The Residenza Origin Story
Caseificio Mural, Alex Todaro / 2018
REsidency origin story
In August 2018, Alex Todaro, an American artist and designer, visited Lago Scuro on a whim by recommendation from a close friend. He intended to stay three weeks to learn about cooking, but instead he stayed for three-months, walking away with a completely renewed sense of personal values and perspective on living sustainably and slowly.
The farm made a considerable mark on Alex, so in return, in his final weeks there, he left his own mark and painted a mural on their Caseificio (meaning ‘dairy’ in Italian). The mural served as a gesture of gratitude to the Lago Scuro family and by the time it was finished it brought so much excitement and energy to the farm that they decided they wanted to continue the gesture of generosity and invite other creatives from around the world to share in a similar experience.
Residenza Lago Scuro was born! Fundamentally, it is about nourishment. In every sense of the word - from the food we eat, to how we eat it, to who we share it with, to the practices we create to make space and time for these moments. It is a collaboration between Alex Todaro, Luca Grasselli, and the extended Lago Scuro family in the spirit of the exchange that we had in the summer of 2018.
Our hope is that this program honors and expands that starting point, creating the conditions for positive and impactful mark-making between a range of curious and creative individuals who want to learn to live a little more sustainably and slowly, emphasizing pleasure, enjoyment, and nourishment.
THE ORGANIZERS
Luca Grasselli
Cascina Lago Scuro Host
A third-generation farmer, philosopher, and food artisan, and the co-owner of Cascina Lago Scuro, where he works alongside his wife Federica, their five children, and his parents, Paola and Fabio. A graduate of the Università di Scienze Gastronomiche in Pollenzo, Luca brings his passion for regenerative agriculture, Italian hospitality, and land-based learning into every corner of the farm. He is focused on expanding Lago Scuro’s practices and audiences, creating bridges between agriculture, culture, and community. Each year, he and his family graciously open their doors to welcome the residency cohort and organizing team.
Stefania Quaini
Program & Cultural Liaison
Stefania is an Italian social innovation strategist with over a decade of experience across contemporary art, impact startups, and sustainable development. She works at the intersection of disciplines to build meaningful connections between the cultural, public, and private sectors. Stefania has focused on sustainable food systems in Italy and brings a dynamic spirit as a sailor, yogi, and craftsperson.
Alex Todaro
Founder & Creative Director
An American artist and designer based in the Hudson Valley, NY, Alex first visited Lago Scuro in 2018. What began as a summer learning to cook turned into a transformative stay, and eventually a lasting collaboration with the farm. He brings a background in creative direction, experience design, and storytelling to the residency, and leads its vision and operations. He is passionate about bringing bridging the worlds between creativity, sustainability, and hospitality.
Julia López Varela
Resident Coordination & Experience
Julia is a Spanish creative strategist with over 15 years of experience in entrepreneurship, education, feminism, and the arts. She’s the co-founder of Ultrazul, a strategic design studio focused on social innovation, sustainability, and architecture. Her work explores ecology, circular economies, and bridging rural values with urban life— especially through food. A cosmopolitan traveler and passionate dancer, Julia brings curiosity, energy, and a deep love for Italian culture to everything she does.