Elena Arienti

Born in Carate Brianza (Monza Brianza, Italy) in 1957, Elena Arienti trained in the art of lace making at the vocational institute of the Municipality of Cantù from 1990 to1993, taking specialist lace-making courses organised by Lombardy Region.

Embroidery and Lace

Since then her life has revolved around the craft, learning new techniques and teaching her know-how. Her endeavours to spread awareness and appreciation for the art of lace making have helped pass on the skills of the craft and have earned her applause for her great talent, especially in the art of bobbin lace.

She has taught at the vocational evening school of Carate and the Department of Social Services. She has also ran numerous courses for the Committee for the Promotion of Cantù Lace, the Association for Lace Artistry and the Enaip Lombardy Foundation in Cantù.

Alongside her training work, she also holds amateur lace-making courses in cultural centres across northern Italy and at Il Giardino dei Punti in Milan.

Awards and Honours

  • 1998
    VIII Biennale of Sansepolcro, silver medal for “Lace as Poetry”.
  • 2003
    International competition for a bobbin lace project, second place in the “tradition” category.
  • 2009
    International competition for a bobbin lace project, second place in the “innovation” category.