March 28

Fra Bartolomeo (1472–1517) was an Italian painter of the High Renaissance, recognized for blending religious themes with classical composition. He trained under Cosimo Rosselli in Florence and later joined the Dominican order, which influenced his devotional art. Bartolomeo's mastery of color and form is evident in works such as the Madonna and Child with Saints and his Last Judgment frescoes. His balanced compositions and clear modeling had a lasting impact on contemporaries like Raphael. Though his monastic life limited his output, his surviving works remain celebrated for their harmony and spiritual depth.

Emmanuel Benner, born in 1836, was a French painter celebrated for his delicate brushwork and harmonious compositions. Trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, he exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon from the 1860s through the 1880s. Benner’s works often featured graceful female figures in pastoral or classical settings, blending realism with romantic idealism. He collaborated with his twin brother, Jean Benner, on several projects and influenced the development of academic art in the late 19th century. His paintings are held in museums such as the Musée d’Orsay, preserving his legacy as a master of 19th-century French painting.

Jean Benner was born in France in 1836. He developed a refined naturalistic style characterized by soft palettes and attention to detail. Benner exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon, earning critical acclaim for his genre scenes and portraits. His works often feature tranquil rural settings and elegantly rendered interiors. Through his contributions, he played a role in the evolution of French landscape painting. He continued to create art until his death in 1906.

Born in Denver, Paul Whiteman started his career as a violinist before forming his own dance orchestra in 1918. His innovative arrangements blended jazz rhythms with symphonic elements, making jazz accessible to mainstream audiences. In 1924, he commissioned George Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue' and premiered it with his orchestra, marking a milestone in American music. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, he recorded hundreds of hits and led one of the highest-paid bands in the country. Whiteman's popularity helped bring jazz into concert halls and radio broadcasts across the nation. Although some jazz purists criticized his sweetened style, his impact on popularizing jazz is undeniable. He continued to teach, produce records, and advocate for music education until his death in 1967.

Rudolf Serkin was born in 1903 in Eger, Austria-Hungary (now Czech Republic). He studied piano under Richard Robert and made his debut in Berlin as a teenager. Serkin emigrated to the United States in 1939, becoming a citizen in 1948. He was celebrated for his interpretations of Beethoven sonatas and chamber music collaborations. In 1951, he co-founded the Marlboro Music School and Festival, nurturing young musicians. Serkin's legacy endures through his recordings and impact on classical music until his death in 1991.

Pandro S. Berman was born in 1905 in New York City. He began his career as a production manager at RKO Pictures before rising to head producer. Berman oversaw the production of iconic films like 'Top Hat', 'Swing Time', and 'Gunga Din'. He earned three Academy Award nominations for Best Picture during his tenure at RKO. Later, he moved to MGM and continued producing successful musicals and dramas. Berman's contributions helped define Hollywood's Golden Age until his death in 1996.

Born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Murray Adaskin studied violin at the Toronto Conservatory of Music before launching his orchestral career. He served as principal violinist and later conductor of the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra. Adaskin composed a diverse body of work, including symphonies, chamber music, and solo pieces that reflect Canadian themes. He was a dedicated educator at the University of Saskatchewan, influencing generations of musicians. In 1974 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions to the national cultural landscape. Adaskin's music continues to be performed and celebrated for its lyrical style and innovation.

Jimmie Dodd gained fame in the 1950s as the amiable host of Disney's Mickey Mouse Club, entertaining children with songs and stories. He wrote several of the show's memorable theme songs, including "Miracles Happen (When You Believe)". Before his television success, Dodd performed in nightclubs and Broadway productions, showcasing his musical versatility. His warm persona and engaging performances made him a beloved figure for young audiences. Dodd received a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of his contributions to entertainment. He died in 1964 but remains an iconic part of Disney history.

Toko Shinoda was a Japanese artist celebrated for her abstract sumi ink paintings and calligraphy. She began exhibiting her work in the 1950s and gained international recognition through solo exhibitions abroad. Shinoda's bold brushstrokes and minimalist compositions bridged traditional Japanese calligraphy with modern abstraction. Over her seven-decade career, she influenced generations of artists and collectors worldwide. She continued to produce new works well into her later years and lived to be 107. Her art is featured in major museums including the Museum of Modern Art and the National Gallery of Art.

Everett Ruess was an American artist, poet, and wanderer who captured the spirit of the Southwestern wilderness. He began exploring the deserts and canyons of Utah at a young age, documenting his journeys in journals and sketches. Ruess created poems and paintings inspired by the landscapes he traversed, and his work reflects a deep connection with nature. In 1934, at the age of 20, he mysteriously disappeared in the Utah desert, sparking decades of search and speculation. Though his life was brief, his writings and art have been published posthumously and have inspired adventurers and artists alike. Ruess's story remains a poignant testament to youthful exploration and the allure of the unknown.

Jay Livingston was an American songwriter and composer best known for crafting beloved hits in film and television. He teamed with lyricist Ray Evans to write songs such as “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)” and “Mona Lisa,” both of which won Academy Awards. Livingston and Evans also created memorable themes for popular TV shows, including Bonanza and Mister Ed. His music has endured for decades, appearing in films, commercials, and cover versions by artists worldwide. A member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, he influenced the sound of mid-century American entertainment. Livingston's melodies continue to resonate with audiences around the globe.

Grace Hartigan was a pioneering American painter associated with the Abstract Expressionist movement and the New York School. She created bold, colorful compositions that blended figuration, abstraction, and literary references. Hartigan exhibited alongside prominent artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning and gained recognition in the 1950s. Her work appeared in major exhibitions, including the 1956 documenta II in Kassel, Germany. Beyond painting, she wrote poetry and essays on art, influencing younger generations. Hartigan taught at several institutions, nurturing the next wave of artists. Over her career, she experimented with styles ranging from hard-edge abstraction to lyrical expression. She continued creating dynamic works until her passing in 2008.