“Antonio Cirino was born in Italy in 1888, immigrated to Providence at age two and was raised among the bustle of Atwells Ave, the center of business and culture for Providence’s Italian population in the early 20th century. A colorful and confident personality, he amused many and enraged others in his lifetime.” (1)
“He attended the Rhode Island School of Design from 1904-1909 and later taught there. He received a Bachelors of Science Degree from Columbia Teachers College in 1912. He studied art in Italy and was a pupil of Arthur Wesley Dow.” (2)
“After serving during World War I as a code breaker for the State Department, Cirino returned to his passion for the arts and soon after joined the artists’ colony in the Cape Ann region of Massachusetts.” (3)
“Then the young man went directly to the Rhode Island School of Design to teach jewelry design commencing a thirty-five year teaching career. He co-authored a significant textbook, Jewelry Making and Design with A.F. Rose.” (1)
“Cirino first traveled to Rockport in the summer of 1921. He would eventually purchase a home in Pigeon Cove, returning every summer while continuing to teach at the Rhode Island School of Design during the year. He was a founding member of the Rockport Art Association, later serving as director, and was active in many other art clubs including the North Shore Arts Association and the Ogunquit Art Association. He exhibited locally and nationally, and earned numerous awards throughout his lifetime, including three Salmagundi Club prizes in 1932, 1937 and 1944. Cirino’s affection for the Cape Ann region is evident in his colorful, lively renditions of its shores, towns and people, clearly displayed in this sun-filled scene of Lanes Cove.” (3)
“Cirino also taught at Columbia, Illinois State University and Indiana University.” (4)
“He...received over seventy- nine prizes for his paintings including the gold Medal of Honor by the Rockport Art Association and the Hope Show prize from the Butler Institute of Art in Youngstown, Ohio. His work is included in numerous collections such as the RISD Museum of Art, Dayton Art Institute and National Academy of Design. As if these accolades were not enough, he assembled his own account of his successful art career in three detailed volumes, giving great insight into his perceptions as a painter.” (1)
“He actively contributed to the exhibitions until his death, November 28, 1983.” (2)
Reference
1. Bert Gallery Staff. Antonia Cirino 1888-1983 [internet]. Providence, RI: Bert Gallery [cited 2019 Dec 6]. Available from: http://www.bertgallery.com/gallerycollection/bios/cirino.php
2. Askart Staff. Antonia Circino [internet]. [cited 2019 Dec 6] Available from: https://www.askart.com/artist_bio/Antonio_Cirino/25013/Antonio_Cirino.aspx
3. Vose Galleries Staff. Antonia Cirino (1888-1982) [internet]. Coston, MA: Vose Galleries, LLC; 2014 [cited 2019 Dec 6]. Available from: https://www.vosegalleries.com/artists/antonio-cirino
4. Incollect Staff. Antonio Circino [internet]. Incollect; 2019 [cited 2019 Dec 6]. Available from: https://www.incollect.com/artists/antonio-cirino?artist=24519&type=artist