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Welcome to Casa d’Arte
My name is Petulia Blake, founder of Casa d’Arte—an art gallery that invites artists from America to submit their work, not just for recognition, but to create positive impact in the spirit of friendship in Abruzzo, Italy. We also extend invitations to individuals to visit and experience this beautiful region with us. Casa d'Arte works in collaboration with art cooperatives, health & wellness yoga practitioners, and global exchange programs at colleges.
Before establishing Casa d’Arte—which literally means “House of Art” in English—I purchased and remodeled a space in a medieval town in Abruzzo between 2023 and 2025. Like the title of my book, My Happy Escape, this place was meant to do just that: to be a refuge, a renewal, and a source of joy.
My professional career began in the corporate world before I found my way into academia as a business professor and researcher in the area of social responsibility and sustainability management. Along with teaching, I have always had a passion for the arts. Perhaps it is in my DNA—this passion led me to several years of creative writing, documenting stories, directing plays, and acting. I have also been traveling the globe since 2002, always feeling a strong desire to be in different countries to connect with people. Wherever I went, art was loved and appreciated. At some point, I began searching for images that speak to our humanity and our shared experiences regardless of one's nationality or cultural identity.
In early 2025, I envisioned the possibility of bringing the works of American artists to this region. One month later, I arrived with a suitcase of artworks and a gallery whose name had yet to be given. Now, here in Italy, atop a mountain, Casa d’Arte was born.
Casa d’Arte sits in the center of the historic district of a small rural community, where 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. In 2025, the very year I made the decision to begin this venture, we hosted two exhibitions that were warmly received and well attended by individuals from the town and surrounding communities. We have also created several initiatives to promote conscious tourism for the sustainability of rural medieval towns in Abruzzo.
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: We serve American artists by showcasing their works. We also serve individuals and institutions that value global experience with a service leadership agenda.
The Community We Serve in Italy: We serve the senior 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 Civitaluparella.
Casa d' Arte Host Village
Civitaluparella: An Open-Air Museum
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.
Casa d’Arte is located in the historic center that clings to the mountainside. It presents a breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding range, making it an ideal destination for lovers of nature and tranquility. For artists and art enthusiasts, Civitaluparella is a magical place where time seems to stand still.
REASONS FOR ARTISTS AND ART LOVERS TO MAKE THEIR MARK HERE
LEARN & EXPLORE
Europe's greenest region
- 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.
Anthony Bologna
Lead Curator & Property Manager at Casa d'Arte
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York to parents from Sicily. I spent 21 years working with the U.S. Postal Service as an Operations Manager. There, I enjoyed leading, training, coaching and developing my team. Having been deeply committed to my career, I began my global travels later in life and soon wished I had started much earlier. With a passion for my ancestral homeland—and as a lover of coffee, wine, olives, and the rich history of this ancient land and culture—I chose to fully immerse myself in the region, with the intention of creating meaningful and memorable experiences for others.