ALMA ORTOLAN

Biography

Alma Ortolan is an Italian Art Conservator, Educator and Entrepreneur. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Art, she studied Painting Conservation in Florence, Rome and Venice, earning her Master’s Degree in Fine Art Conservation at the Academy of Fine Arts in Cracow, Poland in 1996.   In addition, she completed a specialized course in Conservation of Architectural Façades at ICCROM in 1998, and studied wall painting at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Copenhagen, and at the University of Fine Arts in Granada, Spain. She is currently a Professor at the Conservation Science Department of the University of Venice Ca’ Foscari.   During her varied career, Ms. Ortolan worked internationally at the Archeological Museum of Stavanger, Norway and was Senior Conservator at the Fair Park Mural Conservation Project in Dallas. She established the Alma Ortolan Studio, working both as Technical Manager and Consultant for several Conservation Projects in the Veneto Region of Italy; among them the renowned reconstruction project of the paintings in the Royal Balcony of the ‘La Fenice’ Opera House, Venice after the fire.   In 2006 she developed the Restoration Department of the architectural conservation firm Impresa Pellicciari Ltd. and began three projects with the Vatican State dealing with the conservation of the early Christian frescoes in the Catacomb of Priscilla and Santa Tecla in Rome.   Currently, Alma Ortolan Studio is committed to the development and presentation of inspiring and highly educational programs and workshops on ancient fresco painting techniques taught in Ms. Ortolan’s 15th century Palazzo-studio. This is being done in conjunction with several individuals and institutions (Texas Christian University study abroad program, 2006). Alma Ortolan Studio is also cooperating with Heritage Conservation Network to offer hands-on conservation workshops teaching technical skills involved in restoring historic structures.

EDUCATION / PROFESSION / EMAIL