Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
Pablo Picasso
Lackawanna County recognizes that arts and culture contribute greatly to the vitality of a community. The Piazza dell' Arte proudly salutes the award-winning individuals who achieved not only national and international success in the arts and humanities, but also fostered ties with their home area throughout their careers.
We celebrate the achievements of these talented individuals and thank them for promoting Lackawanna County through their art.
Robert C. Cordaro
A.J. Munchak
Michael J. Washo
[Lackawanna County Commissioners]
Lackawanna County - 2006 National Association of counties Leadership in the Arts Award Recipient
"I could not be prouder of my roots. In coming home I have discovered who you are.
You are survival with grace...struggle with dignity...pride with compassion
and home and laughter. You are my people."
Jason Miller
August 1, 1982
[Piazza Panels]
Jason Miller
Playwright & Actor b. 1939
Lackawanna County benefited from this winner of a Pulitzer, Tony, Emmy and Academy Award nomination when he returned to his beloved Scranton to work. Founding the Pennsylvania Summer Theater Festival while serving as Artistic Director of
Scranton Public Theatre for 16 years. Possessed of multiple artistic talents, Miller is the inspiration for the Piazza dell' Arte.
Peter Bohlin
Architect b. 1937
Local resident and founder of the architectural firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, he and his firm are the recipients of hundreds of national and international design awards, particularly for their sensitivity to the natural environment. His projects include the Apple Computer Stores, the home of Malinda and Bill Gates, and the William J. Nelson Federal Building.
Jean Collins Kerr
Humorist & Playwright
She was the author of Please Don't Eat the Daisies, The Snake Has All the Lines [illegible] memoir of her childhood in Scranton. She was an accomplished playwright with Mary, Mary and Finishing Touches among her most successful works. Kerr often returned to her alma mater Marywood University to inspire students.
Jane Butzner Jacobs
Author, Activist, Urban Theorist b. 1916
Her seminal work, The Death and Life of Great American Cities, inspired generations of city planners and preservationists and transformed public policy regarding cities. Jacobs cited Scranton as vibrant and livable in her book, Economy of Cities.
W. S. Merwin
Poet b.1927
He received the Pulitzer Prize in 1971 for The
Garden of Ladders and the National Book Award in 2005 for Migration: New & Selected Poems, Merwin's writings [illegible] his experiences growing up in Scranton. He supported Lackawanna County Library through readings of his poetry.
Lizabeth Scott
Film Star b.1922
She appeared in 21 films between 1945 and 1957 for Paramount Studios and H. B. Wallis Studios. Femme fatale to the likes of Humphrey Bogart, Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas, Scott commanded attention with beauty, sensitivity and a captivating voice. Scott was renowned nationally as the Actress from Scranton.
Ned Washington
Song Writer b.1901
He was nominated 12 times for an Oscar as a lyricist. Among his many hits were "When You Wish Upon a Star" for the original studio version of Pinocchio and the theme for the television show Rawhide. The West Scranton native returned often to maintain ties to his beloved city.
Florian ZaBach
Violinist & Pops Concert Artist b.1931
He is best known for his million selling record, The Hot Canary. He hosted the nationally broadcast television show The Florian ZaBach Show and appeared with major symphony orchestras worldwide as soloist and conductor. ZaBach spent the later years of his life living and working in Lackawanna County.
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