Opening Reception: Doors of Memory/Porte della Memoria

Join writer, poet, and photographer Eleanor M. Imperato for the opening reception of Doors of Memory/ Porte della Memoria, her photographic essay on exhibit at the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute from November 17, 2016 to March 15, 2017. In this photographic essay, she seeks to share the sense of rootedness to her birthplace, Avella, that is embodied by its old doors and windows. They provided her with an appreciation of her town’s past and of the lives of her ancestors. The doors also served as openings into her childhood memories. A book by the same title, in both English and Italian, was published in connection with the project and will be available for purchase at the event. Doors of Memory/ Porte della Memoria is a memoir in prose and poetry of Imperato’s early years and subsequent visits to Avella. A brief overview of Avella’s history is also included. Richly illustrated with the photographs on exhibit, the book contains additional photographs of doors as well as many views of the town and its iconic sites. Of the project, Ms. Imperato says, viewers, immigrants or not, will feel that primeval pull that birthplace elicits in our hearts, without diminishing the strong identity we feel for the place we call home.”

Contact: Beth Connolly: 212-642-2003; or, bconnolly@noiaw.org

Presented by NOlAW in collaboration with the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute.