Brushing up on Italian

Residents need not board a plane to see the sights of Italy. The traveling has been done for them by a local painter and several fellow artists.

"Festivale di Arte: Images from Italy" will feature the original works of seven painters in a variety of mediums from April 29-May 1 at St. Richard’s Hall, 19th and Pollock streets.

"We decided to have a show of all our work in Italy," said Doree Loschiavo, of the 2700 block of South Marvine Street. The Stella Maris parishioner has traveled to Italy more than a half-dozen times to pursue her beloved vocation.

Loschiavo, who will display about 50 pieces in the exhibit, previously attended workshops in Italy before organizing the Peers Showcase Group.

"We formed by being friends and running across each other at different art groups," Loschiavo said of the 10 to 12 women ranging in age from 50-70 that have been painting together each week for a decade. "We travel and paint together."

The painters featured in the St. Richard’s show are members of the group.

Beyond being inspired by Philadelphia favorites, such as the Mummers and the skyline, the women expanded their horizons to include Italian villagers and scenes – specifically in Abruzzi and Tuscany.

"We decided to travel to different places," said Loschiavo, who introduced the adventurous idea to the group. "But we weren’t sure if it would be successful."

The trips to Italy have given the artists a chance to connect to their roots as well as expand their creativity.

"Doree introduced me to Italy by way of Abruzzi, where my family is from, and then to Tuscany," said Nancy Barch, formerly of Southwest Philadelphia.

The Wallingford Art Center teacher, who has been painting professionally since 1990, also had the opportunity to teach while abroad.

"It’s like a mini-vacation for me," she said, adding the villagers are always hospitable. "It’s truly like visiting friends and relatives."

Pat Kerr, another exhibitor, relished her first experience out of the country. Also a faculty member at the Wallingford Art Center, Kerr has been painting professionally for 20 years.

"It’s the best trip I ever took in my entire life," she said of going to Italy.

To ease their concerns about a language barrier, Loschiavo, Barch and others took Italian courses at a local senior center.

The professional artists have exhibited before, but this will be the first show of their work from Italy.

"I’m really anxious about it and looking forward to it," Loschiavo said.

The University of the Arts graduate, whose grandparents were born in Italy, has taught at the Wayne Art Center, among other venues. Loschiavo, who has described her work as "abstract impressionist technique," has sold her paintings to private and corporate collectors, and her art has been distributed to clients, including the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. She and her husband Dom, a photographer, converted their garage into a studio to focus on their art.

Loschiavo and her fellow artists hope the public will enjoy their paintings as much as they enjoyed their trips to Italy.

Said Kerr, "It’s a different venue and we’re really excited to do something in the city."

"Festivale di Arte" will be on exhibit from April 29-May 1 at St. Richard’s School Hall, 19th and Pollock streets. A preview party will be held April 29, 6 to 9 p.m., and April 30 and May 1, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Prices for individual pieces run $10 to $900.