Il Papiro - Marbelized Paper, July 12th

We stopped in at Il Papiro, a paper shop, and learned how to make marbelized paper using diluted acrylic paint mixed with ox gall and distilled water.

Academia Gallery, July12th

The Academia is the museum that houses the most famous sculptures by Michelangelo: the "David", the "Slaves", and "St. Mathew". Michelangelo carved the "David" out of a tall and narrow block of marble which took him a little more than two years to finish. The sculpture stands about 18 feet high. VERY impressive!!!

Uffizi Gallery, July 11th

Today we went to the Uffizi Gallery which is one of the most beautiful and important museums in the world. It houses some of the greatest masterpieces of art, most of which comes from the private collection of the Medici family. Masterpieces such as Renaissance artist, Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" and "Primavera" are located there. Also, we saw Leonardo da Vinci's "Annunciation" and the unfinished "Adoration of the Magi". Since this painting was never finished, we were able to see how Leonardo would start a painting. This was very interesting. We purchased several books and a comprehensive video on the Uffizi artwork that we can't wait to share with our students.

Arrival to Florence, July 10th

After a long flight to Rome and a several hour wait for a train, we finally arrived in Florence late in the afternoon. In the short hours left of daylight, we explored the Piazza Duomo and Ponte Vecchio (a bridge with many small shops). We will stay in Florence until Tuesday, July 14th and then on to La Romita. Tomorrow, we will visit the Uffizi. Ciao, until this evening.