Blending Magazine Presents: The Renaissance of Material Media

With Blending's focus this Fall on material media, I wanted to write something different. In conversations with students, staff and curious readers, I often liken Blending to a giant puzzle. In a semester dedicated to The Renaissance of Material Media in Film, Photography and Beyond, puzzles fittingly fall into the Beyond category.

Growing up, my mother would bring out a 500 to 1,000 piece puzzle around the holidays. It was never finished in a day; taking days to weeks. Piece by piece we sorted: corners in one pile, colors in another. Slowly, piles shrank and sections emerged until the full picture was visible.

Over an 11-week semester, the first weeks are spent putting all the pieces on the table: defining the magazine's concept, theme and vision. The weeks that follow are dedicated to brainstorming, writing, interviewing and proofreading, preparing articles for layout. The structure becomes clear but still needs filling. Later, photography and graphic design teams analyze chosen articles and the magazine begins to take shape. What was once a skeleton or piles of ideas now matches the vision we set in week one.

There is an extra layer to this puzzle. Connected to The American University of Florence's 14th Annual Academic Conference, students kept focus on this resurgence of material media in their writing. That focus can be a challenge and the theme must not make the magazine stale. It is meant to do the opposite, by pushing students to explore and challenge themselves. Each section must breathe life into the next.

This Fall, Blending moves from academic darkrooms to Florence's film communities. Students left their comfort zones, creating human connection by asking strangers to add thoughts, advice and stories in a shared notebook. Dressing For Viewing even spotlights and questions the fashion culture surrounding concerts, opera and cinema. The magazine moves from investigative reporting and interviews to personal reflections and poetry, all circling back to the central theme.

Eleven weeks ago we dumped this theoretical puzzle onto the table and for a while could not see or even predict the finished product. By working together, those scattered pieces are in place. The picture is clear and the story is ready. Now all that is left is to read.

Read the Full Issue Now!

Eternal Impressions

From October 18 to November 15, the Mello Foundation at Borgo Pinti 22/24 was home to Cathleen Van Bergen’s collection, Eternal Impressions. This fall semester, she gave a lecture to FUA’s advanced painting course, centered around her new exhibition. Much of Van Bergen’s art explores the relationship between humans and technology, through her pieces such as Heading Home, Strut Piles and In the Beginning as in the End, respectively. Van Bergen’s work also investigates emotions and experiences encompassing the human condition, such as hope, freedom and opportunity in her work, Liberty.

Born in Buffalo New York, Van Bergen was influenced by art from a young age. As the granddaughter of German immigrants, she became more creative and imaginative playing with cookie cutters in her grandma’s house. Van Bergen notes that her experiences at her grandmother’s house and carrying around a sketchbook as a child were formative experiences that influenced her to become an artist.

“I was fascinated by all these objects that I could make into toys,” Van Bergen said. “And this was from a woman I couldn’t even speak with. I was seeing that you can make toys or you can be creative with objects that are not crayons and they’re not pencils, but I’m having fun with these objects. I learned that you can really communicate [without] even speaking and learn something from it, a lesson. I learned a great deal from my grandmother.”

Much of Van Bergen’s art is inspired by personal experiences, such as her trip to New York City Thanksgiving weekend in 2014. Van Bergen credits this weekend as the inspiration for her work, Liberty. The piece depicts a cloudy sky with autumn leaves hanging on branches near the feet of Lady Liberty. She interpreted these branches as immigrants in search of freedom, opportunity and peace. Van Bergen noted a sadness and solemnity that enveloped the atmosphere that day, and sought to depict this attitude through her artistry.

Van Bergen was also given permission to visit construction sites of the Transbay Transit Center in San Francisco, California, for her collection, Wonders of Work. Through this collection, Van Bergen explores the relationship between the human condition and the world of machinery and technology. Much of her work in this collection juxtaposes human creativity and ingenuity with technological and mechanical achievements.

“This was a terminal that was connecting hundreds of thousands of people and many trains and subways,” Van Bergen said. “It was like the heart of the city meeting, bringing people everywhere. There were parallels in life that I saw. This construction in a way, as a visual metaphor is like, ‘evolving,’ right? We’re always evolving.”

To viewers of her art, Van Bergen hopes that her work provides a glimpse into her personality and her character. She feels that as a child, she learned much about who she was and the world around her through her imagination and curiosity.

“My work is a reflection of my experiences and moments in my life that I wish to share with others,” Van Bergen said. “Oftentimes, I will choose subject matter because I want to understand and delve deeper into something I don’t understand or have experienced. My composition choices, palette, light, and surface come into play with subject matter.”

Van Bergen emphasizes the importance of carrying around a journal, sketchbook or even a napkin to record memorable moments. She credits her practice of documenting important moments with her sketchbook as a source of inspiration as an artist.

“It’s nice to be able to put that down, whether it’s in a journal or a diary that you keep every day or a sketchbook or even writing something on a napkin, about the day. I think it’s important. I really do. I think it was important to me to kind of record those events in my life and remember some of the things I’ve seen and reflect on them, and a lot of my art has to deal with that.”

Ultimately, Van Bergen’s art is inspired by a wide variety of experiences throughout her life. Van Bergen credits her experiences at her grandmother’s house with her socialization and identity as an artist. Her collection, Eternal Impressions, remains incredibly relevant to our current moment given the rise in popularity and relevancy of artificial intelligence. During an era where much of the labor force is learning to collaborate with AI, Van Bergen’s work highlights the partnership of human ingenuity and technological achievement.

Conference Proceedings Now Available | 2024 Annual Academic Conference

On behalf of The American University of Florence & Stony Brook University, Florence University of the Arts is proud to announce the publication of the official proceedings from the XIII Annual Academic Conference, “Puccini Forever! The Maestro's Centennial Legacy In The Arts.”

Held in Florence on December 6–7, 2024, the conference brought together scholars, students, and community members to reflect on the cultural legacy of Giacomo Puccini, marking the centenary of his passing. Through interdisciplinary panels, keynote speeches, and student presentations, participants ehoed the vibrant spirit of Giacomo Puccini's work, exploring the profound beauty and dramatic power of his timeless music.

THE FULL TEXT IS NOW AVAILABLE TO READ TODAY!

Community Care Across Borders

In a landmark visit this Fall semester, Florence University of the Arts (FUA) brought a delegation of nursing educators from Careggi University Hospital to Fairfield University in Connecticut to deepen the institutions’ connections to one another. The trip marked the first time a group from Careggi visited Fairfield during the institutions' multi-year collaboration.

As a part of this relationship, Fairfield allows Sophomore nursing students to study abroad at FUA while taking a full nursing course load in addition to gaining clinical hours at Careggi Hospital. This program provides Fairfield students rare exposure to foreign healthcare systems.

The trip stateside provided FUA and Careggi officials with a unique opportunity to see Fairfield's educational approach of healthcare education.

“Our main goal was to exchange pedagogical methodologies to understand how nursing is taught and embraced abroad,” Health Sciences and Nursing Program Coordinator Sofia Galli explained.

At the start of the week, FUA and Careggi officials alike had the opportunity to attend nursing classes at Fairfield, which provided firsthand experience in Fairfield's nursing pedagogy to the group.

“It's always extremely interesting to see how you teach and you deliver healthcare so that is something that we want to keep pursuing,” Galli said.

The group also had the opportunity to meet with Fairfield's Dean of Nursing, Dr. Patricia Boyce, where they discussed the importance of the universities' collaboration.

“[Boyce] truly understands the significance of cultural heritage abroad, and she's willing to work towards the creation of ever more stimulating research, academic, and exchange projects,” Galli said.

As a part of this ongoing collaboration, FUA educators and nurse practitioners from Careggi Hospital had the opportunity to sit in on a state-of-the-art medical simulation. These simulations provide future healthcare workers with realistic experience in a controlled environment, allowing them to practice without harming patients.

Additionally, during the week, the FUA and Careggi delegation had the opportunity to catch up with alumni from the Fairfield Abroad Nursing Program. Galli found meeting with the cohorts from 2024 and 2025 a meaningful opportunity to reminisce about the past while also speaking to prospective students.

This trip allowed the FUA and Careggi delegation to strengthen ties with Fairfield University while gaining valuable insight into each other's educational models of nursing education. Through classroom visits, collaborative discussions, and hands-on simulation experiences, the delegation deepened their understanding of cross-cultural approaches to healthcare training. The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment between Fairfield, Careggi and FUA in fostering global perspectives in nursing education.

Launching Spring, 2026: FUA's Cinque Terre Program

Florence University of the Arts is pleased to introduce its Cinque Terre Program in La Spezia. Applications are now open to apply for the launch semester in Spring, 2026 & beyond! Located on Italy’s northern coast, students study in a working port city surrounded by the Alps and Mediterranean. Nearby are the famous Cinque Terre villages and the “Gulf of Poets,” made famous by writers such as Shelley and Byron.

Academic Focus

Choose between a three-week term, a full semester or a two-city option that combines La Spezia and Florence. All courses are taught in English by Italian and international faculty. You can mix and match up to six classes in areas such as Mediterranean studies, marine and environmental sciences, engineering, business and supply chain, writing and fine arts, digital media and design, or hospitality and wine studies. Local internships are available to put classroom theory into practice.

Experiential Learning

• Hands on projects and internships at industry hubs or local design studios
• On-site advisors, wellness workshops and a 24 hour emergency line to support you outside the classroom

Location Highlights

La Spezia is Liguria’s regional hub, with easy train and bus connections. Florence is two hours away, Genoa 75 minutes, and Pisa’s airport is 45 minutes by train. The pedestrianized center is home to the Naval Museum, CAMeC contemporary art center, and lively piazzas. Ferries run daily to Cinque Terre and nearby islands.

Housing & Student Life

Options include shared apartments, dormitories or host-family stays. All students receive an orientation, counseling and access to FUA’s 24 hour hotline. Expect a coastal lifestyle with local markets, fresh seafood and a close-knit international community.

Ready to study where the mountains meet the sea? Visit the Cinque Terre Program or contact FUA Admissions at admissions@fua.it for details on sessions, courses and how to apply.

You Can’t Get Homesick When You Have Family In Firenze

Every semester, Florence University of the Arts (FUA) offers the Italian Family Club program where students are paired with local Italian families for cultural integration opportunities within the local community. If you are a current student at FUA, on Wednesday September 10 at 8:30 pm, an informational session will be held at Corso dei Tintori, 21. To sign up, please visit the Student Life Website, or email sld-studentservices@florencecampus.org today. The following is a personal account from Spring '25 Study Abroad & Italian Family Club alum, Emily LaMartina.

My first day in Firenze began with an orientation, almost immediately after dropping off our suitcases. Suddenly, it all felt real—this beautiful city would be home for the next four months. A wave of emotions hit: excitement dominated, but a quiet worry lingered beneath the surface. Never before had I been so far from my family. Even during college, I stayed in-state and could visit them often.

With so much information coming at once, there was barely a moment to feel homesick. But what would happen after a few weeks, when I no longer needed maps to get to class? Once settled into my apartment, would it finally sink in that this wasn’t just a two-week vacation, but real life in a new place? A tap on my shoulder from my friend snapped me back to the present. “Oh my gosh... you should do this.” Glancing up at the orientation presentation, I noticed the words “Italian Families” and tuned in.

The process was straightforward: attend an informational meeting, fill out an application, and complete an in-person interview to determine if you’d be matched with a local Italian family. Filling out the application felt surprisingly fun. As someone who came from an Italian American family, I grew up with similar values, traditions, and dinners featuring my Papa’s homemade pasta sauce. Being the oldest daughter, I’ve always looked after my siblings and babysat for as long as I can remember. Family has always been deeply important to me, and I dream of having my own one day.

Meeting the family for the first time was set for an aperitivo at the school’s restaurant, Fedora. With a carefully crafted card and a bouquet of flowers in hand, I walked there, my heart bursting with joy. A quick prayer helped calm my nerves; deep down, I trusted that the right family would find me. Thinking back on that first meeting still makes me smile. From the very beginning, it was clear this would be a wonderful experience.

Just a few days later, the family invited me to their home for dinner. The little girl ran up and jumped into my arms, and from that moment, any lingering doubts disappeared. Their home instantly felt welcoming, offering comfort and a true sense of belonging.

While there is a language barrier with the children—my Italian is limited to basic phrases for ordering food or finding the bathroom—it has never posed a real problem. At their age, language isn’t everything. If you can play, smile, and laugh together, you’re already connected.

Spending time with this family has been the most special part of my time abroad. Amid the daily chaos of life with three young kids, they always make time for me—whether through a quick text, a phone call, or inviting me over for dinner. Their warmth fills my heart with joy and love, and I truly cherish every moment with them. Homesickness hasn’t been an issue; with them, I feel safe and at peace.

Often during the semester, I would photos to my family back home. My dad once replied to a simple picture of a pasta dinner, reminiscing about his childhood. He told me that each of his siblings had a photo in their highchair, faces covered in pasta sauce, and joked, “You could not be a true LaMartina without loving that homemade sauce.” This family reminds me so much of my own. The father prepares special plates of cheese, olives, and other treats, eager for me to try them—just like my dad back in St. Louis, who often stops by The Hill, our city’s Italian neighborhood, for cheeses, meats, and olives. Both share the same excitement for introducing good food and creating memorable experiences. It’s not just the food, but their mannerisms and warmth that make me feel right at home.

It’s a powerful reminder of how human we all are. I observe how both the mom and dad eagerly start conversations with others. They are thoughtful individuals who genuinely care and strive to understand those around them. This same quality shines brightly in my own parents. When the family takes me to the kids’ school, I watch the interactions between parents and children. There’s a special glow that this family radiates—one that naturally draws others in. I see faces light up as people share stories and conversations with them because it’s clear they truly care.

In a world often clouded by apathy, anger, and uncertainty, this family chooses to be a beacon of light—the friendly faces you look forward to seeing at the grocery store or around the neighborhood. Their warmth and kindness stand out as a refreshing contrast to the negativity that can surround us.

My dad called me the other day, sharing his wise words: “Search for people and places that remind you of where you came from. That way, no matter where life takes you, you will never lose touch with home and all the love that shaped who you are.” My parents have always been my muse, inspiring me in countless ways. I feel the same admiration for this family. The patience and love they radiate toward their children is truly admirable, and I hope that one day I can be even half the parent they are.

I am incredibly grateful to FUA for this opportunity. The Italian Family Club has given me a lifelong connection, and I will cherish the memories and time spent with this family forever.

For more information, or to sign up for the informational meeting on Wednesday, September 10 at 8:30 pm please visit the Student Life Website, or email sld-studentservices@florencecampus.org today.

From Content Creation to Cultural Connection

Before I began my internship at Florence Fashion Tour through Florence University of the Arts, I knew I’d be gaining professional experience, but I didn’t expect how much personal growth would come along with it. From developing content creation skills to understanding how to adapt to the impulsive rhythm of the Florence fashion and tourism scene, this experience has developed my perspective in ways that go beyond classrooms.

Florence Fashion Tour is an exclusive company that offers a range of curated experiences, from luxury shopping tours to artisan-led workshops! My main responsibility during my semester abroad was to build and create the company’s social media presence, specifically on TikTok. The goal we set was to increase visibility and share what we have to offer with our unique experiences. The tasks usually included everything from tagging along on the tours, editing videos, finding trending audios, and researching strategies for engagement. Through this, I got firsthand looks and experiences with hidden boutiques, private fashion shows and events, and workshops.

Some of my favorite moments were at the private fashion events, such as shows or sales, paper marbling classes, and small artisan workshops. Whether I was filming a moment from a local runway show or filming guests creating traditional Florentine marble paper, I discovered I was becoming more invested in how storytelling through social media can highlight a brand’s mission and identity. Each tour extends something unique, and this semester I learned how to communicate that visually and responsively to an online audience.

Our team was made up of international interns and we communicated primarily through WhatsApp and we had weekly meetings with our supervisor, Alice. Early on, there were challenges with communication, but throughout the semester, I had gained clarity of my role within the company and built a rapport with Alice. After a quick open conversation with our team, we improved communication and structure, which in the long run helped everyone stay punctual and become more confident in our tasks. Retrospectively, these moments also taught much more than I expected; not only about the cultural differences in work, but about the significance of speaking up and collaborating with empathy.

Working in Florence has shown me that professionalism is unalike across cultures and industries. There is an artistry in the way tasks are completed here, fashion is worn as a form of identity, and meetings flow more conversationally. As a midwestern student, adjusting to that way of working felt strange at first, but over the few months I spent abroad, I see how the differences allowed me to be more creative, flexible, and mindful in my work.

This internship through FUA has not only improved my resume, but shaped my confidence. It has shown me that there is immense value in stepping outside of my comfort zone, working through obstacles with interest, and embracing new roles. My time at the Florence Fashion Tour has proven that fashion isn’t only about aesthetics; it’s about storytelling, experiences, and connecting with people from all over the world.

Six Weeks in Florence

The sun was setting over the Arno, and Chloe and I were walking home with gelato, our feet were sore from another day of wandering side streets and getting just a little bit lost. At that moment, everything felt surreal. Florence was no longer just a place on a map, we were living here for the next six weeks.

But just a year earlier, none of this was certain. I had only recently started thinking about studying abroad during my sophomore year. As I began to research programs and locations, I quickly became excited by the possibilities. One afternoon, while hanging out with Chloe, my roommate of two years, I brought it up. She told me she had always dreamed of studying abroad but had never seriously considered it. From that moment, we began imagining what it could look like to embark on the adventure together. A year later, we finally got serious and started planning our summer in Florence.

By the time we made the decision, we already had years of shared memories and plenty of experience living together. We met during our freshman year while living in the same hallway and naturally became roommates our sophomore, junior, and now senior year. We knew each other’s habits and routines like second nature. So, when we decided to take our friendship abroad, it felt like the perfect start to a new chapter we’d get to experience side by side.

It was the first time either of us had traveled outside the U.S. While we were both comfortable navigating domestic travel, we knew this would be a very different kind of challenge. Arriving in Florence felt like a dream, but it also came with a learning curve. We had to figure out the train and bus systems, translate grocery labels, and adapt to Italian culture. The first few weeks were filled with small mistakes, some of which now make us laugh, but also with little victories. Having each other during that transition made all the difference.

Living abroad together for six weeks tested our friendship in new ways. Even though we’d lived together for years, we’d never shared a room and bathroom before. That adjustment wasn’t always easy, but we quickly learned how to operate as a team. We weren’t just roommates anymore, we were travel partners, navigating unfamiliar territory and leaning on one another every step of the way. Whether we were dealing with delayed trains, ordering in Italian, or managing the stress of a lost phone, we tackled every challenge together.

We also learned new things about each other. I realized Chloe was great at not being afraid to ask for help, wave down the check, and figure things out on the fly, while I was more comfortable planning ahead and doing research. Our differences balanced us, especially while traveling. Of course, we had our off days too with moments of miscommunication or times when one of us just needed space. However, those moments taught us to communicate more clearly and to be patient with each other’s needs.

Spending nearly every day together meant we had to be intentional about maintaining space. In the mornings, Chloe had class while I took time to myself. After lunch, typically together, she’d usually nap while I ventured out. We came to appreciate the quiet in-between moments just as much as our shared adventures. That balance helped give us both the space to recharge individually, while also making many shared memories.

As we settled into our routine, our friendship grew. We supported each other through homesickness, language barriers, and the personal growth that comes from being far from home. We created new memories together. Some of my favorites are the simple ones like walking home at sunset, listening to live music in Piazzale Michelangelo, or ending the night in our room, struggling to make a free VPN work just to watch a show.

Now, as we are back home for the summer, I know this experience will stay with us. Studying abroad with Chloe is something I’ll always cherish. I don’t know exactly what the next chapter will bring as we begin our senior year and think about life after graduation. However, I do know that we’ll always have Florence. The memories we built here will continue to anchor our friendship, no matter where life takes us.

Growing Abroad with Artviva

Booking a trip to Europe is no small task, which is why many tourists turn to guided experiences to help navigate the rich culture and history of each city. In Italy, Artviva has spent the past 20 years offering authentic, high-quality tours that set the standard for the industry. During the spring semester, through Florence University of the Arts' internship program, I had the opportunity to intern with Rose Magers, Artviva’s owner, and learn firsthand how the company maintains its reputation and success in an increasingly competitive tourism market. From their passion for storytelling, to their commitment to quality, Artviva continues to deliver unforgettable Italian experiences.

While interning at Artviva, I collaborated on real marketing initiatives to drive bookings during Italy’s high season. This hands-on work not only sharpened my strategic communication techniques but also gave me a front-row seat to how a boutique tour company adapts its brand voice, leverages storytelling, and measures success in one of the world’s most dynamic tourism markets.

The focus of the experience was on marketing, specifically, how to best utilize their social media to drive bookings and build traction as they enter Italy’s high season. As part of this role, I’ve had the unique opportunity to attend several tours and capture content for their digital platforms.

Throughout the internship, I visited the Galleria dell'Accademia, the Uffizi Gallery, the Vasari Corridor, Bardini Gardens, and took part in several of their cooking experiences. While it has been incredible to learn more about the history of Florence and the significance of these historic sites, what I’ve enjoyed most is viewing these experiences through a media lens. When you enter these spaces with the intention of creating meaningful content, you start to find beauty in the unexpected. The way you frame a shot, how you want a video to flow, the angles you choose all contribute to the final story you walk away with at the end of a tour.

This internship has not only allowed me to strengthen my skills in content creation and marketing, but it has also deepened my appreciation for Italy and its rich history through the lens of Artviva’s curated experiences. Working closely with Rose Magers gave me valuable insight into the Italian business perspective. Her passion, professionalism and expertise taught me how companies in Florence adapt, grow and maintain authenticity in a competitive tourism market. Coming from the Missouri School of Journalism, I was able to bring my background in strategic communication, marketing and advertising into my role at Artviva all while continuing to learn new techniques and approaches along the way. This experience has been a rewarding blend of culture, creativity and communication, and I’ve truly enjoyed the opportunity.

Walks Without A Classroom

When I arrived in Florence for my six week study abroad program, I didn’t know what to expect. Like many students, I signed up for classes that I knew would transfer back to my home school, not giving them too much thought, but still hoping to get classes that seemed interesting. When I heard back regarding which classes I successfully enrolled in, one intrigued me the most.

The class, titled Art and Community: Secret Florence Walks, was labeled as a WWAC, which stands for Walks Without A Classroom. I had no idea what to expect from the course, initially. I had never had the option of taking a class of this sort, but was intrigued by the idea of it.

At FUA, this type of course is quite common. WWAC courses always have a designated meeting point. Sometimes the meeting point is at one of the FUA buildings, while other times it may be somewhere else in the city center.

One of the main reasons I chose to study abroad in Florence was because of all of the art history that is rooted here. When I saw that this course involved exploring the city, I knew I had to take it. While I initially took this course to simply fulfill a course requirement for my degree, it ultimately provided me with the priceless opportunity of experiencing and learning about my new second home.

I couldn’t have asked for a better class to take as my first course in Florence. It felt like I had a personal tour guide of the city, at a time in which absolutely everything felt unfamiliar to me. While I navigated the culture shock I was experiencing when I first got here, my professor continued to make this unfamiliar place feel like a second home.

My professor would often mention how the information we learned in the course is not widely known by locals. It really felt as though I was getting a secret peek into Florentine history that not everybody has access to.

The highlight of this class, though, was the sense of community it built. We had a group of twenty or so students, all of us having landed in Florence just days before starting the class. Our professor made sure to let us in on her own recommendations for places to eat, among many other tips for how to experience Florence as authentically as possible.

This class felt like more than an academic course. While I learned a lot of historical information about Florence, I also learned so much more about how locals experience their lives here. Having a knowledgeable professor made all the difference.

Outside of class, I found myself walking around with my friends, filling them in on the information I learned from my class. I also began navigating the city without needing my phone to get me from point a to point b. Physically walking around the city with my class elevated the confidence and independence I felt, which ultimately shaped my experience living here as I no longer felt as intimidated by navigating the city by myself.

As I wrap up my final days here in Florence, I can’t express how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to take this class, as it truly set me off on the right foot. Even though my semester here was just six weeks long, I feel that Florence is a second home.