Draft:Franco Alessandrini

Painter and sculptor, Franco Alessandrini was born in Sansepolcro in the Tuscan Region of Italy in 1944. His formal study of art and training was at the Art Institute of Florence. He quickly built his portfolio and his reputation throughout Italy with countless exhibitions and winning numerous prestigious awards. In the 1967 Franco became a resident of New Orleans, traveling back to Italy for shows and commissions. In 1983 the President of Italy awarded him the honor of Cavaliere. In 1984, he was the Artist in Residence of the Italian Village in the World Exposition held in New Orleans. In 2017 the American Immigrant Council honored him with the American Heritage Award.

Over his long career, Alessandrini has become a master in many mediums, including: oil and acrylic painting and marble and bronze sculpture. He additionally creates graphic art design and print media. He maintains his personal gallery which is open by appointment at 811 and 813 Howard Avenue in the New Orleans Art District. In 2003, he established the Franco Alessandrini Cultural Association, a Non-Profit Organization which Sponsors Concerts, Art Exhibits and Art Instruction for his Community of Sansepolcro, Italy. In 2011, the permanent home of the Franco Alessandrini Cultural Association Museum was opened in Sansepolcro.

Mr. Alessandrini's works are in private and public collections throughout the United States, Europe and South America. Some of his major works include: Byzantine Mosaic titled New Orleans, permanently installed at the entrance of the Ernest Morial Convention Center, New Orleans; the Monument to the Immigrants, Woldenberg Park, Riverfront, New Orleans; the statue of Luca Pacioli, Sansepolcro, Italy; the Columbus Monument, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; 5 Murals in the rotunda of the J.W. Marriott, New Orleans; Bronze sculptures of Blessed Seelos, Seelos Center, New Orleans; the sculpture of St. Francis of Assisi, Monte Casale Monastery, Italy; the Panther Fountain, Downtown Fort Worth, Texas; St. Pope John Paul II, St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans; Monument to the Latino Worker, Crescent Park, New Orleans Riverfront and Hands of Humanity, Touro Hospital, New Orleans.