Our Story
Casa d’Arte is located in the historic center that clings to the mountainside of Civitaluparella in Abruzzo. It presents a breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding range, making it an ideal destination for lovers of art, nature and tranquility. We work directly with the local people to have a positive impact on their economic and social well-being. Casa d'Arte was created in the spirit of love—true amore. We have also formed several initiatives to promote conscious tourism for the sustainability of rural medieval towns in Abruzzo.
How we serve our clients:
Artists' Retreats to Italy
Art Exhibitions for Americans in Italy
Trips from Rome-Pompei-Medieval Villages in Abruzzo
Artist-in-Residence for two weeks in Italy
Cultural Immersion
Our guiding principles
Who We Are: Casa d’Arte is a community gallery and residence in Abruzzo where art and service leadership are used as a bridge, connecting two global communities—the US and Italy.
Who We Serve: In the US, we serve American artists by showcasing their works. We also serve individuals and institutions that value global experience with a service leadership agenda. In Italy, we serve the local Italian population who are excited about making connections with global visitors to enhance the cultural, social and economic well-being of their community.
How We Sustain Casa d' Arte: We conduct tours, medieval village excursions, and a cultural immersion program that focuses on servant leadership. We also collaborate with yoga teachers to host retreats in Abruzzo.
Welcome to Casa d’Arte
Casa d’Arte Gallery invites artists from America to submit their work—not only for recognition or added value, but to create a meaningful and positive impact in the spirit of friendship and cultural connection in Italy. We also welcome individuals to visit and experience this breathtaking region alongside us. Casa d’Arte collaborates with visual artists, health and wellness yoga practitioners, and global exchange programs at colleges to cultivate creative dialogue and cross-cultural engagement.
In early 2025, I envisioned bringing the works of American artists to this region of Italy. In that very first year of launching the venture, we hosted two exhibitions that were warmly received and well attended by residents from the town and surrounding communities. Their enthusiasm and support affirmed our shared commitment to global citizenship and cultural exchange.
Before establishing Casa d’Arte, I founded Poetic Haven (PH) in 2019 in Connecticut. PH was an event space dedicated to providing emerging inner-city female artists with opportunities to exhibit their work and engage the community. The service and impact of PH were recognized on several occasions by the New Haven Arts Council. Today, that original mission has expanded into a global venture, continuing its commitment to creative empowerment across borders.
As a global space, Casa d’Arte is nestled in a medieval town in Abruzzo, Italy. Like the title of my book, My Happy Escape, this place is intended to be a refuge—a space for renewal, inspiration, and joy.
Petulia Blake, Ph.D.
Founder
Casa d'Arte
Your support and contributions will enable us to continue serving artists who desire global exposure and recognition while having a positive impact on local communities in Italy.
Casa d' Arte Host Village
Perched at 2,952 feet above sea level, Civitaluparella is a medieval town rich in history and tradition. Travelers will have the opportunity to connect with locals, explore the town, create, and unwind at Casa d’Arte, a haven for relaxation, creativity, and inspiration.
Home to a unique museum featuring antiques and archaeological artifacts—the only one of its kind in the region—it offers visitors a rare glimpse into the past.
What you'll explore:
- Mountain villages welcome you with warmth, tradition, and breathtaking views. There are castles, archeological sites, lakes, rivers, and the Adriatic Sea with Trabocchi along the coast.
- Savor farm-to-table meals in family-run cafés and restaurants. This is where the land (la terra) lives in harmony with the table (la tavola). This is a region with organic wheat, olives, grapes, and truffles in abundance.
- Become immersed in an authentic and simple Italian way of life to gain a better understanding of the strong, yet kind nature of the people.
- Move around calmly with nonnos and nonnas who have lived for decades with stories, and still embody the spirit of joy and generosity.
