Has anyone visited the State Capitol Building in Lincoln, Nebraska? Did you notice the beautiful black and white mosaic floors in the foyer and the rotunda?
Photo courtesy of International Hildreth Meière Association
In the July-Sept 2024 newsletter, I mentioned my research on my DePaoli ancestors starting mosaic companies in both New York and Boston. The one in New York “executed” several of the designs created by Hildreth Meière – “one of the most renowned American muralists of the 20th century” according to her biography which can be found at the International Hildreth Meière Association.
In October 2024, I became aware of a book written about her designs entitled “The Art Deco Murals of Hildreth Meière” and contacted the Association to purchase it. After mentioning that my family had executed a couple of her designs, they provided a link to the commissions done by my family which included the Nebraska State Capitol building. When I called to thank them for the book and the gift they included with it, I found myself talking to “Hilly”, the granddaughter of Hildreth who is now the Vice-President of the Association. She knew many people in the mosaic industry (ones I was not aware of) and I told her of my contacts (ones that she was not aware of). Her daughter, Anna, President of the Association, was coming to Denver for a convention and we were able to meet for dinner on May 15th. It was a wonderful conversation discussing designs, and mosaics, and our families.
Additionally, someone mentioned to me that the PBS station in Nebraska had done a special on the design and building of the Nebraska State Capitol building. I managed to locate it and it can be viewed freely at - https://video.nebraskapublicmedia.org/video/net-nebraska-presents-nebraskas-capitol-masterpiece/.
I hope you enjoy these magnificent handmade works of art produced by my ancestors. Each time I find a new mosaic done by DePaoli, it makes me happy and proud of the lasting memories they created for everyone to enjoy.
Photo courtesy of International Hildreth Meière Association
About the International Hildreth Meière Association
Founded in 2004, the International Hildreth Meière Association (IHMA) inspires, educates, and preserves the legacy and works of artist Hildreth Meière. As the primary source for information on Meière’s life and art, IHMA has created exhibitions, publications, documentaries, tours, and lectures for the general public, educators, and the stewards of Hildreth’s commissions.
Explore more: hildrethmeiere.org
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Press/collaboration inquiries: info@hildrethmeiere.org