Four days of creativity at Palazzo Sani: new artists, unique handmade works and two special editions of “Artists at Work”
From 30 May to 2 June, the Meraki Market returns with an extraordinary four-day event in the heart of Lucca’s historic centre. From 10 am to 8 pm, the splendid setting of Palazzo Sani, at Via Fillungo 121, will host selected artists and creatives, unique handmade works and many exciting new features for visitors, collectors and curious passers-by alike.
As usual, the market exhibition will take place in the charming Loggia and garden on the ground floor, as well as in the magnificent Reception Hall on the first floor. This edition promises to be especially rich thanks to the presence of new artists and creatives, bringing fresh perspectives, techniques and artistic languages to the exhibition.
Painting and illustration, ceramics, jewellery created with a variety of techniques, wood and leather works, creative sewing, nunofelt, artistic recycling, Japanese papier-mâché and much more: every work tells a story of research, passion and attention to detail.
The common thread remains the meaning of the modern Greek word meraki: to put a part of oneself into what one creates, working with passion, care and soul. A concept shared by every artist taking part and reflected in the uniqueness and quality of the works on display.
Among the most anticipated highlights are the return of “Artists at Work”, which for this edition will feature two special live demonstrations.
The first guest artist will be Fabio Maestrelli, whose work explores clay as a living material to be shaped into forms that seek a connection with our deepest and most ancient sensibilities. Born in 1976 and a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Carrara, Maestrelli has long worked in sculpture and artistic creation, experimenting with a wide range of materials and techniques — from ceramics and raku to bronze, iron and lost-wax casting. From his studio in Pietrasanta, he creates unique works in which technique and vision merge in an ongoing search for harmony between form, space and viewer.
The second appointment will feature Elena Grifoni, who will guide visitors through her distinctive creative process, demonstrating live how her handmade notebooks are crafted and bound. Her work stands at the meeting point between graphic design and manual making: each project begins with hand-drawn pencil sketches that are later transformed into decorative patterns printed on fabric. At the same time, every structural element of the book is handmade — from cutting and arranging the pages to stitching the sections and constructing the cover — resulting in one-of-a-kind pieces where technical precision and artistic identity exist in perfect balance.
“Artists at Work” is a special space designed to create a relationship between artist and visitor: an opportunity to observe the creative process up close, ask questions, discover techniques and uncover the small secrets behind each practice. A project created to celebrate handmade creativity, preserve traditional knowledge and share its continuing evolution in the present day.
Four days dedicated to creativity, passion and the beauty of handmade works in the heart of Lucca.