Three Weeks in Tuscany (day 14)

Pietrasanta is a town and comune on the coast of Northern Tuscany in the province of Lucca. This medieval jewel has roman origins dating back to 1255.

It has been over seven years since we were last here, and little has seemed to change, except for the magnificent art work that adorns the city center and essentially everywhere you walk and look. Scores of artists have congregated here to feed from the synergy of creative juices.

If coming for the first time, my strong recommendation is that you make sure to be here during the evening. This sleepy town comes to life as the sun goes down; restaurants and shops open, street mimes, musicians and entertainers all come out to make this a completely entertaining experience. For those enjoying the beach, you are only three kilometers from what is considered one of nicest.

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day 12)

Lucca is a vibrant city known for its pedestrian promenade that encircles the city upon its exterior walls, once of military significance and later in the 20th Century as a race track for cars!. The town dates back to the Etruscans and became a Roman colony in 180 B.C. The old world charm is blended with upscale shops and energy. Its history is dramatic and chocked full of interesting sights, cafes, restaurants and people.Both residential and commercial, there is a lovely combination of serenity and electricity.  Lucca should be placed on your “to do”list.

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day 11)

Barga is a marvelous medieval fortress town that has roots going back to the 9th Century. It is the chief town of the mid-valley of the Serchio River and located about 22 miles north of the provincial capital, Lucca.  Positioned on the Gothic Line in World War II, it was a major military objective as the allied forces moved north against the German army. Bring your walking shoes, as the alleys and walkways are quite steep and challenging. But, the charm and sites are well worth it.Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Rich Smukler Retrospective at La Rondine Gallery in Bagni di Lucca

La Rondine Gallery is located in the beautiful Northern Tuscan village of Ponte a Serraglio in the commune of Bagni di Lucca. Since the Renaissance, this village has attracted artists of all disciplines to take refuge and rest in its thermal valley and spectacular vistas. Smukler had studied photography for seven summers at TPW (Tuscano Photographic Workshop) is San Quirico D’Orcia. He was blessed with the opportunity to study with such photographic luminaries as Arno Rafael Minkkinen (known world-wide and himself a student with Harry Callahan and Aaron Siskind), Sandro Santioli (lauded by many for his mastery of landscape photography), Bob Sasha (known for his photographic story telling and winner of a Pulitzer, Emmy and Webby) and David Alan Harvey (named Magazine Photographer of the Year by the National Press Photographers Association).

Though Lucca is to the north, Tuscany is like a second home to Smukler and represents a milestone in his career. For 2 special weeks, a solo show of his works will be on exhibit for townspeople  and visitors alike. The opening reception is Saturday, June 6th at 6 to 9 pm. The show will run until June 14, 2015. There is no charge for admission.

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile)