SRISA’s History: A Creative Journey
SRISA’s rich history in art began in 1970 as the Santa Reparata Graphic Art Centre founded by Dennis Olsen, Giuseppe Gattuso, and Michael Schnorr—three artists who wished to provide a professional workshop for established printmakers and interested students.
The Centre gained an impressive reputation attracting nationally and internationally recognized artists: Antonio Zavier and Raffaele Bueno, Sandro Chia, Renato Ranaldi, Giovanni Ragusa, James McGarrell, and many others.
In 2001, the Centre was re-founded by Rebecca Olsen, Dennis Olsen, and Meredith Dean as an American non-profit 501(c)(3) and re-named the Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA). SRISA moved to a new, much larger facility, and expanded its curriculum by offering an extensive array of courses throughout the year. Since then, SRISA has continued to grow, extending its curriculum to include art, design, and liberal arts & sciences, becoming one of the most respected leading art and design schools in Florence, Italy.
With our four campuses totaling 23,000 square feet, extensive studio art workspaces, gallery space, and lecture facilities, students from around the world have the opportunity to study in the center of Florence.
1970
The Santa Reparata Graphic Art Centre, founded by Dennis Olsen, Giuseppe Gattuso, and Michael Schnorr, opened its doors. Participants from various parts of Europe and North America joined the Centre.
1970-1985
Contract printing became available for local artists, and open studio space was provided for professionals needing a specialized workspace for creating prints.
1985-1998
The workshop became a resource for American colleges that sent instructor-led groups to study during the summer.
2001
The “Graphic Art Centre” transformed into the Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA) an American non-profit 501(c)(3).
2002-Today
SRISA expanded to four campus locations offering a much broader curriculum of Studio Arts, Design, and Liberal Arts & Sciences, along with STEM options through local partners.