L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2018 www.italoamericano.org 28 L'Italo-Americano O n N ovember 15, 2006, the 60th anniversary of the founding of Biordi A rt imports , the San Francisco Board of Supervi- sors passed Resolution No. 638- 06, which states in part, "Com- mending Gianfranco Savio for his invaluable contributions and declaring November 15, 2006 Biordi Art Imports Day in San Francisco." In 2018, Italian Consul General Lorenzo Ortona awarded Gianfranco a Certificate of Appreciation, "In grateful recognition of 42 years of ser- vice in promoting the finest Ital- ian handcrafted Majolica ceram- ics in San Francisco." But it isn't just City Hall and the Consulate that recognize Biordi's significance. Just ask thousands of residents and visi- tors over the decades what Bior- di means to them and you will hear countles s heart-felt accounts describing the enchant- ing experience of w alking through the door into a world of splendid ceramics. Shelves and counters are resplendent with colorful works of art, offering both utilitarian and museum quality display pieces. Actually the shop, located at 412 Colum- bus Avenue, has mesmerized shoppers with a one-of-a-kind experience throughout all of Cal- ifornia, nationally, and even internationally. With all this in mind, L'Italo- Americano is pleased to report that this important representative of Italy's artistic heritage promis- es to continue on for future gen- erations. In June 2018, Biordi Art Imports announced the tran- sition to new ownership and Gianfranco's retirement by say- ing, "After 42 years at the helm, Gianfranco Savio is retiring and placing the future of Biordi in the hands of Michael and Debo- rah Baldini." Deborah will serve as owner and CEO bringing over 30 years of retail experience. She will drive the company's strategic direction and daily operations. Deborah previously served as the Chief Brand Officer at Bam- beco, was President of Cambria Cover, a subsidiary of Hallmark Cards Inc., and also held the position of Brand Manager at Levi S traus s & Company. Michael will be co-owner and COO. He has extensive experi- ence in retail, customer service and logistics. In addition to the Baldini family, Valerie Hall will be a partner bringing 20 years of creative expertise leading the creative strategy for the compa- ny. Deborah and Michael shared the following with L'Italo-Amer- icano: "Continuing the Biordi legacy is of great importance to us. We are long-time customers. We are the third Italian family to hold the passion for Italy and Italian Majolica ceramics. We have an appreciation of the Ital- ian clay earth from w hich emerges Italian Majolica, wine and culinary delights, soothing our soul, warming our hearts and teasing our sensibilities." The his tory of Biordi A rt Imports began with Emilio Bior- di, born in the Abruzzi region of Italy, when he established Biordi Artigianato Italiano on Colum- bus Avenue in 1946. At that time, North Beach was literally an Italian Village in the heart of San Francisco, so a shop brim- ming w ith s tunning Italian ceramics was a warm and wel- coming establishment. And so it was for over 30 years until 1977 when, at age 75, Emilio was ready to retire. For- tunately, the stars were properly aligned when long-time cus- tomer, Gianfranco Savio, heard of Emilio's plans and eagerly stepped forward to acquire the business. For a full year follow- ing G ianfranco' s purchas e, Emilio mentored and guided him in every aspect of the business. It was a success for another 42 years under Gianfranco's ded- icated proprietorship. So suc- cessful that the afore mentioned resolution declared November 15, 2006 Biordi Art Imports Day. That is an accomplishment few can claim. As the Resolution states, "The shop's unique pres- ence in North Beach continues to make a significant contribution to its cultural character by main- taining a focus on fine art in an increasingly commercial dis- trict." The Board of Supervisors w ent on to s ay: " G ianfranco Savio has been a tireless advo- cate for nurturing warm connec- tions between Italian ceramics artists and the Italian-American community of North Beach." The remarkable artistic beauty of Majolica ceramics dates back centuries, to a time when the Moors brought Majolica working techniques to Italy. The first his- torical period of Italian Majolica encompasses part of the 14th century and most of the 15th century. During this time, objects were created mostly for utilitari- an purposes with decorations based on abstract and geometric motifs. Towards the end of the 16th century, the Istoriato style became the highes t artis tic expression of Italian Renaissance Majolica. In the 19th century, private collectors and museums began collecting original Renais- sance pieces reviving interest in traditional Majolica from the period. The Baldini's expressed their optimism for the future saying, "Our hopes are to increase the awareness of Biordi Art Imports to a broader audience ensuring that collectively we can sustain- ably support the incredible Ital- ian artisan families that create the art Biordi presents, ensuring this century's old handcrafted art legacy continues for the genera- tions to come." And so they shall on Satur- day, November 24, and Sunday, November 25, when they host a two-day grand brand opening to share and escalate the Biordi experience. Visit Biordi at 412 Columbus Avenue. Explore their website at www.biordi.com, or connect with Biordi via email at info@biordi.com, or by phone at 415-392-8096. CATHERINE ACCARDI Consul General Ortona & Gianfranco Savio with Certificate of Appreciation. Photo: Deborah Baldini Biordi Ar t Impor ts - an endur ing San Francisco legacy continues SAN FRANCISCO ITALIAN COMMUNITY Gianfranco Savio & Deborah Baldini. Photo: Catherine Accardi

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