I had been to the Uffizi once before, during a tour of Italy, and was fascinated by its rich history, and the beautiful, important art it houses. In 2012 I was invited to attend a lecture that Lisa Marie Browne was presenting at the Norton Museum of Art. I was immediately impressed by Lisa Marie’s historical knowledge of the Uffizi, her enthusiasm, and her commitment to further the incredible work being done by the Friends of the Uffizi, to raise funds for masterpieces in need of restoration. I walked up to her after the lecture and said, “How do I become involved?”

First and foremost, I truly believe in the mission of this organization. Through the strong,
visionary leadership of Countess Maria Vittoria Colona Rimbotti, along with Lisa Marie’s flawless execution of the Board’s strategic plan, and the commitment of its members and donors; Friends has experienced tremendous growth and success. I have had so many incredible personal experiences and made so many wonderful friends through my Friends membership. I have been able to participate in events, educational opportunities, and unique trips which afford opportunities that are simply unavailable to the general public.

Being a part of Friends of the Uffizi, and specifically, being a Leonardo Member has given me an opportunity to make a personal contribution and leave a legacy which is forever intertwined with the artist himself. I had a very personal connection to the work I selected for restoration…it felt as if the work selected me!

I own a fine art services business! We support some of the most prolific collectors in South Florida, along with galleries, museums, and major art fairs! Through the Friends organization, I have developed a much stronger commitment to protecting historical and cultural works that have survived the centuries – despite both environmental challenges and man-made attempts to destroy them. These are part of our universal heritage. They are irreplaceable and it is up to us to preserve them.

There are so many things that I look forward to about the Florentine Weekend! The friendships and comradery, the truly unique social and educational experiences (like a private dinner with “David”!) Witnessing works of art in the process of being restored and meeting the truly amazing experts who restore them. The Botticelli room always takes my breath away!

Of course, there is the food and shopping! Walking along the streets of Florence and following the footsteps of the greatest Masters is always a “pinch me” moment!

I joined the Friends of the Uffizi in Three words: Lisa Marie Browne

I love art and Italy. Anything I can do, even at a minimal level will help ensure the future of the great masterpieces in the Uffizi.

As a Leonardo Member, I love the trips, the special events in FL, getting to know the wonderful, dedicated members and most of all having an up close and personal tour of the Uffizi. Art historian, Rocky Ruggerio and his lectures are a bonus!

There are particular artworks and areas of the Uffizi galleries that are special to me. Most definitely the Botticelli and Michelangelo rooms. The main corridor is the most impressive of all!

Art has always been my go-to safe place. It inspires and excites me. It was my major in college. My daughter is an art teacher. I think art is everywhere. Makes you appreciate the simple things in nature and think about the more profound beyond what you see.

I always look forward to the Florentine Cultural Weekends and to the private tour of the Uffizi Gallery the most. The rest is icing on the cake. I love the dinners, the lectures and just enjoying Florence with the wonderful people on the weekend. The special program in the new Michelangelo Room was one of the many experiences during the Florentine weekend that highlight my memory of visiting the Uffizi. The memory of watching the restorers tediously working on the frescoes was one I will never forget.

The “Madonna Adoring the Child” by Correggio 1520-1526. I love the intimacy of that moment when Mary adores her child alone w/o family, angels, or other divinity subjects. This beautiful “moment” is all about Mary, which depicts the humanity of all mother/child birth experiences. The painting is a perfect example of “a picture is worth a thousand words”…the aura, the adoration, and the unconditional love that all moms experience. Priceless!!

Marlene Parks

I feel extremely honored to have had the opportunity to travel to Florence and enjoy each and every one of the special events you planned for the occasion. From the visit the Ornellaia Winery, to the dinner at the Castle della Gherardesca hosted by the lovely Contessa Sibilla, followed by the visit to the soon to be open Marino Marini Museum, the magnificent concert by the Marinisky Orchestra at the Palazzo Piti’s Sala Bianca, and the highlight, the private tour of the Uffizi Gallery, the trip was a once in a lifetime experience! Special thanks to Contessa Maria Vittoria Colonna Rimbotti for making it happen and for hosting a magnificent farewell dinner that was truly memorable.

If you love art, if you love history, and if you love the idea of being a steward of our global cultural heritage so it will be available for many generations to come, then don’t wait to join the Friends of the Uffizi Galleries! I am one of many Friends enthusiasts who support the treasures of the Uffizi and its related museums through contributions for restorations and participation in unique events and educational programming. I have attended two unforgettable Florentine Weekends and particularly enjoyed our special access to the Uffizi (especially the Vasari Corridor!) and private tours of the exhibitions. As an educator in museum studies, it is particularly enlightening to follow the recent renovations to the galleries containing some of the most beloved objects by several of the greatest masters, such as Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael and Botticelli. It is inspiring to see how beautifully the museum has achieved a delicate balance between tradition and innovation to deliver an extraordinary new experience for its many visitors–and to know the Friends supported these restorations. I encourage you to attend one of our upcoming events to learn more about the Friends and participate in the preservation of all that is wonderful at the Uffizi Galleries.