Reference survey and workshops with artisans will result in a line of high quality souvenirs to be launched at Casa Brasil 2013 The Furniture Industry Association of Bento Gonçalves (Sindmóveis), in partnership with the Department of Tourism (Semtur), is launching a project to revive and enhance the local handicrafts, combining traditional techniques and materials with contemporary and sophisticated design. The initiative consists in the identification of craftsmen able to multiply knowledge and workshops with designers and instructors. Based on this, a line of products compatible with the tourism excellence in Serra Gaúcha will be developed to be launched during Casa Brasil 2013 and later sold in the main tourist spots in Bento Gonçalves.. The architects in charge of carrying out the project and organizing the workshops are Tina Moura and Lui Lo Pumo (LT Arquitetura e Design), members of the curatorship of Casa Brasil, in addition to Renato Imbrosi, a designer from Rio de Janeiro. The focus will be the creation of a line of kitchen utensils, such as tableware and matching items, using basketry techniques (wicker and straw), handloom, crocheting, embroidering and wood. The theme chosen for the first collection involves grapes, wineries, wine and the typical regional cuisine. The two trade fairs promoted by Sindmóveis – Movelsul and Casa Brasil – attract every year thousands of tourists to Bento Gonçalves coming in search of good business and who are also keen to enjoy the wine and gastronomic culture that the region offers. The association has identified a shortage of sophisticated products related to the Grape and Wine region and joined this scenario to its vocation to promote design. The initiative has been structured since the last edition of Casa Brasil, in August 2011. Currently the project is in the phase to study raw materials and local characteristics. Last week, three professionals in charge of the implementation of the project visited tourist routes and craft workshops in Bento Gonçalves. Designer Renato Imbroisi says that A short questionnaire was used to verify the interest of the artisans to participate in the project and expand their knowledge. The results were positive. “We identified a large number of people interested in participating and some materials found in the region that can be better used, like vine branches. Now, we need further research to come up with a collection that respects local traditions and also provides elements of sophistication,” he says.
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