The Italian Cultural Foundation

Children’s Art Classes
2025-07-14 14:30 - 15:45 (America/New_York) | Casa Belvedere, 79 Howard Avenue, Staten Island, NY, 10301, United States
Art with Lauren at Casa
For children ages 5 to 12
$45 members, $65 non-members

Monday, July 14 from 2:30 to 3:45 pm: Sea Creatures Watercolor Painting
Explore the ocean by painting colorful sea creatures with watercolors.

Register Here!

Yoga, Meditation and Mocktails
2025-07-12 11:00 - 12:30
Health & Wellness • Meditation, Yoga & Mocktails
Saturday, July 12 • 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

Back by popular demand! Experience a guided meditation and series of breath-work to cultivate inner peace, flow through Pilates/yoga movement, deep relaxation during a hands-on savasana (restorative pose) with lavender essential oil, and conclude with a hydrating and healthy refreshing mocktail.

Register Here!

Casa’s Coffee Club for Seniors: Beginner Bocce
2025-07-11 10:00 - 11:30
Casa’s Coffee Club for Seniors: Beginner Bocce
Friday, July 11 from 10 to 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!

Qi-Yoga Flow
2025-07-10 08:30 - 09:30
FITNESS AT CASA BELVEDERE

If paying cash at the door per class: $20 members / $25 nonmembers
Are you searching for help with sleep and relaxation? Casa Belvedere invites you to try Qi-Yoga Flow, a hybrid class that combines the ancient healing practice of Qi Gong with Yoga. Qi gong is over 8,000 years old. This class is a moving meditation that combines gentle movements, breathing techniques, visualization, and intention to promote vitality, longevity and wellness.

Qi Gong (pronounced “chee-gong”) has been used to promote and restore health for thousands of years. It has been referred to as “the world’s oldest healthcare system.”
This class is for all levels. It’s great for anyone wanting help with sleep and relaxation while still bringing strengthening poses to their practice. Personal mat recommended. Wear comfortable clothing.
Come and move some energy with us!

Mat class: Personal mat recommended. No equipment required.

Register Here!

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.

Cinema Sotto le Stelle • La vita è bella – Life is Beautiful
2025-07-08 19:00 - 21:00
Cinema Sotto Le Stelle – La vita è bella – Life is Beautiful
Tuesday, July 8. Gate opens 8 pm, movie at sunset.
Free for members, $10 suggested donation for nonmembers

Join us for an evening under the stars as we present Roberto Benigni’s Academy Award-winning masterpiece, La Vita è Bella (Life is Beautiful).

Set against the backdrop of World War II, this unforgettable film tells the story of Guido, a joyful and witty man who uses humor, imagination, and unwavering love to protect his young son from the horrors of a concentration camp and a world at war. A poignant blend of laughter and heartbreak, La Vita è Bella is a celebration of the human spirit and the lengths we go to for those we love.
Note: This movie is presented in Italian with English subtitles.

Register Here!

Art Technique for Beginners
2025-07-07 02:30 - 16:00, 2025-06-30 02:30 - 16:00, 2025-06-23 02:30 - 16:00, 2025-06-16 02:30 - 16:00
Drawing in Color six-week art program for adults
Six Mondays, June 2 to July 7
2:30 to 4 pm in The Verrazzano Room
$165 members / $180 non-members

“Drawing in Color” approaches the topic of enjoying and producing art using techniques, using pencil, pen, graphite and watercolor pencil. The classes will present practical techniques to produce quality, color artwork for all levels of artistic talent – or even those with none at all! Lessons will combine hands-on technique with informational videos and slideshows. Students can expect one-on-one instruction as part of the course.
About the classes:

The first lecture is an introduction/review of drawing and rendering techniques introduced in the first course of this progressive series (last fall). Those returning will be given refresher exercises. Newcomers will learn our quick and easy starting procedures.
The second lecture will introduce the use of new materials (i.e., watercolor paper, watercolor pencils, graphite, and more), and lessons to begin your use of them.
The third lecture will begin individual projects. Subject matter will be chosen by the students and reviewed by the instructor. Each proposed project will be evaluated individually, and specific tips and instructions will be provided.
The fourth lecture will check the progress of each project, introduce advanced techniques and materials.
The fifth lecture will be an enhanced version of the fourth with advanced instruction in finishing and preparing for presentation.
The sixth and final lecture will be a brief review of the artistic journey, an open review of each student’s project and a discussion as to courses to follow.

Other techniques will be introduced, (acrylic painting, watercolor, field expeditions, etc.). The syllabus for a future series of classes will be discussed. A review of the series will be concluded with a group discussion and display.

Register Here!

La Dolce Lettura • Book Club at Casa Belvedere
2025-07-02 19:00 - 20:30
La Dolce Lettura Book Club
The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier
Wednesday, July 2 from 7 to 8:30 pm in The Galleria
Free for members, $10 Non-members

Welcome to Casa Belvedere’s “Sweet Reading” Book Club! This month, we’re thrilled to explore The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier.

The Glassmaker follows a family of glassmakers on the Venetian island of Murano over several centuries. The story centers on Orsola Rosso, a woman who defies expectations by crafting glass beads in secret to support her family. The narrative jumps through time, depicting the family’s experiences against the backdrop of Venice’s changing history, from its height as a trading center to the modern era.

Register Here!

Crocheting Project: Hexagon Cardigan
2025-06-30 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-06-23 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-06-16 18:00 - 19:30
Crocheting Project: Hexagon Cardigan
A four-week mini session: Monday, June 9 through Monday, June 30
6 to 7:30 pm in Bacco
$110 members, $125 non-members

This special four-week crochet course for adventurous beginners or intermediate crocheters. Students will craft a Hexagon Cardigan, a popular crochet project made by creating two large hexagons and folding them into the shape of a sweater. This design is beloved for its simplicity and visual interest. The hexagons form the sleeves and body simultaneously, which means minimal shaping and seaming.
Here’s a list of basic crochet stitches you’ll typically need:

Chain (ch): Used to start the project and create spaces between clusters.
Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining rounds or finishing edges.
Double Crochet (dc): The most common stitch for building the hexagon (in US terms).
Treble Crochet (tr) (optional): Sometimes used for lacier or larger hex designs.
Half Double Crochet (hdc) or Single Crochet (sc): Often used for borders, cuffs, or ribbing.
Magic Loop for the beginning of the Hexagon

Materials: The Hexagon Cardigan is a great stash buster, and very versatile. You can use light weight, medium weight or bulky yarn. The pictures show medium weight yarn. You will also need the appropriate hook for your yarn, a scissor, and a large eye needle for seaming.

Register Here!

Pilates
2025-06-28 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-06-21 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!

Tombola Game Night
2025-06-24 18:30 - 21:00
Tombola Game Night
Tuesday, June 24 from 6:30 to 9 PM in the Galleria
Free for members, $10 donation for non-members. Tombola cards must be purchased for each round at $3 each.

Beatrice Alecci returns to lead another fun evening of Tombola at Casa Belvedere! Snacks, drinks will be available for purchase – cash preferred. Tombola is a game that originated in Southern Italy. Similar to bingo, the game is fun to play, easy to learn, and appropriate for all ages. The game begins when the person holding the cartellone (big board) takes numbers out of the sack one at a time, calling them loudly, placing them on their box in the cartellone, and leaving time for players to mark the number on their card/s. In order to win, players must have one of the following:

AMBO - 2 numbers on the same row
TERNO - 3 numbers on the same row
QUATERNA - 4 numbers on the same row
CINQUINA - 5 numbers on the same row
TOMBOLA - all numbers on the card

Each game ends when all 90 numbers are drawn or when a Tombola winner is declared, whichever comes first.

Register Here!

Adult Cooking Class
2025-06-23 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
2025-06-23 18:30 - 19:30, 2025-06-16 18:30 - 19:30, 2025-06-09 18:30 - 19:30
FITNESS AT CASA BELVEDERE

Mondays at 6:30pm-7:30pm
$20.00 members/$25.00 nonmembers
Age 14 and up
Register Here!

Adult Italian Language Class
2025-06-23 16:30 - 19:30, 2025-06-16 16:30 - 19:30
SPRING SESSION
Classes run 8 weeks • April 28 – June 23
Classes will not be meeting on Monday, May 26th
$250 members, $290 non-members
Monday • 4:30 to 6 pm Basic to Intermediate
Ready to embark on your Italian language journey? Enroll in our basic classes and you will discover how fun and rewarding learning Italian can be and you will be immersed in a language that opens doors to a beautiful culture, incredible food, and unforgettable experiences.
This cultural language program is designed to develop communication and listening skills in Italian. It focuses on learning basic grammar, from definite articles to verbs in the present tense as well as idiomatic and reflexive expressions used to describe everyday routines. All this through reading, listening and comprehension, music, articles, and short stories which also increases the knowledge of Italian vocabulary and practice of the correct pronunciation.

Monday • 6 to 7:30 pm Intermediate to Advanced
Are you ready to take your Italian skills to the next level while enjoying a vibrant and engaging experience? This program is crafted for learners who have completed the first semester of the Italian course, or who are just interested in expanding their expertise and knowledge in speaking Italian in a stimulating and enjoyable environment.
It will focus on learning intermediate to advanced grammar from simple and articulated prepositions to verbs in the past, future, and conditional tense. All this through conversation, reading, listening and comprehension, music, articles, and short stories which also maximizes your proficiency in Italian vocabulary and mastery of the correct pronunciation.

If you are ready to enrich your Italian skills and immerse yourself in a world of culture and creativity, then enroll in our intermediate to advanced classes and experience the perfect blend of sophistication and fun!

Register Here!

Children's Cooking Class
2025-06-23 16:00 - 17:00

Swinging with Frank & Dino: A tribute to Frank Sinatra & Dean Martin
2025-06-17 18:30 - 21:00
Musica Sotto Le Stelle
Swinging with Frank & Dino: A tribute to Frank Sinatra & Dean Martin
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 • 6:30 to 9 PM
On the patio. If it rains, the dinner and show will be presented indoors.
$125 Members/ $135 Non-Members

The event features Jesse Posa as Frank Sinatra and Joe Perce as Dean Martin, two leading impersonators in the New York /New Jersey area who are a big hit with audiences of all ages.

Register Here!

Writing Your Memories Spring Edition: Monthly Virtual Writing Workshop with author Maria Giura
2025-06-14 10:00 - 12:00
Writing Your Memories Spring Edition: Monthly Virtual Writing Workshop with author Maria Giura
Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 10 am to noon
$20 Members/ $30 Non-Members

Do you have a piece of writing you’ve already started, that you’d like to pick up and receive help with/constructive feedback on? Join us for this supportive virtual workshop, which will leave you with concrete suggestions to get you closer to the truth of your own story. Once you’ve registered, you’ll be asked to email five days in advance a writing piece that is maximum 700 words. Participants need to have attended at least one Casa Belvedere (Generative) Writing Workshop.

And don’t miss our other two Spring Writing Workshops. April 12: Italian Towns/American Spring and May 10: “Three Weddings and A Funeral” both of which are generative—you’ll write new material.

Register Here!

Regional Dinner: Celebrating Puglia!
2025-06-13 18:30 - 21:30
Regional Dinner: Celebrating Puglia!
Friday, June 13 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm in The Galleria
$90 members, $100 suggested non-members

Join us for an unforgettable evening at Casa Belvedere as we journey to the sun-drenched region of Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, known for its rustic charm and rich culinary traditions. Enjoy a special dinner highlighting regional specialties, paired with an enlightening presentation by Lou Barella featuring photos by Anita Sanseverino. Antonio Guarna will perform Italian music classics. Whether you’ve strolled the whitewashed streets of Albero Bello or discovering Puglia for the first time, this special event will transport your senses straight to Southern Italy.

The menu features specialties from the Apuglia region:

Burrata Salad with Chicory, Fava Beans and Olives, served with Focaccia with extra virgin olive oil for dipping, and crunchy Taralli rings

Panzerotti, small, savory turnovers which resemble small calzones, filled with tomato and mozzarella

Tiella di Patate, a veritable layered dish made with potatoes and other savories

Mussels sauteed with white wine, garlic and parsley

Orecchiette with broccoli rabe and Italian sausage

Pasticciotti, flaky pastry shells filled with creamy custard, a traditional dessert in Apulia

Wine, soft drinks and coffee are served with the meal.

Register Here!

Casa’s Coffee Club for Seniors - Sit & Stretch
2025-06-13 10:00 - 11:30
Casa’s Coffee Club for Seniors
Sit & Stretch
Friday, June 13 from 10 to 11:30 am
The Galleria
Free for members, $10 donation non-members

Revitalize Your Body and Mind with our Sit & Stretch Senior Class!
This gentle yet invigorating session is 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 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.

Register Here!

Qi-Yoga Flow
2025-06-10 19:00 - 20:00
FITNESS AT CASA BELVEDERE

If paying cash at the door per class: $20 members / $25 nonmembers
Tuesdays 7:00-8:00pm
5/20, 5/27, 6/3, 6/10
Are you searching for help with sleep and relaxation? Casa Belvedere invites you to try Qi-Yoga Flow, a hybrid class on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm that combines the ancient healing practice of Qi Gong with Yoga. Qi gong is over 8,000 years old. This class is a moving meditation that combines gentle movements, breathing techniques, visualization, and intention to promote vitality, longevity and wellness.

Qi Gong (pronounced “chee-gong”) has been used to promote and restore health for thousands of years. It has been referred to as “the world’s oldest healthcare system.”
This class is for all levels. It’s great for anyone wanting help with sleep and relaxation while still bringing strengthening poses to their practice. Personal mat recommended. Wear comfortable clothing.
Come and move some energy with us!

Mat class: Personal mat recommended. No equipment required.

Register Here!

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.

Young da Vinci Art Academy
2025-06-10 16:00 - 17:30
oung da Vinci Art Academy
Tuesdays, May 6 through June 10 from 4 to 5:30 pm
$200 members, $250 non-members
Ages: 5 yrs old & up

Young da Vinci Art Academy at Casa Belvedere – all new sessions this spring, for children ages 5 and up. The program runs six Tuesdays, May 6 through June 10 from 4 to 5:30 pm in the 2nd floor Galleria. 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: “Perfect Proportions: Draw Like Da Vinci!” (Vitruvian Man)
Week 2: “Paint the Lady and Her Creature” (Lady with the Ermine)
Week 3: “Build a Bridge Like a Genius!” (Da Vinci’s Self-Supporting Bridge)
Week 4: “Fresco Fun: Paint on Plaster Like the Masters” (Fresco tile)
Week 5: “Sketch Yourself the Da Vinci Way” (Self-Portrait)
Week 6: Young Da Vinci Showcase

The fee includes all supplies and instruction by Lauren Lombardo.

Register Here!
