Italy News

Italia - that's where its at - the history of civilization is etched on the walls of Italy through the passage of time - and the Art in Italy group is certainly experiencing it. We are having a terrific time!!!

We examined churches and museums containing masterpiece we studied in art history. How amazing to see David or Botticelli's Birth of Venus and much, much more. We wandered through ancient towns and villages that provided a unique opportunity to reflect on our usual lives at Ball State University and recognize major differences. In Siena, the town of the famous Palio (horse race), we saw the colorful flags for the various Sienese regions as a constant reminder of medieval life. Similar pagentry was seen on the Duomo piazza in Spoletto as a group of drummers and flag bearers amazed us with flag twirls, tosses and synchronization.

Often as I roamed, I spotted a wall with terrific texture and maybe even some old posters that appealed to my aesthetic sensibilities as an artist.

The students are totally immersed in the Italian cultural experience. They learned some Italian words, and are enjoying Italian food and fashion. Jared even treated himself to an Italian haircut. Last night Jared was found ironing his shirt before some Saturday night fun in Terni. I guess he hoped to wow an Italian girl and I bet he did.

But the most emersive experience occurred at La Romita a few afternoons ago when some Italian students from the Terni Art Academy met our students for appetizers and art. BSU students showed the Italian students some of the drawing and painting techniques they used in their work. I think it was a huge success because the Italian students said they wanted to return next week.

Scott loves Italy and is doing a terrific job of mentoring BSU students. As he focuses on his own drawings and paintings, he inspire students with enthusiasm for capturing the spirit of Italy, Italia. We're discovering and responding to its richness.