June 12

Adriaen van Stalbemt trained in Antwerp under Tobias Verhaecht and became known for his finely rendered forest landscapes. His compositions often featured small-scale historical or religious scenes set within dense foliage. Van Stalbemt's skillful brushwork and use of light gained him commissions from prominent patrons, including the Archdukes of the Southern Netherlands. He also collaborated with other artists, contributing figures to landscape works. His paintings remain celebrated examples of early 17th-century Flemish art.

Born in 1858 in York, England, Tuke became a leading figure in the Newlyn School art colony in Cornwall. He specialized in painting seascapes and outdoor nude studies, often featuring local fishermen and young sailors. Tuke's work combined the influences of Impressionism with a strong sense of realism and atmosphere. He exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy and other prestigious galleries in London and abroad. Beyond painting, he was an accomplished photographer, using the medium to document coastal life and his artistic process. His evocative compositions and masterful use of color have inspired generations of marine and figurative artists. Tuke's legacy endures through his expressive canvases that celebrate the beauty of nature and the human spirit.

Born in 1890 in Tulln, Austria, Schiele studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna under Christian Griepenkerl. He became a leading figure of the Vienna Secession movement and a protégé of Gustav Klimt. Schiele's work is characterized by bold lines, distorted forms, and intense emotional expression. He produced a prolific body of drawings and paintings, often exploring themes of sexuality and existential angst. In 1915, he served briefly in the Austro-Hungarian army before returning to Vienna to continue his art practice. Schiele's career was tragically cut short when he died of the Spanish flu in 1918 at the age of 28. His innovative approach to the human figure influenced later generations of modern artists and solidified his reputation as one of the 20th century's most important Expressionists.

Born in 1899 as Usher Fellig in Złoczów, then Austria-Hungary, he immigrated to New York City. Under the pseudonym Weegee, he captured raw, unflinching images of urban life, crime, and emergencies. He mastered the use of a portable flash and developed photographs on the spot at his darkroom-equipped car. His work was featured in newspapers, books, and exhibitions, influencing generations of photojournalists. Weegee’s images, such as those captured after gruesome events, remain iconic representations of 20th-century street photography. He died in 1968, leaving a legacy as one of America’s most innovative and daring photographers.

Born in St. Petersburg in 1908, Semyonova was the first Soviet-trained ballet dancer to gain international fame. She joined the Kirov Ballet (now Mariinsky) and was admired for her technical prowess and expressive artistry. In 1935, she became a leading ballerina at the Bolshoi Ballet, performing iconic roles like Odette-Odile in Swan Lake. After retiring from performance, she taught at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, shaping generations of dancers. Her teaching emphasized purity of line, strength, and musicality, influencing disciplines worldwide. Semyonova lived to 102, passing away in 2010, and remains a towering figure in classical ballet.

Georgia Louise Harris Brown (1918–1999) was a pioneering American architect known for breaking racial and gender barriers in the architecture profession. She began her career in Kansas City designing innovative residential and commercial buildings. In the early 1950s, she relocated to Brazil, where she contributed to the development of modernist architecture in São Paulo. Over her decades-long career, Brown’s work showcased a blend of form and function, earning recognition for its elegance and social impact. Her legacy continues to inspire minority architects worldwide.

Dave Berg (1920–2002) served as a Marine during World War II before launching a celebrated career as a cartoonist. He joined Mad magazine in its early years and created the popular recurring feature ‘The Lighter Side of...’, a witty and affectionate satire of everyday life. Berg’s gentle humor, keen observations, and distinctive artistic style made him a favorite among readers for decades. He also contributed gag cartoons and worked on greeting card illustrations. His influence is seen in the generations of cartoonists and humorists who followed.

Luis García Berlanga (1921–2010) was a towering figure in Spanish cinema, celebrated for his razor-sharp satirical comedies that critiqued Franco-era society. Born in Valencia, he studied film in Madrid and co-wrote and directed classics such as ‘Welcome Mr. Marshall!’ and ‘The Executioner’. Berlanga’s films combined dark humor, social commentary, and innovative narrative techniques, earning international acclaim including awards at Cannes. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he influenced generations of filmmakers and helped shape modern Spanish film. He was honored with numerous lifetime achievement awards for his contributions to world cinema.

Grete Dollitz (1924–2013) was a German-American guitarist and radio personality best known for her long-running show “The Classical Guitar,” which aired for over 40 years on public radio in Virginia. Born in Berlin, she studied guitar in Europe before settling in the United States, where she performed recitals and taught masterclasses. Dollitz’s program introduced listeners to a wide range of classical and flamenco guitar repertoire, featuring both historical recordings and contemporary artists. Her deep knowledge, warm presentation style, and passion for the instrument inspired countless musicians and fans. She also recorded albums and lectured on the history and technique of the guitar.

Born in 1928, Damone rose to fame in the late 1940s with his smooth baritone and emotional delivery. His recordings of songs like You're Breaking My Heart topped the charts and made him a household name. In addition to his music career, he appeared in films and television shows, showcasing his charismatic presence. Damone toured internationally, performing in major venues from Las Vegas to Europe. He remained a popular live performer into his later years, delighting audiences with classic hits. He passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy as one of America's beloved crooners.

Richard M. Sherman was born in 1928 as one half of the legendary Sherman Brothers songwriting team. Together with his brother Robert, he composed timeless scores for Disney classics such as Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, and Winnie the Pooh. His melodies and lyrics have become ingrained in popular culture and beloved by generations. Sherman’s work earned him Academy Awards, Grammy nominations, and industry accolades. Beyond his Disney contributions, he wrote for Broadway, film, and television. He died in 2024, leaving an indelible mark on family entertainment through his unforgettable songs.

Born on June 12, 1932, in Durban, Mimi Coertse studied voice in Vienna and quickly rose to operatic prominence. She became a principal soprano at the Vienna State Opera, acclaimed for roles like Violetta and Donna Anna. Her luminous tone and dramatic flair made her a sought-after soloist across Europe. In later years, Coertse returned to South Africa to teach and produced younger talents. Her contributions to opera earned her international honors and a lasting legacy.