We may not be buried in feet of snow like our friends over on the east coast (#bombcyclone, #winterstormgreyson), but here in San Francisco, we’re dreaming of summer, too.

To tide us over until its socially acceptable to wear flip flops again, Academy of Art students who studied abroad in Florence, Italy this past summer turned the gallery at 688 Sutter Street into an Italian escape.

For an entire month, the gallery walls and shelves were covered in scenic images, interpretive landscape paintings, and Italian-inspired cultural art created by Academy students.

The students who took part in the exhibit held an opening ceremony on December 7.

“It was the greatest experience anyone could ever have,” said Shemonti Rattman, a junior textile design major from the School of Fashion.

What is the Summer Study Abroad Program All About?

This program is offered as a study abroad program in Florence, Italy during 7.5 weeks of the summer semester.

Students who choose to take part in this adventure of a lifetime truly immerse themselves in the Italian culture during through painting, printmaking, illustration, music, photography, and art & architectural history.

Multiple factors play into having a truly successful study abroad experience. The Academy plans day excursions to small Italian towns, on-location painting, drawing, printmaking, and book arts classes with a variety of instructors, and visits to Italian museums.

Its a tradition that’s been taking place at the Academy for more than 10 years now. Influencing the life and art of students, however, never ends.

“The experience of seeing the art and the culture of the people around it can’t be compared or replaced by anything else,” Malorie, a School of Animation grad, said after her study abroad experience with the Academy.

Study Abroad with the Academy in 2018

The 2018 summer study abroad program will offer fine art drawing and painting, art and architectural history, printmaking and book arts and photography. The Liberal Arts Department and the School of Art History will also run a three-week traveling course throughout Europe. To get involved, visit the Study Abroad department.

(Featured Image Courtesy: Florence Streets by Laine Renfro. 12 x 14, oil on canvas.)