Kris Garland

    Kris Garland is co-founder of IN BOTTEGA, a privately funded nonprofit dedicated to supporting artisans of the Oltrarno district in Florence. The mission of the organization is to connect artisans with businesses and individuals seeking artisanal work and original handcrafted goods. She has studied under Alicia Roca and Walter Morgante, and is currently based in Honolulu, home to her greenJuly studio.

    Articles by the author

    ART + CULTURE

    B&C di Stefano Chiti: lighting with brilliance

    Discover the family history of Stefano Chiti's Oltrarno bottega "B&C", growing from a tinsmith's studio to an internationally renowned lamp designer.

    ART + CULTURE

    IN BOTTEGA: artisan commissions

    IN BOTTEGA connects artisans in the Oltrarno district of Florence with new clients through tours and other experience-based initiatives.

    ART + CULTURE

    Pitti Mosaici: the De Filippis family and the almost-forgotten art of pietra dura

    At the Pitti Mosaici laboratory, in piazza Pitti, master craftsmen use a centuries-old process to create museum-quality artwork.

    ART + CULTURE

    Walter Morgante of Mortegan Leather

    I recently sat down with Walter Morgante, a master of hand-sewn leather goods. Born in Florence, Walter is the son of artisans: his father Antonio and mother Fiorella (neé Cenni) ...

    ART + CULTURE

    The Enduring Legacy of Alberto Cozzi

      In Florence, the Cozzi name has long been synonymous with bookbinding, paper marbling and faithful restoration of centuries-old volumes. Alberto Cozzi, together with his wife Nella, opened their bottega ...

    ART + CULTURE

    Monnaluna Fashion

    Fashion jewelry designer Giovanna Bruno of MONNALUNA was integral to the launch of IN BOTTEGA, and has been devising a new business model. “Many artisans have been hit particularly hard ...

    ART + CULTURE

    A jewelry store like no other: Extremida

    Many artisans in Florence face the same challenge: the work is labor intensive, as is often the case when traditional methods are used. This requires a mastery of highly specialized ...

    ART + CULTURE

    Artisans: substance and meaning

    As life slowly returns to normal, the Artisan Quarter Association founders and its members are breathing a sigh of relief to have met our primary goal of ensuring all our ...

    ART + CULTURE

    Giuliana Becattini of BeGiuls

    In Bottega works to support and preserve culture and art in the Oltrarno. Known for its bottegas and artisan workshops, this quarter of Florence has long been associated with the ...

    ART + CULTURE

    Meet Renato Olivastri

    In Bottega was founded to raise awareness of the deteriorating situation in the Oltrarno and to privately fund our support efforts through donations. Our membership is comprised of local craftspeople ...

    ART + CULTURE

    Meet Alicia Roca

    At In Bottega, supporting our members through the pandemic is our first priority. Our association was founded to raise awareness of the deteriorating situation for artisans and craftspeople in the ...

    ART + CULTURE

    Our dream to revive the Oltrarno in 2021

    The Oltrarno neighborhood has long been known to be a hub of artisanal workshops. Rich in culture and history, this artisan quarter is home to many talented professionals whose original ...

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