Carnevale Comes to Garibaldi-Meucci Museum 2/20

For the February Terza Domenica event at the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum on Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 1 p.m., Anita Sanseverino will present "Carnevale in Venice."

The word "carnevale" means "farewell to meat," and refers to the season of Lent when many Catholics and Italians stop eating meat until Easter. The celebration of Il Carnevale di Venezia (Carnevale in Venice) began in the 13th century. By 1436, the wearing of masks and costumes was a well established tradition, and mascareri (mask makers) were officially recognized with their own guild. The mask-wearing custom gained popularity as the "great equalizer"-a time when, behind their masks, average citizens could be anyone they wished to be, regardless of their social status.

Sanseverino's mission has always been to share the diversity of Italian culture through her photographs. By going beyond the surface to learn as much as possible about the background of her subjects, she enriches her work-infusing a sense of historical context into the images she captures. Using her vibrant and beautiful photographs of Venetian masks, Sanseverino will present a unique perspective of the famed revelry and rituals of Carnevale. Her images of romantic couples and lone figures, with the city of Venice as backdrop, clearly illustrate why "a Carnevale ogni scherzo vale" (anything goes at Carnevale).

An award-winning photographer dedicated to the subject of Italy, as well as a lecturer and scholar of Italian history and culture, Sanseverino began her career by photographing New York City more than 20 years ago. She is a recipient of the Woman of Achievement in the Arts Award, and has had solo exhibitions at the Westchester Italian Cultural Center, the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, Wagner College, Ramapo College and the Columbus Citizens Foundation. Her work highlighting the unique beauty of the Puglia region of Italy was featured in BRIDGE Apulia-USA Magazine. Her photographs are on permanent display at the Frederick Gallery in Spring Lake, New Jersey and at Wagner College, and are held in various private collections in the United States, Italy, and Argentina.

Seating is limited. Admission of $10 for non-members and $5 for members includes a light reception. The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is owned and operated by the Order Sons of Italy in America.

The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum was the home of Antonio Meucci, the true inventor of the telephone, and a refuge to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the legendary hero who championed the unification of Italy. For over 50 years the museum has fulfilled its mission to preserve the legacies of these great men, and to promote understanding of the Italian-American heritage through cultural, artistic and educational programs and classes.

Regular museum hours are 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $5 per person, members and children under 10 are free. Call ahead for groups of 10 or more. The first floor of the museum is wheelchair accessible, however the restroom is on the second floor. At press time, program funding has been provided through the Order Sons of Italy in America; by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; Richmond County Savings Foundation; Northfield Bank Foundation; Coccia Foundation; JP Morgan Chase Regrant in partnership with the Council on the Arts & Humanities for Staten Island (COAHSI) and by grants allocated by New York City Council members Vincent Ignizio and James Oddo. The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is owned and operated by the Order Sons of Italy in America.