TheAncient Workshop exhibits the works of Mr. and Mrs. Gianni and Pinella, the result of their passion for the arts and commitment to the transmission of ancient knowledge. The works of internationally renowned island sculptor Gianni Salidu are made with both wood (olive and juniper) and stone (granite, onyx, etc.). His sculptures, some of considerable height (over 2.50 meters) are placed in several squares in the town of Sant’Antioco and in various parts of Italy and Europe. Of particular note is La Sirena, placed 12 meters deep inside a cave on the Isola della Vacca. Here, on the last Sunday in July, the anniversary is celebrated with a procession of boats. In tribute to the Siren, a laurel wreath is laid. Maestro Gianni Salidu is, likewise, known worldwide for his original Nativity scenes. Pinella Bullegas learns the art of weaving from her grandmother and, in particular, from her Aunt Tullia, from whom she inherits the knowledge of weaving and pattern composition. From her grandfather Bullegas she inherited the workshop, originally Su magazinu de su binu (the wine warehouse). She worked for Knight Badas and The Architect Tavolara, who helped promote Pinella’s textile art and artifacts at regional and national fairs. For more than four decades, Master Salidu and Pinella’s Workshop of the Arts has been available to those who want to admire the fine pibbionis (acini) carpet work and sculptures created by their skilled hands.
In the 2014 edition of Monumenti Aperti, the Ancient Workshop of Arts and Knowledge was enriched by the works of four local painters: Bruno Piga, Antonello Calabrò, Gianni Mannai and Pino Piras.
