The First International Festival of Contemporary Mosaics -- Ravenna, Italy October 10 - November 20

This is a landmark event -- the first of it's kind that we know of. It is a celebration of contemporary mosaics in that most splendid cradle of Byzantine mosaics, Ravenna, Italy.

From the website about the event:

"Ravenna Mosaico is the first International Festival dedicated to the most contemporary expressions of an ancient art. A series of exhibitions, new productions, congresses, workshops, restoration workshops, meetings and conferences, in Ravenna, alongside the early Christian and Byzantine legacy of mosaics that is now part of the World Heritage List of UNESCO.The Festival is organised in collaboration with AIMC , the International Association of Contemporary Mosaicists."

Imagine -- exploring some of the most beloved icons of mosaic art

The Empress Josephine and Her Court 5th Century CE
San Vitale, Ravenna

. . . and at the same exploring the very cutting edge of the art form.

Roto-B - Recuperi d' Oro Marco Bravura 2008
Ravenna, Italy

Like we said, an incredible opportunity.

Looking at the website the event, it seems as if the entire city is throwing open it's doors -- museums, studios, schools, galleries and restoration centers -- to showcase the mosaics of today amidst the splendor of those from the past. There are activities for children, demonstrations of restoration techniques, exhibitions of modern work from around the world and tours led by knowledgeable and passionate local guides. The website will even quote you rates for packages that combine hotel rooms with event/exhibit tickets.

MAN sponsor Orsoni, another one of Italy's mosaic treasures, will be there with an exhibit area of their own in the MAR, the City Art Museum. Several of our best mosaic friends have been planning to attend for months and we know that some of the today's mosaic "greats" will participate as exhibitors and speakers.

Seems like everyone will be there but us . . . but do not despair! We have recruited an able correspondent who will fill this space with news and pictures real-time from Ravenna come October.

Many, many thanks to Paola Perpegnani of www.mosaicoravenna.com for letting us know about the website. We've been tearing out our proverbial hair for weeks now trying to find an English language site about the event. Grazie, Paola!

Additional sites to explore:

• Pictures/history of early Christian mosaics: http://www.hp.uab.edu/image_archive/ulj/uljc.html
• Still more pictures: http://www.flickr.com/groups/ravennamosaics/
• International Centre for the Documentation of Mosaics: http://www.mosaicoravenna.it/index.php
• Marco Bravura: http://www.marcobravura.com/

Enjoy -- Nancie

PS Send postcards, would you?