Andrea Bacigalupa describes himself as a fourth-generation totally assimilated Italo-American with an abiding love of Italy. In the process of researching and re-claiming his Italian heritage, he has spent a lifetime traveling, sculpting, painting and writing. In 1956 Andrea and his wife Ellen founded the oldest studio-gallery on Santa Fe's famed Canyon Road.

With Antonio Fiorentino, Director of International Relations for Sorrento, Italy, Andrea co-founded the Santa Fe/ Sorrento Sister City Association in 1992, resulting in on-going cultural exchanges between the two cities.

A talented and prolific writer, Andrea has published novels and written numerous articles and newspaper columns offering personal insights into his extensive travels and life experiences. Coffeebreak Journal, published last month, is a collection of his widely popular essays originally published as a weekly column in the Santa Fe New Mexican in the 1970s. Provocative and insightful, these are "the contemplations of a wise, honest and tolerant mind. You live in a better world after reading this," wrote New Mexico Magazine's Fern Lyon.

The book from one of New Mexico's most renowned Italian Americans is available from Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Coffeebreak-Journal-Drew-Bacigalupa/dp/1497494125 at a special introductory price.

Source: Italy in New Mexico