Bottega d'arte Lacast opens in Casamassima, blending gallery, studio, and school

Bottega d'arte Lacast, a new cultural space in Casamassima, Italy, opened in June 2018. Founded by painter Laura Castellano, the 100-square-meter venue combines an exhibition area, painting courses, and a garden for plein air work. The name Lacast is a portmanteau of Castellano's name and surname, used to sign her works since adolescence. The space evolved from a smaller exhibition space Castellano opened in 2013 in the same town. The inaugural exhibition features works from her Metropolis series, created in collaboration with Fabio Castellaneta, who will also co-teach painting courses. Castellano describes the project as a challenge to make culture a driver of local development, aiming to support local artists and host international art competitions. The opening follows recent launches of Antica Saliera in Lecce by Gina Affinato and Bottega RoMa in Foggia by Francesca Roberto, highlighting a trend of new art spaces in Puglia.