The SUF Studio Arts Program is a unique opportunity to research and explore creative and innovative approaches to making art while living in a city with one of the world’s greatest artistic patrimonies. With an emphasis on creative growth and participatory educational experience, Studio Arts is dedicated to helping students understand the links between Florence’s artistic history and the significance of contemporary expression.
The program offers courses in painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, digital photography and renaissance painting techniques (fresco and egg tempera) on the SUF campus, as well as metalsmithing, batik, silkscreen and woven design at Fuji Studios. The faculty is made up of internationally renown artists in their respective disciplines. The facilities include painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, and restoration studios located at Piazzale Donatello n. 21; a printmaking studio on Via Della Robbia (across from the street from the Villa Rossa); and metalsmithing, silkscreen, and batik facilities at Fuji studios in the historic center.
In tandem with studio work, students visit local galleries, museums, churches, piazze and gardens. Course-related trips include visits to the marble quarries in Carrara, The Mambo in Bologna, The Maxxi in Rome and The Fondazione Marini in Pistoia, while every two years, students travel to Venice to visit the world-famous Venice Biennale.
Student Art Exhibition
At the end of every semester, all art students (major and non-major) present two or more piece of work in the Final Festa Student Art Exhibit. A certificate of excellence is awarded to the “Best in Show” for each department.
Guest Lectures
Each semester Studio Arts invites one or more artists to present and discuss their work with SUF art students. Lectures are held in a small informal setting at Donatello 21, where students not only familiarize themselves with the works of contemporary artists but have the opportunity ask questions and learn about their lives as active artists in contemporary Italy.
Field Trips
Through the all-school and course-related field trips, art students have extraordinary opportunities to visit both traditional and contemporary galleries and exhibitions as well as artistically important sites in Florence and throughout Italy.
All SUF students receive a museum pass which gives free entrance to most major museums in Florence.