Convivio

Celebrate “Baseball Italian Style” in San Francisco on April 26 and San Diego on April 28, 2018

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baseball-italian-style-baldassaro-lawrenceThe Museo Italo Americano and the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club as well as the San Diego Little Italy’s Amici House and Convivio are proud to co-present exciting nights in San Francisco (April 26) and San Diego (April 28) celebrating “Baseball Italian Style”. Special guests include renowned author Lawrence Baldassaro (Beyond DiMaggio: Italian Americans in Baseball and Baseball Italian Style) and award-winning filmmaker Roberto Angotti (Italian American Baseball Family). Professor Lawrence Baldassaro will sign all books purchased at these once-in-a-lifetime events. Lovers of history and baseball alike will be mesmerized with the newfound knowledge exchanged in San Francisco and San Diego.

Beyond DiMaggio
“Beyond DiMaggio: Italian Americans in Baseball” by Professor Lawrence Baldassaro was originally published in 2011.

Engaging critically-acclaimed author Lawrence Baldassaro will present his new book Baseball Italian Style: Great Stories Told by Italian American Major Leaguers from Crosetti to Piazza, which brings together the memories of major leaguers of Italian heritage whose collective careers span almost a century from the 1930s until today. The men who speak in this collection, which includes eight Hall of Famers (Yogi Berra, Phil Rizzuto, Ron Santo, Craig Biggio, Mike Piazza, Tommy Lasorda, Tony La Russa, and Joe Torre), go beyond statistics to provide an inside look at life in the big leagues. Their stories provide a time capsule that documents not only the evolution of Italian American participation in the national pastime but also the continuity of the game and the many changes that have taken place, on and off the field. University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Professor Emeritus Lawrence Baldassaro will donate all royalties from his book, Baseball Italian Style, to the Jimmy Fund in Boston, which supports the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, raising funds for adult and pediatric cancer care and research. Purchase the book now by clicking HERE.

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Baseball Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda and Lawrence Baldassaro, who served as interpreter for Team Italy during the 2016 World Baseball Classic

Immediately following Professor Baldassaro’s lecture, the award-winning documentary, Italian American Baseball Family, will be shown. Director Roberto Angotti will introduce the film and author Lawrence Baldassaro will be available for book signings immediately following the movie. Recipient of a grant from the National Italian American Foundation, the Italian Sons and Daughters of America and the Russo Brothers, Angotti documented the Italian American experience on how Italians assimilated into popular culture through America’s favorite pastime, and how Italian Americans have circled back to Italy to help grow the game abroad by playing for Team Italy in the Olympics and the World Baseball Classic. He is excited to bring the movie to San Francisco, hometown of Ping Bodie, Tony Lazzeri, Frank Crosetti, the DiMaggio brothers and so many others. Italian American Baseball Family traverses the U.S. cultural landscape and documents an ethnic group’s rise from adversity by celebrating its triumphs in breaking into a sport originally dominated by English, Irish and German immigrants. The film showcases both the hardships and accomplishments of legendary Italian American baseball players.

Angotti Baldassaro photo
Director Roberto Angotti and author Lawrence Baldassaro at the National Italian American Foundation 42nd Anniversary Gala on November 4, 2017 in Washington, D.C.
SFIAC
The San Francisco Italian Athletic Club has served the Italian American community for over 100 years.

To reserve tickets for the Thursday, April 26 event at the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club, 1630 Stockton Street in San Francisco’s North Beach, call Museo Italo Americano at 415-673-2200 or click HERE. The fun begins promptly at 6 pm with complimentary antipasti and a no-host bar.

Little Italy SD

Tickets for the Saturday, April 28 event at Amici House, located at Amici Park (250 Date Street at the corner of Union and Date Streets) in San Diego’s Little Italy can be reserved HERE. The welcome reception begins at 6 pm. Guests will be escorted to the lecture and film screening at nearby Washington Elementary Auditorium.

Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck join Tommy Lasorda in Artists’ Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball

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Bugs Bunny is considered by many insiders including Nomar Garciaparra as baseball’s best all-time player.
Bugs Bunny is considered by many insiders including Nomar Garciaparra as baseball’s best all-time player.(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros./MLB Productions)
There is absolutely nothing looney about recently selected Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame inductee Nomar Garciaparra being Bugs Bunny’s biggest fan. As one of the best shortstops in the game in 1997, Garciaparra won AL Rookie of the Year honors with a 30-homer, 98-RBI season. Nomar was an All-Star in five of his nine seasons in Boston (1996-2004) and was a runner-up for AL MVP in 1998 after hitting .323 with 35 homers and 122 RBI. The Whittier, California native and St. John Bosco High School All-Star standout knew early on that he wanted to be like the talented and versatile rabbit:
Bugs Bunny is the consummate all-star in "Baseball Bugs" (1946).
Bugs Bunny is the star in “Baseball Bugs” (1946).(Baseball Bugs appears courtesy of Warner Bros.)
“Back then, my idol was Bugs Bunny, because I saw a cartoon of him playing ball – you know, the one where he plays every position himself with nobody else on the field but him? Now that I think of it, Bugs is still my idol. You have to love a ballplayer like that…” Nomar is not alone in the Wascally Wabbit Fan Club. Proud Italian American Tommy Lasorda marched with Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck in a 2008 LA holiday parade and said, “Bugs would be an excellent baseball player. He’s more than just an ordinary steak sauce, a heckuva lot more!”
Baseball Bugs Poster by Kim Reynolds (photo courtesy of Warner Bros.)
Warner Bros. Senior Production Artist Kim Reynolds produced this Baseball Bugs poster.
Bugs Bunnys says: "Watch me paste this pathetic palooka with a powerful paralyzing perfect pachhydermas percussion pitch!" Otherwise known as the "Bugs Bunny Changeup", many MLB pitchers including all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman and current aces Justin Verlander and Johan Santana rely on this pitch in their arsenal.
In the 1946 “Baseball Bugs” cartoon, Bugs Bunnys says: “Watch me paste this pathetic palooka with a powerful paralyzing perfect pachhydermas percussion pitch!” Otherwise known as “the Bugs Bunny Changeup”, many MLB pitchers today including Justin Verlander and Johan Santana rely on this pitch to make hitters look silly while helplessly striking out. (Created by Friz Freleng/Courtesy of Warner Bros.)
Trevor Hoffman was a promising college shortstop who had trouble hitting in Minor League Baseball. Converting to a pitcher, Hoffman was never the same in MLB after shoulder surgery eliminated his 95 mph fastball in 1994 and 1995. He learned the changeup, which was so good it earned the nickname of “Bugs Bunny” because of the cartoonish swings it would induce from hitters. Giants manager Bruce Bochy said, “When I think of Trevor Hoffman, I think of his virtually unhittable changeup. They called it the Bugs Bunny changeup. Basically, it stopped at home plate. Guys hadn’t seen a pitch like that, and they couldn’t adjust to it. He pitched so well off his fastball they couldn’t just sit on it every pitch. But even if they did, they hadn’t seen a pitch like that so they didn’t know how to hit it.”
Illustrator Kim Reynolds of Warner Bros.
Artist Kim Reynolds of Warner Bros. has contributed his Lasorda illustration to the Tribute to Italian American Baseball Exhibit.
Despite Detroit pitcher Justin Verlander being compared to Bugs Bunny by MLB Network analyst Dan Plesac, it’s Tiger teammate Austin Jackson who aspires to have the superpower of the Looney Tunes character. The speedy outfielder said, “If I was a cartoon character, I think I’d be Bugs Bunny. I’d be the baseball Bugs Bunny, because I’m kind of sneaky a little bit.” Warner Bros. Management came up with a pretty sneaky idea for a retirement present to Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda in 1996 by giving a little bit of Looney Tunes love from Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck kissing Lasorda in a customized one-of-a-kind illustration. Warner Bros. Senior Production Artist Kim Reynolds said, “Bugs has always been tied into baseball with ‘Baseball Bugs’ released in 1946 so it was only fitting. It has always been a fan favorite. Daffy was added just to finish it. We decided on a newer uniform to give the piece a updated look.”
Daffy Duck, Tommy Lasorda and Bugs Bunny by Kim Reynolds is now on display at the Artists' Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball at Convivio in San Diego (photo courtesy of Warner Bros.).
Kim Reynolds’ Daffy Duck, Tommy Lasorda and Bugs Bunny illustration is on display at the Artists’ Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball Exhibition through the end of March at Convivio Center, 2157 India Street in San Diego’s Little Italy (photo courtesy of Warner Bros.).
Legendary Baseball Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda in San Diego celebrating his 86th birthday and the grand opening of Artists' Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball.
Legendary Baseball Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda in San Diego celebrating his 86th birthday and the Grand Opening of the Artists’ Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball Exhibit with curator Roberto Angotti on September 21, 2013. (Photo by Donato Resta)
The multi-talented artist Reynolds spoke enthusiastically about Lasorda’s reaction to receiving the retirement gift from Warner Bros. “As far as I know, Lasorda loved it! It’s always fun doing dedication projects, but it was especially fun doing this for Lasorda. I’ve always been a Dodger fan and it was a real pleasure creating this art for him.” Fans can see the piece in the Artists’ Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball Exhibit at the Convivio Center in San Diego through March 30. The traveling exhibition will soon pass through Orange County and Los Angeles to coincide with the beginning of the 2014 MLB Season. More cities will be announced in the near future.
Due to popular demand, the Artists' Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball Exhibit has been extended through March 30 in San Diego. Visit www.ConvivioSociety.org for more details.
Due to popular demand, the Artists’ Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball Exhibit has been extended through March 30 in San Diego. Visit http://www.ConvivioSociety.org for more details.

Pediatric Health Research and Support top priority for the Jessie Rees and Reid Rizzo Foundations

Roberto AngottiLeave a comment

Jessie-ReesAlthough Orange County’s Jessie Rees Foundation and Cincinnati’s Reid Rizzo Foundation run their organizations some 2200 miles apart, these nonprofits have one common goal of helping pediatric patients and their families when they need it most. Created in loving memory of Jessie Rees–who at 12 encouraged patients to Never Ever Give Up on beating cancer–and Reid Rizzo–who at 20 played baseball Without Fear after being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy as an infant and told by doctors that he would never be able to participate in sports, family and friends of Jessie and Reid decided to start their respective groups after their loved ones were granted wings to heaven in 2012.

Reid Rizzo in 2010
Reid Rizzo in 2010
Recently Cincinnati Reds’ Skip Schumaker, Oakland Athletics’ Nick Punto and Colorado Rockies’ Nolan Arenado held a three-day winter baseball camp benefitting the Jesse Rees Foundation at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo. Overseen by Gauchos’ head coach Sommer McCartney and Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Kaitlin Sandeno–who serves as the National Spokesperson for the Jessie Rees Foundation, area youth had the opportunity to learn the basic fundamentals of playing the game from some of MLB’s best while supporting one of California’s favorite children charities. In addition, two lucky families won the auction for four packs of on-field meet-and-greet VIP ticket packages for upcoming Reds and A’s games graciously donated by Schumaker and Punto.

NEGU Closing in on 300,000 ‘likes’ on facebook, the Jesse Rees Foundation is asking everyone to give a holiday gift to Jesse with a ‘like’ and ‘share’ while visiting https://www.facebook.com/JessieReesFoundation. The mission of the Jessie Rees Foundation is to ensure every child fighting cancer has the resources and support to Never Ever Give Up! Tweet them HERE.

rrfoundation The Reid Rizzo Foundation mission is to raise awareness of pediatric heart disease and support young patients and their families in dealing with the financial hardship of costly medical care. The Reid Rizzo Foundation’s goal is to help children live long and healthy lives while reaching their full potential Without Fear. Reid defied the odds of his prognosis and led a very normal childhood playing sports like baseball, football, basketball and ice hockey.

"No Fear"--Reid Rizzo by Chris Felix
“Reid Rizzo: Without Fear” portrait by Cincinnati sports artist/coach Chris Felix
Nobody outside of Reid’s immediate family knew that he was living with cardiomyopathy. It wasn’t until after his passing that his condition was made public knowledge. Theologian Harold Kushner believes that although death may take a person physically from us, it cannot remove him from our souls and his presence will continue to educate and serve as a model to follow. Reid was an organ donor and his heart was donated to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Heart Institute to be utilized for medical research. Former coach Steve Fowler said, “Reid was fine young man who fought a handicap– for a guy who had heart problems since he was born. He cheated the odds for 20 years and had a huge heart for the game, loved playing. He refused to let it be a handicap to him. It has really inspired us to play with a lot of heart and dedication.”

After setting records at Cincinnati's La Salle High School in 2010, shortstop Reid Rizzo received a scholarship to play at Lake Erie College.
Setting records at La Salle High School in Cincinnati, shortstop
Reid Rizzo received a scholarship
to play at Lake Erie College in Ohio.
Coach Fowler revealed what Rizzo’s college coach had told him about the 5’9″ ballplayer before Reid showed up to play summer league in 2012. “He told me: Reid loves the game and you are going to love him. He was a dirt hog who was always laying out for balls.” Often compared to Dodgers’ 2013 Heart and Hustle Award winner Nick Punto for his physical physique and hard play, Reid’s parents at first cautiously tried to steer their son away from the game, but Reid would have none of it. From the time he was four years old when he was hanging out in the dugout with baseball all-star father Tim, it was too late as Reid had baseball in his blood and was determined to pursue his dream of playing MLB. Embracing Jessie Rees’ “Never Ever Give Up” attitude, Reid was a fighter from day one. The Reid Rizzo Foundation lives on with the same approach. Visit https://www.facebook.com/ReidRizzoClassic to learn how you can do your part in helping pediatric heart patients and further cardiomyopathy studies. Please join the Reid Rizzo Foundation on Saturday, January 4th at Convivio, 2157 India Street in San Diego. Visit http://www.ConvivioSociety.org or call 619-573-4140 for more details on this special night.ConvivioEventsRGB-1

Artists Vincent Scilla and Christopher Paluso make rare appearance at Convivio in San Diego on 1/12

Roberto Angotti1 Comment

San Diegans are in for a Merry Christmas with Vincent Scilla and Christopher Paluso coming to town.
San Diegans were given a Christmas present with artists Vincent Scilla and Christopher Paluso in town.
The holidays may be over but San Diego is still celebrating since two of the most influential artists behind the Artists’ Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball Exhibition are speaking this weekend in America’s finest city. Traveling all the way from New York’s Greenwich Village is internationally-renowned sports artist Vincent Scilla. San Diego Hall of Champions resident artist and local favorite educator Christopher Paluso will host the visiting East Coast cultural icon on Sunday, January 12th at the Convivio Center in Little Italy.
Vincent Scilla's critically-acclaimed book "BASEBALL" was published by MQ Publications of London.
Vincent Scilla’s critically-acclaimed book “BASEBALL” was published by London’s MQ Publications.
Vincent Scilla will be speaking on the Italian American Experience on Sunday, January 12 in San Diego.
Artist Vincent Scilla speaks on the Italian American Experience on Sunday, January 12, 2014 at Convivio, 2157 India Street in San Diego’s charming Little Italy. He will be joined by San Diego Hall of Champions resident artist Christopher Paluso. Admission is free.
As a multi-talented painter, filmmaker, and photographer, Vincent Scilla has come a long way since graduating from college at the University of Michigan. During his illustrious four decade career, he has garnered countless accolades, grants, and honors for his fine craft. Beginning as a photographer, Scilla’s works were first showcased at the Detroit Institute of Art in 1969 as part of the prestigious Michigan Artists show. His images have graced the pages of the New York Times and the Village Voice. The experimental filmmaker and director of “Thunder in the Afternoon” and “Flyin’ No-Low Altitude” received numerous awards and noteworthy praise at popular film venues including the Collective Living for Cinema and the Ann Arbor Film Festival.
Vincent Scilla's "Pizza Lombardi" pays tribute to Italian American legend Ernie Lomabardi.
Vincent Scilla’s “Pizza Lombardi” pays tribute to Baseball Hall of Famer Ernie Lombardi and America’s first full-fledged pizzeria–Lombardi’s–which was established in New York in 1905.
Vincent Scila's "Pope" is featured in the Artists' Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball Exhibit.
Vincent Scilla’s “Pope Sun-Ripened Tomatoes” was painted in 1990. Industrial and agrarian meet as the country boy leaves the farm and comes to town.
Despite being a prolific artist in multimedia formats, Scilla’s artwork–particularly his baseball paintings–has received the most amount of notoriety. Measuring at 8.4″ x 10″ and printed using archival inkjet print on somerset velvet paper, Vincent’s baseball paintings highlight his subjects by utilizing popular advertisements to serve as the backdrop with a true vintage feeling. Ads from popular brands such as Krispy Kreme, Mercury Paint, Cracker Jack, Mobil Oil, White’s Dairy Bar and Ragu are included and used for various backdrops in some of the most unique baseball art anywhere.
Vincent Scilla's "Rocco Loved Ragu" was painted in 1989. All eyes are on the player in this Italian opera as the catcher circles under a pop-fly at center stage.
Vincent Scilla’s “Rocco Loved Ragu” was painted in 1989. All eyes are on the player in this Italian opera as the catcher circles under a pop-fly at center stage.
Although Vincent Scilla often fuses commercial advertising and baseball in his artwork, he has some strong feelings on the branding of our national pastime. In his personal blog, Scilla wrote: “Contrary to what MLB thinks, baseball does not belong to them. It’s not their property. It is the property of generations of Americans dating back nearly 200 years. It’s our mythology and legends. I don’t need Mastercard telling me that.” Having his work displayed in the pages of various books– including “Diamonds Are Forever”, “Treasury of Baseball”, “Baseball Postcard Box”, and “Top of the Ninth”–as well as at some of the best galleries and ballparks in America, the great Italian American artist Vincent Scilla is undoubtedly in a league of his own. See for yourself at Convivio.
Christopher Paluso created the official banner for the Artists' Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball
Christopher Paluso designed the Artists’ Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball banner.
Christopher Paluso is a proud Italian American artist.
Christopher Paluso is a proud Italian American.
Christopher Paluso is a native San Diegan, an internationally recognized sports artist, illustrator and educator. Entrusted to create the images of their honored members, he is the Official Artist of the San Diego Hall of Champions’ Brietbard Hall of Fame, the San Diego Holiday Bowl Hall of Fame, the Hawthorne Race Course Jockey Hall of Fame, the Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame, and the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame. Known for his ability to capture a strong real life likeness of his prized subjects, he has gained a massive amount of respect within the world of sports as well as kudos from insiders within the aerospace and entertainment industries.
Legends Magazine cover featuring Joe DiMaggio and Don Mattingingly by Christopher Paluso
Legends Magazine cover featuring Joe DiMaggio and Don Mattingingly by Christopher Paluso
Paluso’s artworks of Muhammed Ali, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Wayne Gretzky, and Michael Jordan are among his most sought-after pieces. His art has been seen on everything from magazine covers to limited edition collector plates and lithographs. In addition to being one of top Italian American artists of our time, Paluso shares his craft with San Diego youth and adults working as an instructor teaching art at area public schools and the Convivio Center. Paluso’s love for his Italian heritage is apparent in his illustrations in the Artists’ Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball exhibition.
Christopher Paluso and CBS News Anchor Carlo Cecchetto at the Grand Opening of Artists' Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball
Christopher Paluso poses with CBS News Anchor Carlo Cecchetto at the Grand Opening of the
Artists’ Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball at the Convivio Center on September 25, 2013.
Perhaps one of Christopher Paluso’s most memorable moments took place when he was privately commissioned to create a painting of Joe DiMaggio for a lithograph project in 1992. Paluso consulted with DiMaggio to get his vision depicting him as the complete ballplayer that he had been known and loved for. Just before the great Joe D passed away, he saw the image on the cover of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame magazine “Red, White & Green”. According to those close to DiMaggio, it was reported that he was very pleased with the design.
Christopher Paluso designed this cover of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame magazine “Red, White & Green”
Christopher Paluso designed this cover for the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.
Convivio serves as the home for lovers of all things Italian in San Diego.
The Convivio Center serves as the home for lovers of all things Italian in San Diego.
Paluso is offering an eight-week “Drawing Italian Style” class at the Convivio Center beginning Monday, January 6th at 7 pm. Borrowing from Italian Renaissance masters da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, students will learn about art history while discovering their individual creativity and unleashing the Italian in all of us. In addition to drawing shapes, using the value scale, proportions, and experimenting with one- and two-point perspective drawing, the very popular artist and illustrator will provide step-by-step instruction in the foundations of drawing, elements and principles of design as well as in the creation of classic-style drawings. For more information on the drawing class and the Vincent Scilla/Christopher Paluso meet-and-greet on Sunday, January 12th at 6:30 pm, visit http://www.ConvivioSociety.org or phone 619-573-4140.ConvivioEventsRGB-1

Chris Felix and the Reid Rizzo Foundation bring a little bit of heaven to Little Italy’s Convivio Center

Roberto AngottiLeave a comment

Reid Rizzo in 2012 playing for the Madisonville Tradewater Pirates
The late and great Italian American Reid Rizzo photographed shortly before his passing in 2012
while playing for the Madisonville Tradewater Pirates.
The San Diego arts and Italian American communities are coming together by supporting the ongoing efforts of the Reid Rizzo Foundation in assisting pediatric heart patients and their families while meeting one of the creative forces behind the Artists’ Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball Exhibit at the Convivio Center in Little Italy. The annual fundraiser will take place on Saturday, January 4th when San Diego Italian American heart surgeon Dr. John Lamberti is honored for his miraculous work in saving lives and Cincinnati-based artist Chris Felix is recognized for his remarkable talent and valuable contribution to the very popular exhibition at the Convivio Center.
Renowned artist Chris Felix will be at Conivivio on Saturday, January 4th.
Meet artist Chris Felix at Conivivio on January 4th.

In addition to commenting on his illustrations of Phil Rizzuto, Joey Votto and Reid Rizzo, internationally renowned sports artist Chris Felix will deliver a fascinating multimedia presentation on Italian American baseball prospect Reid Rizzo–whose life and promising MLB career were cut short by a heart condition known as cardiomyopathy. As the former basketball and baseball coach for Rizzo, Chris has incredible insight into Reid’s inner strength and determination to live life without fear while defying the odds of competing against his peers.

Chris Felix's depiction of Cincinnati Reds' Joey Votto
Chris Felix’s depiction of Reds’ Joey Votto (2012)

Having curated “Rooted Deep In the Soil of Cincinnati…A Passion for Baseball, Art and Inspiration” at Cincinnati’s Art on the Levee Gallery, Ohio native Chris Felix is no stranger to traveling exhibitions. His artwork has been featured at the Annual Art of Baseball Exhibition at the George Krevsky Gallery in San Francisco and has graced the walls of the James Fiorentino and Friends Exhibition at the National Art Museum of Sport in Indianapolis among other places. He has been
a freelance fine artist since 1997.

"Joey Votto 2012" by Chris Felix
Chris Felix captures Cincinnati’s Joey Votto (2007).

Well-known for his acrylic sports paintings, the graduate of the College of Art Advertising in Cincinnati first received recognition for his craft as a sixth grader at
St. William School when his pencil sketch of Johnny Bench won him
a Cincinnati Reds autographed baseball in a department store’s “Draw Your Favorite Reds Player” contest. Felix’s illustrious art career has included being a graphic designer, a scenery painter for major amusement parks, and a commissioned artist for Hasbro, Warner Brothers, the Topps Card Company and the Cincinnati Reds.

Artist Chris Felix at work
Artist Chris Felix at work
Featured in sportswriter Mike Shannon’s books–“Willie Mays: Art in the Outfield” and “Coming Back to Baseball: Cincinnati Astros and the Joys of Over 30 Play”–Felix’s artwork will be included in the upcoming “Cincinnati Reds Legends” book set for release in 2015. San Diegians will have a rare appearance to meet the gifted artist at the Convivio Center (2157 N. India Street) on Saturday night, January 4th at the Reid Rizzo Foundation’s Project 144 Fundraiser. Admission is free to the public for this special event featuring Chris Felix and Dr. John Lamberti. For more information, please visit http://www.ConvivioSociety.org
By choosing an envelope at Convivio during the holidays, you support the Reid Rizzo Foundation's efforts to help heart patients and their families.
Visit Convivio during the holidays and help heart patients and their families with your donation.
Reid Rizzo had Philippians 4:13 tattooed on his bicep, which his family did not realize till after his passing and found great comfort in the passage.
Reid Rizzo had Philippians 4:13 tattooed on his bicep, which his family did not realize until after his passing. His father Tim found great comfort in the passage.
Those who cannot attend the event are encouraged to visit Convivio anytime during normal operating hours to participate in the Project 144 Fundraiser. In the spirit of giving during the holiday season, guests are encouraged to select an envelope numbered 1-144 and donate the corresponding dollar amount for a most worthy cause. Those living outside Southern California can also give to the Reid Rizzo Foundation by clicking HERE.
If you wish to mail a tax-deductible donation, make your check payable to: Reid Rizzo Foundation, P.O. Box 737, Harrison, Ohio 45030-0737.reid shadow

James Fiorentino contributes to Italian American baseball exhibit in San Diego’s Little Italy

Roberto Angotti1 Comment

Fiorentino DiMaggioChaperoned by his parents after just becoming a teenager, James Fiorentino took an artist’s leap of faith by bringing a prized Joe DiMaggio painting he had done of the legendary Yankee great to an autograph show that DiMaggio was appearing at. Fiorentino reminisced: “He was always tough at these things and usually didn’t sign artwork. He looked at me and said, ‘Oh my gosh! Did you do this?’ I guess for him to even say something was kind of a big reaction. He seemed to like it and autographed it for me. I met DiMaggio a few times after that. He was always very nice to me and would talk to me.” Not long after his initial contact with DiMaggio, Fiorentino became the youngest artist to ever be featured in the National Baseball Hall of Fame at age 15 with his portrait of Reggie Jackson. Although two decades have passed, Fiorentino to this day still treasures that signed Joe DiMaggio painting close to his heart.

Yogi Berra and James Fiorentino at age 15
Italian American icon Yogi Berra and James Fiorentino at age 15
The Upper Deck Legends Fiorentino Collection includes Joe DiMaggio, Babe Ruth, Satchel Paige, Willie Mays, Ty Cobb, Nolan Ryan, Lou Gehrig, Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente, Stan Musial, Johnny Bench, Honus Wagner and Reggie Jackson. Although Fiorentino is proud of all of his subjects, the teenage encounter with Baseball Hall of Famer Yogi Berra is cited as his all-time favorite. “He was the first player who actually made a reproduction of my artwork. He had me to his house when I was 15 and signed pieces for me,” said Fiorentino, who was honored to have an exhibition at the Yogi Berra Museum in recent years. “He’s a Jersey guy who just loves baseball—like me, I guess.”Yogi Berra
Tony Conigliaro "Spirit and Determination" by James Fiorentino
‘Tony C’ Conigliaro “Spirit and Determination” by James Fiorentino
James Fiorentino was recently honored during a two-day gala sponsored by the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) in our nation’s capital. Proud of his Italian heritage and the contributions of Italian Americans in the arts and sports, he showcased some of his latest original artwork at the Washington Hilton Hotel and donated a painting of Yogi Berra (also signed by Berra) to NIAF’s celebrity luncheon auction as a way to give back to his fellow Italian Americans.NIAF logo
Heralded as the youngest artist ever to be inducted into the prestigious New York Society of Illustrators–where his work is displayed along with the likes of Rockwell, Pyle, Holland, and Fuchs–Fiorentino has always been inspired to share his talents with those who need it most from day one. “The thing I’m most proud of is that I’m allowed to help out charities by donating my work,” said Fiorentino. “That’s a big part of my life, playing a lot of golf outings, donating work, helping people out.”
MLB Executive VP of Baseball Operations Joe Torre and James Fiorentino
MLB Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Joe Torre and artist James Fiorentino
summer41_joe_dimaggioFeatured on national and regional media outlets including ESPN, MSG, FOX, and the New York Times, Fiorentino is considered one of the best sports artists in the world. Each of the hand-painted retro-inspired cards found in 2003 Upper Deck Play Ball Baseball Card Series –including the Joe DiMaggio 56 card Yankee Clipper 1941 Hitting Streak Box Score cards and the Summer of ’41 cards–is truly a Fiorentino work of perfection. Art seen at JamesFiorentino.com has graced the walls of the National Basketball and Cycling Hall of Fames, the Ted Williams and Roberto Clemente Museums, the National Art Museum of Sport and the Sports Museum of America. Fiorentino’s talent will be showcased next month at Convivio in San Diego’s Little Italy in an Italian American baseball exhibit paying homage to artists of Italian descent and Team Italy players and coaches in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.
A Tribute to Italian American Artists and Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic opens September 21st at Convivio in San Diego
A Tribute to Italian American Artists and Team Italy
in the World Baseball Classic opens September 25th at Convivio, 2157 N. India Street in San Diego, CA.
Some of the big names represented include future Hall of Famer Mike Piazza, 2013 National League All-Star and Pirates’ closer Jason Grilli, Padres’ Chris Denorfia, Dodgers’ Nick Punto and Drew Butera, Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo, Twins’ Chris Colabello, Orioles’ Alex Liddi, Mariners’ Brian Sweeney, Reds’ Mike Costanzo and Tim Crabbe, Giants’ Tyler LaTorre and MLB veterans Frank Catalanotto and Dan Serafini. In addition to original work from renowned Italian American artists James Fiorentino, Vincent Scilla, Professor John Giarrizzo, Rob Monte and Zack D’Ulisse, other critically-acclaimed artists on display will include Vernon Wells Jr., Tom Richmond, Jeremy Nash and photographer Robb Long.Little Italy San Diego, View on Sign