The Atelier Aperti 2021 guide for the Castello district
Castello is the largest and greenest district in Venice. A walk through Castello is the discovery of a hidden, authentic, and sustainable city. Here we discover a Venice that can boast of being a center for artistic ceramics, observe and learn about unexpected interpretations of Murano glass jewelry, visit tailoring ateliers that bring the community together, and find inspiration on Via Garibaldi, the main shopping street where several workshops and boutiques of Venetian artisans are located.
Not to be missed are the Arsenale and the Giardini, exhibition venues for La Biennale di Venezia, which is open to the public until November 21—the feast of the Salute—with the 17th International Architecture Exhibition curated by architect, professor, and researcher Hashim Sarkis.
A stop to make is also in Campo di Santa Maria Formosa, surrounded by historic palaces such as Palazzo Querini Stampalia, home to the museum foundation and public library of the same name, Palazzo Vitturi, Casa Venier, and Palazzo Donà. Nearby, on Ruga Giuffa, there is Palazzo Grimani, a museum that until November 27 hosts the exhibition Archinto featuring new works by German artist Georg Baselitz.
The ateliers of Castello
- Rimani Venezia
Design & food concept store, Barbaria de le Tole 6443, Castello
The name Rimani Venezia originates from multiple meanings: it is a play on words ri-mani / ali-menti (conscious) and comes to life from RIciclo and MANI, meaning recycled objects made by hand, in an artisanal way, by thinking minds; RIMANI in Venice, because Venice is a unique and magical place where one can still live well. The intention of Lisa and Orsetta is to start again from beautiful and genuine things that come from the earth and from honest work.
Announce your visit to the Rimani Venezia concept store by calling 041 2375219 or writing an email to rimani.venezia@gmail.com. You can find inspiration from their Instagram account for many ideas and suggestions for your well-being and your home.
- Patience Atelier
Fashion atelier and community space, Calle Lion 3385, Castello
Patience is a workshop and also a tailoring atelier for handmade and custom-made garments. The focus for designer Daniela Lombardo is to respect the environment and people. Her space is a meeting and collaboration point between artisans and artists, where works of art by contemporary artists are presented and exhibited on a rotating basis.
You can meet Daniela or receive information about the current art exhibition by writing her an email at madewpatience@gmail.com or with a direct message via Instagram.
- Sunset Yogurt
Lampwork glass jewelry, Fondamenta San Gioacchin 494/A, Castello
The column Venetians describes Cosima Montavoci as “an artist who lives through the craft of glass. But one can also say she is an artisan who makes art.” Her contemporary Murano glass jewelry laughs at life and its imperfections, ironizing the power plays between individuals and commenting with irony on the themes of our time.
Book a visit to her workshop, unique for having once been a butcher shop, and observe Cosima at work while she creates one of her Murano glass jewels. Contact her via email at info@sunsetyogurt.com. You can also find her on Instagram.
- Atelier Kirumakata
Creative jewelry, Fondamenta Sant’Anna 998, Castello
Alessandra Gardin, architect and artisan, has been working in design and planning for years. In 2013, her passion for lampworking and Murano glass beads was born, an art recognized as UNESCO Intangible Heritage. Her training as a “perlera” was under the guidance of Murano masters. Today her jewelry pieces are true works of art.
Meet Alessandra and her creations in her atelier by calling her at 347 3607177, by email at info@kirumakata.com, or through her Instagram account.
- Atelier Daniela Levera
Castello 998
Daniela tells us about an unexpected Venice: the city of ceramics and bochaleri. Her atelier is a life project and a passion for the materials she uses in her work, creating ceramics with a unique and very personal aesthetic. Meeting Daniela at work allows you to discover the fascinating and slow process of artisanal production, where each piece created is never the same.
Each of her creations is shaped solely by the strength of her hands: gestures to communicate passion, creativity, and care in the awareness that every object has an irreplaceable and indispensable value.
Discover her atelier on Instagram and announce your visit, whenever you wish, at info@atelierdanielalevera.com.
- I Bochaleri
Castello 1257
Opposite the Serra dei Giardini, an enchanting green space we recommend for a coffee break or brunch, is the I Bochaleri Association, founded in 2003 by Venetian ceramic artisans. The association was born from the need to create a network and a system for promoting and training in the art of ceramics in Venice: a place where events and educational activities for children, young people and adults, enthusiasts and professionals can be organized, preserving the historical and artistic aspects of this ancient craft, present in Venice for centuries.
Discover upcoming events on the Facebook Page or write to info@bochaleri.it. For information on courses for children and adults, write to corsi@bochaleri.it.
- Roberto Piffer
Calle de Mezo 4882, Castello
The atelier of the young and talented designer Roberto Piffer is located on the street that became famous for its Instagrammable blue door, very close to the Museum of Palazzo Grimani.
It is an art space where one can chat about colors, fabrics, theater (a great passion of his), dreams, and above all where one can feel good and at ease. A steaming cup of tea is always ready to welcome clients.
Roberto receives by appointment only via email at robertopiffervenezia@gmail.com (every day, Monday to Saturday). His Instagram account is @roberto.piffer.
The ecosystem of creativity
Atelier Aperti is an initiative to promote Venetian craftsmanship. It is a project by Venezia da Vivere, like Venice Fashion Week, the event that promotes Venice as a center of production and creativity, presenting fashion in Venice with fashion shows and events.
The next edition of Atelier Aperti is from April 12 to 30, 2022, as part of the Homo Faber program.
Would you like to be part of Atelier Aperti? Contact us via email at hello@veneziadavivere.com.
The cover photo is by Daniela Levera; all others are by Marta Formentello for Venezia da Vivere.
