Star of Queens

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 3:55 PM EDT

Lou Cattaruzza

Founder of the Village Art Initiatives (VAI),

Bayside

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Lou Cattaruzza is the founder of the Village Art Initiatives, a non-profit organization aimed at improving the neighborhood through art. The organization allows local artists to display their fine art paintings in the windows of restaurants, businesses and empty storefronts. “I am a long-time resident of Bayside, and I have seen several changes happen to the neighborhood and felt that there was an opportunity to have a ‘Renaissance,’” said Cattaruzza, who is an artist himself. Through the Village Art Initiatives, Cattaruzza aims to foster community spirit while contributing to the success of local artists and merchants. “Everyone benefits in this effort,” he said.

The two-month old organization, which consists of 20 local artists, recently transformed the vacant site of the former Chase Bank on 43rd Avenue and Bell Boulevard into an art gallery. Among other upcoming events to be sponsored by the Village Art Initiatives is the People’s Art Award event at Il Vesuvio in Bayside on June 18, at which patrons will vote on their favorite artworks. Cattaruzza also aims to host local art and craft fairs and to fund local school art initiatives through his organization.

PERSONAL: Cattaruzza currently lives in Bayside with his wife. They have one daughter and three grandchildren.

JOB: Cattaruzza is the founder and consultant for Bremen Group Inc., a for-profit organization that aids in the development and management of new companies. He was previously the founder and CEO of Douglas Bremen and Company, an investment banking and stock brokerage firm. Cattaruzza also founded the media organization Worldwide Corporate Network, which was the largest producer of virtual conferences on energy, fuel cells and biotechnology. He served as a radio business talk show host for five years.

PROUDEST MOMENT: Cattaruzza said his daughter makes him feel the proudest. “When I want to think happy, I think of her,” he said.

FAVORITE MEMORY: Having emigrated to the United States when he was eight-years old, Cattaruzza said that childhood memories of his hometown, Auronzo, Italy, are his fondest.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE: “My biggest challenge was having to do a three-and-a-half hour play as the lead and having to learn the whole book,” said Cattaruzza, who both produced and starred in the off-Broadway show “What Price Glory.”

INSPIRATION: “Leonardo Da Vinci,” Cattaruzza said. “He had an artist’s spirit that was willing to stretch, discover, invent and create.”

-Tiffany Haufe