Julio at the Roma Camp

ICBIE artist Julio Costa is certainly having plenty of adventures during his European tour. After his exciting morning in Anguillara on Sunday morning (and his first experience of roast artichokes in Campagnano that afternoon), he accompanied Pietro and Roy to Rome on Monday, to join our great friends Guido and Paolo at the national headquarters of the ARCI (Associazione Ricreativa Culturale Italiana). The ARCI has been supporting the ICBIE from the beginning: their help in building the computer lab was an essential step in our development and they continue to provide funds for the salaries of our computer instructors. Through Paolo and Guido, we had a contact, Paolo Perrini, who agreed to meet with us and discuss future plans. As we were leaving the encouraging meeting, Mr. Perrini took Julio aside and asked him if he would like to accompany him on Tuesday, when he was invited to a celebration at an encampment of gypsies that ARCI is assisting. He said that they would be painting a mural in honor of their patron Saint George, and he thought that Julio would make a great addition to the party.

Julio agreed, and was drawn into a very singular cultural experience, enjoying the immense warmth and generosity of these often maligned people. Every family roasted giant hunks of meat and offered up a feast of epic proportions. While the Roma kids did their mural, Julio painted two large figures on an adjacent wall, and he was truly inspired by the joyous atmosphere.  The continuing saga of ICBIE cooperation and friendship made another leap forward.