Stop by the Jefferson Twsp Public Library this weekend for the first of five Adult Artists of the Month exhibits. Jefferson Township resident Marc Staccioli will be showcasing the beautiful paintings of his late father Moreno (1930-2013), an Immigrant, Husband, Father, Nonno/Grandfather, Artist
Moreno was born in the Tuscany region of Italy in 1930. As a child he was enrolled in the Institute of Art and Design. Being so near Florence, he was formally trained in the techniques of the iconic Renaissance painters and European masters. He also held a great appreciation for the Modernism Movement and a passion for Abstract and Kinetic Art.
At the age of 7 he became an apprentice in the family custom cabinetry/furniture business joining his father and grandfather. It was there that he learned the intricate skills of wood carving and custom staining that he employed for his entire 60+ year career. In 1957 he came with his wife, Anne, to the US to raise their family and strike out for the American Dream. In 1963 he became a US citizen, a voraciously proud citizen. Always the first to stand, take off his hat and sing the national anthem.
Moreno began his US career at Union Carbide in NYC designing display pieces. Tired of the commute (Rte. 80 and 23 weren’t complete then!) he began his custom furniture and cabinet career here in Jeerson Twp.
He continued his artistic avocation creating, sculptures, mosaics and mobiles (inspired by Alexander Calder), using wood, glass, metals, concrete and driftwood. His canvases were mostly oil or watercolor but also pencil, charcoal and pastels. His custom furniture pieces are amazing art pieces in their own right with extensive carving (many taking months to a year to finish). One piece made from dead standing oak harvested locally. The large piece was donated to the town, but was returned years later due to space constraints at the municipal building) . All of the art forms that he studied/emulated as a young person carried over to all of his works throughout his life.
His interests truly were not bound to one medium and as with many artists his talents have not been seen or shared with the masses until his passing.