(Mar. 30) – Athos Menaboni (1895-1990) is best known as Atlanta’s Audubon. Yet, his beloved paintings of native birds represent the second phase of a long, productive career. The first, equally fruitful period is the subject of “Room With a View: Murals by Athos Menaboni”, at Kennesaw State University’s Don Russell Clayton Gallery until June 28.
The Italian-born artist, who began his training at age 9, brought a set of well-developed artistic skills with him when he immigrated to the United States in 1920. He found his way to Atlanta in 1927 and fortuitously met Philip Shutze, Atlanta’s premier classical architect. A mutual appreciation society developed, and Shutze gave Menaboni his first important commissions. The architect also connected him with Atlanta’s elite, many of whom became his clients as well.
Menaboni would create murals in residences, offices and restaurants in Atlanta and environs for the next 30 years. This exhibition, curated by director and chief curator Teresa Bramlette Reeves, includes four major pieces, all of which are sure to take some Atlantans down memory lane.
Like his bird paintings, these murals are the product of Menaboni’s passion for nature, acute power of observation and Old World skills. (Peg)
