Our story: from paint shop to fine art shop
Behind the L'Artistica name lies over a hundred years of history, family tradition, and profound technical evolution. Founded in 1924 as a small paint shop specializing in varnishes and enamels, our business has evolved over the course of three generations, anticipating the needs of the city's artists, professionals, and enthusiasts. Through handovers, business insights, and strategic relocations, we have become the go-to place for fine arts and stationery in Catania. Today, driven by the same passion as our origins, we continue to combine our longstanding experience with the pursuit of the finest materials on the market, offering each client unique advice and tools capable of bringing any creative project to life.
1924 – The Origin: Agatino Testa founds the Colorificio
The adventure of "L'Artistica" began way back in 1924, when Agatino Testa, driven by his innate passion, founded "Colorificio Testa" on Via Gemmellaro. Specializing in the sale of enamels, paints, and varnishes, the paint shop was founded under the watchful eye and guidance of Agatino, assisted by his son Santo, who would become a key figure in the subsequent evolution of the business.
1953 – A New Chapter: Santo Testa Opens a Second Business
After gaining valuable experience working alongside his father, Santo Testa decided to take on a new challenge by opening a second business in Catania, on Via Pacini. Here, he continued working in the enamel and paint sector, carrying on the family tradition with passion and dedication.
1960 – Art Moves: Artistica is Born
The decade of change came in 1960, when Santo, supported by his wife Rosa, moved the store to a more central location in the city, specifically on Via Umberto. Thus was born "L'Artistica," a place where creativity found expression through products still unexplored in Catania and the South. The range of items expanded, embracing new artistic techniques and materials.
1970 – Piazza Ettore Majorana: Art Gains Popularity
1970 marked a significant turning point with the move of "L'Artistica"'s headquarters to Piazza Vittorio Emanuele III, now known as Piazza Ettore Majorana. The new, more spacious and central location allowed Santo to further expand the variety of products offered, increasing the store's popularity.
1993 – The Passing of the Relay: After Santo, the Sons Continue
After Santo's passing in 1993, his artistic and entrepreneurial legacy was entrusted to his two sons, Marco and Giuseppe. Marco dedicated himself to running the colored stone mosaic factory, while Giuseppe handled supplier contacts and market research, ensuring the continuity of the business.
Today – A Future Rooted in the Past: Giuseppe Testa Continues His Work
Today, "L'Artistica" remains an icon in Catania thanks to the dedication of Giuseppe and his wife Elisabetta. The tradition of offering a wide range of stationery and fine art products continues to thrive, maintaining the store as a reference point for art lovers. Supported by a dedicated team of sales staff, Giuseppe and Elisabetta passionately continue the historic legacy, continuing to meet the needs of their loyal clientele.
