An Interview with “40 Under Forty” Exhibition Artist, Salvatore G. F. Crimi
In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Columbus Centre, Villa Charities is currently presenting “40 Under Forty,” an exhibition of 40 artists under the age of forty. From faces to figures, still life to action painting, landscape to seascape, this broad exhibition at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery gives the audience a look at varied themes and disciplines as diverse as the young artists themselves. We recently interviewed one of the artists, Salvatore G. F. Crimi, about his artwork on display as part of the “40 Under Forty” exhibition and his favourite memories of the Columbus Centre.

Q: Introduce yourself. How long have you been an artist and how would you describe your style of art?
 
A: I am a Toronto born and raised multidisciplinary artist specializing in photography, artisan furniture, and painting. I have been a patron of the arts from birth, but I have honed in on my skills and continue to develop since my introductory courses in high school.
 
The main focus of my work is to connect myself and viewers to the greater forces alive and well around us. Concerning my photography, I want viewers to experience a "dream-like sensation" as if they are experiencing a dream where they can see two worlds of existence in one view, past and present. My style of art is one that draws on my experiences and passions as a person; I throw away rules and follow my gut. My style is unique to myself. I honour the practices of my peers but employ all tools at my disposal (internal/external) to deliver work which no one has seen before and evokes inspiration in them to build upon my work.  
 
Q. What does it mean to you to be a part of the "40 Under Forty" exhibition at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery?
 
A: After realizing that this show was curated by Flavio Belli, I consider this opportunity the biggest achievement of my career.
 
Q. Who have you been inspired by in your work as an artist?
 
A: I have been inspired by Laurent Dequick; he is a French multiple exposure photographer and seeing his work in person actually ‘sparked’ the idea for the Spark T.O. series. The photos currently on display in the “40 Under Forty” exhibition are part of that body of work.

Click the link below to read the full interview on our website and don’t miss your chance to view this unique exhibition now, on display until Saturday, November 21, 2020. Gallery hours are listed on our website.

COVID-19 Updates for Villa Charities & Columbus Centre
Please be advised that Villa Charities and the Columbus Centre will operate under Ontario’s new Control (Red) tier COVID-19 guidelines and Toronto Public Health – Specific Enhanced Measures as of November 14, 2020. For full details visit our COVID-19 Updates page.
A Farewell Message from Emanuele Lepri, Executive Director, Cultural Programming
Grazie e arrivederci! I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all for the warmth and kindness with which Villa Charities welcomed me into “our family”. It was an honour and a pleasure for me to learn the stories and accomplishments of the Italian diaspora in the GTA. I hope I was able to give as my small contribution to this community the pride and respect it deserves. It is time to say “Arrivederci”, and let’s all do our best to keep the bridge that connects Toronto with il Bel Paese strong and healthy for years to come.
Villa Charities Welcomes Giulio Recchioni 
We extend a warm welcome to Giulio Recchioni, who will be joining Villa Charities as Executive Director of Cultural Programming on January 4, 2021.

Giulio was born and raised in Abruzzo, Italy where he attended the Liceo Scientifico in Francavilla al Mare, and later graduated from the Università degli Studi G. D'Annunzio in Pescara, Italy with a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Foreign Literature and Languages. Giulio migrated to Canada in 2008 and has spent the last 12 years working at the Italian Cultural Centre, Vancouver, BC, where he currently holds the position of Cultural Director, a position he has held since January 2015. Giulio is also an avid supporter of performance and visual arts, cinema, and live jazz.
Villa Charities Partners with The Food Dudes
We are proud to announce our partnership with the Toronto-based food services company, The Food Dudes, who are now the exclusive provider of all retail and catering food operations on the Villa Charities campus. This partnership provides an opportunity to enhance and expand food services through the development of exciting and creative new food offerings with an Italian focus. A new location for Pantry, The Food Dudes’ popular quick-service food venue, will open in the Columbus Centre, replacing Caffè Cinquecento. Renovations to the space are currently underway with the opening date to be announced at a later date.
Immerse Yourself into Art and Culture with “Learn Italian by Doing” Online Workshops
“Art & Aperitivo” is an opportunity to talk about art in a relaxed environment, while enjoying our favorite drink together virtually. In this free online interactive workshop, we will discuss the most significant art news and events from around the world, using Italian magazines and newspapers. Join us tonight, November 12 and next Thursday, November 19 at 7:00pm to share our passion for art and culture and how it blends with life. RSVP required.
Experience an Authentic Way to Visit Italy with “Learn Italian by Doing” Virtual Workshops
Take a virtual journey through the beautiful regions and cities of Italy in “Travel Through Italy – Online series with Angelita Papa.” From North to South, get inspired by landscapes, recipes, small towns, poems, art, literature masterpieces and local tales. Whether you are sharing your Italian origins with your classmates or simply your love for this country, you will get to know lots of new Italian words, customs and friends! Can’t wait to learn more about Italy’s culture and traditions? Join us at our next sessions on Monday, November 16 at 6:30pm (beginner level) and Tuesday, November 17 at 7:30pm (intermediate level). RSVP required.

Stay Connected with Your Loved Ones and Apply for the Villa Charities [Re]Connected Seniors Tech Project
Don’t miss your opportunity to participate in the Villa Charities initiative called [Re]Connected Seniors! Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Emergency Community Support Fund and administered by the United Way of Greater Toronto. [Re]Connected Seniors will lend qualified senior participants a FREE iPad, if you tell us how you want to use it and what skills you need to develop to be successful. Created by Villa Charities, [Re]Connected Seniors is a project that strives to include seniors and older adults who feel isolated in their community due to COVID-19 and lack access to digital tools and skills. Complete the online application for yourself or on behalf of a senior now.
Book Your Virtual One-on-One Meeting for Friday Chats with the CEO
You can have a virtual meeting with Anthony DiCaita, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc., for a one-on-one conversation to answer any questions or to share your thoughts on our programs and services. These informal chats with Anthony will be held using GoToMeeting on the 2nd Friday of every month, from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Appointments are 20 minutes each and must be scheduled in advance. Upcoming dates for these chats are Friday, November 13 and Friday, December 11. Contact us today to schedule your virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 ext. 240 or email csimpson@villacharities.com.
Villa Charities Honours Winners of Inaugural Scholarship Program with Virtual Awards Ceremony
We recently celebrated the winners of the inaugural Villa Charities Scholarship Program with a virtual awards ceremony. The eight recipients were joined virtually by their families and members of the Villa Charities, Columbus Centre and Foundation leadership team and Boards to honour each winner. The program provides financial support to post-secondary undergraduate and graduate level students of all backgrounds and faiths, who will help further Villa Charities’ mission to enrich lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage. Details for the 2021 Villa Charities Scholarship Program will be announced soon so stay tuned!
Live Virtual Group Fitness Classes Continue with the Columbus Centre Athletic Club
Although the temporary suspension of our Columbus Centre Athletic Club on-site operations has been extended until January 1, 2021, we will continue to host live virtual group fitness classes. We are offering these classes to our members and non-members, which will be instructed by one of our certified instructors. Classes include Gentle Fitness, Cardio Dance and more. For more information, visit our website and register for your fitness class today.
Grab Your Tap-Dancing Shoes and Register for our Adult Tap Class at DanzArts Toronto
The Adult class at DanzArts Toronto is designed for beginners who love tap! Students will establish fundamental tap movements and practice basic rhythms and steps that progress into fun and lively dance combinations. Tap dancing is a great way to develop musicality, timing and balance. Contact DanzArts to register for virtual or on-site classes. No previous tap experience necessary.
 
Refine Your Art Skills with Impressionist Painting Workshops
Unsure of how to start painting like an artist? With our Impressionist Painting Workshops, you will discover your inner artist and create your very own masterpiece. Our next workshop will be held Thursday, December 10, at 6:30pm, where students will be guided step-by-step as they learn to interpret and create Monet’s “Sunflowers.” All classes have implemented the required COVID-19 safety measures and capacity restrictions in accordance with the most recent provincial guidelines. The workshop starts at $40 + HST per person. Materials included.
Opera Streaming: Regione Emilia-Romagna 
Enjoy live streams from the opera houses of the Emilia-Romagna region. 
Emilia-Romagna is the first Region in Italy to have a streaming service from its historical theatres. Live streams are available free on the YouTube channel of Opera Streaming. Runs until April 18, 2021 online via YouTube.