CASA VALENTINE…

………WHEREVER WE ARE TOGETHER, WE ARE HOME

Florentine Acrobatics?

Written By: Arlene Ridolfi Valentine - Sep• 17•22
Florentine Acrobatcs

Florentine Acrobats

Scaffolding is pretty common here in Florence….it’s the only way to work on all these ancient buildings lined up next to each other on narrow city streets….but there’s a new guy in town.  Edilizi Acrobatica.  This company now has 11 branches in Tuscany (2 of which are in Florence) and I think they are on to something.

Florentine Acrobatics

Florentine Working Acrobatics

Their tag line ……”le soluzioni arrivano dall’alto” (the solutions come from above)….is a pretty clever way to introduce a novel maintenance model for any number of the ongoing projects that always seem to need attention….balcony repairs, roof inspections, facade cleaning, painting  and repairs, even window cleaning.

Florentine Climbers

Florentine Working Climbers

Given the popularity of the sports of hiking and climbing right now, the appearance of these workers tethered and scaling building facades generates a lot of interest and in fact all of their publicity incudes an appeal to join their work force!

Florentine Climbers at Work

Florentine Climbers at Work

We were just two of many passers-by who couldn’t resist watching the show…..and it seems to me the workers, even though they take their work seriously, enjoy the attention!

Pietrasanta, a town of Holy Stone……..

Written By: Arlene Ridolfi Valentine - Sep• 05•22

There has to be some divinity in the air for this little Tuscan town to continuously produce the wonderful sculpture and art that infuses all the public spaces with wit, whimsy, and wonder.  The show begins right in the parking lot with a moving war memorial that looms over the whole area and keeps us all aware of our connection to the past…..

War Memorial, Pietrasanta

War Memorial, Pietrasanta

Detail, Pietrasanta War Memorial

Detail, Pietrasanta War Memorial

 

and then ushers us out of the area into Pietrasanta’s streets with a bit of whimsy……..

Pietrasanta Pony

Pietrasanta Pony

The main square…really a large rectangle that rises from its base to the Duomo which sits on top,  sets the stage for a dynamic series of sculptures which change often, given that this is a town of, for, and about artists.  This series was on display in August …… contemporary art in this setting really packs a punch!

Pietrasanta, Embracing Couple

Pietrasanta, Embracing Couple

Pietrasanta, Embracing Couple 2

Pietrasanta, Embracing Couple 2

Pietrasanta, Embracing Couple 3

Pietrasanta, Embracing Couple 3

Pietrasanta, Embracing Couple 4

Pietrasanta, Embracing Couple 4

Pietrasanta, Girl Alone 5

Pietrasanta, Girl Alone 5

And to usher visitors out of the town, how about the assortment of sculptural forms gracing the odd corners and alleys, there to amuse you and impress you as you go on your way…..

Pietrasanta, Street Sculpture

Pietrasanta, Street Sculpture

All of this shares space with a few really good restaurants, cafes and wine shops, most of them intertwined with some of the most interesting art galleries and boutiques this side of Rome!