L'Italo-Americano

16 www.italoamericano.com L'Italo-Americano THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013 "Of Bronze and Fire" sILvIA sIMONETTI Ferdinando Marinelli Artistic Foundry - specialized in the traditional lost-wax casting technique - was established in Florence in 1905 thanks to the casts of ancient sculptures is prohibited by the law, and the only way for the Foundry to get new ones is to accept institutional commissions aimed at protecting the originals by storing them in Ferdinando Marinelli Jr. and the bronze replica of the Wild Boar in Florence initiative and foresight of Ferdinando Marinelli Sr., who drew casts of renowned statues of the Classical and Renaissance periods when this was allowed by the Italian regulation. These priceless molds have been carefully preserved by his descendants throughout the years, and still today they are used to realize stunning bronze copies of masterpieces like Ghiberti'sSaint Matthew or the Italic Minerva (V-IV B. C.). Florence, and Italy in general, are extremely rich in outstanding examples of art works from the past. Yet nowadays drawing museums and replacing them with bronze replicas. From the casting technique to the materials and tools used, the skilled craftsmen who work at the Foundry strictly respect the artistic tradition dating back to the Renaissance, as every change they have ever tried to introduce led to less accurate and powerful outcomes. Lost-wax casting is a long and complex process, as the founder's heir Ferdinando Marinelli explains. It starts by creating a wax mold which is covered with a refractory material called "loto" and then fired for about 10 days. Once completely molten, the wax leaves an empty cavity inside the mold, where the liquefied bronze is poured taking the same shape of the former wax cast. Finally, it is freed from the refractory cover and handfinished by smoothing and chiseling in order to remove any imperfection. Looking at the huge, heavy, and surprisingly detailed sculptures showcased in the gallery, library and patio of the Italian Cultural Institute, the hard work and expertise behind each of them is clearly visible. The beautiful exhibition "Of Bronze and Fire" - organized under the patronage of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tuscany Region, and City of Florence, with the support of the Consulate General of Italy and in the framework of 2013 - Year of the Italian Culture in the United States -, opened at the IIC on Tuesday, October 15 through November 9. It includes over 20 bronze reproductions of masterpieces by artists such as Giambologna or Ghiberti, as well as the renowned Etruscan "Roman She-Wolf" and "Wild Boar" statues respectively the symbols of the cities of Rome and Florence. A selection of sculptures will also be hosted at the private residence of Consul General Giuseppe Perrone, who attended the exhibit's presentation at the IIC and acknowledged the role played by the Foundry in promoting Italian artistic Nicola Perot protagonist of the film Tutti Giù the Consulate General of Switzerland, and the Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles dedicated a special evening to Swiss Italian cinema on Thursday, October 24. The event featured the screening of the short movie Goal (2012) by Fulvio Bernasconi, and the film Tutti giù - Everybody Sometimes Falls (2012) by Niccolò Castelli - Swiss Award 2013 nominee for Best Cinematography -, followed by a Q&A with Swiss cinematographer Pietro Zuercher presented by Italian actress Manuela Mezzadri. A Medieval banquet On Saturday, October 26, museum educator and chef Nancy DeLucia Real led a tour of the exhibition Miracles and Martyrs: Saints in the Middle Ages, including illuminated manuscripts that show the influence of saints in Medieval art, on view at the Getty Museum until March 2, 2014. The tour was followed by a cooking class held at the Italian Cultural Institute for the participants to learn how to prepare a typical festive meal of the Middle Ages. The Feast of San Juan Capistrano In 1776, Fr. Junipero Serra named his mission after the XIV century Italian Saint Giovanni da Capistrano (John of Capistrano), a town located in Abruzzi Region, Italy. The Mission was given the Spanish name San Juan Capistrano, but the traditional annual feast honoring the Saint is still celebrated on the same day as in Italy, this year on Wednesday, October 23. A perfect occasion for the whole family to visit and learn more about the renowned Mission. Desert Arc 3rd Annual Italian Festival Desert Arc is a non-profit organization committed to create job opportunities and provide Washington. This year, on the occasion of Verdi's bicentennial, a bronze bust of the celebrated Italian composer was also realized by sculptor Eleonora Villani, and it will be displayed at the LA Opera Theater during the staging of Verdi's "Falstaff" fromNovember 9 to December 1. As the IIC Director Alberto Di Mauro said, Marinelli's art is a perfect example of the distinctive combination of creativity and handicraft that has always identified Made in Italy all over the world, while Atty. Federico Bronze replicas from Marinelli Foundry Among the most amazing creations of these talented artisans are the staircase banister of the Vatican Museums in Rome, the 13-meter high equestrian monument in Skopje, Macedonia, and one of the horses decorating the Arlington Memorial Bridge in Frediani - who collaborated to the organization of the exhibit underlined that thanks to Marinelli's reproductions next generations will still be able to admire great masterpieces while the originals are preserved indoor. Families of Italian Lineage celebrated Christopher Columbus Community Highlights Swiss Italian Cinema at the IIC Within the framework of the 13th edition of the Italian Language Week in the World, the Consulate General of Italy, excellence and making it accessible at global level. He also read the appreciation letter by Matteo Renzi, Mayor of Florence. Most of Marinelli Foundry's clients are public institutions and art collectors, not only at national level but worldwide. In addition, the Foundry also realizes replicas of contemporary artworks, enlargements of smaller sculptures, as well as original and customized designs on demand, like the Fountain of the Seven Horses for the new Bronco Stadium in Denver, Colorado. services to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities. On the first weekend of November, the association will organize The 3rd Annual Italian Festival celebrating the Italian heritage and culture with a community event in Whitewater Park, Rancho Mirage, featuring Italian food, live music entertainment, vendors, raffles, and fun family activities. The initiative aims at acknowledging the generous donation of land for the Desert Arc campus from the Western Italian Golf Association in 1983. A sweet November for the Italian cinema Another appointment with Italian contemporary movies at the Regency Theater in San Juan Capistrano, where Un Altro Mondo - Another World (2010) by Silvio Muccino will be screened on Thursday, November 7 at 7:00. p.m. With regards to Italian cinema, the month of November has two more events in store: The Best of Milan International Film Festival taking place at the Italian Cultural Institute on the 5, and Cinema Italian Style returning on the big screens of the American Cinematheque at the Egyptian and Aero Theatres November 14 through 21. L-R: Founder Venus M. Franceschi, Pietro Cirincione, Chairlady Santina Cirincione, new members Grace and Bob Minck vENUs MAZZONI FRANcEschI On Sunday October 13, 2013, F.I.L. celebrated the discovery of "The New World" by Cristoforo Colombo. A sumptuous filet mignon dinner was prepared by the Chef at the Mission Viejo Country Club, which also included salad, asparagus, carrots and potatoes. The dessert was "picture perfect" which included pastries in RED, WHITE & GREEN. The entire evening was a tribute to chairlady Santina Cirincione who made sure that every detail was "carried out" to perfection. The many members who attended really were impressed with the centerpieces which consisted of Red, White, Blue flowers in a crystal vase and in the center of the flowers were scenes of Colombo's voyage, for example, La Nina, La Pinta, La Santa Maria, plus other pictures relating to Colombo. As usual, FIL members are a joyous, happy, fun-loving group, going from one table to another to greet each other. The large dance floor was always full to capacity, dancing to the music of Tony Ciaramitaro. Once again, as the perfect evening ended, the members were saying "see you for the Christmas Party". F.I.L.'s next event will be: Christmas Gala on December 15, at the Mission Viejo Country Club. For information regarding FIL, call: (949) 363-5348.

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