and the municipality of Pontassieve. For more information please see Gabriella’s website www.gabriellaganugi.com.

UNICEF Cookbook Project Accepting Recipes

By Blending Staff Blending is pleased to share the following announcement to recipe lovers out there.Submit your recipe and become a part of a cookbook project that will help others: Student Services is pleased to announce that Palazzi and Apicuis, in

Photo by David Andre Weiss

collaboration with UNICEF Italia, will be collecting recipes to be donated for the publication of a book that aims to raise funds and awareness for children in need all over the world.

Recipes should preferably be from international countries.

Do not miss this opportunity to help change the world and to share a part of your culture! So contribute your favorite childhood dishes, dig through those old family recipes, call older relatives and grandparents and ask them to share their recipes for this great cause!

Please make all recipe submissions to Olimpia Bozza at obozza@palazziflorence.com.

Submissions are accepted on a rolling basing until Summer 2013. Keep reading for further details from the Student Life Department in the Student Voice section. We look forward to hearing from you!

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TRAVEL

The Bucket List: Checked Off & Added

By Abby Englund As in many people’s ‘to do’ lists, it always seems that the accomplished feeling of checking an item off is often followed by adding at least two more items onto the list. However, unlike the typical never-ending list of things to do, I rather enjoy adding items to this list: my Bucket List. Studying abroad is rarely completed without at least a handful of Bucket List adventures to check off, although it seems as if my list grows the more I check items off.

One of my favorites thus far has been ‘Marvel at the Sistine Chapel,’ and that’s just what I did. My first week in Italy was spent in Rome, and as an Art History major I was more than ecstatic to experience all the wonders that Rome had waiting for me first-hand. I more than enjoyed viewing the beauties within the Vatican, especially Raphael’s ‘Philosophy (School of Athens).’ I was fidgeting with the anticipation of seeing one of Michelangelo’s greatest works but, of course, the tour forced me to wait until the end. When I was finally granted my wish, my jaw instantly dropped upon setting foot within the chapel. The amazing beauty of this one room is undeniable. My textbooks do not do the art justice, at all. As our group’s schedule was not tailored to my needs, I was forced to leave the beautiful art behind, spending only a small fraction of the time I would have wanted to marvel at the sights. Although this item is checked off my list, I intend to revisit as many times as I can in my life. Perhaps the most important Bucket List item was added to my long list while studying here in Europe: ‘Travel with my mom to the Czech Republic and/or Poland.’ My mom and I are both Czech and Polish; this little fact is of great importance to our family. Growing up our nationality may have been at the bad end of some jokes, but it will always be a strong connection to our history and family that we’ve lost. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to travel overseas more than once, and yet the more I travel the more guilt I feel, as my mom has yet to leave the country. She is the most important person in my life and traveling with her to experience our heritage together would be the greatest honor. My mom’s support for me only makes me want to reciprocate her understanding and show her the world to thank her. My list continues to grow, but no matter how many items I cross off there will be more added. Although in the end, it’s not about what I’ve accomplished. Most of my items have become great stories only because the people I have shared my dreams with have made each item worth while.

Photo by David Andre Weiss

A Letter to Florence

By Janezia Ketchel Dear Florence, How can I even begin to repay you for what you’ve given me? You became such an exciting and intriguing event for me the moment I discovered I could have such a journey. The second I arrived, you began teaching me important lessons of life.

You reminded me that making new friends isn’t so difficult, and that I have the capability to adapt to a different place, city, and culture. I have learned several lessons through my courses and from my professors that you have granted me. You taught me to cook and eat healthier, to be even more creative through art, and how to be truly relaxed through meditation.

Your gifts have given me an even greater determination to achieve my goals for my career and future. Every day, I learn something new about your culture. I learn something new about myself as well. You have given me a boost of confidence, a higher self-esteem, and a more positive frame of mind. I cannot thank you enough for entwining my path with so many other

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wonderful people. I will never forget the friends that I have made and the instructors and professors that have inspired me.

And all of my leaders through the SAI program, and everyone else along the way, I thank you for all the help you’ve given me. Florence and Italy, as a whole, you will always be in my heart and in my memories. I will miss your beautiful Cathedral, your voluptuous fields of grapevines and olive trees, and your history and art. I will miss your cultural differences, your dialect, and everything that makes you who you are. Every time I sprinkle parmesan cheese on my spaghetti, taste the bitter-sweetness of balsamic vinegar, and twirl a glass of wine, I will think of you. I will always look back on my time that I spent under your sky with a smile, laughter, and joyful tears. I hold you in the highest honor, and I give to you all the gratitude that I can possibly bestow.

Sincerely your student and friend, Janezia Ketchel Editor’s Note: This letter will be published in an expanded version in the Blending Magazine that will be released at the end of the semester. Watch out for it in the upcoming release!

Student Voice

Dialogue in the Dark: An ‘Eye-opening’ Experience

By Abby Englund Anxiety of the unknown, but relaxed by the knowledge of safety, I was engulfed in a life of blackness. Groping for the walls and calling out to my friends for reassurance, I became calm by allowing myself to be submerged in my surroundings. The familiar sound of pebbles underfoot, the feeling of a fresh breeze, and the aroma of pine; my senses were coming alive.

It’s common knowledge that when a person loses one sense his or her other senses become stronger, but rarely can the person have that experience temporarily. I can’t even begin to contemplate a life without my sight, but now I can be more grateful that I don’t have to. Over the weekend I attended an activity called ‘Dialogo Nel Buio,’ or ‘Dialogue in the Dark,’ at Milan’s Institute for the Blind. The experience consisted of each person entering into different scenes in complete darkness with a walking stick, while escorted by a blind guide.

Initially doubting that I would enjoy the experience, I was quickly proven wrong and my nervousness flushed from my body when our first scenario was as comforting as a park. My enjoyment continued as we set sail in a boat, allowing our imagination to take us to a warm, sandy beach. It was far from difficult to visualize the scenarios ourselves when all our other senses were so strong. Adventure set in once the group was shown into a ‘house’ and we were allowed to explore, finding common items that we recognized such as telephones, computers, furniture and picture frames.

Reality hit the group hard as the next scenario was set in a city. The difficulties of being blind were now a bit frightening, as loud noises and rushing people quickly created chaos and an overload for the senses. The use of touch became less helpful, as in city life we rely mostly on sight and sound.

The contradictions continued as we were released back to the lobby and blinded by the light. All were grateful to finish our experience at a relaxing bar, where the group was allowed to snack on chips and drinks. Our tour ended with a discussion and the agreement that the experience was ‘eye-opening,’ however contradictory it may appear.

I highly recommend anyone to try such an experience. Naturally, you will become grateful for being blessed with all senses, but you will also become more mindful about the ability of your senses. I’m sure as many others, I tend to underestimate the power I have in fully understanding and appreciating my surroundings.

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FACULTY VOICE

Exploring the Vasari Corridor with Professor A. Lawrence

By Blending Staff Upon publication of this newsletter issue, FUA journalism professor Alexandra Lawrence will have just led a unique tour within the Vasari Corridor. Literally a corridor, this ancient passageway still connects to this day Palazzi Vecchio and Palazzi Pitti. Built by Grand Duke Cosimo I de’Medici, the corridor served initially to allow the ruling family to freely move between their residential palace and the seat of Florentine government. Today it hosts a celebrated collection of self-portraits and is open only for specially reserved visits.

Professor Lawrence will lead a group of visitors to discover the women artists in the corridor. She is a member of the

Honorary Council of Advisors for the Advancing Women Artists Foundation (AWAF) and “is particularly interested in safeguarding and promoting women’s contributions to Florence’s rich cultural heritage.” Not only is Professor Lawrence a licensed guide, she is also the editor-at-large at The Florentine whose press has published two books on the subject of women in Florence’s museums, churches, and palaces (Invisible Women: Forgotten Artists of Florence, and more recently Art by Women in Florence: A Guide through Five Hundred Years). She states that “the Vasari Corridor tour is our way of bringing attention to several of the artists detailed in the books, including Sofonisba Anguissola, Marietta Robusti, Rosalba Carriera, Angelica Kauffman, Maria Cosway and Elisabeth Chaplin, just to name a few.”

The tour will be enhanced by the presentation of the lives and work of these women.

For more information on the Vasari Corridor: http://193.42.139.9/english/musei/vasariano/default.asp

STUDENT LIFE

Take, But Also Give

By Michelle Chiarappa Our semester studying abroad is a time in our lives when we have the opportunity to explore who we are by submersing ourselves in a new and exciting culture. There is so much that we are able to take away from this experience, but often we are so wrapped up in having the perfect study abroad experience that we forget to give back to our community.

Living in a new city, it can be hard to find ways to give back, but this semester the Student Life and Development office is offering its students a very unique opportunity to participate in a special project in cooperation with UNICEF. Starting this semester, the Student Life department at FUA is partnering with UNICEF and YOUNICEF, the Italian youth branch of UNICEF, to create a children’s multicultural cookbook which will include recipes from around the world, and be sold to raise awareness and help combat child

hunger. By using this UNICEF cookbook children will be able to learn about different cultures through their food while also learning about the realities of child hunger and what they can do to help. To participate we are asking students to submit recipes reminiscent of their home culture, which will be reviewed and have the potential to be published in the cookbook.

To kick off this project, the Student Life office held its first official International Day at Apicius on Novermber 17th where students had the opportunity to come together and show off their new found culinary skills in an international themed cook off! The winner or winning team will have their recipes published in the cookbook as well as receive other prizes. The day will surely be a great cultural experience for all involved, and promises to raise awareness about UNICEF and childhood hunger.

For more information about the event, please email studentservices@palazziflorence.com To submit recipes, please email: obozza@palazziflorence.com

Blending Newsletter Supplemento di Blending Magazine reg. Trib. di Firenze n째 5844 del 29 luglio 2011 Anno 2 - Numero 8 - Novembre Dicembre 2012 Editore Florence Campus per INGORDA Editore Via Alfonso La Mamora 39, 50121 Firenze Redazione Corso Tintori 21, 50121 Firenze Tel. 055-0332745 Stampato in proprio Blending Masthead Editor-in-Chief: Matteo Brogi - Senior Editors: Grace Joh, Rebecca Valpy - Copy Editing: Jessica Volpe - Layout Editor: Alberto Simoncioni Blending is a newsletter created with and for Palazzi FAIE students, in collaboration with the Student Services Department of Palazzi.

For information contact gjoh@palazziflorence.com - www.palazziflorence.com

www.palazziflorence.com - www.fua.it