Viva Vittoria
Our project with Viva Vittoria - June 4, 2023
The story originated with our teacher, Stefania Baita, and her class 401C.
Mike, who had knitting materials remaining from his late wife, Ellen, kindly offered them. Coincidentally, Stefania was discussing an upcoming event in her hometown of Bergamo, which involved the creation of a human chain using scarves. Captivated by the concept, they made the decision to employ Ellen's materials for knitting the scarves. As word got around, an increasing number of people joined the project, and collectively, we were able to contribute over 100 scarves!
The proceeds from the registration fees (and other donations) will be allocated in favor of mental heath centers that support young people with issues related to the post-Covid period.
Capitali della Cultura italiana 2023, Bergamo e Brescia Event
Stay tune! More events in the Fall.
The story originated with our teacher, Stefania Baita, and her class 401C.
Mike, who had knitting materials remaining from his late wife, Ellen, kindly offered them. Coincidentally, Stefania was discussing an upcoming event in her hometown of Bergamo, which involved the creation of a human chain using scarves. Captivated by the concept, they made the decision to employ Ellen's materials for knitting the scarves. As word got around, an increasing number of people joined the project, and collectively, we were able to contribute over 100 scarves!
The proceeds from the registration fees (and other donations) will be allocated in favor of mental heath centers that support young people with issues related to the post-Covid period.
Capitali della Cultura italiana 2023, Bergamo e Brescia Event
Stay tune! More events in the Fall.
Ellen's scarf in Bergamo and a letter from Desdemona.
Good morning Michele and Michael.
I am Desdemona Pinotti from Levate, a small town in the province of Bergamo. I am writing to you because yesterday, during the human chain that united Bergamo-Brescia in 2023, I had the emotion of meeting Ellen through the scarf she made.
A series of coincidences that moved us. With my mother and my daughters, we had reserved a spot at Porta San Giacomo (the second section of the human chain that descended from the square in Città Alta in Bergamo). When we arrived at the booth, the volunteer gave us the t-shirts: by chance, I received a white scarf like my t-shirt, a purple one like my daughter's sweatshirt, a pink one like my mother's shirt, and a yellow/pink one for my other younger daughter.
We moved to take our places along the walls of Città Alta, and there I noticed the silver booklet, so we opened and read it: what was written moved us. And then we noticed the coincidence: Ellen from America, just like my t-shirt that had the American flag (a gift from my niece who, in the two years between Boston and Seattle as an au pair, found love and moved to the United States last month and got married).
Then, during the waiting time before the chain started, my youngest daughter noticed the envelope. We opened it, and another coincidence: the note inside had a heart, just like the t-shirt I was wearing with the American flag. The "special scarf made with love" deeply touched us and the volunteers to whom we told what we had found.
Then, more coincidences: the scarf has a label with the control number, which is 77, just like my year of birth. At home, we searched for information about Ellen and discovered that she "was a talented art teacher and a creative and innovative watercolor artist." Since last November, my 10-year-old daughter has been attending a drawing and painting course.
We read that "she had contagious enthusiasm and an irresistible smile; she was a role model of kindness, love, generosity, and strength of spirit." Ellen also thrilled us, filled our hearts, and yesterday she admired Città Alta and the sky above Bergamo.
I am attaching the photos of the day that Ellen, and those who loved her deeply, made special!
Greetings from Levate!
Desdemona
I am Desdemona Pinotti from Levate, a small town in the province of Bergamo. I am writing to you because yesterday, during the human chain that united Bergamo-Brescia in 2023, I had the emotion of meeting Ellen through the scarf she made.
A series of coincidences that moved us. With my mother and my daughters, we had reserved a spot at Porta San Giacomo (the second section of the human chain that descended from the square in Città Alta in Bergamo). When we arrived at the booth, the volunteer gave us the t-shirts: by chance, I received a white scarf like my t-shirt, a purple one like my daughter's sweatshirt, a pink one like my mother's shirt, and a yellow/pink one for my other younger daughter.
We moved to take our places along the walls of Città Alta, and there I noticed the silver booklet, so we opened and read it: what was written moved us. And then we noticed the coincidence: Ellen from America, just like my t-shirt that had the American flag (a gift from my niece who, in the two years between Boston and Seattle as an au pair, found love and moved to the United States last month and got married).
Then, during the waiting time before the chain started, my youngest daughter noticed the envelope. We opened it, and another coincidence: the note inside had a heart, just like the t-shirt I was wearing with the American flag. The "special scarf made with love" deeply touched us and the volunteers to whom we told what we had found.
Then, more coincidences: the scarf has a label with the control number, which is 77, just like my year of birth. At home, we searched for information about Ellen and discovered that she "was a talented art teacher and a creative and innovative watercolor artist." Since last November, my 10-year-old daughter has been attending a drawing and painting course.
We read that "she had contagious enthusiasm and an irresistible smile; she was a role model of kindness, love, generosity, and strength of spirit." Ellen also thrilled us, filled our hearts, and yesterday she admired Città Alta and the sky above Bergamo.
I am attaching the photos of the day that Ellen, and those who loved her deeply, made special!
Greetings from Levate!
Desdemona
Scarf knitted by Michele with Ellen's wood and the letter with Ellen's story on Bergamo's Walls
Teachers, Volunteers, and Mayors along the road between Bergamo and Brescia
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Our Scarfs (100 circa) at Viva Vittoria!
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Viva Vittoria Volunteer Organization is an association in Brescia born out of the enthusiasm aroused by the installation created in Brescia in November 2015, for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
"Together in the Human Chain" is an extraordinary new project of the Viva Vittoria Volunteer Organization of Brescia. Its purpose is to transform the void that separated us during the pandemic into a symbol of unity and solidarity: 40,000 people will participate in a continuous line, each holding a knitted or crocheted strip measuring 1.5 meters. This remarkable human chain will stretch along a route of approximately 80 km, equivalent to 50 miles, connecting the cities of Bergamo and Brescia.
Culture acts as the cohesive force that binds us together amidst diversity, illuminating even the darkest moments. It serves as a source of solace and healing, mending the wounds inflicted by the pandemic.
Viva Vittoria Volunteer Organization is an association in Brescia born out of the enthusiasm aroused by the installation created in Brescia in November 2015, for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
"Together in the Human Chain" is an extraordinary new project of the Viva Vittoria Volunteer Organization of Brescia. Its purpose is to transform the void that separated us during the pandemic into a symbol of unity and solidarity: 40,000 people will participate in a continuous line, each holding a knitted or crocheted strip measuring 1.5 meters. This remarkable human chain will stretch along a route of approximately 80 km, equivalent to 50 miles, connecting the cities of Bergamo and Brescia.
Culture acts as the cohesive force that binds us together amidst diversity, illuminating even the darkest moments. It serves as a source of solace and healing, mending the wounds inflicted by the pandemic.
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Culture is the glue that binds us together in diversity, the light breaking through the darkness, a source of solace and healing for the wounds inflicted by the pandemic.
This is the guiding idea behind the decision to shine a spotlight on these two cities of Lombardy, awarding them both with the title of Italian City of Culture 2023. They may be geographically very close to one another, but the two cities have not always been the best of friends. Now, however, they join hands united by a renewed positive outlook and hope for the future.
Let’s start with Bergamo, Lombardy's provincial capital rich in history, art and a variety of attractions; a perfect weekend getaway destination where you can explore the stunning cityscapes, a testament to centuries of well-preserved beauty. Why not venture into the Città Alta (“Upper Town”) – the beating heart of the city – accessible by the historic funicular railway that connects it to the centre and about which Le Corbusier once remarked: "You can't move a single stone, it would be a crime". Follow with a stroll around the Venetian Walls, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their grandeur and incredible state of preservation. Or otherwise, embark on a journey to discover the history of Italian painting at the Accademia Carrara, home to masterpieces by Italian Renaissance masters such as Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, and Bergamasque portrait artist Moroni. Or even plunge into the contemporary art world in the nearby GAMeC (Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art), housed within a restored 15th-century architectural complex.
A welcoming and inclusive city known for both its ability to transform raw materials into high-tech goods and its cultural history, Brescia has an equal amount to offer. Nicknamed "the Lioness" by Giosuè Carducci in memory of the revolt against the Austrian army, the city is currently experiencing a renaissance, striking the perfect balance between its industrial calling and its role as a capital of history, art, entertainment and sports. Redeveloped with new green urban spaces and a pedestrianised area, the historic centre is graced by Santa Giulia – City Museum, the Archeological Park of Roman Brixia, the Castle on Cidneo Hill and the Mille Miglia Museum, opened in 2004. A provincial capital that stands to be admired for the spacious Piazza della Vittoria, the foyers of Teatro Grande, the animated nightlife of Contrada del Carmine, and the Renaissance beauty of the porticoes in Piazza Loggia.
Being crowned Capital of Culture 2023 will therefore be an extraordinary opportunity to boost the remarkable heritage of both cities' with new cultural offerings, as well as an opportunity to establish a calendar packed with international events revolving around art, culture and current affairs. The title is destined to arouse curiosity and captivate a large number of visitors who are expected to come to Lombardy this year.
Read more here
This is the guiding idea behind the decision to shine a spotlight on these two cities of Lombardy, awarding them both with the title of Italian City of Culture 2023. They may be geographically very close to one another, but the two cities have not always been the best of friends. Now, however, they join hands united by a renewed positive outlook and hope for the future.
Let’s start with Bergamo, Lombardy's provincial capital rich in history, art and a variety of attractions; a perfect weekend getaway destination where you can explore the stunning cityscapes, a testament to centuries of well-preserved beauty. Why not venture into the Città Alta (“Upper Town”) – the beating heart of the city – accessible by the historic funicular railway that connects it to the centre and about which Le Corbusier once remarked: "You can't move a single stone, it would be a crime". Follow with a stroll around the Venetian Walls, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their grandeur and incredible state of preservation. Or otherwise, embark on a journey to discover the history of Italian painting at the Accademia Carrara, home to masterpieces by Italian Renaissance masters such as Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, and Bergamasque portrait artist Moroni. Or even plunge into the contemporary art world in the nearby GAMeC (Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art), housed within a restored 15th-century architectural complex.
A welcoming and inclusive city known for both its ability to transform raw materials into high-tech goods and its cultural history, Brescia has an equal amount to offer. Nicknamed "the Lioness" by Giosuè Carducci in memory of the revolt against the Austrian army, the city is currently experiencing a renaissance, striking the perfect balance between its industrial calling and its role as a capital of history, art, entertainment and sports. Redeveloped with new green urban spaces and a pedestrianised area, the historic centre is graced by Santa Giulia – City Museum, the Archeological Park of Roman Brixia, the Castle on Cidneo Hill and the Mille Miglia Museum, opened in 2004. A provincial capital that stands to be admired for the spacious Piazza della Vittoria, the foyers of Teatro Grande, the animated nightlife of Contrada del Carmine, and the Renaissance beauty of the porticoes in Piazza Loggia.
Being crowned Capital of Culture 2023 will therefore be an extraordinary opportunity to boost the remarkable heritage of both cities' with new cultural offerings, as well as an opportunity to establish a calendar packed with international events revolving around art, culture and current affairs. The title is destined to arouse curiosity and captivate a large number of visitors who are expected to come to Lombardy this year.
Read more here
