There are students who pack their bags for a vacation in the summer, and there are those who stay in school. It may sound like such a bore and an unnecessary deprivation of all that is fun during this season, but it’s definitely not the case for participants of Academy of Art University‘s Study Abroad program.

The cherry on top: they have a full-fledged exhibit to show for it.

Summer School-Lovin’

Every year, students from Painting, Printmaking, Illustration, Music, Photography, Art & Architectural History, and Fine Art classes fly off to the historic birthplace of Italian Renaissance, Florence, Italy.  They are immersed for 7.5 weeks in practical exercises to fuel their imagination and creativity, and hone their technical skills.

Inspiration and lessons in art appreciation come easy with some of the most important artworks residing in Florence. There’s the jaw-dropping Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore smack in the middle of Piazza del Duomo, the perfection that is Michelangelo’s David in the Galleria dell’Accademia, and the ethereal Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli in the Uffizi Gallery.

And that’s just to name a very handful few of the world’s biggest masterpieces. Quite literally speaking, you’re likely to see a piece of art no matter where you turn and look in Florence.

Day trips and weekend excursions are integrated in the curriculum too, to ensure that the students make the most out of their stay in Europe. Milan, Venice, Rome, and even Paris, are just a train ride away, after all.

The program culminates with an exhibit showcasing the works completed in it.

Visions of Italy

This year’s Study Abroad exhibit is hosted at Academy of Art’s Gallery in Sutter. A small picture of the 2018 batch welcomes you as enter through the door. Just above that, a large photo depicting the Italian countryside in long exposure hangs prominently by the foyer staircase.

More stunning artwork line up the walls of the gallery. Sketches and art journals are also on display, serving as testament to the improvements achieved by the students throughout the semester.

The exhibit, which opened on December 5, 2018, features works from both students and faculty. Select pieces are also for sale, making for a good opportunity for students to experience the entire process.

Thinking Ahead

Summer may still be a ways away, but it’s never too early to set your sights on something productive. Even better if you can both work and play, like they do in the program.

It may also seem so long, but time flies when you’re having fun anyway. How soon before you miss Florence, now that’s what’s left to be seen when you get back.

The Visions of Italy Exhibit runs until January 4, 2019. Drop by 688 Sutter to see and be inspired by the accomplishments of the Study Abroad 2018 batch for yourself.

Interested to join the 2019 batch? Find out more about the Study Abroad Program on the website.