A Letter from the Chair of the Board

June 11th, 2024

Dear Civitellians,

On Tuesday, June 4th, Group 1 enjoyed their farewell lunch under the wisteria covered gazebo. Jasmine was abloom and fragrant as Fellows, Director’s Guests, and Staff sat at the celebratory table strewn with red and white roses from the garden. As is custom for these lunches, the best china, bearing the Ranieri crest, was brought out for the occasion. Wine was served and Romana, Debora, and Patrizia cooked an extraordinary feast. The menu included: green bean & chicory purée, nettle & mascarpone ravioli, chicken galantine, and limoncello tiramisu (tiramilì).

This special lunch always ends with Fellows sharing about their time at the Castle. Tears were shed as artists searched for words to describe the progress of their work and their newfound relationships. Fellows spoke about how time at the Castle restored their hope that art matters in a critical way to the world. To close, the cohort serenaded the Staff in Italian with a rendition of “Felicità” by Al Bano and Romina Power.

After dishes were cleared, the artists left the table, walked across the lawn, and picked up the croquet mallets that they all had chipped in to buy as a parting gift to Civitella. No work was done after lunch that day – a little frivolity on the newly minted croquet court and warmth in their hearts!

While our remarkable Fellows return to their lives in the eight countries represented here, the second group will arrive next week. Soon after, Ocean Vuong (CRF  2016, DG 2022) will stop by for dinner and give a reading for Fellows and Friends of Civitella. The Civitella family grows and deepens its connections.

And so our 30th year continues amidst the hard work, the struggle, the joy, the fellowship, the wonderful food, and soulful connections. All is well at Civitella. 

Best wishes,
Jennifer Dowley
Chair, Board of Directors
Civitella Ranieri Foundation