La Passione per La Macchina
Mon, Mar 30
|Gallery 40
Pirandello Institute, in collaboration with Gallery 40, presents La Passione per La Machina (Passion for Cars).
Time & Location
Mar 30, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Gallery 40, 40 Cannon St, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA
About the Event
Vincent Beltrani and Michael Boice will take us into the magical world of Italian cars. Join us for a fascinating journey through the history of Italy’s most renowned manufacturers and the visionary men who helped launch the nation’s automotive industry. From the remarkable founders to the deep connections between these companies and Italy itself—particularly during times of war—there is no shortage of compelling stories. Vincent and Michael will share a selection of the most intriguing among them.
Do not miss this rare opportunity to embrace elegance, innovation, and speed.
The Pirandello Institute has long been a dream of Vita Mesnick—a dream brought to life through love, patience, dedication, and an enduring passion for Italian language and culture. The Institute stands as the result of her years of commitment, effort, and inspiration, creating a vibrant community of students and friends united by a shared appreciation for learning and connection.
After many years of inspiring students through her teaching, Vita has decided the time has come to retire from the traditional classroom format. While she is stepping away from formal instruction, she remains deeply committed to the Pirandello Institute and the community she has helped build over the years.
To support that continued connection, we are pleased to introduce Conversations with Vita—an informal opportunity for students and friends of the Institute to spend time with her in a relaxed and flexible setting.
These one-on-one or small-group conversations can be arranged directly with Vita, free of charge, and may include speaking in Italian, discussing books and culture, reviewing aspects of the language, sharing memories, or exploring topics of mutual interest. Designed to foster conversation rather than formal instruction, these sessions preserve what has always been at the heart of the Pirandello experience: meaningful connection, lively discussion, and a shared love of Italian language and culture.
We are grateful for Vita's continued presence in our community and look forward to this new chapter—one that celebrates friendship, conversation, and the dream she has nurtured for so many years.