I could sit comfortably in my house in Paris and talk on the telephone or through the PC, but if I want really to learn I need to be here in Pietrasanta, alongside the craftsman discovering the secrets of his trade. It is very important not to lose this face to face contact, without which Theimer the artist would not exist.”
Ivan Theimer
The Apuan Alps and Versilia region has long been considered one of the liveliest centres of art in the world, with a wealth of craftsmen’s workshops, artists’ studios and galleries.
As a result, Pietrasanta has become home to many artists of international renown, who spend a large part of the year working on their own projects in close contact with the local craftsmen.
The artist’s close links with the town are demonstrated by the many works which some of them have donated, transforming Pietrasanta into an open air gallery.
The wealth of art to be found in the town centre streets has led to Pietrasanta being christened “Little Athens.”