Just thought I would pass this information from an email I received from NIAF along....
Washington, D.C., celebrates Italian Culture Week
The Embassy of Italy is pleased to announce a series of events in celebration of its newly published book, “The Italian Legacy in Washington, D.C.: Architecture, Design, Art and Culture.” Held from April 1 through April 6, 2008, the week features events throughout Washington, D.C., ranging from panel discussions to a classical music concert, all to showcase Italy’s influence in the United States capital.

NIAF is partnering with the Embassy to promote this week of events and will host a kick-off event in the U.S. Congress on April 1.

Featuring archival black and white photos, sketches, and drawings as well as exquisite full-color images by photographer Max McKenzie, “The Italian Legacy in Washington, D.C.,” is an elegant addition to any coffee table. Its forwards by a number of prominent Italians and Italian Americans - including Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Prime Minister of Italy Romano Prodi, Washington, D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, and Italy’s Ambassador to the U.S., H.E. Giovanni Castellaneta - kick off this exploration of Italy’s influence on Washington, D.C., area art and architecture.

On the Chicago Front:
Chicago event examines Italian American writers
Sponsored in part by NIAF, Casa Italia in Stone Park, Ill., will host “Reconstructing Italians in Chicago: Twenty Authors in Search of Roots and Branches,” a conference examining writings about Chicago’s Italian Americans, from May 8-10, 2008.

This conference brings 25 authors, including Fred L. Gardaphé, distinguished professor of Italian American Studies at Queens College and Michael Antonucci of Keene State, together to evaluate their writings in light of new technology and new ways of looking at society, and to discuss new works and post-1945 immigrants.

Full registration is $100 and includes meals and receptions. For more information, visit dominic.candeloro.googlepages.com/home