L'Italo-Americano

L'Italo-Americano PAGE  18 THURS DAY,   APRIL  25,   2013 The art of Jewelry in the Renaissance – The Italy's less known destinations. Gems of the Medici at the Bowers Museum An alter native vacation for American travelers ALESSANDRA MASTROIANNI In the mid-1400s, Florence was a main destination for artists, goldsmiths, silversmiths and tributed into making Florence the most important center for art production, including jewelry. The Medici family created workshops for artists and artisans, and A portrait of young Bianca de Medici (c. 1536 – 1 March 1542), wearing precious handmade jewels engravers. The presence of the Medici family, committed to protect artists and to commission precious objects, gathered talents from all over Italy and the rest of Europe. Their presence con- commissioned a high number of pieces of art and antiquity. Some of them are now part of amazing collections. Among these, the Gems of the Medici is probably the most precious. Some of the oldest and most unique pieces that belong to this collection are now on view at the Bowers Museum of Santa Ana (CA), documenting the sumptuous life of Florentines families and the collections owned by the dynasties that ruled Tuscany, with specific attention to the Medici and Lorraine families. The world premier exhibition, on view until September 15, 2013, highlights some of the most unique pieces of the Medici collections, extremely valuable jewels that bear witness to the Italian history and culture. Organized by Contemporanea Progetti, Florence, in collaboration with Museo degli Argenti, Palazzo Pitti and the Museo Archeologico Nazionale of Florence, the exhibit includes antiquities dating from the 1st Century BC as well as a cornelian which was part of the Seal of Nero. Funding at the Bowers Museum is provided by the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation and DeSantis Family. The Bowers Museum is located at 2002 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, CA. More information about the Gems of Medici at www.bowers.com Marche, Calabria, Veneto; three of the regions of Italy introduced themselves to Californian tour operators and potential travelers, bringing a little of their atmosphere to Los Angeles. Marche and Calabria were the special guests of this year's edition of the COMITEL workshop at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills, created to introduce local tour operators to new destinations of the Italian territory. Less known than other Italian locations, the Marche region -or Le Marche, as we Italians call it - is a destination for those willing to enjoy a peaceful vacation, a fun holiday at the beach, or a culinary experience. The beautiful hills are just perfect to escape the city; the beauty and silence are mind healing and the high quality wines and healthy food typical of the area are a perfect complement to a relaxing vacation. For those seeking a summer vacation at the beach, the Marche region has some of the most beautiful beaches and cleanest water of the entire peninsula. Calabria was the new entry of this year's edition of the workshop. Surrounded almost entirely by the Mediterranean sea, this is the perfect destination for those who love the beach. But thanks to the narrow territory, mountains are only minutes away from the sea, so that if you want, you can experience both in the same day. Connected to Sicily by ferry – it only takes 20 minutes to Fermo, one of the most fascinating cities of Marche reach Messina - Calabria is a gate from the continent to the island. Veneto was instead the protagonist of a special night at the IIC Los Angeles, organized in collaboration with Regione Veneto, Italian Government Tourist Board and Consulate General of Italy, entirely dedicated to Cortina d'Ampezzo and open not only to tour operators, but also to the public. Also called the Queen of the Dolomites, Cortina attracts tourists from all over the world with its high standard structures, impeccable service and breathtaking landscape. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and sky runs, this is the destination not only for those willing to relax, but also for those who love winter sports. The high number of participants that joined the events is the proof that Americans still dream of Italy.

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