European Mosaic Master exhibits in Chicago

The Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago, April 7, 2015 (Newswire.com) - Verdiano Marzi - Opening Reception:  April 10th 6:00 – 9:00pm“Dal Sogno all' Opus Veritas” on view from March 28th – July 3rd, 2015 at Chicago’s Fourth Presbyterian Church ​

Internationally renowned European mosaic artist Verdiano Marzi will open his first solo American exhibition, "Dal Sogno all’ Opus Veritas," in Chicago, Illinois at the historic Fourth Presbyterian Church on the world famous Magnificent Mile.  Born in Ravenna, Italy Marzi, who grew up in San Marino, currently resides in Paris and is a contemporary Master of the mosaic art form.      

This show features over two dozen of Maestro Marzi’s mosaics, sculptures and drawings and runs from March 28 - July 3rd, 2015.   The Opening Reception of his exhibition Friday is April 10th, from 6:00-9:00pm.  We are fortunate to have Mr. Marzi in Chicago for the opening as he has just recently arrived from France to attend the reception event in person.  He has also created new work while here in Chicago especially for the exhibition.  Please join us at the opening for a special dance and musical performance followed by refreshments.

Sponsored by the Chicago Mosaic School in cooperation with the Fourth Presbyterian Church, this exhibition coincides with the School’s 10th anniversary.  The Chicago Mosaic School founded in 2005, is the first school in the United States dedicated to teaching historic and contemporary Mosaic Arts. Special limited edition catalogs for the exhibition will be available for purchase at the opening, at The Chicago Mosaic School or on-line.  www.chicagomosaicschool.com

Biography on the Artist 

Verdiano Marzi’s love of mosaic dates back to his childhood in Ravenna where he was born in 1949 just after World War II. Early on, an observant school teacher noticed his artistic gifts and recommended that his parents, who were of extremely modest means, send him to the newly opened State Institute of Art for Mosaic.  While studying there he flourished, earning scholarships that ensured that he could continue his education to perfect this meticulous and historic art form.  The State Institute was a hub of future mosaic artists including the great Renato Signorini who had a workshop in Ravenna. Marzi soon joined Signorini as he began his career as a young professional mosaic artist.  He continued to work there with Carlo Signorini, Renato’s son, and eventually moved to France in 1973.  After arriving in Paris, Marzi continued his creative practice and received further education at the prestigious Ecole des Beaux-Arts.  Since then, Marzi has made a name for himself in the international world of mosaic arts.  

Marzi’s first solo exhibition was at the Venice Biennale in 1986, and he was invited again to the Biennale to represent San Marino at the pavilion in 2011.   His latest exhibition was at the Arian Baptistery in Ravenna, Italy during “Ravenna Mosaico” in 2013. He participated in the Fourth Moscow Biennale - Special Projects with a Russian architect in 2011.  A retrospective of his works dating from 1965 took place last fall at the Museum of the Academy of Fine Arts in Saint-Petersburg, Russia.  Marzi’s creative projects include large-scale public mosaics installed in the Val de Lille metro station, the Bourgoin-Jallieu High School in Isere, and the Villars Secondary School in Denain, France.

Along with his own studio practice, Marzi uses his work to reach out the local and international community.  He is also a committed and dedicated teacher who created a mosaic workshop at the Musée du Louvre in 1994. He has also brought the art of mosaic to other areas by his travels all throughout Europe to Paray-le-Monial, Burgundy, Bastelica, and Corsica.  He has worked in Moscow, Russia and educated Tibetan children in Dharamsala, India and has been a regular artist in residence here in the United States.  For the past six years, Verdiano Marzi has been a cherished teacher and valued advisor to The Chicago Mosaic School and the local mosaic making community, where he is greatly loved and appreciated. 


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