Close to the Frari Church, the Atelier La Bauta is one of the few Venetian workshops producing traditional papier-mâché masks following the ancient method of the traditional Venetian mascareri. The masks are entirely handmade, and decorated with various techniques and materials, such as stucco, gold and silver leaf, acrylic colours, decoupage, bitumen, macramé, pearls, trimmings, and natural feathers. La Bauta was founded and is run by Armando Bala and Arnisa Culaj – a couple in life and art.
In 20 years, the atelier has produced over 500 models, ranging from typical Venetian masks such as the 'bauta' from which they take their name, to the Commedia dell’Arte characters, to contemporary creations. They also produce by hand a wide choice of historical costumes and accessories, after philological studies. Official partner of the Venice Carnival, La Bauta has collaborated with Netflix (on Rednotice, The Law According to Lidia Poët, and the upcoming Lift), Disney for the 30th anniversary of Beauty and the Beast, the movie production House of Gucci, and Houston Grand Opera for Gounod's Romeo and Juliet.
La Bauta
