May 22

Giovanni Bernardi was born in 1495 and became a master sculptor and engraver during the Italian Renaissance. Working primarily in Rome, he specialized in rock-crystal engraving, creating intricate intaglios that depicted classical mythological and religious scenes with remarkable precision. Bernardi also crafted finely cast bronze medals commemorating prominent figures of his time. His works received patronage from influential families and were highly prized across Europe. By blending technical skill with artistic vision, he helped advance the art of medallic and gem engraving. He died in 1553, leaving a legacy of elegance and innovation in decorative arts.

Born in 1870 in Philadelphia, Glackens began his career as a newspaper illustrator in New York City. He became a leading figure among the Ashcan School artists, capturing everyday life with bold color and loose brushwork. His paintings of Coney Island, Central Park, and urban streets showcase his interest in modern American society. While initially an illustrator, he shifted focus to oil painting and exhibited with the Salon d'Automne in Paris. Glackens served as a curator at the Corcoran Gallery of Art and influenced American art through teaching and writing. His work bridged realism and impressionism, earning him a lasting place in early 20th-century art.

Wolfgang Reitherman was one of Disney's Nine Old Men and the studio's sole credited director on several major animated features. He joined Walt Disney Productions in the early 1930s and quickly established himself as a leading animator. Reitherman directed films such as The Jungle Book, The Aristocats, and Robin Hood. His dynamic animation style and storytelling helped define Disney's golden era. He served as head of the animation department and mentored generations of artists. Over a career spanning more than fifty years, he contributed to some of the most beloved cartoons in history. He passed away in 1985, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of animation.

Steven De Groote gained international recognition by winning a medal at the 1978 International Chopin Piano Competition. His lyrical interpretations of Chopin and other Romantic composers earned critical acclaim across Europe and North America. De Groote joined the faculty at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he inspired generations of students. He was admired for his chamber music collaborations and his commitment to musical education. Despite his untimely death at the age of 35, his recordings remain a touchstone for piano enthusiasts. His career exemplified both artistic excellence and passionate mentorship.

Lino Brocka was a pioneering figure in Philippine cinema whose films brought social issues to the forefront. His debut feature examined poverty under martial law, followed by masterpieces like Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag and Insiang. Brocka co-founded the Free the Artist movement to combat censorship and champion creative freedom. He used cinema as a vehicle for activism, addressing human rights and political oppression. His works earned international awards and inspired generations of filmmakers across Asia. Tragically, he died in a car accident in 1991, but his influence on Philippine culture and storytelling endures.

Mieczysław Horszowski was a virtuoso pianist celebrated for his poetic interpretations of Chopin, Mozart, and Debussy. Born in Lviv, he studied under Theodor Leschetizky before launching an international career. Horszowski performed and recorded extensively, giving concerts well into his nineties. He collaborated with notable musicians such as Pablo Casals and Gregor Piatigorsky in chamber ensembles. As a composer, he wrote suites and character pieces influenced by Polish folk traditions. His dedication to musical artistry endured throughout a lifetime devoted to performance and education. Horszowski died at age 100 in 1993, leaving a rich legacy of recordings and influence.

Alziro Bergonzo was an Italian architect and painter whose work bridged modernism and regional heritage. He studied architecture in Florence and later designed public buildings and private residences across Italy. Bergonzo's paintings, often landscapes and cityscapes, were exhibited in galleries and reflected his architectural sensibilities. He lectured on the interplay between architecture and the visual arts, influencing post-war design thinking. His dual talents enabled him to approach each discipline with unique insight and creativity. Bergonzo passed away in 1997, remembered for his versatile and innovative contributions to both art and architecture.

Thurl Arthur Ravenscroft was born in Norfolk, Nebraska, in 1914 and began his career singing in church and school choirs. He moved to California, where he became a voice actor and joined the Mellomen vocal quartet, performing on numerous Disney projects and Disney theme park attractions. Ravenscroft is best known as the deep, resonant voice of Tony the Tiger in Kellogg's Frosted Flakes commercials for over six decades. He also lent his voice to numerous animated films and series, including Pinocchio and various Looney Tunes shorts. His rendition of You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch from the 1966 television special How the Grinch Stole Christmas! remains iconic. Ravenscroft's work influenced generations of voice actors and singers. He passed away on May 22, 2005.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1938, Joseph Brooks began his career as a commercial jingle writer before turning to film. He achieved fame with the 1977 song 'You Light Up My Life,' which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and became one of the best-selling singles of all time. Brooks wrote, directed, and produced the romantic drama film 'If Ever I See You Again' (1978), based on his own music, which he also composed and performed. Throughout his life, he composed numerous songs for advertising campaigns and films, blending his talents as a musician and storyteller. Despite his commercial success, Brooks's later years were marred by legal controversies and personal struggles. He died on May 22, 2011, leaving behind a legacy of memorable melodies and independent filmmaking.

Denise Cronenberg was born in Toronto in 1938 and became one of Canada's most respected costume designers. She worked on numerous films, often collaborating with her brother, director David Cronenberg, on projects such as The Fly and Crash. Cronenberg also contributed to acclaimed productions like A History of Violence and Naked Lunch, showcasing her ability to blend realism with imaginative flair. Her meticulous approach to costume research and design helped define the visual style of many genre-defining films. Over her career spanning five decades, she balanced period authenticity with creative innovation, earning praise from filmmakers and actors alike. Cronenberg was honored with multiple nominations and awards for her work in costume design. Beyond film, she lectured and mentored emerging designers, influencing the next generation of artists. Her legacy lives on in the iconic wardrobes she created for cinema.