I am so indebted to so many wonderful locals that I started a series acknowledging and highlighting their talents and services, Learning with Locals.
Today I am very pleased to recognize and introduce you to four more extraordinary locals…
♦ ♦ ♦
Little did I know when I decided to come to Italy in late 2019 that I would be traveling and arriving in the middle of a pandemic! It didn’t stop me from coming and as it persisted I knew that I would be in quarantine when I arrived in fall 2020.
It was impossible to anticipate that over the next months that my ability to pursue one of my passions would be restricted – to actually visit museums and other historical sites in Florence (much less travel outside the city!)…
As an avid museum/historical sites lover, I took advantage of windows of opportunity and, considered an “outdoor museum”, there is plenty to enjoy in the “cradle of the Renaissance” just strolling its fascinating streets.
A loyal follower of The Florentine before my actual arrival, it proved (and still does) to be one of several invaluable resources for what’s what and what’s happening here. However, other absolutely phenomenal sources presented themselves as well.
When COVID descended on Italy, it crippled tourism practically overnight – and Italy depends on tourism! And that includes everyone even remotely dependent on tourism/travelers including tour guides. Many of these tour guides have decades of experience. Extremely knowledgeable and experienced, they are an incredible resource and thanks to their creativity and dedication (and technology!), many have found a way to continue sharing with us.
Over the last months I have been able to immerse and take “deep dives” into art, architecture, history, literature …including online workshops, presentations and webinars on Dante, Renaissance art and history in Florence and Venice, and so much more, more, more. Incredible!
I have been inspired and enriched enormously and I am beyond grateful! From very difficult circumstances, they have “pivoted” and continue to share their passion and expertise with interesting and compelling subjects and content.
I had the pleasure of meeting Helen at her office back in February and hope to meet Alexandra, Elaine and Paola as well one day to personally express my gratitude…
Thanks to each of them, my appreciation and love for this beautiful city and country where I am living has grown exponentially.
♥ Grazie da cuore! ♥
Rather than trying to encapsulate their impressive credentials, in addition to sharing their websites, you will find their biographies in their own words followed by my personal experience…
♦ Alexandra Lawrence
Culture. History. Connection.
formasideris.it
“An expert in the language and art of Italy, Alexandra Lawrence is a lecturer in the Humanities at several American and British universities in Florence in addition to being an accredited guide for Italian museums and archeological sites. While completing her graduate work in Italian Language and Literature, she concentrated primarily on medieval writers and poets and their relationship to the visual arts. In 2020, she founded Forma Sideris, a space to initiate conversations about Italian art, culture, books and exhibitions, historical figures, places and much more.”
I have taken Alexandra’s “Divine Dante” 6-week course twice! In fact, anything she has offered on Dante, I have registered for! And “wow!” her depth of knowledge born of a passion for the Divine Poet is incredible and, especially since it is the year of Dante in Italy, the timing was perfect.
Taking on a pretty formidable endeavor, reading “The Divine Comedy”, has been nothing short of exceptional, thanks to Alexandra. Her presentations have also introduced me to other literature and art broadening and deepening my range of interests and appreciation for Dante and so much more.
♦ Elaine Ruffolo
Art Historian, Art History Encounters
elaineruffalo.com
“Elaine Ruffolo has been teaching art history in Florence, Italy since 1990 and is a popular instructor for students and adults alike. Her special interests include the history of patronage and the economy of Italian Renaissance city-states.
Ruffolo firmly supports the idea that the best way to fully understand a work of art is by exploring the context in which it was made. This approach gives the viewer the fullest understanding of the work of art under consideration and at the same time, brings the past to life.”
A local friend told me about Elaine and her online webinars and it didn’t take me long to be totally hooked! Her “Virtual Encounters” encompass a myriad of Renaissance art topics – and I absolutely love them all!
From the Medici to Michelangelo to in-depth museum visits and hosting distinguished guest experts, and so much more, her extraordinary presentations are always interesting and compelling. The opportunity to have access to so much interesting and enriching content is such a gift. I feel so fortunate to be able to benefit from Elaine’s meticulous in-depth research and remarkable knowledge.
♦ Paola Vojnovic
Renaissance Art Historian & Private Tour Guide of Florence
paolavojnovic.com
“A Renaissance Art Historian and Culture Management expert, with deeply-rooted experience in international arts projects and fundraising for culture in Italy, Paola Vojnovic is also a published author and research scholar as well as a sought-after private tour guide for Florence and Tuscany.
In addition to creating custom tours for individuals and families, Paola also designs cultural programs for specialized small groups, and acts as a liaison between museums and clients to provide special behind-the-scenes access and thus ensuring unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for visitors to Italy.”
Paola was also referred to me by a friend. I watched her interview with the founder of Friends of Florence and then learned she was offering a 14-week Venice Masterclass. Well, I was immediately “in”, signed on and just love this “virtual” immersion into La Serenissima!
In addition to being an expert herself, Paola has gathered together an incredibly impressive group of authorities on Venetian art, history, and culture. The outstanding presentations and conversations are a perfect prelude to my next visit to Venice!
Paola also hosts other interesting guests and experts on a wide range of topics from discussions about the Del Robbias to Frank Lloyd Wright to the Monument Men!
♦ Helen Farrell
Editor-in-Chief, The Florentine
www.theflorentine.net
“The Florentine, launched in 2005, is a news magazine for the English-speaking community in Florence. Published 11 times a year the day to day running, development and strategy has been managed by Helen since 2013… In addition, Helen writes about food, wine and all things literary.”
As I alluded to above, I was and continue to be a loyal fan of The Florentine. They have a wonderful e-newsletter (theflr.net/subscribe), and presence on social media. I always save and archive their e-newsletters and when I can get my hands on a print copy, I really love it!
Their support of the community and focus on sharing and informing with their readers is invaluable, especially during these unprecedented times. I hang on to my copies for weeks and weeks as a resource featuring upcoming local events, interviews, calendars, places to visit, things to do and see…fabulous!
They also have compelling conversations and interviews on their YouTube channel (youtube.com/theflorentinenews).
Grazie to the dedicated and talented staff at The Florentine!
♦ ♦ ♦
No matter where you are or what your interests may be (pandemic or no pandemic!) I encourage you to research and support local museums, historical sites, and local experts/tour guides and resources. It’s definitely a win-win for everyone!
Custom designed itineraries and carefully curated experiences are absolutely the optimal way to truly see the sights and enjoy a place.
Interesting and enriching, an expert guide is absolutely one of the best investments you can make in your vacation!
