Bottega dei Ragazzi and The Florentine continue their partnership, offering fun English language art workshops for children on the last weekend of each month. These sessions are based on the principle of ‘learning through doing’ and reflect the old traditions of Renaissance workshops. Skilled teaching staff from the Istituto degli Innocenti, which has over 600 years of experience in looking after children, guarantee a rich social and cultural experience.
On Saturday, March 28 from 4.30pm to 6pm, La Bottega dei Ragazzi will running a workshop session for children aged 6 to11, called ‘Hands up! Hands as symbols and the importance of gestures in art.’
In many works of art, hands and gestures are charged with secret meaning. During the workshop, the children will first see examples of hands in art and learn the meaning of gestures; then they will then visit the museum to try to decipher the hidden meaning of the hands in works in the collection. The hand is also a marvelous instrument and can take on many identities. In the Bottega dei Ragazzi, children will bring their own hand to life with paints, crayons and imagination, transforming it into a character, animal or monster.
Participants are welcome to stay at the Bottega dei Ragazzi after the workshop, from 6pm to 7pm, for an hour of organized games. Parents may participate with the children during the activities, spend the time visiting the museum, or enjoy the center of Florence.
One weekend art workshop costs 10 euro per child and one accompanying adult. Additional adults must purchase a ticket. A subscription for several workshops can be used either throughout the year or for multiple children per workshop. A subscription for three workshops costs 20 euro; and eight workshops costs 50 euro. The price of the supervised play hour after the workshop is 4 euro. Because the number of children for each workshop is limited, advance reservations are required (see box for information).
Workshops in English are just a few of the rich offerings at the Bottega dei Ragazzi. A free play area is open to the public and provides a place where children of all backgrounds can meet and have fun together. The Bottega also organizes English-language birthday parties. As a special bonus this spring, each child who attends a birthday party organized by the Bottega will receive a gift of a ticket for a future workshops.
For information and to make reservations:
LA BOTTEGA DEI RAGAZZI
Via dei Fibbiai 2 -(Piazza Santissima Annunziata). Tel. 055/2478386
