Tag Archives: galleria

Myth, Magic, and Folklore

On Saturday, April 2nd, our sun-filled Galleria will open with an art exhibiti featuring the works of the celebrated Giuseppe Fioroni.

Fioroni lives and works in his native Perugia, the regional capital of Umbria. A self-taught artist, he discovered his lifelong passion for painting as a young man. He has described Umbria as “a land of calm, a beautiful land, a land full of vibrations.” The greennery of the region, he has said, “is especially unforgettable,” and his love for Umbria’s olive trees and vineyards, as well as the oil and wine they produce, are inseparable from the place itself. His art has brought him all over the world, but he continues to live in Umbria, the province where he was born.

As a child in Perugia, Fioroni grew up surrounded by Umbrian folklore, mysticism, and traditional music. These themes lie at the center of his art. His vivid oil and multimedia paintings, Fioroni explores fantasy, fable, and magic through maelstroms of color and emotion. Often, he marries traditional folk narratives with elements of reverie and daydream, demonstrating a fascination with the liminal space where esoteric culture and unbridled imagination intersect.

Giuseppe Fioroni, Il Medicante Orfano, 2003.
Giuseppe Fioroni, Il Medicante Orfano, 2003.

When he set out to paint full-time, he was president and CEO of a company with 1,200 employees. Although he had always been a skilled artist, Fioroni did not want to paint professionally until the age of 36. At first, he created small paintings, never with the intention to exhibit them. He simply wished to paint. He first exhibited work in 1978 at the San Severo Gallery in Palazzo dei Priori in Perugia. He has also branched out from painting to add drawing, sculpture, and ceramics to his repertoire, and has achieved international acclaim for his work.

In addition to his pursuit of the visual arts, Fioroni is also an adroit musician of several ancient instruments, including the barrel-organ and the bagpipe. At was 8 years old, he was already a solo accordionist, Across Perugia, his musical skill has earned him the nickname “Maestro.”  Music is an integral part of Fioroni’s quest to unearth the deepest spirit of Umbria’s folk traditions, and his love for folk music can be observed in the stunning lyricism of his paintings, drawing, ceramics, and sculpture.

Giuseppe Fioroni, Gli Sposi, 2005.
Giuseppe Fioroni, Gli Sposi, 2005.

Fioroni’s work has also been influenced by the mix of musicians who make the yearly pilgrimage from around the world to Perugia to participate and perform in the Umbria Jazz Festival.  His gallery in Perugia often hosts artists who visit the city.  In 2008, he was commissioned by the festival organizers to create the official Umbria Jazz poster for the celebration.  Much of his work reflects the influence of jazz in his life. Often, Fioroni will alternate between painting and playing music. “Painting serves my body,” Fioroni has said, “and music serves my spirit.”

Over the past 30 years, Fioroni’s vivid, original body of work has won him adoration, acclaim, and international renown, and we at Via Umbria are very proud to showcase his work in our Galleria. Over the years, Bill and Suzy have cultivated a special relationship with Giuseppe, and are thrilled to introduce him and his remarkable work to you.

Join us in for celebrating the work of Giuseppe Fioroni at our Gallery Opening on April 2nd from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. The event is free to the public, and light refreshments will be served. We hope to see you there!

 

Umbrian artist Giuseppe Fioroni Read more

On Saturday, April 2nd, our sun-filled Galleria will open with an art exhibiti featuring the works of the celebrated Giuseppe Fioroni. Fioroni lives and works in ...

Pasta Making Party at Via Umbria

With the arrival of our liquor license, we can now host events in our upstairs labratorio and Galleria! So we kicked off our events schedule with an pasta making party to remember.

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Spritzes in hand, our group had a riotous time learning how to make pasta from scratch, including squid ink pasta and ravioli.

Chef Rissa Miller offers pasta making tips
Chef Rissa Miller offers pasta making tips
Squid Ink Pasta
Squid Ink Pasta
Guests get their hands dirty!
Guests get their hands dirty!

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After learning the techniques, they moved to the Galleria for a leisurely, family-style meal featuring a pasta bar of their own creations and wonderful Umbrian wines.

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If you are interested in hosting a party at Via Umbria in the future, please contact events@viaumbria.com or call 202.333.3904 – we would love to have you!

 

Ci Vediamo!

 

– Via Umbria

Celebrating our Liquor License! Read more

With the arrival of our liquor license, we can now host events in our upstairs labratorio and Galleria! So we kicked off our events ...

A Flurry of Georgetown Events

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sample the best of Georgetown events this December at Via Umbria! Get cozy at Book Club with Dick Rosano, visit 13th century Italy at our Medieval Dinner, or put on your “whodunnit” hat for our Murder Mystery Party — it will be simply to die for! Read on below for details about these events and more, all happening this December at Via Umbria!
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Click on calendar to enlarge and/or download

DEC 9 – Murder Mystery Party – Pasta, Passion, and Poison

$60 per person

7-10 PM

Join us for an evening of dining and disaster, imbibing and intrigue, and feasting and fun.

 

DEC 10 – Dinner Party with Chef Vickie 

$75 per person

7-10 PM

Chef and Somm Vickie Reh will cook a four course Umbrian dinner, with wine pairings, at our communal tables.

 

DEC 11 – Umbrian Dinner with Chef Jodie 

$75 per person

7-10 PM

Chef Jodie Steiner will cook a four course Umbrian dinner, with wine pairings, at our communal tables.

 

DEC 12 – Medieval Dinner

$125 per person

7-10 PM

Join ceramicist and historian Robert Van Rens for an informative and delicious feast with wine pairings. Come learn about how Italian trade patterns influenced food in the pre-Renaissance Italian states, in a dinner that features recipes from 13th century Italy.

 

DEC 14-20 Augusta Pardi at Via Umbria 

 

DEC 16 – Holiday Cookies with Chef Dorrie Argentine 

$60

7-10 PM

Our interactive cooking class is all you need to win the cookie swap this holiday season! Come bake some delicious treats in the Via Umbria test kitchen.

 

DEC 17 – Pardi Truffle Dinner

$200

7-10 PM

Join special guest Augusta Pardi of Pardi linens and Pardi wines for a paired dinner featuring her family’s Montefalco wines.

 

DEC 17 – Book Club with Dick Rosano 

Free

7-8:30 PM

Hunting Truffles is a murder mystery for the Italiophile foodie. Join author Dick Rosano for a book signing, discussion, and truffle tasting in the Via Umbria cafe. Book available in-store.

 

DEC 19 – Umbrian Dinner with Chef Vickie 

$125

7-10 PM

Chef and Somm Vickie Reh will cook a four course Umbrian dinner, with wine pairings, at our communal tables.

 

DEC 20 – Umbrian Dinner with Chef Jodie 

$125

7-10 PM

Chef Jodie Steiner will cook a four course Umbrian dinner, with wine pairings, at our communal tables.

 

25 – Christmas Day – Closed

 

 

 

To attend any of these events, please email feedme@viaumbria.com, or call 202.333.3904.

 

Ci Vediamo!

-Via Umbria

December at Via Umbria Read more

                    Sample the best of Georgetown events this December at Via Umbria! Get cozy at Book Club with Dick Rosano, visit 13th century Italy ...

Events Space at Via Umbria

On Sunday night we were able to celebrate our first event in the newly remodeled space. With some assistance from Chef Simone and Ombretta, we hosted a smashing surprise birthday party to remember. Here are the photos from the event – we are so happy to finally be able to share this space with you!

Daniele Sassi from Tabarrini helped us with the wines
Daniele Sassi from Tabarrini was present to help us learn about the wines
Bread from Metropolitian bakery
Bread from Metropolitian bakery
Homemade tortolini from Simone
Homemade tortoloni from Simone
Our new Cipolloni oil
Our new Cipolloni oil
Walnuts in Honey - a new decadent treat we will carry in the store
Walnuts in Honey – a new decadent treat we will carry in the store
Simone, Daniele, and Suzy
Simone, Daniele, and Suzy

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Ci Vediamo!

 

–Via Umbria

Celebrate your special events at Via Umbria! Read more

On Sunday night we were able to celebrate our first event in the newly remodeled space. With some assistance from Chef Simone and ...

Via Umbria Events – May 2015

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You know we love a good event at Via Umbria. At the end of May, things are heating up. Take a peek at where we’ll be this month!

 

May 28th 7:00 PM – Umbrian Food and Wine Tasting

We would like to invite you to a special wine tasting on Thursday May 28th at the home of Sue Cimbricz. The evening will feature the wines of Giampaolo Tabarrini, as presented by Bill Menard from Via Umbria, as well as our featured guest chef, Simone Priori Pesci. Back in Bevagna, Simone runs an exceptional restaurant, Le Delizie del Borgo, featuring regional specialties and seasonal delicacies. Needless to say we are thrilled to have him back in DC, extending his knowledge of food and the power of sharing it with our community here. Prepare yourself for a night of exceptional wine and delicious Umbrian bites.

We hope you can join us for this memorable evening. You can get your tickets here. For any questions, and for payment over the phone, contact Suzy Menard at 202.333.3904 or suzy@viaumbria.com.

 

May 29 and 31 Chef Simone is back! 

Our beloved Chef and restaurant owner Simone Proietti-Pesci is returning to DC this month! This master of Umbrian specialties is available to cook a private dinner in your home for you and up to ten guests. Sit back and let Simone work his magic, or use the night as an opportunity to cook alongside the always entertaining  Chef. Only two dates remain – Friday May 29 and Sunday May 31, where you can host up to 10 guests for $1,250. Take advantage of the beautiful spring weather to host a delightful dinner with your private Italian chef! Contact Suzy Menard at suzy@viaumbria.com or 202.333.3904 to arrange for the night of your dreams that will surely impress.

 

June 1 7:00-11:00 – Chef Simone hosts a seated dinner at Casa Menard

You can book a seat at on June 1st, at the home of Bill and Suzy Menard, where Simone will be working his magic for $125 a plate. Simone will cook a four course dinner paired with his favorite selections of Montefalco wines, and new friends are made and conversation flows. Contact Suzy Menard at suzy@viaumbria.com for more details about this exciting opportunity, or purchase tickets here.

 

May 30th 5:00 PM – PBS Dream of Italy series premiere

Via Umbria is rolling out the red carpet in our Galleria to celebrate the premiere of the six-episode travel series Dream of Italy on PBS.  Join host Kathy McCabe and Via Umbria owners Suzy and Bill Menard at the store on Saturday, May 30th at 5 p.m. for a celebration of all things Italian and Umbrian.

Dream of Italy, the PBS series, is based on the award-winning subscription travel newsletter, Dream of Italy. In the series, McCabe visits six areas of Italy, meeting the colorful locals — chefs, artisans, historians — who are deeply connected to their land, carrying on and preserving the traditions of their ancestors. The regions covered in the series include Rome, Tuscany, Puglia, Piedmont/Lake Iseo, Naples/The Amalfi Coast and of course, Umbria.The crew of Dream of Italy stayed in La Fattoria del Gelso, while filming in the region.
Our special guest is Chef Simone Proietti-Pesci, owner and master chef at La Delizie del Borgo in Bevagna. Chef Simone will conduct a cooking demonstration of traditional Umbrian delicacies and of course there will be plenty to taste. Plus, sip on some of Umbria’s best wines and watch clips from the series.
To attend the Dream of Italy party, RSVP to Elsa at elsa@viaumbria.com. See you there!

 

RESCHEDULED – June 9th, 7:00 PM – Book Club, Eating Rome by Elizabeth Minchilli

Elizabeth Minchilli has been eating her way through Rome since she was 12 years old. Eating Rome, based on her popular blog Elizabeth Minchilli in Rome, is her homage to the city that feeds her, literally and figuratively. Her story is a personal, quirky and deliciously entertaining look at some of the city’s monuments to food culture. Join her as she takes you on a stroll through her favorite open air markets; stop by the best gelato shops; order plates full of carbonara and finish the day with a brilliant red Negroni. Beautifully illustrated with Minchilli’s full-color photos and enriched with her favorite recipes for Roman classics like vignarola, carciofi alla romana and carbonara.

The book is available in-store. Please RSVP to Elsa at elsa@viaumbria.com or on Facebook. This event will be a potluck – please bring a small dish from the book or a bottle of your favorite Italian wine! IN LIGHT OF RECENT RENOVATIONS, this book club will be our first event after our Grand Opening in the fall. Stay tuned and RSVP on Facebook for the most up-to-date schedule!

Don't Miss Them! Read more

You know we love a good event at Via Umbria. At the end of May, things are heating up. Take a peek ...

Galleria – La Musa Art and Design Studio

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Our Galleria recently received a facelift with a loan of artworks from La Musa Art and Design Studio.

 

The gorgeous watercolors from Geraldine Antoniotti add a soft touch to our modern space. Though she has an Italian name, don’t be deceived: Antoniotti is actually from Corsica, the island which has been possessed by both Italy and France at different points in history. Though she has spent much time in Washington, DC, she currently lives in Paris. Her works have an illusory tone, and they are spontaneous, with complicated brush strokes. Somewhat abstract, but harboring figural undertones, you should allow your mind to see whatever it wishes to see when admiring her work.

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We also are lucky enough to have a small collection of oil pastels from Sergui Gavrilita, an artist from Chișinău, Moldova, who was disovered by the curator at La Musa when she was a consultant with an international development project. His images of the streets are playful, colorful, and delightful, while his scene of poppies is active and enjoyable.

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All of these pieces are for sale with a price point ranging from $500 – $1,000, simply talk to AnnMaria at La Musa. We hope you will stop by tomorrow during the Georgetown Spring Gallery Walk to take a look at these stimulating works, and to check out our Galleria space above the store!

 

— Via Umbria

Check it out! Read more

Our Galleria recently received a facelift with a loan of artworks from La Musa Art and Design Studio.   The gorgeous watercolors from Geraldine Antoniotti add ...