POP/Andy by Aurelio
March 4–April 10
Ex-church of San Pier Scheraggio, Uffizi Gallery, Florence
Andy Warhol, photographed by Aurelio Amendola
An unexpected tribute to the father of Pop Art, Andy Warhol, comes to the Uffizi Gallery this month. ‘Andy Warhol Photographed by Aurelio Amandola: New York 1977 and 1986’ will highlight striking photographs taken by Pistoiese artist Amendola during two trips to Warhol’s infamous Big Apple studio, the Factory. Several of the portraits were taken just before Warhol’s death in 1986, and one will be donated to the Uffizi’s permanent collection at the end of the exhibition. The exhibition will be open Tuesday–Sunday with the regular Uffizi ticket.
COMMUNITY/Tuscan(glo)ny!
March 9–11
Various venues in Florence
The inaugural Tuscan AngloAmerican Festival celebrates the ties between Tuscany and its many American universities, Anglophone cultural centers and institutions. The festival will include exhibitions, lectures, volunteer work opportunities and concerts bringing together the Italian and English-speaking communities. Highlights this week include the opening ceremonies (9am, March 9, Salone dei Cinquecento, Palazzo Vecchio), the international conference ‘A Tale of Two Cities: Florence and Rome from the Grand Tour to Study Abroad’ (10am–6.30pm, March 9, Salone dei Cinquecento) and an exhibition focused on overcoming violence (opens March 8 at Kent State University). Full program here.
SHOP/Sample sale!
March 5, 11am–7pm
The Creative Collective, via di Mezzo 6r, Florence
Mingle with friends, sip prosecco and score some statement pieces this Saturday as American designers Sara Amrhein and Jennifer Diederich host a joint sample sale in Sant’Ambrogio. Sara Amrhein’s bold jewelry pieces, fashioned out of polymer clay, instantly enhance even the simplest ensembles. Former Project Runway contestant Jennifer Diederich is the dress designer behind Suite, a cheeky but sophisticated label for modern women who like a little whimsy in their wardrobes. Follow the Facebook event for any updates.
SCHOLARLY/Vasari at Santa Croce
March 3–4
Cenacolo of Santa Croce, Florence
Eminent Giorgio Vasari scholars from Italy and abroad will give presentations at what promises to be one of the academic highlights at Santa Croce this year. The plenary lecture (March 3, 6.30pm) will be given by Marcia Hall, whose book Renovation and Counter-Reformation: Vasari and Duke Cosimo in Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce, 1565–1577, is the most comprehensive study of Vasari renovations to date. The conference will feature talks in both English and Italian and runs for the full day on March 4.
FEMININE/Festa della Donna
March 8
Various venues in Florence
Tuesday is an international tribute day to women around the world, marked in Italy by men handing out mimosas to the women in their lives (or simply on the streets). Florence hosts several celebrations and events dedicated to the ‘fairer sex.’ Stop by contemporary art venue Galleria 360 (via il Prato 11r) to see the free group exhibition ‘Arte Donna,’ which features international artists including Louise Bourgeois (opening reception is Friday, March 4 at 7pm). Palazzo Vecchio, the Museo Novecento, the Santa Maria Novella museum and the Museo del Bigallo will also offer free entry to women on March 8. Finally, Otel (via Generale della Chiesa 9) brings the boys of OffLimits to town from Paris for their tenth titillating performance in Florence. Before the show, enjoy dinner and music from 8.30pm (book here).
