It’s already week five (what?!!!) and we took our first overnight field trip as a group last week! We got to dip our toes in to the uniqueness that encompasses Umbria. Umbria is known for its medieval towns, amazing truffles, wine, and its artistic presence. It’s been called the “Green Heart of Italy” and it’s easy to see why traveling through the countryside to each city. We spent the week going back to the dark ages and experiencing the architecture, art, and history that lies within the streets of Assisi, Perugia, and Orvieto.
I would say my favorite part of the trip was getting to experience the everyday work of the artisans who live there. As a group, we got to go to a goldsmith studio, hand-weaving workshop, stained glass workshop, and then in two smaller groups, either a woodworking studio or a pottery studio. With each experience we got to see firsthand what it is like to work in these studios and talk to the people who make it happen. It was so inspiring to watch them light up as they explained to us what they do everyday and how much love and pride each of them had for the work they produce.
The most influential artisan experience for me, as an interior design student, was the Bottega Michelangeli woodworking studio in Orvieto. They have been in production since 1789 and have become a very important Italian organization. Their signature is to use pinewood and add layers to each piece in order to create a three-dimensional effect. They have a whole street in Orvieto that is dedicated to their work and shops, but you can find their pieces throughout the streets of the town. They want to stay a small artisan company instead of a big corporation. It’s comforting to know that some companies care more about the work they are producing rather than just caring about the money.
I have found a whole new inspiration for craft in Umbria and all throughout Italy that has made this study abroad journey one that can’t be matched. This experience will forever affect my career and who I am as a person.
– Maddie Perry

Lamp from the Bottega Michelangeli woodworking studio