47 Days in Florence
One cannot imagine what it is like to be fully immersed in the Florentine lifestyle, and the impact it has on you, unless you stay for a longer period of time. The art, food, and wine are always amazing, but in our adventure last Fall, we experienced what it is all about — the people. Beyond the quality and attention to the taste, tradition, and freshness of their food and drink, is the pride the Florentines possess… in the history of their city, the importance of family and friends, and the intentional time taken to slow down and enjoy each moment of each day. Their approach to life seamlessly infuses into your being over time and really changes the way you view….well, everything! We learned so much — from artists, taxi drivers, gallery owners, food vendors, waitstaff (a true profession there), shop owners, to restauranteurs — to pause, laugh, taste, love, be grateful, and to just stop, take a breath, and really see the gifts and beauty that continually surrounds us.
This adventure all began when Enrico accepted the invitation to do a solo exhibition with a renown, International gallery in the heart of Florence, Studio ABBA. It took Enrico a period of years to develop the collection of work that was ultimately on display in this beautiful space. He completed, crated, and shipped the majority of the show a month prior to the opening (in late November 2025), but his lifelong dream was to paint in a studio in the city. He rented a studio space from 2 artists and studio partners, Gianni and Claudia in the month preceding the show, completing two final pieces. This working art studio was located on Piazza Santa Croce, in the direct sight of Basilica de Santa Croce (known as the “Temple of Italian Glories”). How could one not to be moved hearing church bells that have tolled the same way for hundreds of years? Or not to be humbled standing in the footsteps of those who walked in the same Piazza centuries ago? The studio/building have been upgraded in recent years, but to think that it was built in the 16th century is mind-blowing. Piazza Santa Croce is a bustling ‘plaza’, where markets of all kinds take place on a weekly or monthly rotating basis. Basilica de Santa Croce is one of the oldest churches in Florence and is the resting place for Michelangelo, Dante, and Galileo, to name a few. Quietly standing on the entry steps of this church and crypt, you can feel the power and spirits of these historical geniuses—-it almost seems that they are standing next to you. Seriously.
Enrico’s exhibition was a great success, with a packed opening, lots of activity, including a wine and food pairing themed for his work a few days later. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Best of all, it was his life-long dream, fulfilled. (NOTE: Studio ABBA is an International, contemporary art gallery, located in the Palazzo del Turco, built in the 16th century in the heart of the historic Oltrarno Arts District. The building has had many iterations over the centuries, but most notably as the seat of the American Embassy during the years when Florence was the capital.)
While Enrico was working on the last couple pieces in his show, I took an oil painting class (I work in acrylic! Yikes!) with a live, nude model, for 2 weeks. What a humbling and enriching experience. I learned so much and enjoyed this most immersive, artistic, Florentine experience. (I also got great ‘night action’ tips and heard rich ‘everyday life as a Florentine’ stories from the 20-something model.) When I had free time, I visited smaller and lesser-known museums, galleries, and churches (we had toured all the major ones in years before) that one would likely not have the chance to see in a short visit. Since it was off-season I, many times, had these lovely spaces to myself. The solitude pushed me deeply into thought and got my wheels turning for future work and inspiration.
On a sidenote….it was an elevating experience in itself to be admired and accepted as an artist in Italy. They have a high regard and respect for this profession and vocation. They actually got excited, sometimes having many working artists in their own family. To them, being an artist is considered a blessed gift of talent and vision. It was refreshing and empowering to be proud to be an artist in this land of beautiful art and creative giants. Needless to say, we drank that in for the entire trip.
We did take a few days to go to Venice at the end of our stay to see our native Venetian friends, Nico and Enrico and their 2 lovely daughters. They own one of the finest and largest Internationally-acclaimed glass arts studios and showroom on Murano: Vetreria Artistica Vivarini. They treated us to a most wonderful and special day commuting on their classic company boat, from Venice to Murano to Burano, and back. We are so grateful and blessed to know such wonderful, generous people. The day was indescribable and so magical.
It would be too difficult in this small space to go into much more detail, or choose more images (from the 1000+) we shot during these 47 days. All I can say it was rich and memorable and infused the passion and pride of the Florentine character deep into our heart and souls. We learned to see, not just look. We observed small moments on our journey to somewhere, instead of just arriving at our destination. And we enjoyed taking longer lunches and dinners, tasting the quality and love in the food with every bite. And, oh, the people watching! There is a special synchronicity to Florence that is hard to describe. While it continually bustles and never stops moving, it projects a rhythm that works in harmony, almost like a symphony that brings the voices of many fine instruments together into a memorable and magical musical score.
