If you’re like me and haven’t been to Italy in a while (or maybe ever) Bethesda’s Bella Italia lets you vicariously live the dream during the shop’s “Weekend in Umbria” celebration this weekend Feb. 3 -5.
Lovers of Bella Italia’s Italian ceramics can meet master ceramist Gerardo Ribigini of Geribi Deruta, who makes many of the pieces in the store. There are receptions for the artist on both Friday and Saturday nights at 6:30.
On Saturday, the shop is hosting an open house featuring Ribigini from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The artist will discuss, exhibit and demonstrate his work.
On Sunday noted local photographers Frank Van Riper and Judith Goodman will present a slideshow of their photos from Venice and discuss their visits to Umbria. The husband and wife team are the authors of Serenissima, Venice in Winter, a collection of photos of Venice.
Van Riper's photographs are displayed at the National Portrait Gallery and National Museum of American Art.
Though admission is free to all events, seating is limited. Please RSVP to Suzy Menard at 301-654-2667 and suzymenard@aol.com.
4934 Hampden Lane, Bethesda, 301-654-2667, www.bellaitaliaonline.com
