PleinAireCottageArtists

The sun was setting on the River Arno as Rian Kerrane, Patrick Fenech, Violetta Shtymeyzen and Helen Tilston treked our way slowly over the Ponte Vecchio Bridge and travelled on a two shoulder wide street to the Firenze home way from home of Aida Cui and her sister Ave Sura. The long awaited Soiree of December 2 was here. Over 70 American Artists all exhibiting at the Biennale had email addresses for each other but never had met. It was so much fun writing and planning a party with poeple we did not know. We all contributed hors d'ouvres and wine for the occasion. Aida welcomes us with open arms to her historic home, which was once a bakery. Energy, enthusiasm, sincerity, intelligence and a zest for life describes Aida Cui. The soiree "happened" and all too soon there were twelve of us left in the living room. Someone commented "so this is the American party" and without thinking we said yes, then all laughed as each of us was born and educated in countries such...

December 2, 2007 as the sun was beginning to set over Firenze Italy,Rian Kerrane, Patrick Fenech, Violetta and I made our way to the long awaited Soiree. We crossed over the Ponte Vecchio and through some narrow streets and when we thought we were lost we arrived at the historic, gracious apartment, where Aida Cui and her sister Ave Sura lived for 3 weeks. This beautiful home was once a bakery. Energy, enthusiasm, friendliness and 100,000 welcomes describes the welcome I received on December 2nd 2007 at Aida Cui's private party for the USA artists attending the Florence Biennale. Approximately 70 American artists were invited. We did not know each other and it was so much fun planning a party, with just the email addresses of the attendees. Everyone contributed delicious hor d'ouvres and wines. The party "happened" and like all parties, the remaining 12 guests were sitting around until late in the evening. When someone asked "is this the American party" we...