Arthur Avenue, affectionately know as the “Little Italy of the Bronx” sits along East 187th in New York City. Given the sheer quantity of inviting bakeries, delis, and specialty grocers, you are bound to hear the sound of several dozen door chimes on any visit to this neighborhood. No trip to Arthur Avenue is complete however, without seeing the Arther Avenue Retail Market.

If the Arther Avenue Retail Market was a pool table, the scene depicted here is from deep in the corner pocket. After wading through a jungle of dangling cured meats and a sea of bustling produce stalls, you may be lucky enough to find this green oasis of imported Italian BOUNTY, straight from the motherland.

On a romp through Mystic, Connecticut you will find as many historic homes as you will cracks in the sidewalk. Once owned by celebrated maritime figures, each home features a white plaque on the facade, usually with a name, date, and occupation. “Barrel Maker”, “Ship Builder”, “Rope Maker” to give you an idea.

My last name, Piscatelli once meant “little fishes” in Italy. Long before it was mine, the name was worn by many fishermen, fish sellers, and fish people.

The home pictured here bares the plaque “Fisherman, 1882” like a diamond broach on its creaky wooden chest. This painting was given as a gift to the owner of the home, and now hangs inside.

On Fridays, we all unwind in our own way.

View Paintings Series 2

View Paintings Series 1