The Italian Cultural Foundation

Young DaVinci’s Kids Art Program
2025-11-18 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-11-04 15:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Casa Belvedere, 79 Howard Avenue, Staten Island, NY, 10301, United States
Young DaVinci’s Kids Art Program, for children ages 6 to 12
Six Tuesdays from Tuesday, Nov. 4th through Dec. 16 th
3:30 – 5:00 PM in the Galleria
$200 members, $250 non-members

The popular Young da Vinci’s Art Academy for children ages 6 to 12 returns to Casa Belvedere for an all-new fall session! Immerse your child in the many wonderful aspects of Italian artisanship. Children will create art projects that will later be displayed in a cumulation Art Show.

Week 1: The Power of Light & Shadow – Charcoal Drawing
Students will explore chiaroscuro, Da Vinci’s dramatic use of light and dark, in a charcoal drawing of a hand, face, or still life. They will practice shading, blending, and capturing form with bold contrast.
Week 2: Portraits of Genius
*New students will paint their own Mona Lisa–inspired portrait, capturing her mysterious smile. *Returning students will create a Renaissance Mash-Up, blending characters and scenes into imaginative portraits.
Week 3: The Wall & The Sky
Students will create a mini fresco on wood panels, learning how Renaissance artists painted directly into wet plaster. They will paint imaginative Da Vinci skies, filled with birds, clouds, and flying machines.
Week 4: Drawing Water with Energy
Using watercolor, students will study how water moves—waves, rivers, and splashes—and capture its energy on paper. They will learn techniques for flow, movement, and blending to mimic the power of nature.
Week 5: Invention Workshop – Da Vinci’s Self-Propelled Car
Inspired by Leonardo’s sketches, students will design and build their own mini-Renaissance car powered by rubber bands. They will learn about wheels, axles, propulsion, and design while adding creative decorations.
Week 6: Art Show!

Register here!

Adult Cooking Class
2025-11-17 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-03 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-27 19:00 - 21:00
Adult and children’s cooking classes are held on Mondays and select Tuesdays.
Children classes meet from 4 to 5 pm. Adult classes meet from 7 to 9 pm.
All cooking classes are held in Cucina Colavita, a custom teaching kitchen.
Classes are led by Kim Leo, chef and owner of Kim’s Kitchen & Catering by Kim Cooks, and a licensed food handler.
Each person participates in hands-on cooking!
Everyone will taste the recipe created by Chef Kim.
Then, after cooking your own dish, you take it home with you!
Class sizes are limited. If your desired class is sold out,
add your name to the wait list as more classes may become available.
Call the Foundation office at 718-273-7660.
Culinary Program Cancellation Policy:
There are no refunds for cancellations or no-shows.
Credits for future programs will be issued only if you cancel 48 hours prior to your registered program.
To cancel your registration, call the Foundation office at 718-273-7660.
Please note that Casa Belvedere’s cooking class prices have increased due to the rising cost of food supplies
Register Here!

Yoga
2025-11-17 18:30 - 19:30, 2025-11-10 18:30 - 19:30, 2025-11-03 18:30 - 19:30, 2025-10-27 18:30 - 19:30, 2025-10-20 18:30 - 19:30
FITNESS AT CASA BELVEDERE
Monday at 6:30pm-7:30pm
$20.00 members/$25.00 nonmembers
Age 14 and up
Register Here!

Adult Language Class
2025-11-17 16:30 - 21:00, 2025-11-10 16:30 - 21:00, 2025-11-03 16:30 - 21:00, 2025-10-27 16:30 - 21:00, 2025-10-20 16:30 - 21:00
FALL SESSION
Classes run 8 weeks • Oct. 20 – Dec. 8
$275 members, $300 non-members
Monday • 7:00-8:00 pm Beginner Adult
A full-immersion cultural and language program designed to develop communication skills in Italian. The course introduces the basics of grammar, from definite and indefinite articles to regular and irregular verbs in the present tense, as well as idiomatic expressions and adjectives. Students will also practice listening, reading and comprehension through music, songs, articles and short texts, building vocabulary and improving pronunciation. Together, these essential elements will provide the foundation needed to communicate effectively and engage comfortably in everyday Italian conversations.

Monday • 5:45-6:45 pm Intermediate Adult
This cultural and language program is designed for students who have completed the first semester of Italian or for those who simply wish to expand their knowledge and skills in speaking the language. The course will focus on intermediate grammar, including simple and articulated prepositions as well as regular and irregular verbs in the past tense. In addition, students will practice listening, conversation, reading and comprehension through music, songs, articles, and short texts. The program aims to build vocabulary, strengthen pronunciation, and provide all the essential tools needed to communicate, discuss, and express oneself confidently in Italian.

Monday • 4:30-5:30 Advanced Adult
This cultural and language program is designed for students who have completed the second semester of Italian- or anyone eager to take their Italian to the next level. Together, we’ll dive into advanced grammar, from mastering tricky pronouns to working with regular and irregular verbs in the future and conditional tenses. But besides grammar it will focus on conversation, reading, listening, and comprehension. Through music, videos, and engaging texts, you’ll expand your vocabulary, sharpen your grammar, and gain confidence in your pronunciation while experiencing the richness of Italian language and culture.

Register here!

Children's Cooking Class
2025-11-17 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-03 16:00 - 17:00

Pilates
2025-11-08 09:30 - 10:30
FITNESS AT CASA BELVEDERE

If paying cash at the door per class: $20 members / $25 nonmembers
Saturdays 9:30-10:30am

Pilates works to tone, stretch and elongate the muscles through focused alignment, coordinated breathing, and stability. Pilates is a low-impact class for all levels.

Mat class: Personal mat recommended. No equipment required.
Prior registration is strongly encouraged. Although drop-ins are welcome to pay at the door, the class may be canceled if we do not have enough registered participants.
Register Here!

Sit & Stretch
2025-11-07 10:00 - 11:30
Casa’s Coffee Club for Seniors
Sit & Stretch
Friday, November 7 from 10 to 11:30 am
The Galleria
Free for members, $10 donation non-members

“Revitalize Your Body and Mind with Sit & Stretch Senior Class!”

Join us for a gentle yet invigorating Sit & Stretch session tailored to enhance flexibility, improve mobility, and promote overall well-being. Led by experienced instructor Audrey Urcia, this class offers a perfect blend of seated exercises and gentle stretches, ensuring accessibility for all fitness levels. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to fitness, our welcoming environment encourages you to move at your own pace, to help you feel empowered!

After the class, treat yourself to coffee, tea, and biscotti. Weather permitting, you’ll be able enjoy these refreshments on our scenic balcony overlooking the Verrazzano Narrows, surrounded by nature’s tranquility and the company of fellow participants.

Don’t miss this opportunity to prioritize self-care and connect with fellow seniors in a supportive and uplifting atmosphere. Your path to a healthier, happier you awaits!

Register Here!

La Dolce Lettura Book Club
2025-11-05 19:00 - 20:30
La Dolce Lettura Book Club – The Doorman by Chris Pavone

Wednesday, November 5
7 to 8:30 PM
The Galleria
$0 Members, $10 Non-Members

Join us for an evening of lively discussion as we dive into The Doorman, the newest thriller from bestselling author Chris Pavone. Set between the sleek streets of Manhattan and the shadows of international intrigue, this gripping novel explores secrets, deception, and the hidden lives behind closed doors. With Pavone’s signature twists and sophisticated storytelling, The Doorman will keep you turning pages—and guessing—until the very end.

Come share your thoughts, theories, and favorite moments as we unpack this smart and suspenseful read together at Casa Belvedere!

Register Now!

Bilingual Garden • Parent & Me Italian
2025-10-28 12:30 - 13:15, 2025-10-21 12:30 - 13:15, 2025-10-14 12:30 - 13:15
Bilingual Garden • Parent & Me Italian

Tuesday, Oct. 7th four weeks ending on Tuesday, Oct. 28th
9:45 am-10:30
Admission/Donation: $170.00 members/$200.00 nonmembers

For children ages 0 to 3 with parent or guardian

There’s something truly magical happening at The Bilingual Garden NY. Rooted in love, language, and early childhood development, this unique program was created by speech-language pathologists who believe that children learn best through play, connection, and culture. Their Italian immersion class is more than just a class—it’s an experience. Ms. Gabriella brings her heritage to life through music, storytelling, pretend play, and hands-on discovery. Each week feels like stepping into a little piece of Italy—where language blooms, friendships grow, and culture is celebrated with every song and smile. If you’re looking for something truly special for your child, The Bilingual Garden at Casa is where the magic begins. ✨🇮🇹🌼

Register Here!

Halloween Cookie Decorating • Children Class
2025-10-27 16:00 - 17:00
Monday,October 27 at 4pm
Decorating Halloween Cookies

Register Here!

La Dolce Lettura Book Club
2025-10-22 19:00 - 20:30
La Dolce Lettura Book Club – Seeds of the Pomegranate by Suzanne Uttaro Samuels, featuring an in-person visit from the author!

Wednesday, October 22, 2025
7 to 8:30 PM
The Galleria
$0 Members, $10 Non-Members

Join us at Casa Belvedere for an engaging evening with author Suzanne Uttaro Samuels as she presents her novel Seeds of the Pomegranate. Rich with history and heart, the story explores themes of family, tradition, resilience, and the complexities of identity across generations. Samuels will share her inspiration for the book, read select passages, and take part in a lively discussion with attendees.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the author, gain insight into her creative process, and celebrate the power of storytelling in a beautiful cultural setting.

Generative: Writing Memories of “Nature”: Part II (you need not have attended Part I)
2025-10-18 10:00 - 12:00
Writing Your Memories Fall Edition: Monthly Virtual Writing Workshop with author Maria Giura

Generative: Writing Memories of “Nature”: Part II (you need not have attended Part I)

Saturday, October 18, 2025
10 am to noon via Zoom
$20 Members, $30 Non-Members

Whether you consider yourself a city or country person, a mountain or beach person—or somewhere in between—join us for this writing workshop that will help you unearth memories that center around the various meanings of the word “nature.” We’ll read together short, vibrant excerpts on the topic, some written by Italian American authors, and then you’ll be given prompts to write your own original piece. You’ll leave this workshop with concrete suggestions to get you closer to the truth of your own stories.

No experience necessary: just notebook, pen, and a desire to record the past.

(And don’t miss our other two Fall Writing Workshops: Sept 20, which is also generative—you’ll write new material–and Nov. 22 which is revision)

Casa’s Coffee Club for Seniors: Beginner Bocce
2025-10-17 10:00 - 11:30
Casa’s Coffee Club for Seniors: Beginner Bocce

Friday, October 17, 2025 • 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Free for members, $10 donation for non-members

Join us for a delightful morning of bocce, a sport beloved by Italians and Italian Americans of all ages! Whether you’re a senior who’s a seasoned player or completely new to the game, this instructional event is perfect for all skill levels. Bocce is a leisurely yet engaging game that promotes socialization, friendly competition, and light exercise, all in the beautiful outdoors.

Register Here!
