I don't think is is necessary to learn to sing Italian art songs in order to learn how to sing, especially if the "Italian" part of it is getting in the way of the singing part of it.

It isn't always the best idea to simply going to the local music store and signing up for whoever happened to be offering lessons---for one thing, you don't know what you're getting, but you also have don't really know what is available, and how that connects with what you want.

It's never to late to do your homework though, so you should check the obvious places--talk to choirmasters at local churches and schools, check with the music departments at local colleges, and, if there is professional musical theater in your community, check there, as well.

Don't just ask for lessons, find out who is good, who is active, and who is interesting. It helps to check references and the teacher's resume, but remember that the person has got to connect with and care about you--