As an avid traveler and art lover, Local Foreigner’s summer intern Valentina Correa da Silva has immersed herself in the local art scenes around the world via in-person art tours offered through Christie’s Education. The centuries’ old British auction house offers week-long courses featuring guided visits to local galleries, exhibitions, and artist studios and facilitates connections with local artists, collectors and auction specialists. Hopping from city to city, we managed to catch up with her just in time to gather all the juicy insider tips before she's jet-setting again. Read below her experiences from the Palermo (left) and New York City (right) courses from May and June.

“By physically being in cities such as Paris, Rome, Florence or Palermo, students can grasp the social, political, and philosophical influences that shaped artists’ works, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of the art’s true essence. Observing art in its original setting helps connect the dots of history and culture, allowing you to appreciate its significance beyond aesthetics. European cities are living galleries that preserve and contextualize art, making them essential destinations for anyone seeking a holistic and enriching artistic experience; something you just can’t get from being in the classroom.”

— Glen Hardwick-Bruce (Christie's Programme Director)

Local Foreigner Take:

WHAT MADE THE EXPERIENCE SPECIAL?

Palermo: Exploring a new city, even more so one as culturally rich and diverse as Palermo, through art gave me a perspective on the city I don’t think I could have had on my own and through normal tours. The course tied-in together the narrative of Palermo through art throughout the city, in churches, monasteries, palazzo’s and more.

New York: The course “New York Art Now,” offered a perfect blend of classroom learning and hands-on gallery crawl exploration through Chelsea and Tribeca. It felt more immersive than a typical tour. Meeting the people behind the art, for example with the celebrated graffiti artist Al Diaz we created our own tags with Al's guidance.

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Who’s this for?

Palermo: For anyone interested in art, culture, and travel! Although there were some gallerists, artists, and collectors in the group, the only pre-requisite is a love for art.

New York: Same, art collectors or those just looking for something new to experience. You don’t need to be an expert to participate.

INSIDER TIP?

Palermo: Must visit Palazzo Butera when in Palermo! The Palazzo itself is a work of art, with its recent renovation bringing out the beautiful history of the property and the contemporary art that sits on its walls (and all over) has a youthful touch to it its arrangements, placement, and energy.