An artist is living La Dolce Vita after getting the chance to put Farnham in the international frame.

Cristina Lorenzet enjoyed a brush with Farnham’s civic and cultural elite after being confirmed as the town’s artist-in-residence for 2025 on Wednesday, February 12.

The appointment ties-in with Farnham’s designation as a World Craft Town with the artist-in-residence programme being a five-year commitment to build links with counterparts around the world.

The Italian-born artist spoke of her pride during the ceremony in the town hall with only the great British weather getting the thumbs-down.

She said: “I’m excited and overwhelmed by the support gathered here today.

“I want to thank everyone for being so welcoming. “Everyone is so friendly, the only bad thing is the weather has been bad.”

A drinks reception was held to welcome Cristina, who has been based in London since graduating from City Lit College in 2017.

Town mayor, councillor Brodie Mauluka, was excited to welcome Cristina with representatives from the UCA, Farnham Maltings, Craft Town and the town’s cultural scene in attendance.

He said: “We support all creatives here in Farnham and we are blessed to have Cristina as our artist in residence for 2025.

“Cristina is originally from Italy so it is great to welcome people from all over the world to Farnham.”

Dame Magdalene Odundo, Farnham’s World Craft Town patron and ceramic artist, also welcomed Cristina before being nudged into making a speech.

Cristina will be staying with Heidi Teague during her tenure and working with the facilities at UCA and other arts venues across the town.

Cristina’s ceramic art often takes inspiration from her surroundings and she has already come up with a few ideas of materials to use.

She said: “I love the red bricks in Farnham and have already started to work with red clay.”