Artigianato e Palazzo:
Botteghe Artigiane e le Loro Committenze

Nowadays most of what we buy is industrially produced, be it foodstuffs, clothing, ceramics or candles, and most of us are far removed from the productive process. However, traditional hand crafting survives, and this weekend it's holding an open house in Florence's Palazzo Corsini, on Via Prato. 90 artisans are participating this year, in specialties ranging from ceramics and silversmithing to hat making. You'll be able to watch the folks of the Laboratorio Montedragone bring a porcelain doll to life, see Goffredo Colombini make a delicate music box, or admire Alessandra Dini's skill in making fine lace. Or come away with one of Ferdinando Filiasi's hand-made ties. In short, there's lots to discover!

Though the event's major purpose is to help people discover the world of the crafts, it's not just aimed at the general public. Indeed, on Friday there will be a workshop to explore the new opportunities offered by the Internet, especially e-commerce, which can, if properly developed, help artisans find new markets for their works. E-commerce experts and artisans who have already opened up Internet storefronts will participate, giving advice and sharing experiences.

Working in a shop day in and day out leads, in a funny way, to living an extremely isolated existence. The fair provides artisans with an opportunity to meet each other and share experiences and ideas, and therefore to develop new products and new techniques.

In short, it's a fascinating experience for all.