Make your own papier-mâché artwork with Gesi
Make your own papier-mâché artwork with Gesi
Learn the history of papier-mâché and the Putignano Carnival . Make your own papier-mâché artwork to bring home.
The Artisan
Gesi, master papier-mâché maker
Like all those growing up in Putignano, Gesi got into carnival traditions already as a child. Then, in the early 2000s, she came to a turning point in her life when she left an office job and, following her up until then dormant artistic vein, joined her brother Deni - a renowned master papier-mâché maker - in creating the typical papier-mâché floats.
About the experience
- Free Cancellation
Cancel up to 3 days in advance to receive a full refund
- Location
- Duration
2 hours
- Language
Italian, English
- Participants
Min. 3 – Max. 10
- Suggested Age
6 +
Includes
- All the tools and materials to make your artwork
Good to know
- Wear comfortable clothing (you might get dirty)
- Bring a jacket during the cold season
- Accessible to persons with disabilities (please let us know in your request if you have special needs)
Detailed Programme
Gesi will welcome you in one of the historic warehouses where the huge papier-mâché floats of the famous Putignano Carnival come to life. It is here that Gesi has made papier-mâché her main profession together with her brother Deni, a renowned artist.
Initially, Gesi will tell you about the origins of the carnival and in particular of the Putignano Carnival (one of the oldest in Europe according to historical records). Afterwards, Gesi will explain and show you how each year the typical papier-mâché floats, as tall as a three-story building, are conceived, designed and built.
In the second part of the experience, under Gesi’s expert guidance, you will roll up your sleeves and make a papier-mâché artwork yourself, which you will take home at the end of the experience. Gesi will let you choose the type of object to make among two or three options. You will make the object with the technique that is still used today to decorate the huge papier-mâché floats, simply using newspaper and flour glue.
Papier-mâché is an extremely relaxing art activity, suitable for all ages. During the workshop part, you will have time to chat with Gesi to ask her all the questions you want and learn more about her history as a papier-mâché master.
Availability
Reviews
Recommended for everyone: young and old, Apulian and not!
Ho avuto il piacere di seguire il laboratorio di cartapesta con Gesi presso la bottega di Deni Bianco (pluripremiato mastro cartapestaio nonché autore delle scenografie dei tour “Museica” ed “Exuvia” di Caparezza!). Dopo l’appassionante introduzione al mondo della cartapesta con i dovuti cenni alla storia del Carnevale Putignanese siamo stati invitati noi stessi a “sporcarci le mani” realizzando un elaborato in cartapesta. Consigliato a tutt*: grandi e piccini, pugliesi e non! 😁
If feels like entering a fantasy world
Bellissimo pomeriggio passato in compagnia di Gesi Bianco all’interno del capannone dove le mani sapienti e attente degli artigiani trasformano la carta in capolavori tridimensionali dalle dimensioni mastodontiche. L’impressione è quella di entrare in un mondo fantastico, in cui ti senti molto piccolo e completamente immerso nella visionaria immaginazione del maestro Deni Bianco.
Highly recommended even if you think you don't have an artistic flair
Consigliatissimo! Ho partecipato con mio figlio di 8 anni all’esperienza sulla cartapesta ed è stata davvero interessante oltre che super divertente!
Abbiamo anche creato degli oggetti con questa tecnica, per cui rimane un ricordo piacevole che in molti hanno apprezzato. Consiglio vivamente il laboratorio di Cartapesta anche a chi pensa di non avere una vena artistica perché riuscirà comunque a creare la “sua opera d’arte”.
Do you want to personalise your experience? Contact Us to arrange a new date, privatise the experience or to ask any other questions.
Book Your Experience
Note: the experience is confirmed upon reaching the minimum number of participants.
You may also be interested in:
Cook and enjoy natural Apulian dishes with Madia
Cook and taste authentic, natural Apulian dishes like orecchiette and focaccia. Learn recipes to repeat at home.
3 hours Pezze di Greco 69,90
Visit the vineyard and taste natural wines with Michael
Visit the vineyard and cellar to discover how wine is made. Perform traditional disgorging. Taste 6 natural wines.
2 hours Turi 49,90
Make artisanal gelato with Giordy
Make and savour artisanal ice cream like you have never tasted it before. Learn recipes to repeat at home.
2 hours Castellana Grotte 84,90
Bake and enjoy Apulian desserts with Gabriella
Cook and taste Apulian sweets like pasticciotto or almond sweets. Learn recipes to repeat at home.
2 hours Bari 69,90
Stay tuned on our activities
Quality
Authenticity
We only work with real craftsmen and craftswomen
Relationship
Reliability
We listen and adapt to your requests
Sustainability
We promote local culture and sviluppo locale delle comunità