June 6, 2023

Journey Through Northern Italy With Artistic Tile

Italy holds much allure: renowned cuisine, Mediterranean views, and—for the design community—coveted stone. Shortly before the start of Salone del Mobile in Milan this spring, Artistic Tile hosted a design-fueled journey through Northern Italy for a select group, showcasing the quarries and factories where the brand sources its materials.

Artistic Tile‘s Zach Epstein, Lauren Cherkas, and Michael Epstein first led guests to the Cornalita quarry, known for its Arabescato Orobico marble. Touching on the importance of the region for the family-owned brand, Artistic Tile owners enabled designers to witness the process of cultivating stone, from raw material to heavy cubelike pieces lifted by machine. After an intimate al fresco dinner in the quarry, designers continued their tour stopping by a gallery where finished marble slabs were on display. Then they headed to Verona, basking in the city’s timeless architecture.

Up next, guests were treated to a private tour of Santamargherita, a Valpoliciella-based factory that blends chips of marble with resin to create a modern interpretation of Italian terrazzo. Various sizes and colors of marble are mixed to create a variety of styles, including Artistic Tile’s exclusive Veronese Nero, Crema & Multi Colore.

A visit to Caseificio Montecoppe followed where the group learned the traditional art of producing Parmigiano Reggiano before heading to the Carrara region. There, designers stepped inside another distinct quarry known for producing the brand’s Zebrino Macchia Vecchia and Manhattan Dark. Founded by the Fabbricotti family in 1722, the quarry extracts a distinct range of marble. Last but not least, designers experienced the Piastraio quarry at the top of the Apuan Alps—5,000 feet above sea level—where heavily brecciated ivory and grey Arabescato Corchia is unearthed. Following the marble’s journey, designers ventured to the Savema headquarters to witness the process of cutting, finishing, and crating stone. “It was an incredible experience that we’ll remember,” says Claus Rademacher, founder of Claus Rademacher Architects. Cheers to that!