NGA Sharing Images Exhibit and CiaoDC's Chat with Curator

Listen to CiaoDC Spring Chat with NGA's Latest Exhibit: Sharing Images; Renaissance Prints into Maiolica and Bronze with Assistant Curator, Jamie Gabbarelli here.

Enjoy a fresh new Italian exhibit at the National Gallery of art, dubbed Sharing Images; Renaissance into Maoilica and Bronze Prints, going on now until August 5, 2018.  The first exhibition of its kind in the United States, Sharing Images brings together some 90 objects to highlight the impact of Renaissance prints on maiolica and bronze plaquettes.  Arranged chronologically, this exhibition is inspired by the aquisition of the William A. Clark maiolica collection from the corcoran gallery of art and draws largely on the gallery's newly expanded holdings of early Italian prints.  Featured artists include Andrea Mantegna, Antonio del Pollaiuolo, Raphael, Michelangelo, Parmigianino, and German artist Albreht Durer.

Ceramista at Via Umbria showcasing his latest art.

Looking to aquire your own italian ceramics? Shop the NGA gift shop.  These pieces of art  were shipped directly from Italy for this exhibit.  If you are looking for a more intimate setting to enjoy your Italian ceramics, visit Via Umbria in Georgetown for handcrafted, hand-painted local pottery. 

Ceramic painting classes are also offered in the art studio of Via Umbria.

Sharing Images willbe open for viewing on the ground floor of the West Building from April 1 through August5, 2018.

“From Venice to the World:” I Solisti Veneti Performance at the Italian Embassy

The Italian Embassy is hosting a performance of Claudio Scimone’s famous chamber orchestra, I Solisti Veneti, on April 25th at 6pm.  The event will be followed by a light reception.  

I Solisti Veneti, first performed in 1959, is widely considered the most famous modern Italian chamber orchestra.  59 years after its release, the orchestra has performed in over 90 countries and won numerous awards of international recognition. 

published by ciaodc contributor maria regina

ciaodc chats with anita mcbride and live event at via umbria

Enjoy a special presentation dubbed ‘’ First Ladies Throughout History,'’ featuring Anita Bevaqua Mcbride, Executive in Residence School of Public Affairs at American University, followed by dinner at Via Umbria hosted by the Washington, DC Region of the National Organization of Italian American Women on Thursday, March 8, 2018, 6;30 pm in Washington, DC.

First Ladies throughout our history have exercised leadership on a variety of issues by bringing their own interests and experiences to this unique role. First Ladies have fulfilled their public duties as spouse and hostess and have had an active role to play as domestic policy advocate, political confidante and global diplomat.

listen to ciaodc's chat with anita here and her incredible journey through the white house.

A 2012 Wise Woman honoree of the Washington, DC Region, Ms. McBride directs programming and national conferences on the legacies of America's first ladies and their historical influence on politics, policy and global diplomacy at the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies at the School of Public Policy at American University. 



Thursday, March 8, 2018, 6:30 pm 
Via Umbria
1525 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20007

Via Umbria will be providing tasty appetizers. 
Prosecco and Spritzers—$5 per glass
Members: Free; Non Members: $10.00 per person
Space is limited. 
RSVP here.  T: 212-642-2003 | F: 212-642-2006 | E: noiaw@noiaw.org

Heavenly Earth: Images of Saint Francis at La Verna at The National Gallery of Art

Enjoy Heavenly Earth: Images of Saint Francis at La Verna February 25, 2018 - July 8, 2018 at The National Gallery of Art, west building, ground floor, Gallery 22

This stunning exhibition brings the beloved Saint Francis of Assisi to light exploring one of the most innovative Italian books of the early baroque period, the Descrizione del Sacro Monte della Vernia, published in 1612 showcasing the experiences of Saint Francis and the buildings of the Franciscan community at La Verna. Drawing from the Gallery's rich holdings of works with Franciscan imagery, Heavenly Earth: Images of Saint Francis at La Verna contextualizes this publication alongside some 30 traditional representations from the late 15th through the mid-18th century.  Experience what Saint Francis of Assisi describes as ‘the perfect joy’ through these rare Franciscan images. 

Italian cinema lovers will be thrilled to know that in honor of this exhibit, NGA will host an Italian Film Marathon devoted to Saint Francis of Assisi on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018.  More information on film festival. the exhibition is curated by Ginger Hammer, Assistant Curator of Department of Old Master Prints at The National Gallery of Art.

Listen to Ciaodc’s chat withGinger Hammer, Assistant Curator of Department of Old Master Prints at The NationalGallery of Art.

Forest-to-Table Is All the Buzz at this Falls Food Forest Feast

I entered an enchanting forest yesterday, well actually it was a"forest garden," located in my hometown Bowie, MD.  Curious about all the buzz, I entered without fear of the unknowm. After all, acclaimed Chef Micheal Costa of Penn Quarter's Zatinya had just graced this garden the evening prior at the annual Food Forest Feast.  This unique annual event is held by Forested, LLC and is held as a forest-to-table tasting event featuring dishes created by Chef Costa from the forest garden's ecosystem.  Acorn breads, fruits, flowers, spices, nuts, mushrooms and vegetables are some of the treasures found on the menu.

Chef Micheal Costa preparing
 "chicken" (mushroom) for the Forest Feast.

Upon arrival, I was offered a tasting of exquisite leafy appetizers. One more decadent than the other - a delicious acorn based cracker that could double as a light dessert.  After a few bites I ventured off on the forest garden tour given by
Soil Ecologist/Instructor, Ben Friton. Groups of lemon balm and citronella plants welcomed us deeper into the woods of natures symbiotic placement of plants and trees.  Ben explained the encouragement of pests when the same plant is planted side by side for an extended length.  Nature wants diversity in its garden and insects want their needs met.  Ben showed me soil so rich in nutrients it was obvious that this forest garden was a sort of utopia for living organisms.  Nothing forced, everything in harmony just as nature meant for it to be.


The tasting menu continued with mushrooms, greens and duck egg pate.  Dessert ended with acorn cookie crumbs, ice cream, acorn bread and an edible passion flower that made my mouth smile the whole way home.

I know one thing for sure, I will not be missing the next Food Forest Feast slated for Springtime in this magical forest garden.  And you won't want to miss it either.  Check out more about Forested, LLC for events, tours, classes, CSA and more! 

La Bella Strada - An Italian Street Painting Festival in Del Ray!

Join local artists in an Italian art form that will come to life dubbed "La Bella Strada," Del Ray's Annual Street Painting Festival Saturday, May 13, 2017, Mt. Vernon Ave., 9-3, FREE. Watch Mt Vernon Avenue come to life as artists, sponsored by local businesses create vibrant, large-scale chalk paintings directly on the sidewalk!

La Bella Strada is a modern street painting festival that originates from an ancient Italian art form. This unique event takes place along Mt. Vernon Avenue throughout the day on Saturday, May 13, 2017​. The festival brings artists, energetic volunteers, and local businesses together to enliven our cottage neighborhood with vibrant colors, crowd-drawing masterpieces, and a one-of-a-kind experience of witnessing the creation of large-scale chalk paintings directly on the sidewalks. Similar festivals have successfully brought splendor and visibility to communities around the world. La Bella Strada in Del Ray will also feature a Casa de Bambini (“Children’s House”) area to provide a space for young artists to create a collective chalk masterpiece of their own, as well as designated sidewalk squares where families and individuals can participate in making their own colorful work of art. Come and celebrate Italia in Mt. Vernon this Mothers Day Weekend!

La Bella Strada
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Mt. Vernon Ave
9 am - 3 pm
FREE

Next stop, Alta Strada! Everything. Italian. Please!

Inspired by the storefront's of Italy, Alta Strada's colorful bar transports diners to
Italy with one sip of crafted cocktails.

Cibo e Beve!  Want a cozy spot to dine out that's just as Italian as it is American?  Take a bite outta Mosaic District's hottest urban trattoria, Alta Strada. Now serving brunch, lunch and dinner Italian style from Nutella topped french toast and eggplant parmigiano to thin-crusted pizza, house-made pasta and that's just the beginning.

A rustic elegance embraces you at Alta Strada from the ornate chandeliers and exposed brick to the antipasto rimmed bloody mary.

Brooklyn Born, Star Chef/Owner Michael Schlow has perfected his vision of the "ultimate neighborhood restaurant," now located in the DMV in Washington, D.C. at Mt. Vernon Triangle and Fairfax, VA in the hip Mosaic District.  Schlow's culinary inspiration echos his travels of Piemonte, Toscana, Emilia Romagna and Campania.  Enjoy rustic Italian flavors from design to cuisine at Alta Strada.  Buon Appetito! Locations here.