Olga Fontana. Creative instructor

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Born in Moscow (1981) and based in the heart of Florence since 2003, I am a designer and educator driven by a global perspective. My professional foundation was built in Ankara, Turkey, where I specialized in foreign languages before earning an Honors Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design from the prestigious Middle East Technical University (METU) in 2003.

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My early career was defined by a diverse range of technical and artistic challenges—from designing heavy machinery at PI Makina to creating 3D animations for TRT (Turkish Radio Television) and curating contemporary Russian art layouts at Gallery Katya.

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In 2004, after relocating to Italy, I received a High Honor Master’s degree in Interior Design. Since then, I have dedicated two decades (2004–2024) to the Florence Design Academy as an instructor. My expertise spans Industrial Design, Rhinoceros 3D, Furniture Design, Sketching and Prototyping. Beyond the classroom, I was a member of the Association of Industrial Designers (ADI). In the past years I lead international workshops and conduct classes both online and on site.

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I believe in technical rigor, but I also believe in the power of the stage. As a resident actress with the International Theatre Centre (CTI), I bring a unique, performative energy to my work, encouraging my students not just to design, but to think outside the box.

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Exhibitions:

• October 2025 - 35th "City of Florence" Award (Photography) 2nd Place / Runner-up (Parterre, Florence)

• October 2025 - Solo photography exhibition (Spazio CTI, Florence)

• June 2025 - Group photography exhibition (Sala Toniolo, Fiesole)

• November 2024 - Group photography exhibition (Biblioteca di Villa Bardini, Florence)

• March 2011 - Solo photography exhibition (Libreria Cuculia, Florence)

• September 2010 - Solophotography exhibition (I Rinascimenti, Florence)

• February 2009 - Furniture exhibition Expocasa (Turin)

• November 2006 - Photography exhibition (Società Mutuo Soccorso, Bagno a Ripoli)

• July 2006 - Photography exhibition (Associazione Culturale, Mondeggi)

• April 2006 - Salone Internazionale del Mobile di Milano / Salone Satellite 2006 (Milan)

• May 2003 - Ceramic exhibition (SeramiK, Ankara)

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Publications:

• December 2008 - “Viaggio in Italia” Edizione Cina 2009 / Italy

• July 2008- Photography Vibes / USA

• January 2008 - Designer Report 08 / Italy

• February 2007 - Modern Home / Hong Kong

• January 2007 - Designer Report 07 / Italy

• January 2007 - ELLE Decor / Italy