March 12

Born in 1869 in Mandal, Norway, Vigeland trained at the Royal Drawing School in Oslo and later in Denmark and Paris. He created over 200 sculptures in bronze, granite, and wrought iron that explore the human experience, emotions, and relationships. His lifelong project culminated in Frogner Park, now known as Vigeland Park, which features iconic works such as The Angry Boy, the Wheel of Life, and the towering Monolith composed of intertwined human figures. Vigeland designed the park layout and surrounding gates, making it a cohesive artistic environment. His sculptures are celebrated for their realism and emotional depth. Vigeland died in 1943, and his park remains one of Norway's most visited attractions.

Born in 1920 in Kansas City, Missouri, Parker began playing saxophone in his teens and quickly became known for his virtuosity and improvisational skills. Relocating to New York City, he teamed with Dizzy Gillespie to pioneer bebop, a style marked by fast tempos, complex chord progressions, and inventive melodies. Parker's compositions, including 'Ornithology' and 'Ko-Ko,' remain jazz standards. Despite struggles with addiction and health issues, he recorded prolifically and influenced countless musicians. Parker's innovative approach expanded the possibilities of jazz improvisation. He died in 1955 in New York, leaving a profound legacy as one of jazz's greatest artists.

Eugene Ormandy was a Hungarian-American conductor and violinist celebrated for his lush orchestral sound.\nHe served as music director of the Philadelphia Orchestra from 1936 to 1980, one of the longest tenures in history.\nUnder his baton, the orchestra achieved international acclaim and became known as one of the 'Big Five' American ensembles.\nOrmandy championed contemporary composers, premiering works by Bartók, Prokofiev, and Barber.\nHe made hundreds of recordings, helping to popularize classical music across the globe.\nHis precise technique and refined interpretations left a lasting imprint on orchestral performance.

Lucy M. Lewis was a master potter from Acoma Pueblo who revitalized ancient pottery traditions.\nShe learned traditional techniques from her mother and grandmother, producing distinctive black-on-white designs.\nHer work was exhibited in museums worldwide and earned her numerous awards, including a National Heritage Fellowship.\nLewis's geometric patterns and stylized imagery reflect centuries of Puebloan art and symbolism.\nShe remained active in pottery well into her 90s, teaching and inspiring new generations of artists.\nHer legacy endures as a cornerstone of Native American ceramic art and cultural heritage.

Beatrice Wood was an American artist and potter widely known as the 'Mama of Dada.'\nShe lived and worked alongside Marcel Duchamp and Man Ray in early 20th-century Paris.\nWood's ceramics are celebrated for their inventive glazes, whimsical forms, and vibrant colors.\nShe embraced experimentation, blending traditional pottery techniques with avant-garde aesthetics.\nIn her later years, she gained renewed recognition for her studio pottery creations.\nWood lived to the age of 105, leaving behind a prolific body of work that bridges art movements and generations.

Born in New York in 1916, Menuhin was a child prodigy who gave his first public performance at the age of seven. He studied under some of the great violin masters and quickly rose to international fame. Menuhin founded the Menuhin School in England and was dedicated to music education and young talent. He collaborated with leading orchestras and conductors across the world, recording extensively. Menuhin also conducted orchestras and championed contemporary composers. He received numerous honors including multiple Grammy Awards and a knighthood. Menuhin worked tirelessly for peace and cultural understanding through music. He passed away in 1999, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century.

Born in 1902 in Brazil, Sayão rose to international prominence in the 1930s as one of the leading sopranos of her generation. She made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera and captivated audiences with her vocal purity. Sayão excelled in roles by Mozart, Strauss, and the Italian verismo repertoire. Her collaborations with top conductors and opera houses solidified her reputation. Known for her expressive phrasing and musical intelligence, she inspired both colleagues and young singers. Sayão became a naturalized American citizen and continued performing into the 1950s. After retiring, she taught and mentored new talent. She died in 1999, remembered as one of the greatest sopranos of the 20th century.

Born in 1932 in New York, Downey began his career as a singer-songwriter and actor before moving into television. He gained fame in the 1980s with his confrontational late-night talk show style. Downey's abrasive manner and heated debates attracted both high ratings and criticism. His catchphrases and theatrical flair made him a pop culture figure. Before television, he recorded several albums showcasing his country and pop influences. Downey also appeared in films and stage productions. Despite a short-lived success, his impact on the talk show genre is undeniable. He died in 2001, remembered for his pioneering—and polarizing—television style.

Born in 1923 in Montreal, Riopelle was a leading figure in the post-war avant-garde art movement. He developed his signature technique of painting with palette knives, creating dense layers of color. Riopelle's abstract canvases and sculptural works were exhibited internationally from Paris to New York. He was associated with the School of Paris and influenced by Surrealism. Riopelle spent much of his career in France, where he collaborated with other modern artists. His work is featured in major museum collections around the world. He received prestigious awards for his contributions to contemporary art. He died in 2002, leaving a bold legacy in abstract expressionism.

Lynne Thigpen was born in Joliet, Illinois in 1948 and studied drama at the University of Michigan. She won a Tony Award and two Obie Awards for her work in theater before gaining fame on television. Thigpen portrayed 'The Chief' on the Emmy-winning PBS game show 'Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?' and had roles in series such as 'The District' and films like 'Lean on Me'. A versatile performer, she also appeared in numerous Broadway and off-Broadway musicals and dramas. She was admired for her distinctive voice and commanding stage presence. Thigpen continued working in film, television, and theater until her sudden death on March 12, 2003, from a cerebral hemorrhage during rehearsal.

Milton Resnick was born in Bratslav, Ukraine in 1917 and emigrated to the United States as a child. He became associated with the Abstract Expressionist movement in New York City in the 1940s and 1950s. Resnick's work is characterized by monumental paintings covered with thick layers of oil paint and vibrant brushwork. He exhibited alongside artists such as Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko and was a founding member of the New York School of painting. Resnick taught at various institutions including the Art Students League and maintained studios in Manhattan and upstate New York. His works have been shown in major museums worldwide and continue to influence contemporary abstract art.

Adionilla 'Nilla' Pizzi was born in Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy, in 1919 and began her singing career in local competitions. She achieved national fame by winning the inaugural Sanremo Music Festival in 1951 with the song 'Grazie dei fiori'. Pizzi won at Sanremo three times, becoming an icon of post-war Italian popular music. Her warm voice and expressive interpretations endeared her to generations of listeners. Over a career spanning six decades, she recorded hundreds of songs and appeared on radio and television across Italy. Pizzi's contributions to Italian music were honored with numerous awards, and she continued performing well into her later years. She died on March 12, 2011, at the age of 91.