Etchings by Luigi Lucioni Provided by MHS–On Display August 9 – September 27

Main Gallery

Manchester Historical Society

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Barbara Shermund Original Cartoon exhibit, Let’s Share Some Laughs, has been canceled. In its stead, the Manchester Historical Society has graciously agreed to put up a display in the Gallery. Many thanks to MHS for pulling this together on very short notice.

Manchester Historical Society has generously lent the MCL Gallery a collection of etchings by Italian-born American artist Luigi Lucioni (1900-1988). Lucioni was a familiar figure around Manchester during the summer months. He has a special place in the history of Manchester and the hearts of many community members. Lucioni would spend the winter months at home in New York City, creating etchings based on the scenes he had painted the previous summer that capture the distinctive beauty of our local landscape. He would use these etchings to make his annual Christmas cards. His friends saved this collection of original cards and envelopes, which has been donated to the Manchester Historical Society for the permanent collection. Many local families bought original etchings of the same scenes for their homes.

Lucioni bought his summer home in Manchester in 1939, and by then had become a well-known artist. His love for Vermont arose from its resemblance to the northern Italian town at the foot of the Alps where he was born. For 48 years, he lived and painted every summer in Manchester. His warm personality and engaging manners made him a favorite among the summer visitors and the local community alike. “We didn’t think of Luigi as a famous artist,” said Manchester friends Frank and Sharron Kropa, “but as the head of this wonderful, colorful, and opinionated extended family who became so much a part of our lives. It was a joy to have known them all.”

The collection of original cards and envelopes on display in the MCL Gallery was generously donated to MHS by Frank and Sharron Kropa.

If you would like to learn more about Luigi Lucioni, or any other facet of local history, contact the Manchester Historical Society at info@manchesterhistoricalsocietyvt.org, or stop by their archive room in the lower level of the Library on Fridays from 1 – 3 pm.

Youth Gallery

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