Happy Spring! I’d like to invite you to come join me for an evening of talk and thought. I’ll be offering a “salon” event at Gabriella Cafe in Santa Cruz, on Thursday, April 6 from 6:00 to 9:00.
A literary salon like this is an evening for discussing ideas–in this case, I’ll be talking about women’s changing roles in the Renaissance and early modern period. Titled “Redefining Beauty,” I’ll review the role of women salonnières in Venice–from when this was a man’s role to the shift towards women’s ownership of this space. From early proto-feminists like Modesta Pozzo, Lucrezia Marinella, and Archangela Tarabotti to later leaders including Isabella Albrizzi, Marina Querini Benzon, and Caterina Dolfin Tron, Venice saw women challenge the societal norms and center women’s voices. Join me for a reading from my book A Beautiful Woman in Venice as well as discussion of how these women redefined beauty.
Gabriella Cafe on Cedar Street in Santa Cruz has long been one of my favorite restaurants, so I’m very excited to be offered a chance to hold this event there. The food and wine are superb, so make your reservation to be sure to get a spot. The evening will also feature a few paintings by my friend Tom Bottoms whom we lost recently but who was particularly fond of Venice. The event runs all evening–stay as long or as little as you like, but we hope to see you!
seductivevenice 