The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere presents: "Leading Ladies of The Renaissance" on Tuesday, October 23rd @ 7:00 PM. A Presentation and Book Signing with author, Carla Gambescia - 79 Howard Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301. Discover the lives and legacies of the Italy's “Renaissance Women” as well as those of several unheralded Italian women who inspired Botticelli, Raphael and Michelangelo and some of the greatest artwork of all time. This special entertaining program is for anyone in amore with Italy and its remarkable art treasures.

Carla Gambescia author of La Dolce Vita University: An Unconventional Guide to Italian Culture from A-Z – a unique lifestyle compendium of all things Italian: food, wine, history, architecture, art, style, anecdotes, attitude – will be our guide as we learn the stories of women such as Artemisia Gentileschi and Isabella D’Este whose lives and accomplishments can still inspire us today and gain new perspectives on some of the Renaissance’s most beloved paintings.

Carla’s passion for Italy began early: with her mother’s love of the Renaissance masters and her father’s discourses on Italian geniuses of every calling. In the ensuing decades, she’s written about and toured every region of Italy on foot or by bicycle. Carla conceived and co-led the Giro del Gelato bicycle tour which won Outside magazine’s “Best Trip in Western Europe” and for nearly a decade owned and operated Via Vanti! Restaurant & Gelateria in Mount Kisco, New York. Via Vanti! won plaudits for its innovative Italian cuisine, extraordinary gelato (named “Best Gelato Shop in New York”) and on-going program of culinary and cultural events. La Dolce Vita University: An Unconventional Insider’s Guide to Italian Culture (www.LaDolceVitaU.com) is the natural outgrowth of her work in the restaurant and boutique travel industries, as well as a lifelong love affair with the land of her ancestors.

Suggested Program Donation: MEMBERS: $15 per person. NON-MEMBERS: $20 per person (cash, check or credit cards accepted). Copies of Carla's books will be available for sale and signing. Q & A and a light reception with refreshments will follow. Kindly RSVP in advance. Call 718-273-7660 or E-Mail [email protected] Additional parking available in the lots located directly across the street at Notre Dame Academy.