We the Italians March 21, 2016 - 77 | Page 64

st # 77 MARCH 21 , 2016 magnesium and quartz. Only once it has completely dried, the ceramics are fired in suitable kilns at varying temperatures, according to the type of material (porcelain at 1,250°-1,350°, earthenware at 980°-1000°). markets. The region is also home to the studios of artists and artisans who work with ceramics, some of which have established themselves in the international art scene and have made an important contribution and added The ceramics are subse- to the prestige of contempoquently decorated and then rary artistic production since immersed in the glaze. Final- the 1950s. ly, they are fired for the second time, at the same tem- To celebrate the most imporperature, to achieve the final tant local tradition, the city glazing effect. of Nove decided to open the Ceramic Museum. InauThe decorated porcelain gurated in April of 1995, it is objects are subjected to a located in the elegant Palazthird firing at 750 degrees, zo De Fabris, which housed known as “piccolo fuoco” the local Institute of Ceramic (third firing, or literally ‘small Arts until a few years ago. fire’). Every year the “Festival of Ceramics/Open Doors” The local area event takes place, with a market fair held every SepNove is known throughout tember in Piazza De Fabris, the world as “the City of Ce- with hundreds of exhibitors ramics”, because ceramics coming from the famous cehave been produced here ramic cities of Italy, France, for three hundred years. Germany, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia and other EuropeToday, production is mainly an countries. Open Doors focused on everyday items is an opportunity to get to or furniture accessories. know the artists and their Some of the historical ma- work, and to try to learn the nufacturers are still leaders secrets of “making ceramics” in high-quality production, first hand. and have been particularly successful on international 64 | WE THE ITALIANS www.wetheitalians.com