Barrique: Wine, Design, & Social Change

As many times as I’ve visited the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, this weekend was my first time going to MoDA (Museum of Design Atlanta), which is crazy since it’s just across the street! I was there following an invitation posted by Friends of the High Museum of Art meetup group, as Saturday was the opening reception of Barrique: Wine, Design & Social Change. As many already know, you just say the word “Wine” and I’m there!

Child’s rocking horse

Tray carved from wood barrel

This exhibit is very special, however. While the barrique, (French word for wine barrel), is the spotlight of this exhibition, it is the back-story of the creators of the pieces that is most extraordinary. A residential treatment center in San Patrignano, Italy for men and women recovering from drug addiction and social exclusion, gives a chance at rebirth of the soul. Through education and training, these individuals learn a profession such as viticulture and wine making, as well as many other skill sets such as wood working, cooking, baking, farming, etc. that in turn offer a promising transition back into the community. It is through daily work that each resident can measure themselves, challenge their limits and discover or rediscover their potential” (San Patrignano training philosophy ).

Italian-American team that helped put this event together here in Atlanta

After making several stops in the US, Barrique’s final exhibit is in Atlanta, Georgia

Shown on the right is a photograph of residents at San Patrignano rehabilitation community working in the farm

The furniture crafted in this project will be on display at MoDA until October 13, 2013 as part of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ “Year of Italian Culture” in the United States.

 Museum of Design Atlanta
1315 Peachtree Street,  Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: 404.979.6455,   Fax: 404. 856.5960
info@museumofdesign.org
www.museumofdesign.org