During Lucca Comics, a joint Protestant and Catholic initiative places comics, religious illustration, and the richness of diversity at its center. From October 31 to November 4, the Waldensian temple on via Galli Tassi and the church of San Cristoforo will host exhibitions and discussions devoted to the art of comics, in ecumenical partnership.
"Following the success of 2017—when we presented exhibitions on Martin Luther (marking the 500th anniversary of the Reformation) and Francis of Assisi—this year's project, 'Comics: Entertainment, Culture, Ecumenism', tackles disability and, more broadly, diversity as something to welcome and treasure as a gift," reads the announcement for the initiative organized by the Waldensian evangelical church of Lucca together with the Catholic diocese of Lucca, made possible by a contribution from the Methodist and Waldensian churches' charitable giving program.
EXHIBITIONS
October 31–November 3, Waldensian Temple (via Galli Tassi)
"Art and Autism – LEOCOMICS", a solo exhibition by Leonardo Ottoni. His passion for art springs from the desire to share his world with those around him.
October 31–November 4, Church of San Cristoforo (via Fillungo)
"Differently Abled, Children of a Lesser Cloud", curated by Cartoon Club
"School of the Great Oak," teaching acceptance and inclusion
EVENTS
Wednesday, October 31, Waldensian Temple, 3:30 p.m.
Launch of "School of the Great Oak", published by ADV. Picture-story fables for children (and everyone else) with author Laura Ferraresi. The book features illustrations by Celeste Scuccimarri, a nine-year-old autistic girl with a remarkable gift for art. Open to all; especially recommended for children and teens. The event will begin with an award ceremony for Stefano Gorla, longtime director of Il Giornalino, in recognition of his work promoting Christian comics across Italy.
Friday, November 2, 5:00 p.m., Church of San Cristoforo
Conference: "Different Souls: Animation and Disability", with Marco Vanelli, Marco Bellano, and Giovanni Ricci, in collaboration with CINIT (Italian Film Forum). Open to all; especially recommended for educators.
Saturday, November 3
4:30 p.m., Waldensian Temple
Launch of "School of the Great Oak". Open to all; especially recommended for teachers and educators.
6:30 p.m., Church of San Cristoforo
Ecumenical prayer service.
During the events on October 31 and November 3, a temporary exhibition of works by Celeste Scuccimarri and paintings by Leonardo Ottoni.
Source: Nev