In this episode, we introduce you to Allison Zurfluh. Dividing her time between Switzerland and Venice, Italy, Allison is passionate about the Venice Lagoon, particularly conservation issues and cultural sustainability. Through the hardship of 2020, Allison’s professional career took an unexpected but beautiful turn towards art. Now she has created a wonderful way to bring her passion for watercolor and love for Venice together.
Allison and her work have been featured in the press worldwide and she was named one of the “7 Influential People in Swiss Romandy” by Switzerland’s L’Illustré Magazine in 2016.
Listen today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, IheartRadio, Google Podcasts and more!
Show Recap:
Allison shares with us her personal journey of how her life in Venice transformed from music, writing, events, and consulting to being a professional artist. She also discusses the importance of conserving the lagoons of Venice and how we can be more responsible and aware travelers when visiting this delicate and breathtaking city.
What to expect:
Expect to be inspired by Allison’s heartwarming story of finding light through the darkness of 2020. You will also learn about the importance of the Northern Venice lagoons. And if you love being on the water, appreciate being in nature and would like to see this untouched and historical area of Venice, stay tuned to hear about a trip of a lifetime available for you. Allison shares details about a new exclusive retreat that includes locally sourced Venetian meals, watercolor painting, immersive and sustainable lagoon experiences and much more.
Length of Podcast:
About 45 minutes.
“I have been an artist for many years but this pandemic has pushed me to make it into a profession, something I NEVER thought would be possible. I have been utterly surprised and also delighted to be moving in this direction, but it came out of a deep struggle and loss.”
– Allison zurfluh
People, Places & Sites Mentioned in this Episode:
“Art in the Lagoon” Photo by Paolo Spigariol 
Artist Allison Zurfluh – Photo by Bressanello Art Studio Venice
- Allison’s story – Starts at 6:25
- An inspiring story and quote about Venetian gold from Allison’s painting – Starts at 19:50
- Art in the Venice Lagoon Retreat details – Starts at 21:18
- Bragozzo – (a typical Venetian flat bottom sailing fishing boat) – 21:35
- Barena – (Wetlands of Venice) history – Heard at 27:00
- Advice for visiting Venice in a memorable and sustainable way – Starts at 30:50
- The Campanile of San Marco – Heard at 38:06
- La Scuderia del Duca paper shop in Amalfi – Heard at 43:30
Venetian Stucco – Allison Zurfluh 
Water Color Inspiration in Venice – Allison Zurfluh
More about ALLISON ZURFLUH:
- Website for Allison Zurfluh
- Art and the Venice Lagoon Retreat with Allison Zurfluh and Mario Stoppa
- Instagram Page for Art from the Venice Lagoon by Allison Zurfluh
- Books By Allison Zurfluh
Enjoyed this episode? Then check out these past shows from Rediscover Italy Podcast:
- Episode 2. How to Connect to Italy from Near or Afar
- Episode 4: The Stunning Gem Between Rome and Tuscany Featuring Local Virginia DiGaetano
Find the links to these great episodes and more here.
